If we are living in times of more progress, innovation, and intelligence, then why are there still people in the world who believe in God?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath. And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come. And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth: But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it. (Mark 4: 24-32, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Enduring As A Believer? (12/06/2015); Beyond Anything We Imagine? (11/13/2015); The Choice of Knowledge? (10/28/2015); Religion And Moral Progress? (10/23/2015); Awe? (08/09/2015); How To Measure Spiritual Progress? (04/19/2015)
“Louis”, progress for Christian believers centers upon the fulfillment of a divine plan, rather than on human acquisition of data and information (we say, learning and growth). Followers of Christ are to understand that experiences and issues for life in a material world are all fleeting, temporal, and do not endure. Mechanical process for the living is autonomic (e.g., heartbeat, gland secretions) and are not functions either of divine or self will. Also, sin may dominate awareness and self-will in the living. With this in view the disciples of Christ repeatedly reject analyses that are carnal, political, and secular, for they shine no light upon right relationship with divinity and the diverse aspects of life we call endemic, fundamental, spiritual, and universal. Christians study to acquire and correctly apply unchanging knowledge of divine processes including atonement, death, judgment, rebirth, resurrection, repentance, and sanctification. Through divine law, prophecy and “sacred knowledge” that declare the lasting effects and consequences of attitudes, behaviors, and choice as well as the eternal purposes of Deity, believers are granted direction and foreknowledge that refit created beings and living creatures for eternal life. Even so, salvation speaks to having access to GOD, and pertains more to operations of divine Spirit than to those of curiosity, intellect, logic, philosophy, science, and technology. Consider again the admonitions, and instructions from the Bible:
(1.) 2nd Timothy 3: 16-17, King James Version (KJV): 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
(2.) Romans 8: 5-9, KJV: 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 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.
(3.) Romans 12: 1-3, KJV: 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
Because full knowledge of divinity requires commitment with longsuffering and patience, many feel intimidated by the Bible, and deny themselves place with the true believers. As a result, the holy writings may remain “closed” and “sealed” as if GOD does not want them known. (For example, (4.) Daniel 12: 1-4, KJV: 1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. 2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. 4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. Also there is (5.) Ecclesiastes 12: 11-14, KJV: 11 The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd. 12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. 13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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