(11/20/2019) Sword Of The Spirit

Christ depicted as the Lion of Judah, and the power of his word as alive and an instrument of divine fullness.

Today, reply is to the error that life as a Christian, sacred ministry, and unselfish service as followers of Jesus are a repeating cycle of death and resurrection (i.e., reincarnation). Like the crown, orb, scepter and throne, the sword is a representation of dominion and ruler-ship. Throughout the Scriptures, “the sword” is language that often refers to condemnation, to conquest by enemy nations, to death, and to killing in warfare. Even so, the holy writings should be acknowledged as a record of assurances from divinity; examples and illustrations from GOD to provide comfort, life guidance, pronouncements and verdicts from tribunals for justice and instruction; emotional, psychological, and spiritual support; and the revelation of otherwise unknown and unseen truth provided by divinity. The Apostle Paul exhorted believers to renew their commitment to the Gospel on a daily basis, display the image of GOD revealed in Jesus Christ (we say, become Christ-like), and to now exist in a continuing, ongoing process as “dead to sin.” When called the “Sword of the Lord,” the word of GOD is not a weapon used against the people who assemble as his flock and kingdom so much as it is a tool that allows detection, discernment, and responding to divine spirit content from GOD residing within created beings and living creatures, and to the multiple subtleties in judgment (i.e., barely visible differences; hidden or sudden shifts in meaning, quality, and value). While various penalties within the law require mankind to acknowledge their accountability and justification for attitudes, behavior, motives, and responses, it is GOD as Creator and origin who continues to be accountable for final judgment, closure, reconciliation, and restoration for all that exist and have life. Such measures are not entered into the law or carried out on the basis of divinity being arbitrary, self-important, heartless, and sadistic. It is written: Romans 13: 1-8, King James Version (KJV): 1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. 8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.  A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “Steven” (Level 3 with 1,031 points) posted the following:

What does a sword do?

It kills. The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. So I no longer live but Christ the Spirit lives in me. lol I die daily getting born again over and over again. So if the Word of God is the Sword of the Spirit forever the I die eternally over and over again so that Christ can live in me daily. lol Think about it. This all comes from paul in the bible. It very confusing. So what I get from this is that Christ is the one who lives and not me forever. So therefore I do not have eternal life. Think about it. Note the sword of the Spirit kills. Because that is what a sword does.

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Updated 31 mins ago:

Therefore the bible contradicts itself daily. lol

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. (Romans 6: 3-13, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: GOD Present Within Words (11/07/2019); Spiritual Combat Against Sin (10/11/2019); When Speaking Of Christlikeness (06/25/2018); Weapons Of Our Warfare? (05/18/2018); Points On Spiritual Warfare (03/19/2018); Both Reincarnation and Resurrection? (04/23/2017); The Two-edged Sword (01/09/2017)

“Steven”, the “Sword of the Lord” is like a “badge” or emblem identifying one who has lawful authority, dominion, and ruler-ship. It is the sacred tool whereby issues are disentangled and separated, conflicts are resolved, and disputes are settled by applying the sanctions and standards of the law. Once they acknowledge new life through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the focus for many mature Christian believers will be fulfilling their eternal life that has already begun. In order to truly know and understand Jesus Christ, mature Christian believers put aside and suspend their focus that relies on human intellect, logic, carnal reason, and secular knowledge. Focus on perpetual covenants, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and sacred knowledge establish consciousness and self-will (willpower) within the living that are spirit in process and substance. Inseparable aspects of divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) are imparted from the makeup of GOD. Believers are to receive and rely upon their own fresh endowment of the divine life essence such as balance, faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, active presence, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Because those who are born-again are vessels of spirit from GOD, they are correctly spoken of as divine offspring, joint heirs with Jesus Christ, the children of GOD, and the new creation. While on the earth, developing believers are to “grow up again” by discovery, enduring growing pains, facing life challenges, and becoming mature/ripe for harvest by the Lord at his appearing. The holy writings become open to ones understanding as they practice discernment, continue discipline, serve unselfishly, and suffer. Just as Creation and Salvation are expressions of divine authority, commitment, dominion, glory, majesty, and power, Judgment makes visible otherwise unseen divine integrity, mercy, righteousness, peace, and love. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a presentation of music ministry, America’s Marines Singing “Days of Elijah”:

(1.) Isaiah 4: 3-5, King James Version (KJV): 3 And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem: 4 When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning. 5 And the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence.

(2.) John 6: 63, KJV: 63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

(3.) Hebrews 4: 12, KJV: 12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MtdyRDy4fU.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 2:05 PM, November 19, 2019 @ https://i.pinimg.com/736x/c6/d5/f6/c6d5f63d1c72bd3afe624102872f28e7--lions-prophetic-art.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(04/24/2017) How Christ Is Known?

 

Today, how Christ is made known through the Holy Spirit and the revelation of divinity by GOD are topics.  The divinity of Jesus Christ may only be known through the operations of faith, holiness, and the other inseparable aspects of imparted Spirit.  One of the  fighters at “Yahoo! 7 Answers (Australia)” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:


How come Simon told Jesus Christ that you're the son of the living god rather than you're the living god?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.  And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.  And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.  But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.  Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,  And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down:  for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee:  and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.  Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.  Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;  And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.  Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan:  for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.  Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.  (Matthew 4:  1-11, King James, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Why An Easter Season? (04/19/2017); Proclaiming A New Kingdom? (04/13/2017); The Way To Know? (04/12/2017); Salvation Takes A Lifetime (04/06/2017); Time and Sacred Events? (03/30/2017); Exalted By The Father? (01/26/2017); The Spirit and Prophecy (01/04/2017); Simple and Mature Faith (09/05/2016)


“Anonymous”, the process of GOD for making divinity knowable, known, and “visible” to created beings and living creatures is a movement of their awareness, self-will and spirit content through multiple levels of acknowledgement, examination, and resolution of inner conflicts.  Obstacles generated and maintained by the flesh must be overcome including carnal appetite, lack of sacred knowledge, exaggerated pride, vanity (i.e., lack of spirit content), and worldliness.  The process of growth, learning, and permanent change experienced by Simon Peter was the very same as that undergone by Jesus himself, and that believers today must also undergo.  Only by operations of the Holy Spirit could the Savior arrive at the understanding of his place as a son of the Highest, an heir to Deity, and the One who must serve as a sacrifice for the atonement of sin.  It was this same experience that led John the Baptist to leave the Temple community though an heir to a High Priest, and that was required before Thomas and others who had lived and worked with Jesus on a daily basis could comprehend that GOD truly was fulfilling his words of promise and prophecy within their own lives.  In every instance, men in flesh could only receive an earnest or “down payment” of the full endowment GOD wanted to bestow.  The ministry of Jesus that “officially” began with a miracle of water being turned into wine did not flourish or come into its fullness of authority and power until Jesus had suffered, died upon the cross, emerged from the grave in resurrection, and ascended up to heaven in the presence of selected eyewitnesses.  Consider again the following from the Bible:

(1.)  1st Corinthians 12:  3, King James Version (KJV):  3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed:  and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

(2.)  Isaiah 63:  16, KJV:  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.

(3.)  Colossians 1:  12-18, KJV:  12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:  13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:  14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:  15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:  16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers:  all things were created by him, and for him:  17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.  18 And he is the head of the body, the church:  who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

(4.)  John 15:  22-27, KJV:  22 If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin.  23 He that hateth me hateth my Father also.  24 If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.  25 But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.  26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:  27 And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  John 20:  24-29, KJV:  24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.  25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.  26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them:  then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.  27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side:  and be not faithless, but believing.  28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.  29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed:  blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(04/23/2017) Both Reincarnation and Resurrection?

Today, topics are reincarnation, resurrection, and spiritual confusion.  The solution of Jesus Christ dying on the cross and his resurrection from death addresses a broad range of existential problems that include the recovery of divine Creation from the operations of sin, the justification and glorification of created beings and living creatures as well as the altering of their spirit makeup and substance rather than merely their image and form.  A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “I identify as a Helicopter” (Level 6 with 15,836 points, a member since December 02, 2014) posted the following:


Why doesn't Christianity believe in reincarnation, but preaches that Jesus will have a "second coming?" Isn't that reincarnation?

Nothing about Christianity makes any sense...

Update:  Or is it a special case that can only be made possible by God Magic?

Update 2:  @Blue Face Anon: If you read and actually understand what the Bible is saying, Jesus is a SPIRIT, not a specific living human, so, given the fact that Jesus (spirit) was first placed into a body, when he died, he (his spirit) went back up to heaven (magical spirit world), and his "Second Coming" would be a REINCARNATION, since his "First Coming" was an INCARNATION. Do you understand now, or is this not sinking in, because you already have preconceived notions about this event?

Update 3:  If you worship the human body that Jesus was placed into, then, that would be IDOLATRY, which is contradictory to your own religion.
So, now that we have established the hypocrisy of Christian teachings, we can see that what you all believe is not correct.

Update 4:  @Blue Face Anon: So, you believe that Jesus is a human, rather than a spirit, and he initially existed in human form? Where in the Bible does it say that?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)  Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.  For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.  Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:  That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.  (Romans 5:  17-21, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Redemption Through Ordinary Flesh? (04/20/2017); Resurrected With The Lord (04/16/2017); The Complete Divine Revelation? (03/10/2017); Divine Appearances Using Form? (12/20/2016); Different Form, Same Relationship? (11/20/2016); The Baptist and The Tishbite? (02/18/2015); Does Believing Make It Happen? (09/18/2012); Fasting “After the Spirit” (09/19/2012)


“I identify as a Helicopter”, you are not a fool, and you are capable of understanding both reincarnation and resurrection.  Operations impossible for humans to perform have been carried out by the Spirit of GOD.  Every sound belief system acknowledges only a specific set of interrelated principles and tenets, and totally rejects other ideas as “contradictory” and “incompatible”.  Mature Christian believers regard the meanings and values shared through the doctrines of resurrection and the ministry of Jesus Christ as very different from those among believers in reincarnation.  The focus for Christians is the character, nature, operation, purposes, and substance of divinity revealed through sacred events, objects put forth by GOD, and the active presence of Deity.  Christians seek a personal relationship with divinity as sons and daughters of GOD.  Thus, teachings are included on adoption, aging, birth, Creation, death, Incarnation, maturation, continuing relationships, resurrection for Judgment as well as the transformation of mankind to exist as an immortal, incorruptible companion of GOD.  By contrast the focus for reincarnation can be understood as the recurring appearance and duration of living creatures described as a cycle and mechanical process.  As an abstract and impersonal routine, reincarnation is not ascribed to a divine person who exercises authority, intention, and will.  Even so, systems teaching reincarnation usually include hierarchy and movement through multiple levels that are “better” or “higher” in quality of being.  Where one attains the highest level, they repeat the cycles of death and life no more.  To the extent, the Creator is denied and rejected, reincarnation will eventually appear to Christians as blasphemy and disbelief; yet, many are drawn to and fascinated by reincarnation as an excellent set of intellectual ideas.  Consider again the following that uses the language of the Bible:

(1.)  Romans 6:  3-9, King James Version (KJV):  3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?  4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death:  that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.  5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:  6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.  7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.  8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:  9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.

(2.)  1st Corinthians 15:  51-57, KJV:  51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,  52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump:  for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.  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.  57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  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.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(02/18/2015) The Baptist and The Tishbite?

Old and New Testament prophecies concerning the coming of Christ are in view, today, such as Malachi 4: 5-6 and Luke 1:  16-18, KJV.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using “cosmo” as their ID (Level 7 with 114,460 points, a member since September 05, 2006) attacked with the following:


In Christian mythology, what does it mean that John the Baptist (a real, historical person) is Elijah (legendary prophet) who is to come?

Does this mean that Christian mythology includes reincarnation?
Didn't Elijah already exist centuries before?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?  And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.  And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.  Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?  He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.  And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.  And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?  John answered them, saying, I baptize with water:  but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;  He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose.  These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.  The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.  (John 1:  19-29, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Why Prophets Were Sent to Israel (11/23/2014); The Need for Prophecy Then and Now (11/24/2014); The Body of Moses (05/11/2014); GOD Permits Evil? (05/12/2014); Prophetic Demonstrations (09/06/2013); Why GOD Prayed to GOD (09/07/2013); Jesus and the Pharisees (07/14/2013); How Could Angels Fall? (07/15/2013); Both Born Holy? (04/29/2013); Scripture at Funerals? (04/30/2013)


“cosmo”, here are a few points to consider that have helped many Christian believers avoid error, foolishness and spiritual confusion:

(1.)  Christian belief appears as the product of exchanges, interactions, and operations among, upon and within multiple aspects of a person’s spirit content.  Conviction that results through the active presence and person of divinity can not be correctly and completely understood using finite, material or mechanical academic disciplines and tools such as history, intellect, logic, philosophy, and science.  There must be sacred (not secular) knowledge that is not derived from abstract analysis, labeling, and experimental manipulation.

(2.)  Using language from literary criticism and scholarly study, both Elijah and John the Baptist are types (i.e., figures and symbols that identify a peculiar class or concept appearing throughout the holy writings).  The idea of “reincarnation” with a changing, eternal continuation of ones existence does not appear at all in the Scriptures.  Yet, there are resurrection from the dead for judgment; rebirth through baptism, repentance and sanctification; as well as translation from life to eternal life without the occurrence of death.

(3.)  Among the many things you may not know, Elijah performed several miracles (we say, sacred events), and was taken up to GOD by a chariot of fire, yet, also appeared with Moses to Jesus before the Lord’s crucifixion.  The destruction of Jerusalem with captivity and exile saw a break in the line of priests and prophets that had gone forth from those who left Egypt.  John the Baptist, who received the Holy Spirit before he actually was born, was the first to appear among the Jews in more than 400 years that met the criteria for both priests and prophets recorded in the holy writings—an abiding spirit from GOD.   Similarly, in addition to prophet, Jesus demonstrated the anointing as High Priest, judge, king, redeemer, and savior.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  The stream of prophecy is essential for the sacred operation of revelation whereby created beings and living creatures are given an experience of continuing consciousness from GOD, who is immutable, invisible, unchanging spirit and can not be apprehended using only sensation (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching), emotion, and mental functions.  Jesus Christ appeared as an incarnation of GOD in the earth to fulfill and validate the revelation documented among those in covenant with divinity, and provide further assurance that all the many proclamations from GOD definitely will be carried out and completed.)  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

(09/19/2012) Fasting "After the Spirit"

     Fasting “after the flesh” and “after the spirit” are considered today, along with more on whether believing brings about reincarnation and resurrection. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “mopar Mike” (Level 6 with 18,975 points, a member since December 23, 2008) posted the following:


Christians: Whats been your experience with fasting ? Has it significantly enhanced your Christian walk?

I’ve heard other Christian say it’s very effective in breaking strongholds.
Also. I realize fasting is not to pry God’s hand open in giving you what you want. I’m just curious as to your experience.
Thanks in advance for your answers.


THE BATTLE AXE: Does Believing Make It Happen? (09/18/2012)—For many reincarnation is an event in nature like reproduction, childbirth, toothache, and “growing up.” As a fixed and set condition of existence, reincarnation requires no explanation or justification: It just is. However, given such ideas as karma, and possibilities for movement through higher and lower levels of being (including divinity), reincarnation also speaks to “judgment”, and the valuing of life accomplishments. Given the absence of a divine person who presides over reincarnation, benefits, compensation, penalties and rewards are held to be distributed on a basis that is balanced, neutral, and “fair”. For Christians, power derives from being in correct relationship with Almighty GOD, and is more a product from acting according to belief than from simply believing. Without proper action, believing is fruitless, has no substance, and is no more than day-dreaming, fantasy and wishing. As a reality of judgment, all must face both the actual outcomes and consequences of their own deeds as well as appear in the full presence of the Holy One and Judge, who himself is the eternal standard for all substance, person and life. While as humans all our relationships entail change, conflict, instability, stress, and surprise, the contribution of relationships to life experience far exceeds the beauty, potential, power and richness of any life event, or mechanical process of nature and time.


THE GOLDEN ARROW: And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, (Matthew 4: 3-5)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why We Do…and Don’t (01/18/2012); All Righteousness (01/11/2012); Binder 24: If Ye Continue (10/21/2011); Lent (03/10/2011); Getting Ready? (11/05/2010); Bible Boring? (09/29/2010)


Be encouraged as you consider the following:

      Where fasting is “after the flesh” its focus is upon abstinence from eating and drinking. One is made more introspective and self-aware, both through signals from their body, and from their mind as they break the usual rhythm of their day. Their consciousness is repeatedly directed to their own physical wellbeing as well as to the comfort and mechanics of their own organs. A person may miss meals, or endure hunger and thirst for many reasons (e.g., competition, health regimens, illness, lack of appetite, no food in their home, poverty, self-discipline, sleep, study, weight loss, work), thus, the practice of simply skipping meals is not regarded as automatically having spiritual benefit.
 
      Where one fasts “after the spirit,” the time ordinarily used in preparing and taking meals is spent instead “consuming” the word of GOD. The focus of fasting is then upon humbling oneself to GOD, and confirms the divine truth that the spirit in man also must be nourished: man lives not by bread only, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD (see Deuteronomy 8: 2-3, King James Version). The holy writings are correctly understood as containing and supplying spiritual, rather than carnal, material and social substance.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, in the same way Christian believers are circumcised in the body and person of Jesus Christ, believers have already fasted 40 days and nights as did Moses. It is not necessary that we repeat all the sufferings that Christ has accomplished for us, beyond what will open our understanding, and establish us with him in his finished work.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(09/18/2012) Does Believing Make It Happen?

     The importance of belief to reincarnation and resurrection are examined today; and there is more on unwelcome gifts. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Amanda” (Level 1 with 95 points, a member since September 17, 2012) posted the following:


Do you have to believe in reincarnation for it to happen?

In many religions, the belief in its philosophies is required for the “stuff” to happen. (i.e. going to heaven and such). What about reincarnation? If I don’t believe in reincarnation, will it still happen? I’m not asking for proof of reincarnation, just whether or not belief in required for it to happen. Any websites that support your answers would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!


THE BATTLE AXE: Unwelcome Gifts? (09/17/2012)—The scenario where a young man sees a young woman, wants to date her, sends her a note inviting her to coffee, begins to send flowers, tickets, small bits of jewelry, and bends the knee proposing does not always have a happy ending. She may turn down his invitations and inducements, and refuse to accept the offer of his ring. Does he “punish” her by pursuing the three other girls who like him? Does he behave as one “unloving” because he chooses a bride who will be faithful to him, and drops her completely from his radar? Many will agree that GOD may choose whom he will for eternal life. Yet, they insist GOD may not destroy those that oppose the beauty and purity he demands. What should GOD do with those who were cold, unfriendly, unresponsive, ungodly? Should he keep their names in his “little black book” of life? Or should he, in mercy, release them from ever having to see his face again?


THE GOLDEN ARROW: What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. (James 2: 14-19)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Gospel not Logical? (09/16/2012); Chances for Change (09/15/2012); Girdle 15: Not Of The World (11/30/2011); Girdle 5: Of Trust (11/20/2011)


      May I share some thoughts in response to your question? Many mature Christians now think of “reincarnation” as an explanation of human reality that describes life and death as a repeating, mechanical process. Reincarnation, spoken of as “the wheel of life,” is very different from “resurrection,” the restoration of life to the dead that results in judgment, and the final end of all mortal existence. Escaping the wheel is by choosing “Jacob’s ladder.” (Incorruptibility and immortality are bestowed upon those believing in Christ.) Questions about how the “machine” was created, or how the “cycle” first begun are not clearly addressed. There are no explanations of who might have begun the process, who may be continuing and maintaining the process, or whom we could ask to complete and shut down the process. Mankind and other living things are held to be subject to the process of reincarnation in spite of their beliefs, consciousness, desire or will.

      For Christians, resurrection absolutely will happen for both the righteous and the wicked dead: every person that has ever lived will appear before GOD in judgment to make answer for himself, or herself. Separation of those who are believers in the Gospel of Jesus Christ from those who are not has already begun through a process of “self-selection” by those who have heard the Gospel presented. Their responses and life choices set them apart as a chosen people of GOD alive in the earth.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, Christian belief centers upon relationships for created beings and living creatures, among themselves and with GOD their Creator. Many sacred processes come into view, however, few of them are “mechanical” and just go forward independent of GOD, and on their own. Included are death, eternal life, forgiveness, judgment, love, rebirth, repentance, resurrection, salvation, and sanctification.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC