Tuesday, March 31, 2015
(03/31/2015) Addressed by the Spirit, Not the Letter?
Today, points are shared on whether bestiality and other sexual practices were endorsed by Jesus Christ through “silence”. Believers understand that the earthly ministry of Jesus was carried out as the proclamation and fulfillment of divine promises and recorded prophecy, rather than a teaching of Mosaic covenant and its demands. Even so, Jesus promoted the law as legitimate and eternal. Consider again: Jeremiah 31: 33-36, KJV: But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is his name: If those ordinances depart from before me, saith the LORD, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever. Also recall, Matthew 5: 17-19, KJV: Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “James 1:1” (Level 2 with 754 points, a member since November 27, 2014) posted the following thrust:
Did Jesus, by not addressing these subjects, okay men having sex with men, and people having sex with animals.?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. 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? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. (1st Corinthians 6: 15-20, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Human Law, Divine Favor? (03/23/2015); Condemned by the Church? (08/19/2014); Principles of Correct Belief? (08/20/2014); Recognizing Divine Wrath? (02/26/2014); Angels, Law and Sin (10/18/2013); Animals Do Not Sin? (09/29/2013); GOD is Acknowledging (09/30/2013); Law in Christian Belief? (09/03/2013); A Need to Know? (09/04/2013); The Spirit by Measure (09/22/2012); A Man in Heaven? (09/23/2012)
“James 1: 1”, here are a few points that have released many Christian believers from spiritual error:
(1.) The Gospel is a complete teaching that has come forth as a revealing of divinity and Deity. In place of a developed code of covenant law with ordinances, statutes and judicial decisions applied and enforced as our standard (we may say, the letter of the law), Christian believers have received an imparted spirit that operates through precepts, principles, prophecy, and spiritual imperatives (i.e., accountability, duty and requirements enjoined by ones own content from divinity). Therefore, new life for the believer will express unchanging divine intent and eternal purpose.
Saying this another way: (2.) Hosea 6: 6, KJV: For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
(3.) Matthew 9: 13, KJV: But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
(4.) Matthew 22: 36-40 KJV: Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
(5.) Romans 13: 8-10 KJV: Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood. For example, (6.) Romans 8: 9, KJV: But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith. Love has spoken.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Did Jesus, by not addressing these subjects, okay men having sex with men, and people having sex with animals.?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. 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? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. (1st Corinthians 6: 15-20, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Human Law, Divine Favor? (03/23/2015); Condemned by the Church? (08/19/2014); Principles of Correct Belief? (08/20/2014); Recognizing Divine Wrath? (02/26/2014); Angels, Law and Sin (10/18/2013); Animals Do Not Sin? (09/29/2013); GOD is Acknowledging (09/30/2013); Law in Christian Belief? (09/03/2013); A Need to Know? (09/04/2013); The Spirit by Measure (09/22/2012); A Man in Heaven? (09/23/2012)
“James 1: 1”, here are a few points that have released many Christian believers from spiritual error:
(1.) The Gospel is a complete teaching that has come forth as a revealing of divinity and Deity. In place of a developed code of covenant law with ordinances, statutes and judicial decisions applied and enforced as our standard (we may say, the letter of the law), Christian believers have received an imparted spirit that operates through precepts, principles, prophecy, and spiritual imperatives (i.e., accountability, duty and requirements enjoined by ones own content from divinity). Therefore, new life for the believer will express unchanging divine intent and eternal purpose.
Saying this another way: (2.) Hosea 6: 6, KJV: For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
(3.) Matthew 9: 13, KJV: But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
(4.) Matthew 22: 36-40 KJV: Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
(5.) Romans 13: 8-10 KJV: Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood. For example, (6.) Romans 8: 9, KJV: But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith. Love has spoken.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Monday, March 30, 2015
(03/30/2015) More About the Trinity?
The spirit nature and material substance of GODhead are considered again, today. A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “God The Grandpa” (Level 2 with 842 points, a member since May 26, 2014) labeled himself an atheist and attacked using the following:
Christians please explain the Trinity to me? i Don't get it. (read the body of the question please)?
i'm an Atheist, but i was educated jewish.
i want to at least understand what i don't believe in
Judaism has the 10 commandants.
the first one says "Thou shalt have no other gods before me" that why Jews can't believe in a human being being a God.
Christians claim to follow the same 10 commandments, but they also believe Jesus, a human being is a God.
and you made up the trinity to explain how they can be one and the same. i just don't get how it works.
i know one of the basic tenants of Christianity that Jesus is both divine and human. (I learned that in a course on medieval Iconography) that Jesus always existed, even before he was born.
what i don't understand how they both one and the same, God and his Son. how is not just polytheism?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. (Romans 1: 16-25, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: GOD Known By Action Not Form? (03/18/2015); Divine Purpose? (01/08/2015); Catholics, Protestants and the Trinity? (10/12/2014); The Gift of Life Despised? (10/13/2014); Aspects of Divinity? (06/15/2014); Son of Adam and of GOD? (06/16/2014); Focus of Believers? (06/17/2014); Immutable GODhead (03/10/2014); Utterance is Spirit (09/08/2013); A Start for the Idea of GOD? (09/09/2013); GOD the X? (07/19/2013)
“God The Grandpa”, your question expresses the serious concern among many Jews, Islamic and Christian believers. Accept no answer to your question that you can not recognize as coming from GOD and the true revelation of divinity in the earth through divine action that has continuing and enduring effect, and that demonstrates unchanging sacred purpose. There can be no simple, one-line answer to clarify or dismiss the complexity of sacred knowledge and spiritual operations performed by an exalted deity who has made divinity known by using thousands of lives over the course of thousands of years. A focus upon divine law shared in a single covenant (that of Moses) is not adequate, for there are many covenants to be accounted for including that of Adam, Noah, Abraham, David, and Jesus Christ.
Here are a few points that may help release you from the spiritual confusion and sin that now have you bound:
(1.) The holy writings collected and presented as the Bible accurately describe the origins of the mechanical and natural processes for the existence, reproduction and continuation of material and spiritual created beings and living creatures, their spheres of life (e.g., earth, heaven, the sea, the universe), and the terms for their duration (mortality or immortality). Presently, only GOD is immortal; and the revelation of GOD uses the frameworks of space and time unfolding through discrete events for the benefit of finite beings. Any description of GOD not supplied by divinity (such as that given Eve by the serpent) is to be regarded as a lie (we say, blasphemy).
(2.) Every believer must accept that GOD is a spirit who has emanated material objects endowing some with life (e.g., angels, animals, humans, sacred beasts in heaven, the moon, the planets, the stars). The substance and makeup of Deity is completely spirit in terms of how it functions and what it may accomplish. Thus, such ideas as a life time, possibility and power must be spoken of with meanings and values very different from those for considering carnal beings (those having flesh and bone).
(3.) Discernment (ability to use ones own spirit content to recognize and respond to spirit content within events, messages, other persons, etc.) permits an understanding of divinity that comes by what we would call “synchronization”, whereby the living are in accord, concurrence, harmony, and oneness with divinity. GOD is the only source of existence, life, and divine spirit. By appearing incarnate (assuming flesh and blood) as Jesus Christ, new provisions are in place possible only through divinity whereby the animal and human nature of mankind are to be transformed. Aspects of the divine nature now are to appear and become perfected (we say mature, ripe) upon the earth. Included are faith, forbearance, gratitude, holiness, humility, longsuffering, love, meekness, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin.
(4.) Sin and wickedness are not created by GOD, and result from awareness and self-will becoming dominated by corruption (we say, arbitrary, unnecessary, unwanted change; evil); decay; defilement; failure to correctly perform necessary self-correction, self-maintenance, and self-nourishment; loss of divine content; and irreversible rot.
(5.) Christian believers trust that the fullness of Deity (we say, the GODhead) has appeared through the distinct operations to accomplish multiple goals that transcend the abilities of all finite creatures. Included are creation from void, birth, death, judgment, eternal condemnation, atonement, forgiveness, peace, rebirth, repentance from sin, resurrection, sanctification, and the final elimination of sin. Such tools as emotions, intellect, logic, mathematics, philosophy and science accomplish nothing until used by the living who have guidance from GOD.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood. For example, (6.) Many errors have resulted from the “good intentions” of men claiming authority and duty to erase idolatry, punish false worship, and maintain the purity of belief among mankind. Yet, these have repeatedly shown themselves to be caught in the throes of pride and self-promotion. They are found to be in no direct, intimate or personal relationship with divinity continued through communion and divine promise with praise, prayer, prophecy, and living sacrifice (“the dead praise not God”). The false agents from God rarely acknowledge the intangible aspects of divinity such as balance, completeness, immutability, perfection, person, presence, and unity without sameness. Apart from such revealed truth as the Spirit at Creation, Christ at the Cross, and the body of prophecy proclaiming the Father, there is no clear or correct grasp upon the actual essence who is GOD, who is not made of any material substance having dimension that can be measured such as a cloud, fog, mist, or smoke.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith. Love has spoken.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Christians please explain the Trinity to me? i Don't get it. (read the body of the question please)?
i'm an Atheist, but i was educated jewish.
i want to at least understand what i don't believe in
Judaism has the 10 commandants.
the first one says "Thou shalt have no other gods before me" that why Jews can't believe in a human being being a God.
Christians claim to follow the same 10 commandments, but they also believe Jesus, a human being is a God.
and you made up the trinity to explain how they can be one and the same. i just don't get how it works.
i know one of the basic tenants of Christianity that Jesus is both divine and human. (I learned that in a course on medieval Iconography) that Jesus always existed, even before he was born.
what i don't understand how they both one and the same, God and his Son. how is not just polytheism?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. (Romans 1: 16-25, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: GOD Known By Action Not Form? (03/18/2015); Divine Purpose? (01/08/2015); Catholics, Protestants and the Trinity? (10/12/2014); The Gift of Life Despised? (10/13/2014); Aspects of Divinity? (06/15/2014); Son of Adam and of GOD? (06/16/2014); Focus of Believers? (06/17/2014); Immutable GODhead (03/10/2014); Utterance is Spirit (09/08/2013); A Start for the Idea of GOD? (09/09/2013); GOD the X? (07/19/2013)
“God The Grandpa”, your question expresses the serious concern among many Jews, Islamic and Christian believers. Accept no answer to your question that you can not recognize as coming from GOD and the true revelation of divinity in the earth through divine action that has continuing and enduring effect, and that demonstrates unchanging sacred purpose. There can be no simple, one-line answer to clarify or dismiss the complexity of sacred knowledge and spiritual operations performed by an exalted deity who has made divinity known by using thousands of lives over the course of thousands of years. A focus upon divine law shared in a single covenant (that of Moses) is not adequate, for there are many covenants to be accounted for including that of Adam, Noah, Abraham, David, and Jesus Christ.
Here are a few points that may help release you from the spiritual confusion and sin that now have you bound:
(1.) The holy writings collected and presented as the Bible accurately describe the origins of the mechanical and natural processes for the existence, reproduction and continuation of material and spiritual created beings and living creatures, their spheres of life (e.g., earth, heaven, the sea, the universe), and the terms for their duration (mortality or immortality). Presently, only GOD is immortal; and the revelation of GOD uses the frameworks of space and time unfolding through discrete events for the benefit of finite beings. Any description of GOD not supplied by divinity (such as that given Eve by the serpent) is to be regarded as a lie (we say, blasphemy).
(2.) Every believer must accept that GOD is a spirit who has emanated material objects endowing some with life (e.g., angels, animals, humans, sacred beasts in heaven, the moon, the planets, the stars). The substance and makeup of Deity is completely spirit in terms of how it functions and what it may accomplish. Thus, such ideas as a life time, possibility and power must be spoken of with meanings and values very different from those for considering carnal beings (those having flesh and bone).
(3.) Discernment (ability to use ones own spirit content to recognize and respond to spirit content within events, messages, other persons, etc.) permits an understanding of divinity that comes by what we would call “synchronization”, whereby the living are in accord, concurrence, harmony, and oneness with divinity. GOD is the only source of existence, life, and divine spirit. By appearing incarnate (assuming flesh and blood) as Jesus Christ, new provisions are in place possible only through divinity whereby the animal and human nature of mankind are to be transformed. Aspects of the divine nature now are to appear and become perfected (we say mature, ripe) upon the earth. Included are faith, forbearance, gratitude, holiness, humility, longsuffering, love, meekness, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin.
(4.) Sin and wickedness are not created by GOD, and result from awareness and self-will becoming dominated by corruption (we say, arbitrary, unnecessary, unwanted change; evil); decay; defilement; failure to correctly perform necessary self-correction, self-maintenance, and self-nourishment; loss of divine content; and irreversible rot.
(5.) Christian believers trust that the fullness of Deity (we say, the GODhead) has appeared through the distinct operations to accomplish multiple goals that transcend the abilities of all finite creatures. Included are creation from void, birth, death, judgment, eternal condemnation, atonement, forgiveness, peace, rebirth, repentance from sin, resurrection, sanctification, and the final elimination of sin. Such tools as emotions, intellect, logic, mathematics, philosophy and science accomplish nothing until used by the living who have guidance from GOD.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood. For example, (6.) Many errors have resulted from the “good intentions” of men claiming authority and duty to erase idolatry, punish false worship, and maintain the purity of belief among mankind. Yet, these have repeatedly shown themselves to be caught in the throes of pride and self-promotion. They are found to be in no direct, intimate or personal relationship with divinity continued through communion and divine promise with praise, prayer, prophecy, and living sacrifice (“the dead praise not God”). The false agents from God rarely acknowledge the intangible aspects of divinity such as balance, completeness, immutability, perfection, person, presence, and unity without sameness. Apart from such revealed truth as the Spirit at Creation, Christ at the Cross, and the body of prophecy proclaiming the Father, there is no clear or correct grasp upon the actual essence who is GOD, who is not made of any material substance having dimension that can be measured such as a cloud, fog, mist, or smoke.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith. Love has spoken.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Sunday, March 29, 2015
(03/29/2015) What To Say To A Friend?
Today, points are shared on how to answer a friend trusting you with their testimony that GOD has spoken to them during prayer. The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “learning2liveagain” (Level 2 with 611 points, a member since December 13, 2009) posted the following:
What would you do or say If a close friend of yours told you while praying that God spoke back & had a long talk with him.2 nights in a row?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. (1st John 4: 6-16, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: How GOD Answers Prayer? (01/09/2015); Not A Matter Of Opinion? (04/24/2014); What Faith Makes Possible (04/25/2014); Recognizing True Prophets (05/02/2013); Jesus, A Party Animal? (05/03/2013); Mockers in the Last Days (11/14/2012); Thoughts Upon A Warrior’s Fall (11/15/2012)
“learning2liveagain”, here are a few points provided through the Spirit of Prophecy to Christian believers:
(1.) Where your friend shared a personal account (we say, testimony) given by GOD, and chose to speak with you about it, their confiding in you (we also say, confessing) expresses many different motives that may require clarification. They may be simply seeking to share something they regard as special. They may be responding in obedience to divine law, commands that were given, the spirit of zeal that is imparted from GOD, and other aspects of unseen truth. They even may be seeking the unique affirmation and agreement only you may supply that comes from your sacred knowledge and experiences of divinity.
(2.) The assembly of believers that we call the church is usually the best place to look for companions who have experience that correctly details, explains and focuses spiritual events in a way that permits a person to take action for proper spiritual benefit to themselves as well as for unselfish service to others.
(3.) A person becomes obligated by a spiritual experience to learn, grow and share in new ways. It is correct to turn to those who encourage your development by listening, good counsel, and sharing sacred practice (e.g., prayer, Bible study, singing spiritual songs, worship). No one invites derision, mocking, and scorn. Where you can not say “I love you” by restraining and suppressing insulting and negative responses, it is better to admit your unfitness to give spiritual counsel, and acknowledge that the spirit content you bring to your friendship is lacking in imparted substance from GOD.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood. For example, (4.) Expressing your care for a family member or loved one also includes sharing admonition and cautions (we say, warnings). Consider again the holy writings, 1st John 4: 1-3: 1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith. Love has spoken.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
What would you do or say If a close friend of yours told you while praying that God spoke back & had a long talk with him.2 nights in a row?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. (1st John 4: 6-16, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: How GOD Answers Prayer? (01/09/2015); Not A Matter Of Opinion? (04/24/2014); What Faith Makes Possible (04/25/2014); Recognizing True Prophets (05/02/2013); Jesus, A Party Animal? (05/03/2013); Mockers in the Last Days (11/14/2012); Thoughts Upon A Warrior’s Fall (11/15/2012)
“learning2liveagain”, here are a few points provided through the Spirit of Prophecy to Christian believers:
(1.) Where your friend shared a personal account (we say, testimony) given by GOD, and chose to speak with you about it, their confiding in you (we also say, confessing) expresses many different motives that may require clarification. They may be simply seeking to share something they regard as special. They may be responding in obedience to divine law, commands that were given, the spirit of zeal that is imparted from GOD, and other aspects of unseen truth. They even may be seeking the unique affirmation and agreement only you may supply that comes from your sacred knowledge and experiences of divinity.
(2.) The assembly of believers that we call the church is usually the best place to look for companions who have experience that correctly details, explains and focuses spiritual events in a way that permits a person to take action for proper spiritual benefit to themselves as well as for unselfish service to others.
(3.) A person becomes obligated by a spiritual experience to learn, grow and share in new ways. It is correct to turn to those who encourage your development by listening, good counsel, and sharing sacred practice (e.g., prayer, Bible study, singing spiritual songs, worship). No one invites derision, mocking, and scorn. Where you can not say “I love you” by restraining and suppressing insulting and negative responses, it is better to admit your unfitness to give spiritual counsel, and acknowledge that the spirit content you bring to your friendship is lacking in imparted substance from GOD.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood. For example, (4.) Expressing your care for a family member or loved one also includes sharing admonition and cautions (we say, warnings). Consider again the holy writings, 1st John 4: 1-3: 1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith. Love has spoken.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Friday, March 27, 2015
(03/27/2015) The Living Baptized for the Dead?
Today, various actions carried out by the living on behalf of the dead are in view. In Scripture, the dead are buried or mourned, and there are no mentions of ceremonies and rituals for their salvation. The living may become anointed, committed, consecrated, dedicated, devoted, and sanctified. The living may memorialize, respect and venerate the deceased, yet may not change the status of the dead in divine judgment. Trusting that nothing is impossible with GOD, many have advanced teachings that the Church can issue indulgences and pardons for sins committed by both the living and those deceased (e.g., www.theguardian.com › World › Pope Francis The Guardian Jul 16, 2013 - Papal court handling pardons for sins says contrite Catholics may win 'indulgences' by following World Youth Day on Twitter.). Contrary to the serpent’s word, Ye shall not surely die, the dead are not alive in a place of torment where they may receive the ministry of Jesus Christ (suggested by 1st Peter 3: 18-20, King James Version, KJV). More correctly, focus should be upon faith that is to be seen as an eternal living element of divinity imparted to the living. Black arts, occult practices, exaggerated remembrances for the dead, and necromancy (communicating with the dead to influence and predict events among the living) are forbidden. Christians do not accept the account of King Saul calling up the spirit of the Prophet Samuel as a genuine example of operations by GOD; rather, it is spiritualism and witchcraft (1st Samuel 28: 9-19, KJV). Even so, mature believers firmly hold that the dead in Christ shall be transformed as they are resurrected and lifted up to be with the Lord at his coming to harvest the earth (1st Thessalonians 4: 16-18, KJV). In his blog A CHRISTIAN VIEW published at WordPress.com, Steve Finnell regularly provides a brief bible-based consideration of issues and questions that pertain to Christian belief. On Thursday, March 26, 2015 (1:41 AM), Steve shared the following:
What is the meaning of baptized for the dead?
1 Corinthians 15:29 Otherwise, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why then are they baptized for them?
I am not the first, nor will I be the last to admit I do not know the meaning of 1 Corinthians 15:29, however, I do know what Paul was not trying to communicate. He was not implying that the dead can be baptized, by proxy, using a living person.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Ye shall not eat any thing with the blood: neither shall ye use enchantment, nor observe times. Ye shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard. Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD. (Leviticus 19: 26-28, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Harrowing of Hell? (02/10/2015); The Sin Covered By Salvation? (12/28/2014); Only While We Live? (12/02/2013); Reveal Himself To All (12/03/2013); Those Who Never Heard? (06/07/2013); If You Are Sent…? (06/08/2013); After the Rapture? (11/01/2012); Opportunity to Repent (11/02/2012)
“Steve”, I agree with your point that there is no baptism by proxy taught in the Scriptures. Here are a few points that were stirred by the Spirit within me as I began to reflect upon your testimony:
(1.) In responding to a question by the Sadducees (regarding a woman married to seven brothers, and whose wife she will be in the resurrection) Jesus declared that the Father is a god of the living. GOD maintains eternal promise to the dead through their offspring, the living. Consider again: Matthew 22: 31-33 (KJV): 31 But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, 32 I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. 33 And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine.
Isaiah 63: 15-16 (KJV): 15 Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of thy holiness and of thy glory: where is thy zeal and thy strength, the sounding of thy bowels and of thy mercies toward me? are they restrained? 16 Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou, O LORD, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting.
Romans 4: 12-14 (KJV): 12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. 13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:
Galatians 3: 6-8 (KJV): 6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. 7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. 8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.
(2.) While Abraham is said to be alive, David is not; and the curse he incurred appears in Solomon and Rehoboam. See again Acts 2: 29 (KJV): Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.
(3.) A prayer in the holy writings that was offered by the Prophet Daniel is often respected as a model like that of the Lord’s Prayer. Daniel’s supplication includes confession of need and sins committed by those already dead. However, Daniel does not petition on behalf of the dead so much as for the divine Name. See once more Daniel 9: 16-17 (KJV): 16 O Lord, according to all thy righteousness, I beseech thee, let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy city Jerusalem, thy holy mountain: because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and thy people are become a reproach to all that are about us. 17 Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord’s sake.
(4.) The dead are all given opportunity to respond to the claims of divinity only while alive. See Psalms 115: 16-18 (KJV): 16 The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD’s: but the earth hath he given to the children of men. 17 The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence. 18 But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the LORD.
Isaiah 38: 18-20 (KJV): 18 For the grave cannot praise thee, death can not celebrate thee: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth. 19 The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I do this day: the father to the children shall make known thy truth. 20 The LORD was ready to save me: therefore we will sing my songs to the stringed instruments all the days of our life in the house of the LORD.
Ecclesiastes 9: 5-6 (KJV): For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. 6 Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun.
(5.) Because the acknowledgment of GOD is not dependent only upon the specific statements of doctrine and law that were generated and developed through the covenant of Moses, those who died before Deity appeared upon the earth in the person of Jesus Christ, also have place with GOD through the provisions of the cross. Salvation is the acknowledgement that their actions, attitudes and behavior continued to display the righteousness that identifies the divine nature. Consider again Romans 8: 3 (KJV): For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
Acts 13: 38-39 (KJV): 38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: 39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
1st Peter 4: 3-8 (KJV): For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: 4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: 5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. 6 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. 7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (6.) The full provisions and teachings for salvation have been revealed gradually over time. Yet, divinity has remained immutable and unchanging. See Romans 6: 16-18 (KJV): 16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. Also Romans 8: 8-10 (KJV): 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith and spiritual maturity.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
What is the meaning of baptized for the dead?
1 Corinthians 15:29 Otherwise, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why then are they baptized for them?
I am not the first, nor will I be the last to admit I do not know the meaning of 1 Corinthians 15:29, however, I do know what Paul was not trying to communicate. He was not implying that the dead can be baptized, by proxy, using a living person.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Ye shall not eat any thing with the blood: neither shall ye use enchantment, nor observe times. Ye shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard. Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD. (Leviticus 19: 26-28, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Harrowing of Hell? (02/10/2015); The Sin Covered By Salvation? (12/28/2014); Only While We Live? (12/02/2013); Reveal Himself To All (12/03/2013); Those Who Never Heard? (06/07/2013); If You Are Sent…? (06/08/2013); After the Rapture? (11/01/2012); Opportunity to Repent (11/02/2012)
“Steve”, I agree with your point that there is no baptism by proxy taught in the Scriptures. Here are a few points that were stirred by the Spirit within me as I began to reflect upon your testimony:
(1.) In responding to a question by the Sadducees (regarding a woman married to seven brothers, and whose wife she will be in the resurrection) Jesus declared that the Father is a god of the living. GOD maintains eternal promise to the dead through their offspring, the living. Consider again: Matthew 22: 31-33 (KJV): 31 But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, 32 I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. 33 And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine.
Isaiah 63: 15-16 (KJV): 15 Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of thy holiness and of thy glory: where is thy zeal and thy strength, the sounding of thy bowels and of thy mercies toward me? are they restrained? 16 Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou, O LORD, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting.
Romans 4: 12-14 (KJV): 12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. 13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:
Galatians 3: 6-8 (KJV): 6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. 7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. 8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.
(2.) While Abraham is said to be alive, David is not; and the curse he incurred appears in Solomon and Rehoboam. See again Acts 2: 29 (KJV): Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.
(3.) A prayer in the holy writings that was offered by the Prophet Daniel is often respected as a model like that of the Lord’s Prayer. Daniel’s supplication includes confession of need and sins committed by those already dead. However, Daniel does not petition on behalf of the dead so much as for the divine Name. See once more Daniel 9: 16-17 (KJV): 16 O Lord, according to all thy righteousness, I beseech thee, let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy city Jerusalem, thy holy mountain: because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and thy people are become a reproach to all that are about us. 17 Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord’s sake.
(4.) The dead are all given opportunity to respond to the claims of divinity only while alive. See Psalms 115: 16-18 (KJV): 16 The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD’s: but the earth hath he given to the children of men. 17 The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence. 18 But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the LORD.
Isaiah 38: 18-20 (KJV): 18 For the grave cannot praise thee, death can not celebrate thee: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth. 19 The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I do this day: the father to the children shall make known thy truth. 20 The LORD was ready to save me: therefore we will sing my songs to the stringed instruments all the days of our life in the house of the LORD.
Ecclesiastes 9: 5-6 (KJV): For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. 6 Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun.
(5.) Because the acknowledgment of GOD is not dependent only upon the specific statements of doctrine and law that were generated and developed through the covenant of Moses, those who died before Deity appeared upon the earth in the person of Jesus Christ, also have place with GOD through the provisions of the cross. Salvation is the acknowledgement that their actions, attitudes and behavior continued to display the righteousness that identifies the divine nature. Consider again Romans 8: 3 (KJV): For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
Acts 13: 38-39 (KJV): 38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: 39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
1st Peter 4: 3-8 (KJV): For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: 4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: 5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. 6 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. 7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (6.) The full provisions and teachings for salvation have been revealed gradually over time. Yet, divinity has remained immutable and unchanging. See Romans 6: 16-18 (KJV): 16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. Also Romans 8: 8-10 (KJV): 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith and spiritual maturity.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Thursday, March 26, 2015
(03/26/2015) Carnal Needs, Sacred Tools?
Today, points are shared on mankind’s need for salvation and worship with their gifts from divinity that continue Creation, and shield believers against sin. The three “R’s” must come into view: GOD is being revealed through divine acts that put forth being and existence. Created beings and living creatures endure and complete the terms of their existence within their relationships to GOD as Creator, and also must seek relationship wherein GOD is Savior. Finite awareness and self-will may be dominated by sin; and sin opposes the continued existence of sacred law, the Law Giver, and all that has been provided for divine order of the universe. To accomplish eternal purposes, those turning away from sin to GOD (we say, showing repentance) are equipped by GOD to discern the active presence of Deity as well as to recognize and resist sin. The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “ > ” (Level 7 with 25,893 points, a member since May 07, 2012) posted the following errors:
God did not require prayer, worship, faith, or repentence from Adam and Eve so why do Christians insist these things are important to God?
Christians insist that Adam and Eve are actually the first man and woman and literally walked and talked with God.
If this is true then one would expect that God would not ask more of us than He would ask of Adam and Eve, but this is not the case.
God never asked Adam and Eve to 1) Pray, 2) Worship, 3) have faith, or 4) repent after they committed original sin. Even so many Christians believe that Adam and Eve have seats in Heaven.
Whether or not Adam and Eve are in Heaven or will someday go there the bible certainly does not say that God sent them to Hell.
If we can therefore deduce that God is not going to send Adam and Eve to Hell for not praying, worshiping, having faith, or repenting when they were on earth why should we believe God would send anyone to Hell for not doing those things?
Can we also conclude that prayer, worship, repentence etc., comes from man and not God since God did not require these things of Adam and Eve? God never once asked Adam or Eve to declare how great He is, to say Grace over a meal, or any other prayer for that matter.
Thank you for your kind and learned answers
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. (1st John 3: 1-10, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Creator No Longer Needed? (02/19/2015); Needs Answered in Christ? (01/07/2015); Why Prophets Were Sent to Israel (11/23/2014); The Need for Prophecy Then and Now (11/24/2014); The Point of Knowledge? (07/06/2014); The Love of GOD (03/03/2013); Our Need for a Son (03/04/2013); Unless You Repent (03/05/2013); What is Worship? (10/18/2010); No Free Will (10/19/2010)
“ > ”, to understand that divinity is continuing its work of Creation, and that judgment and salvation are further aspects of Creation, there are many interconnected and important ideas you will have to consider. For example:
(1.) There are highly visible human needs such as our demands for companionship, food, and shelter that derive from our condition and makeup as mortal beings. In addition to appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, sexual cravings), sensation (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching), the living also display abilities, characteristics and features that are not material, physical or social. We also express and seek to fulfill many needs that are intangible. Included are needs described by our emotional and mental functions (e.g., anger, desire, dreams, fantasy, imagination, recall).
(2.) Through operations of the sacred content received from divinity, Christian believers understand that mankind now has various spiritual needs that are only met through contact and communion with Deity. Because necessary obedience, respect and trust were not continued in the awareness and self-will of the first pair, an unnatural gulf appeared that separated the man and woman from divinity.
(3.) There are many points of information shared through the holy writings that explain many of the measures taken by divinity to recover all created beings and living creatures that had come under the attack of sin (this includes the angels and sacred beasts of heaven). In addition to Sabbath-keeping, exile from Eden, and atonement through blood offered in sacrifice, sacred operations were instituted such as covenants, redemption, rebirth, salvation, and sanctification.
(4.) While Adam lost the sacred gifts that made them fit for direct fellowship and interaction with Deity, the angel posted at the gate to Eden (thought to be the Son before incarnation, and understood as the first spokesperson and prophet to mankind) became a source for sacred knowledge and instruction. Throughout the holy writings, “gathering in the gate” (we say, downtown, in the business district, the gate of the city) is to conduct business and public affairs in the witness of the agents from GOD.
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. (Such as (5.) The many “religious” duties and practices that now offend nonbelievers have been granted over the course of thousands of years and thousands of lives in answer to prayer and supplication to GOD. Through faith and other endowments of spirit content from GOD, believers have responded to the divine provisions that will end separation from eternal life, holiness, mercy, and forgiveness.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith and spiritual maturity.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
God did not require prayer, worship, faith, or repentence from Adam and Eve so why do Christians insist these things are important to God?
Christians insist that Adam and Eve are actually the first man and woman and literally walked and talked with God.
If this is true then one would expect that God would not ask more of us than He would ask of Adam and Eve, but this is not the case.
God never asked Adam and Eve to 1) Pray, 2) Worship, 3) have faith, or 4) repent after they committed original sin. Even so many Christians believe that Adam and Eve have seats in Heaven.
Whether or not Adam and Eve are in Heaven or will someday go there the bible certainly does not say that God sent them to Hell.
If we can therefore deduce that God is not going to send Adam and Eve to Hell for not praying, worshiping, having faith, or repenting when they were on earth why should we believe God would send anyone to Hell for not doing those things?
Can we also conclude that prayer, worship, repentence etc., comes from man and not God since God did not require these things of Adam and Eve? God never once asked Adam or Eve to declare how great He is, to say Grace over a meal, or any other prayer for that matter.
Thank you for your kind and learned answers
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. (1st John 3: 1-10, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Creator No Longer Needed? (02/19/2015); Needs Answered in Christ? (01/07/2015); Why Prophets Were Sent to Israel (11/23/2014); The Need for Prophecy Then and Now (11/24/2014); The Point of Knowledge? (07/06/2014); The Love of GOD (03/03/2013); Our Need for a Son (03/04/2013); Unless You Repent (03/05/2013); What is Worship? (10/18/2010); No Free Will (10/19/2010)
“ > ”, to understand that divinity is continuing its work of Creation, and that judgment and salvation are further aspects of Creation, there are many interconnected and important ideas you will have to consider. For example:
(1.) There are highly visible human needs such as our demands for companionship, food, and shelter that derive from our condition and makeup as mortal beings. In addition to appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, sexual cravings), sensation (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching), the living also display abilities, characteristics and features that are not material, physical or social. We also express and seek to fulfill many needs that are intangible. Included are needs described by our emotional and mental functions (e.g., anger, desire, dreams, fantasy, imagination, recall).
(2.) Through operations of the sacred content received from divinity, Christian believers understand that mankind now has various spiritual needs that are only met through contact and communion with Deity. Because necessary obedience, respect and trust were not continued in the awareness and self-will of the first pair, an unnatural gulf appeared that separated the man and woman from divinity.
(3.) There are many points of information shared through the holy writings that explain many of the measures taken by divinity to recover all created beings and living creatures that had come under the attack of sin (this includes the angels and sacred beasts of heaven). In addition to Sabbath-keeping, exile from Eden, and atonement through blood offered in sacrifice, sacred operations were instituted such as covenants, redemption, rebirth, salvation, and sanctification.
(4.) While Adam lost the sacred gifts that made them fit for direct fellowship and interaction with Deity, the angel posted at the gate to Eden (thought to be the Son before incarnation, and understood as the first spokesperson and prophet to mankind) became a source for sacred knowledge and instruction. Throughout the holy writings, “gathering in the gate” (we say, downtown, in the business district, the gate of the city) is to conduct business and public affairs in the witness of the agents from GOD.
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. (Such as (5.) The many “religious” duties and practices that now offend nonbelievers have been granted over the course of thousands of years and thousands of lives in answer to prayer and supplication to GOD. Through faith and other endowments of spirit content from GOD, believers have responded to the divine provisions that will end separation from eternal life, holiness, mercy, and forgiveness.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith and spiritual maturity.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
(03/25/2015) A Prayer to Read?
Offering prayer in public on behalf of minor children during a kindergarten graduation is considered, today. Christ is our only mediator provided by the Father, and no one else may fill his role or take his place. Adults must be careful to present prayer as a sacred practice and not simply another secular activity. The intercession and prayers of those who follow Jesus Christ only become acceptable to divinity when the heart, mind, and spirit of the Lord are being acknowledged and communicated. Then, ones words express the gratitude, hope, humility, sacred intent, joy, love, praise and righteousness of the Savior and those endowed with his Spirit, rather than merely the desires, needs and thoughts from an individual seeking to minister by prayer. For an assembly, the framework for effective prayer must be agreement, and shared spirit. Because the prayer is to carry all assembled into the divine presence, it also pertains to examination and judgment. Thus, the children should first have been prepared at home through parental instruction, and the sacred practice within their own family. While adults will often have correct knowledge regarding the carnal, emotional, intellectual, material and other needs of children, they are not to presume themselves expert regarding all the detailed spiritual needs of those who come under their protection. The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “ceila” (Level 1 with 97 points a member since March 24, 2015) attacked using the following:
I need kindergarten graduation closing prayer to read tomorrow afternoon. please help!?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision. And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see; And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep; That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I. And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down. And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again. Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him. And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child. Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place. And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth. (1st Samuel 3: 1-10, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Family and Beliefs of Children? (08/29/2014); Stories Repeated in the Bible? (08/30/2014); Why the Gospel for Our Children (05/13/2014); Changing Times and Laws? (05/14/2014); Issues for Children’s Church? (04/06/2013); Outgrowing Childhood Prayers? (04/07/2013); Confessing Only to GOD? (04/08/2013); Childlike Faith (10/18/2012); Why Did The Judges Fight? (10/19/2012)
“ceila”, where you only want to put on an act, or public performance (we say, ceremony) a poem from a greeting card will do. Where you truly want to intercede, and speak to divinity on behalf of the children, their parents, the staff of the institution, and others, your prayer must come from your spirit. Consider again the following:
(1.) Psalm 54: 1-3 King James Version (KJV): Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy strength. Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth. For strangers are risen up against me, and oppressors seek after my soul: they have not set God before them. Selah.
(2.) Matthew 6: 5-14 (KJV): And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
(3.) Matthew 5: 16 (KJV): Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Here, again, there is far more that must be plainly said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Truth spoken in love is the primary need (like here). Leading a group in prayer is not the same as offering a prayer as their representative and spokesperson. A brief heartfelt prayer is better than a long-winded speech that attempts to include everything from a laundry list of needs and “things to do.” As their final instruction, the children may be sent forth with words of blessing, or a passage from the Scriptures, no more than 3 or 4 verses as with Numbers 6: 24-26 (KJV): The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
I need kindergarten graduation closing prayer to read tomorrow afternoon. please help!?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision. And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see; And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep; That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I. And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down. And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again. Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him. And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child. Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place. And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth. (1st Samuel 3: 1-10, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Family and Beliefs of Children? (08/29/2014); Stories Repeated in the Bible? (08/30/2014); Why the Gospel for Our Children (05/13/2014); Changing Times and Laws? (05/14/2014); Issues for Children’s Church? (04/06/2013); Outgrowing Childhood Prayers? (04/07/2013); Confessing Only to GOD? (04/08/2013); Childlike Faith (10/18/2012); Why Did The Judges Fight? (10/19/2012)
“ceila”, where you only want to put on an act, or public performance (we say, ceremony) a poem from a greeting card will do. Where you truly want to intercede, and speak to divinity on behalf of the children, their parents, the staff of the institution, and others, your prayer must come from your spirit. Consider again the following:
(1.) Psalm 54: 1-3 King James Version (KJV): Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy strength. Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth. For strangers are risen up against me, and oppressors seek after my soul: they have not set God before them. Selah.
(2.) Matthew 6: 5-14 (KJV): And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
(3.) Matthew 5: 16 (KJV): Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Here, again, there is far more that must be plainly said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Truth spoken in love is the primary need (like here). Leading a group in prayer is not the same as offering a prayer as their representative and spokesperson. A brief heartfelt prayer is better than a long-winded speech that attempts to include everything from a laundry list of needs and “things to do.” As their final instruction, the children may be sent forth with words of blessing, or a passage from the Scriptures, no more than 3 or 4 verses as with Numbers 6: 24-26 (KJV): The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
(03/24/2015) What the Preacher Said…?
Today, reply is made to a question about gold existing in heaven, and whether heaven is real. In addition to a fresh endowment of spirit substance from the makeup of divinity such as faith, holiness, wisdom, and wrath against sin, believers in Christ also must develop discernment (ability to use ones own spirit matter as a standard to recognize and respond to the sacred content in events, other persons, Scriptures, etc.), and increasingly practice meekness (humility and the ability to accept instruction, testimony, or witness from operations of the Holy Spirit, or from clergy and other believers). Where questions arise regarding any of the information shared during a meeting (e.g., announcements, doctrines, proclamations, sermons, or even casual and offhand remarks) members are to apply the means and practices provided by GOD that include dialog with other believers (particularly, the one who was the original source of what is being shared), prayer, reflection, translation, and careful study of the holy writings. Trust also is fostered by believers knowing that what is spoken before a congregation is often utterance guided by the Holy Spirit (we also say, the Comforter, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth). All who serve as prophets, spokespersons, and those sent in the name of divinity are in the ongoing process of divine judgment, and must speak truth only. More than simply those who make a mistake, perjure themselves, or sin through ignorance, false prophets and liars are condemned as blasphemers against the Holy Spirit, who will never be granted divine forgiveness. The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using “Anonymous” as an ID (no profile information available) posted the following thrust:
Is Heaven real? if so, is it really made of real Gold? That's what the preacher said Sunday morning.?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. (James 3: 10-18, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: How Do You Know? (02/25/2015); GOD Is A Spirit? (12/17/2014); The Storm-battered City? (03/29/2014); All Lying Forbidden? (03/04/2014); Wrong Not to Forgive? (03/05/2014); Face to Face Like Moses? (01/28/2014); Covenants and Relationships (01/29/2014); Foolish For Not Believing? (03/22/2013); Science and the Laws of Nature? (03/23/2013); Spirit Matter (10/21/2012); Caesarea Philippi (10/22/2012); A Man in Heaven? (09/23/2012); Aliens? (09/24/2012)
“Anonymous”, Christian believers must hold to understandings that emerge as sacred knowledge and divine revelation. Believers are to carefully examine what is said to them by clergy and others against the holy writings. Thus, consider the following:
(1.) John 3: 11-13 King James Version (KJV): Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
(2.) John 14: 1-3 (KJV): Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
(3.) Romans 1: 16-21 (KJV): For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
(4.) 1st John 5: 9-11 (KJV): If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
There is far more to be plainly said, correctly understood, and to get a proper grip upon. (For example, (5.) The idea of material things in the highest place of spirit beings (angels, sacred beasts, immortal Deity) is as difficult as the teachings about Jesus remaining incarnate (having a body of flesh and bone) and serving as High Priest within the Temple Sanctuary of Heaven. Believers absolutely must trust that nothing is impossible for GOD. Thus, as we continue to “grow again” (once born again), we accept that the streets of gold appear within the city, the New Jerusalem, that is to be placed upon the earth. Nor do we doubt that the sea of glass, the tree of life, and the crowns cast away by the twenty four elders are physical and real.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Is Heaven real? if so, is it really made of real Gold? That's what the preacher said Sunday morning.?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. (James 3: 10-18, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: How Do You Know? (02/25/2015); GOD Is A Spirit? (12/17/2014); The Storm-battered City? (03/29/2014); All Lying Forbidden? (03/04/2014); Wrong Not to Forgive? (03/05/2014); Face to Face Like Moses? (01/28/2014); Covenants and Relationships (01/29/2014); Foolish For Not Believing? (03/22/2013); Science and the Laws of Nature? (03/23/2013); Spirit Matter (10/21/2012); Caesarea Philippi (10/22/2012); A Man in Heaven? (09/23/2012); Aliens? (09/24/2012)
“Anonymous”, Christian believers must hold to understandings that emerge as sacred knowledge and divine revelation. Believers are to carefully examine what is said to them by clergy and others against the holy writings. Thus, consider the following:
(1.) John 3: 11-13 King James Version (KJV): Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
(2.) John 14: 1-3 (KJV): Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
(3.) Romans 1: 16-21 (KJV): For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
(4.) 1st John 5: 9-11 (KJV): If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
There is far more to be plainly said, correctly understood, and to get a proper grip upon. (For example, (5.) The idea of material things in the highest place of spirit beings (angels, sacred beasts, immortal Deity) is as difficult as the teachings about Jesus remaining incarnate (having a body of flesh and bone) and serving as High Priest within the Temple Sanctuary of Heaven. Believers absolutely must trust that nothing is impossible for GOD. Thus, as we continue to “grow again” (once born again), we accept that the streets of gold appear within the city, the New Jerusalem, that is to be placed upon the earth. Nor do we doubt that the sea of glass, the tree of life, and the crowns cast away by the twenty four elders are physical and real.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Monday, March 23, 2015
(03/23/2015) Human Law, Divine Favor?
Today, points are shared that address believers in Christ discerning the letter and the spirit for civil and divine law within the United States. Citizens are expected to obey the law, yet, few have a complete and precise knowledge of its provisions. The primary collection for all civil law within the United States and its territories is called The United States Code. The United States Code presents an organized system for the general and permanent laws of the United States, and is divided by broad subjects into 51 titles (we say, volumes). New editions of the code are published every six years with annual cumulative supplements to present the most current information. By comparison, for many who follow Christ, the primary set of sacred laws are published as the Ten Commandments (we say, the Decalogue). Jesus proclaimed the essential principles of the law for the Kingdom of GOD in Matthew 22: 36-40 King James Version (KJV): 36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. Insisting upon self-defined “freedom”, while lacking a detailed and precise knowledge of all the law, many in America have fallen into the error of saying, “Live and let live” properly heard as “sin and let sin.” Where divine law and judgment are featured, aspects of the actors, their deeds, and events such as spiritual benefit, eternal purpose, and sacred content also must come into view. Christian believers acknowledge that Deity was revealed to Moses as one who makes covenant, and who executes righteous judgment against sin, even to the third and fourth generations of those who transgress. The sins of ones forefathers remain as conditions that challenge their offspring for as many as 160 years. Through the ministry of Jesus Christ, divine process also is shown to include both the nonnegotiable completion of mortality (spoken of as death and sleep), and the permanent destruction (we say, second death) avoidable only through provisions for forgiveness, repentance, and the offering of Jesus as a divine incarnation. The otherwise unanswered demands made for divine order and eternal law are affirmed and fulfilled by grace, through faith, and as righteousness. The Savior establishes the necessary atonement, mercy, redemption, salvation, and sanctification from GOD. The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using “Wayf” as an ID (Level 5 with 8,918 points, a member since June 18, 2013) posted the following:
Would Jesus Christ be in favor of the Sodomite Suppression Act?
A lawyer in California want to put LGBT people to death. What would Jesus do? Would he support this?
http://oag.ca.gov/system/files/initiativ...
Update: *wants
Update 2: To help avoid the notion that this is a law, please understand that it's only a "measure". Here's an article about it: http://www.vox.com/2015/3/22/8270411/cal...
THE GOLDEN ARROW: The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live. Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord God: and not that he should return from his ways, and live? But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die. (Ezekiel 18: 20-24, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Divine Knowledge of Human Hurt? (03/02/2015); The American Covenant? (03/03/2015); No Mystery in Lawful Judgment (07/28/2014); Divine Law for Mankind? (07/29/2014); Separation of Church and State (07/04/2014); The Point of Wisdom? (07/05/2014); Sin Causes Death? (02/04/2014); Succession (02/05/2014); The Crux of the Matter (10/26/2012); Women Ordained to Minister? (10/27/2012)
“Wayf”, Christian believers may only answer your concerns by sharing sacred doctrine, or their own peculiar expression of faith in words that will be imprecise, and artificially made to appear as brief or shortened. Nonetheless, please consider the following:
(1.) Discipline, law and rules that apply within the Kingdom of GOD are only binding upon those who accept and acknowledge their accountability, duty, and exalted place before divinity through Jesus Christ.
(2.) California, the United States of America, and the geopolitical nations and states upon the earth are not the Kingdom of GOD.
(3.) Immutable and unchanging aspects of divinity have been displayed to created beings and living creatures throughout the history of this Creation. Citizenship within the Kingdom is described somewhat by the documentation of covenants between mankind and Deity through such figures as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David. Believers in Jesus Christ as King of Kings, Lord of Lords are “a new creation” existing to carry out and complete divine provisions for sacred revelation, judgment, salvation and sanctification upon the earth.
There is far more to be plainly said, correctly understood, and to get a proper grip upon. (For example, (4.) The focus for believers continues as one of proclaiming the responsiveness of GOD to repentance. Sin upon the earth can not be eliminated using the finite human tools of computers, emotion, intellect, logic, mathematics, philosophy, politics, science, and violence. Through Jesus Christ a door of access to divinity has been established; and mankind is not to despair despite being earth-bound, or the misery and wretchedness from the operations of sin. Consider again Matthew 9: 12-13 King James Version (KJV): 12 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. 13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Would Jesus Christ be in favor of the Sodomite Suppression Act?
A lawyer in California want to put LGBT people to death. What would Jesus do? Would he support this?
http://oag.ca.gov/system/files/initiativ...
Update: *wants
Update 2: To help avoid the notion that this is a law, please understand that it's only a "measure". Here's an article about it: http://www.vox.com/2015/3/22/8270411/cal...
THE GOLDEN ARROW: The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live. Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord God: and not that he should return from his ways, and live? But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die. (Ezekiel 18: 20-24, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Divine Knowledge of Human Hurt? (03/02/2015); The American Covenant? (03/03/2015); No Mystery in Lawful Judgment (07/28/2014); Divine Law for Mankind? (07/29/2014); Separation of Church and State (07/04/2014); The Point of Wisdom? (07/05/2014); Sin Causes Death? (02/04/2014); Succession (02/05/2014); The Crux of the Matter (10/26/2012); Women Ordained to Minister? (10/27/2012)
“Wayf”, Christian believers may only answer your concerns by sharing sacred doctrine, or their own peculiar expression of faith in words that will be imprecise, and artificially made to appear as brief or shortened. Nonetheless, please consider the following:
(1.) Discipline, law and rules that apply within the Kingdom of GOD are only binding upon those who accept and acknowledge their accountability, duty, and exalted place before divinity through Jesus Christ.
(2.) California, the United States of America, and the geopolitical nations and states upon the earth are not the Kingdom of GOD.
(3.) Immutable and unchanging aspects of divinity have been displayed to created beings and living creatures throughout the history of this Creation. Citizenship within the Kingdom is described somewhat by the documentation of covenants between mankind and Deity through such figures as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David. Believers in Jesus Christ as King of Kings, Lord of Lords are “a new creation” existing to carry out and complete divine provisions for sacred revelation, judgment, salvation and sanctification upon the earth.
There is far more to be plainly said, correctly understood, and to get a proper grip upon. (For example, (4.) The focus for believers continues as one of proclaiming the responsiveness of GOD to repentance. Sin upon the earth can not be eliminated using the finite human tools of computers, emotion, intellect, logic, mathematics, philosophy, politics, science, and violence. Through Jesus Christ a door of access to divinity has been established; and mankind is not to despair despite being earth-bound, or the misery and wretchedness from the operations of sin. Consider again Matthew 9: 12-13 King James Version (KJV): 12 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. 13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Sunday, March 22, 2015
(03/22/2015) The Agony of Death?
Today, additional points are shared (below) on Christ accepting death on the cross, and refusing gall mixed with wine. Through the ministry of Jesus Christ, mankind is no longer challenged to accomplish salvation with victory over death, pride, and sin having only the finite tools of emotion, muscle, and thought. A fighter at thoughts.com using the ID “GoldenPig2012” commented on (03/20/2015) Gall Refused on the Cross? posing the following question:
So, what are you saying? We humans should or should not refuse pain relieving medicine?
THE BATTLE AXE: Gall Refused on the Cross? (03/20/2015)—(5.) The death of Jesus of Nazareth by crucifixion has to be understood as both a natural (we say, human, in the flesh, physical) and sacred event (we say, divine, in the spirit, miraculous, spiritual).
(6.) Christians also acknowledge divine diversity revealed through various devices for managing and ending physical pain. Included are acupuncture, amputation, cold and heat, drugs (that block and force change in regular body functions), exercise, faith, herbs (that assist and unblock regular body functions), meditation, rest, and death.
(7.) In the same way human use of anesthesia and pain-killers in surgery and medicine is different by purpose from use of the noose, electric chair and lethal injections, the suffering of Christ upon the cross is different by sacred operations, eternal purpose, and divine substance from that of the two thieves executed at that same time and place.
(8.) All carnal creatures upon the earth now must complete or “pass through” the condition of mortality—we say, must die, or be made immortal and incorruptible (transformed) at the Second Coming of Christ in glory. While angels are not immortal, they are not mortal, and do not “die”. For humans, the agony of death is experienced on multiple levels all at the same time. For death is emotional, material, mental, physical, psychological, and spiritual. In addition to pain there may be anger,anxiety, bereavement (loss, separation), bitterness, condemnation, despair, disgrace, doubt, fear (we say, torment), feeling betrayed, grief, humiliation (we say, shame), impotence, regret and sorrow.
(9.) The sting (we might say, barb or hook) of death is sin. The barb enters a person smoothly, without effort, and attaches to establish a fixed bond. When attempts are made to reject and retract the connection to death, the hook grips and holds more tenaciously; and the more one struggles against it, the more their flesh is damaged and torn. So to speak, the more violently the victim thrashes about and resists the pull of death, the more they lose strength, and are drained of their life’s blood. Consider again 1st Corinthians 15: 54-56 King James Version (KJV): 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
There is far more to be plainly said, correctly understood, and to get a proper grip upon. (For example, (10.) Jesus Christ demonstrated the higher possibilities (e.g., cleansing, forgiveness, healing, inheritance) for human life upon the earth through covenant with divinity. Because the Lord endured the agony of death on behalf of all mankind, the completion of mortality for his chosen now signals new access to Deity through resurrection that will seal the righteous in eternal life, and allow completion of divine judgment against the wicked. Men are to live in continuous acknowledgment of GOD, not to exist in permanent darkness, then die.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
So, what are you saying? We humans should or should not refuse pain relieving medicine?
THE BATTLE AXE: Gall Refused on the Cross? (03/20/2015)—(5.) The death of Jesus of Nazareth by crucifixion has to be understood as both a natural (we say, human, in the flesh, physical) and sacred event (we say, divine, in the spirit, miraculous, spiritual).
(6.) Christians also acknowledge divine diversity revealed through various devices for managing and ending physical pain. Included are acupuncture, amputation, cold and heat, drugs (that block and force change in regular body functions), exercise, faith, herbs (that assist and unblock regular body functions), meditation, rest, and death.
(7.) In the same way human use of anesthesia and pain-killers in surgery and medicine is different by purpose from use of the noose, electric chair and lethal injections, the suffering of Christ upon the cross is different by sacred operations, eternal purpose, and divine substance from that of the two thieves executed at that same time and place.
(8.) All carnal creatures upon the earth now must complete or “pass through” the condition of mortality—we say, must die, or be made immortal and incorruptible (transformed) at the Second Coming of Christ in glory. While angels are not immortal, they are not mortal, and do not “die”. For humans, the agony of death is experienced on multiple levels all at the same time. For death is emotional, material, mental, physical, psychological, and spiritual. In addition to pain there may be anger,anxiety, bereavement (loss, separation), bitterness, condemnation, despair, disgrace, doubt, fear (we say, torment), feeling betrayed, grief, humiliation (we say, shame), impotence, regret and sorrow.
(9.) The sting (we might say, barb or hook) of death is sin. The barb enters a person smoothly, without effort, and attaches to establish a fixed bond. When attempts are made to reject and retract the connection to death, the hook grips and holds more tenaciously; and the more one struggles against it, the more their flesh is damaged and torn. So to speak, the more violently the victim thrashes about and resists the pull of death, the more they lose strength, and are drained of their life’s blood. Consider again 1st Corinthians 15: 54-56 King James Version (KJV): 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
There is far more to be plainly said, correctly understood, and to get a proper grip upon. (For example, (10.) Jesus Christ demonstrated the higher possibilities (e.g., cleansing, forgiveness, healing, inheritance) for human life upon the earth through covenant with divinity. Because the Lord endured the agony of death on behalf of all mankind, the completion of mortality for his chosen now signals new access to Deity through resurrection that will seal the righteous in eternal life, and allow completion of divine judgment against the wicked. Men are to live in continuous acknowledgment of GOD, not to exist in permanent darkness, then die.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Friday, March 20, 2015
(03/20/2015) Gall Refused on the Cross?
Today, some points are shared on the choice by Jesus to reject a pain-killer (we say, drug) while suffering upon the cross. Believers will understand how this is another example of the temptation of Christ by Satan. In refusing the gall mixed with wine that was offered to him, the Lord was also refusing defilement through appetite that would make his blood unfit and unclean for sacrifice and atonement. The gall of Rome compared to the leaven of the Pharisees, and represented both lust and worldliness. Christ was to be made the figure of all sin by a surrender to the Father, not by self-promotion and operations of his own will. Thus, believers are made to be the same righteousness of GOD that appeared within Jesus, not by their own will, by their surrender to Christ. The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Nigel” (Level 1 with 200 points, a member since May 10, 2012) posted the following thrust:
Christians- when Christ was on the cross, why did he refuse the drink the romans offered him (I think it was called gall)?
Was it not enough that he was dying already? Why would he refuse something that would diminish his suffering just a little? Could he of been trying to be macho in front of an audience? What does his refusal say about the Christian God?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2nd Corinthians 5: 17-21, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Resurrection from the Dead? (04/23/2014); Not A Matter Of Opinion? (04/24/2014); Resurrection Sunday (04/19/2014); Jesus Scourged (04/05/2014); Brothers, Not Equals (04/06/2014); Everything a Lie? (10/05/2013); Sacrificed and Risen? (10/06/2013); Assurances of Salvation? (10/07/2013); Henceforth, Of This Fruit (11/21/2012); Unexceptional Beginnings (11/22/2012)
“Nigel”, here are a few points that are now being shared among Christian believers as we are approaching the remembrance of Resurrection Sunday:
(1.) “Gall” is thought to have been a poisonous herbal substance from the poppy plant; and has also been described as hemlock, myrrh, and opium.
(2.) Death was first introduced to mankind in Adam as sleep, at the removing of his rib to fashion the female. Adam endured no agony by her separation, and rejoiced when she was presented as “bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh.” It was necessary that Jesus endure the full agony of death on behalf of all mankind to seal and secure the possibilities for rebirth, repentance, resurrection, and sanctification.
(3.) Correctly understood as a sacred operation, death breaks communion and exchange between Deity (i.e., the dead praise not GOD) and the material beings and living creatures put forth from divinity. Death and the completion of mortality are more than the mechanical process visible to us determined by characteristics of the flesh such as aging, decay, and growth. In physical death, all awareness is removed along with the essential gift of self-will.
There is far more to be plainly said, correctly understood, and properly apprehended. (For example, (4.) When a person dies they can no longer commit (we say, is released from) sin. However, challenges, consequences, and obstacles from their living actions and attitudes may continue indefinitely. The death of Jesus upon the cross did not end sin. Yet, multiple mechanisms were put into place for divine atonement that releases men from sin and death, including forgiveness, rebirth, and endowing sinners who come to Christ with fresh sacred content (we say, the imparted Spirit, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Truth.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith and meekness (i.e., willingness to be taught through the Holy Spirit).
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Christians- when Christ was on the cross, why did he refuse the drink the romans offered him (I think it was called gall)?
Was it not enough that he was dying already? Why would he refuse something that would diminish his suffering just a little? Could he of been trying to be macho in front of an audience? What does his refusal say about the Christian God?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2nd Corinthians 5: 17-21, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Resurrection from the Dead? (04/23/2014); Not A Matter Of Opinion? (04/24/2014); Resurrection Sunday (04/19/2014); Jesus Scourged (04/05/2014); Brothers, Not Equals (04/06/2014); Everything a Lie? (10/05/2013); Sacrificed and Risen? (10/06/2013); Assurances of Salvation? (10/07/2013); Henceforth, Of This Fruit (11/21/2012); Unexceptional Beginnings (11/22/2012)
“Nigel”, here are a few points that are now being shared among Christian believers as we are approaching the remembrance of Resurrection Sunday:
(1.) “Gall” is thought to have been a poisonous herbal substance from the poppy plant; and has also been described as hemlock, myrrh, and opium.
(2.) Death was first introduced to mankind in Adam as sleep, at the removing of his rib to fashion the female. Adam endured no agony by her separation, and rejoiced when she was presented as “bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh.” It was necessary that Jesus endure the full agony of death on behalf of all mankind to seal and secure the possibilities for rebirth, repentance, resurrection, and sanctification.
(3.) Correctly understood as a sacred operation, death breaks communion and exchange between Deity (i.e., the dead praise not GOD) and the material beings and living creatures put forth from divinity. Death and the completion of mortality are more than the mechanical process visible to us determined by characteristics of the flesh such as aging, decay, and growth. In physical death, all awareness is removed along with the essential gift of self-will.
There is far more to be plainly said, correctly understood, and properly apprehended. (For example, (4.) When a person dies they can no longer commit (we say, is released from) sin. However, challenges, consequences, and obstacles from their living actions and attitudes may continue indefinitely. The death of Jesus upon the cross did not end sin. Yet, multiple mechanisms were put into place for divine atonement that releases men from sin and death, including forgiveness, rebirth, and endowing sinners who come to Christ with fresh sacred content (we say, the imparted Spirit, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Truth.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith and meekness (i.e., willingness to be taught through the Holy Spirit).
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Thursday, March 19, 2015
(03/19/2015) Some Points on Tithing
Offerings, sacrifices, and tithes are topics, today. Within the divine economy for believers, at no time do crops, livestock, or money become sacred objects that are to be worshiped. Yet, their meaning and merit are transformed when they appear as aspects within divine operations, eternal purposes, and sacred use. We say offerings are commanded and mandatory; sacrifices are whatever one promises and volunteers to give. Correctly understood, paying tithes for Christian believers is a commitment to make visible on earth the priesthood of Jesus Christ as Risen Lord in heaven. Tithing is a priestly duty and sacred practice as opposed to private charitable giving, philanthropy, or benevolence and donations that express impulses and sentiment. Paying tithes is as much a contractual obligation and lawful duty as having to compensate ones bank or lending institution. For many followers of Christ there is confusion on ones accountability regarding tithes due to the false teaching that the covenant and Ten Commandments once given to Israel are annulled along with circumcision and the many other obligations from Jewish culture and tradition. The Adversary has taught, Ye shall not surely die—for refusing to continue gestures of obedience, covenant, and respect by tithing. Consider this: An employer and a worker are in a relationship that is maintained and structured on the basis of more than familiarity, friendliness, and personal integrity. There are legal obligations for payment and reward defined and regulated through civil law. Similarly, where believers in Jesus Christ sign a contract for church membership (that may include pledging (promising to give) tithes as a fiscal device to maintain the physical plant, the clergy, and the programs of the church), they enter a formal relationship that also must respond to civil and ecclesiastical law. While the church does not pursue or punish believers by confiscating a members property or using debt collection, late fees, liens, and proceedings against the membership to expose fraud, finances for the congregation must be made regular and stable in the same way the billing cycles to the institution (mortgage, repairs, utilities) are scheduled and routine. Therefore, in some situations, failure to pay ones tithe may even be regarded as misrepresentation and criminal neglect. A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Zachary” (Level 1 with 104 points, a member since February 13, 2015) posted the following:
What do i tithe on?
recently ive made about 500 dollars but it was all a mix of birthday money and money i made off of ebay. the money off of ebay has technically already been tithed on (the items were older gifts i outgrew and i know my parents tithed on the money they bought them with originally) and birthday money is kind of a bonus..
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts. Your words have been stout against me, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee? Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts? And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered. Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. (Malachi 3: 8-18, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Ananias, Liar, Thief or Blasphemer? (01/12/2015); Consecrated in Christ? (06/21/2014); On Being Good Stewards (12/17/2013); Traditional Marriage? (12/18/2013); Sacrificial Relationship? (10/23/2013); Relationship by Unselfish Giving? (10/24/2013)
“Zachary”, here are a few points shared among Christian believers who are careful to make serving GOD their focus so they avoid the sin of making it “all about money” (idolatry):
(1.) For those who accompanied Moses, the “tithe” is a tenth from (we say, 10% of) whatever one may plant and produce using their portion within the Promised Land. While the land itself is not anointed, consecrated, and sanctified (specifically set apart for service to GOD), and the crop itself is not holy, the tithe is to be understood as though already resting upon an altar of sacrifice that serves as the point of contact for earth and heaven.
(2.) The primary income and inheritance for those serving as priests was a portion from the offerings and sacrifices brought to them by those among the twelve tribes. In this sense, Jehovah was the inheritance and their portion for the clergy. While prayer, study and worship could be carried out everywhere using the system of local synagogues, offerings and sacrifices were to be made only at the place that GOD would name as the divine residence (e.g., Shiloh, Jerusalem). Those who received tithes also were expected to give a tithe that would be used to maintain the tabernacle (later, temple) services.
(3.) For many today, the tithe is a portion of ones income (meaning whatever they receive from GOD—found money, gifts, return from investments, etc.). Filthy lucre is held to be wealth from illegal and immoral activity, and may include money from cheating on ones taxes, drugs, gambling, loan sharking, lotteries, pornography, prostitution, robbery, sale of stolen goods, and usury. Others understand it differently: the tithe is a 10% “tax” upon whatever they earn as wages (before federal and local taxes, or other deductions). Still others, insist that the principle of tithing only is correct where ones labor and resources are handled and respected in terms of seed and harvest.
There is far more to be plainly said, correctly understood, and properly apprehended. (For example, (4.) The person who tithes must understand, they are a manager and steward within the household of GOD. The tithe is not their own, and must be rendered for continuing the ministry of Jesus Christ in the earth. The enrollment of a believer as a new member of an assembly or congregation, in effect, establishes a legal contract requiring their regular financial support, and is not merely a personal oath and promise to perform the peculiar duties for spreading the Gospel. Therefore, indebtedness and mismanagement of ones own finances is damaging to the church. As in Malachi 3: 8 (KJV), a man may rob GOD; and there will be judgment against him.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith and spiritual maturity.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
What do i tithe on?
recently ive made about 500 dollars but it was all a mix of birthday money and money i made off of ebay. the money off of ebay has technically already been tithed on (the items were older gifts i outgrew and i know my parents tithed on the money they bought them with originally) and birthday money is kind of a bonus..
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts. Your words have been stout against me, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee? Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts? And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered. Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. (Malachi 3: 8-18, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Ananias, Liar, Thief or Blasphemer? (01/12/2015); Consecrated in Christ? (06/21/2014); On Being Good Stewards (12/17/2013); Traditional Marriage? (12/18/2013); Sacrificial Relationship? (10/23/2013); Relationship by Unselfish Giving? (10/24/2013)
“Zachary”, here are a few points shared among Christian believers who are careful to make serving GOD their focus so they avoid the sin of making it “all about money” (idolatry):
(1.) For those who accompanied Moses, the “tithe” is a tenth from (we say, 10% of) whatever one may plant and produce using their portion within the Promised Land. While the land itself is not anointed, consecrated, and sanctified (specifically set apart for service to GOD), and the crop itself is not holy, the tithe is to be understood as though already resting upon an altar of sacrifice that serves as the point of contact for earth and heaven.
(2.) The primary income and inheritance for those serving as priests was a portion from the offerings and sacrifices brought to them by those among the twelve tribes. In this sense, Jehovah was the inheritance and their portion for the clergy. While prayer, study and worship could be carried out everywhere using the system of local synagogues, offerings and sacrifices were to be made only at the place that GOD would name as the divine residence (e.g., Shiloh, Jerusalem). Those who received tithes also were expected to give a tithe that would be used to maintain the tabernacle (later, temple) services.
(3.) For many today, the tithe is a portion of ones income (meaning whatever they receive from GOD—found money, gifts, return from investments, etc.). Filthy lucre is held to be wealth from illegal and immoral activity, and may include money from cheating on ones taxes, drugs, gambling, loan sharking, lotteries, pornography, prostitution, robbery, sale of stolen goods, and usury. Others understand it differently: the tithe is a 10% “tax” upon whatever they earn as wages (before federal and local taxes, or other deductions). Still others, insist that the principle of tithing only is correct where ones labor and resources are handled and respected in terms of seed and harvest.
There is far more to be plainly said, correctly understood, and properly apprehended. (For example, (4.) The person who tithes must understand, they are a manager and steward within the household of GOD. The tithe is not their own, and must be rendered for continuing the ministry of Jesus Christ in the earth. The enrollment of a believer as a new member of an assembly or congregation, in effect, establishes a legal contract requiring their regular financial support, and is not merely a personal oath and promise to perform the peculiar duties for spreading the Gospel. Therefore, indebtedness and mismanagement of ones own finances is damaging to the church. As in Malachi 3: 8 (KJV), a man may rob GOD; and there will be judgment against him.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith and spiritual maturity.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
(03/18/2015) GOD Known By Action Not Form?
How divinity may become known and understood come into view, today. Christian believers declare the name of GOD by proclaiming various divine deeds and accomplishments. Thus, our GOD is called Almighty, Creator, the Eternal Living GOD, the Father of Spirits, Jealous, the Holy One, the Most High, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Potentate, and Savior. The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Daz” (Level 1 with 29 points, a member since January 07, 2015) posted the following:
If the Holy Spirit is God's spirit, then what form is God himself if not a spirit, as that has already been assigned to the HS.?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right. (Proverbs 20: 11, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Jesus in GODhead (04/01/2014); Only One GOD (09/14/2013); Why GOD Prayed to GOD (09/07/2013); Utterance is Spirit (09/08/2013); A Start for the Idea of GOD? (09/09/2013); The Bible and Genealogy (09/10/2013); GOD the X? (07/19/2013); How Was GOD Known Before Jesus? (10/06/2012); Jesus, King of Earth? (10/07/2012); A Man in Heaven? (09/23/2012); Aliens? (09/24/2012)
“Daz”, here are a few points from prayerful thinking that anchor belief for many followers of Jesus Christ:
(1.) Because GOD is a living being made up of spirit matter, Deity only may be known to created beings and living creatures through revelation wherein the GODhead performs actions that display divine power, presence, and purpose. GOD is known by action and intent, rather than physical appearance (we say, image), form, shape, and measurable dimensions. Ones awareness and consciousness (we say, thoughts, intelligence, mind) must be directly moved by the divine presence; their own spirit content must be altered, sanctified, and transformed; and the ongoing interactions and operations of spirit matter within a believer must be recognized (we say, discerned) to be the same as the revealed aspects of Deity.
(2.) In addition to immortality the GODhead is described as demonstrating such features as balance, completeness, feeling, immutability, incorruption, multiple person, presence, purity, and unity. Actions taken by divinity to establish and maintain the various spheres for life (e.g., earth, heaven, the sea, the universe) include acknowledgment of confession, prayer and worship, atonement, creation, law giving, judgment, redemption, resurrection, salvation, and sanctification.
(3.) Incarnation is the appearance of divinity using flesh and material objects as vessels that contain and convey spirit substance. Thus, the Bible may be understood as a sacred object used to transfer spirit content (we say, breath, life essence, word) from GOD to those who are prepared to receive that fresh endowment of spirit matter from divinity made possible through the ministry of Jesus Christ. Born again, seeds for growth are implanted within each believer for such aspects of the divine nature as faith, forbearance, forgiveness, gratitude, holiness, humility, joy, longsuffering, love, truthfulness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and properly apprehended. (For example, (4.) Men speak about GOD using the frameworks of time and space as well as on the basis of various discrete patterns that appear among the tasks and works seen completed by divinity (e.g., Creation of heaven and earth; the Flood; destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah; death upon the cross; resurrection and ascension). The idea of a divine Trinity that has resulted has been useful to increase sacred knowledge and understanding. However, for many this seems to contradict the truth that GOD is One. It remains that nothing is impossible for GOD; and divinity is not correctly known relying upon the finite tools of emotion, intelligence, logic, philosophy, politics and science.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith and spiritual maturity.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
If the Holy Spirit is God's spirit, then what form is God himself if not a spirit, as that has already been assigned to the HS.?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right. (Proverbs 20: 11, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Jesus in GODhead (04/01/2014); Only One GOD (09/14/2013); Why GOD Prayed to GOD (09/07/2013); Utterance is Spirit (09/08/2013); A Start for the Idea of GOD? (09/09/2013); The Bible and Genealogy (09/10/2013); GOD the X? (07/19/2013); How Was GOD Known Before Jesus? (10/06/2012); Jesus, King of Earth? (10/07/2012); A Man in Heaven? (09/23/2012); Aliens? (09/24/2012)
“Daz”, here are a few points from prayerful thinking that anchor belief for many followers of Jesus Christ:
(1.) Because GOD is a living being made up of spirit matter, Deity only may be known to created beings and living creatures through revelation wherein the GODhead performs actions that display divine power, presence, and purpose. GOD is known by action and intent, rather than physical appearance (we say, image), form, shape, and measurable dimensions. Ones awareness and consciousness (we say, thoughts, intelligence, mind) must be directly moved by the divine presence; their own spirit content must be altered, sanctified, and transformed; and the ongoing interactions and operations of spirit matter within a believer must be recognized (we say, discerned) to be the same as the revealed aspects of Deity.
(2.) In addition to immortality the GODhead is described as demonstrating such features as balance, completeness, feeling, immutability, incorruption, multiple person, presence, purity, and unity. Actions taken by divinity to establish and maintain the various spheres for life (e.g., earth, heaven, the sea, the universe) include acknowledgment of confession, prayer and worship, atonement, creation, law giving, judgment, redemption, resurrection, salvation, and sanctification.
(3.) Incarnation is the appearance of divinity using flesh and material objects as vessels that contain and convey spirit substance. Thus, the Bible may be understood as a sacred object used to transfer spirit content (we say, breath, life essence, word) from GOD to those who are prepared to receive that fresh endowment of spirit matter from divinity made possible through the ministry of Jesus Christ. Born again, seeds for growth are implanted within each believer for such aspects of the divine nature as faith, forbearance, forgiveness, gratitude, holiness, humility, joy, longsuffering, love, truthfulness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and properly apprehended. (For example, (4.) Men speak about GOD using the frameworks of time and space as well as on the basis of various discrete patterns that appear among the tasks and works seen completed by divinity (e.g., Creation of heaven and earth; the Flood; destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah; death upon the cross; resurrection and ascension). The idea of a divine Trinity that has resulted has been useful to increase sacred knowledge and understanding. However, for many this seems to contradict the truth that GOD is One. It remains that nothing is impossible for GOD; and divinity is not correctly known relying upon the finite tools of emotion, intelligence, logic, philosophy, politics and science.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith and spiritual maturity.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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