Points on dreams, judgment, prophecy, and rejection are shared, today. Where dreams are not devices used to make the character and nature of divinity known, dreams are a by-product of being alive in flesh and responding to appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, sexual cravings), sense (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching) and emotion/mental functions (e.g., anger, fear, imagination, recall). With GOD, the future is not foretold and shown to mankind as knowledge to benefit an individual, as instructions and messages for only one person and their family, or to announce discrete events and their outcomes. Rather, the future is declared and proclaimed in such forms as law, prophecy and Scripture that reveal divine intent, ongoing sacred process, and eternal purpose. A new writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Lindsay” (Level 1 with 95 points, a member since March 10, 2015) posted the following:
Dreams about being rejected by God?
Lately I have been having so weird dreams. They all come in different ways but they all end up with me getting rejected by God. I don't go to hell or anything but I'm in this really weird purgatory and I'm trying to find God and I can hear angels singing. As soon as I get close to him I just get pushed back. It s really got me messed up.
I know I probably should have taken this to a Christian site or something but I couldnt find one... So.. Help?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD. Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that steal my words every one from his neighbour. Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He saith. Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the LORD. (Jeremiah 23: 28-32, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Divinely Sent Dreams? (02/26/2015); Prayer, Dreams and Messages? (01/27/2015); Both Lost and Found? (11/08/2014); Two Different Sides? (11/09/2014); Condemned by the Church? (08/19/2014); Principles of Correct Belief? (08/20/2014); A Culture of Judgment? (03/20/2014); Beyond Punishment (03/21/2014); If You Are Sent…? (06/08/2013); Scriptures and Sayings? (06/09/2013); About Conversion (09/03/2012)
“Lindsay”, it is usually best to avoid giving personal or intimate spiritual advice (we say, pastoral counsel) to others when we have no clear knowledge of their preparation to receive sacred fruit from the ministries of Jesus Christ. Those who intercede and intervene for strangers also must be accountable for unforeseen and unintended outcomes within experiences, and lives they can not control. Even so, there are many principles and seeds for correct understanding that believers may share to further release others from spiritual confusion. Consider the following:
(1.) The operations of GOD to reveal divinity through dreams only appear as a further presentation of prophecy—demonstrations and messages from divinity through specially prepared agents (we say, apostles, prophets, spokespersons, those sent) intended to build up (we say, edify), comfort, and exhort (we say, urge to immediate action) the entire church.
(2.) GOD is not the author of confusion, thus, dreams, miracles and visions are not the most important features for Christian believers. While there is diversity for the multiple gifts and messages ministered among mankind, they all agree (we say, corroborate) and support one another as expressions of a single Deity, of clearly documented eternal purposes, and of specific principles that continue doctrinal and historical unity.
(3.) The interpretation of dreams sent by GOD certainly can be supplied by the Holy Spirit (as seen with Joseph in Genesis, or the Apostle Peter in the Book of Acts). However, all believers are not given that specific gift. Like sin that overwhelms human awareness and self-will, fascination with death, occult, and supernatural teachings influence mankind to oppose the holy writings.
(4.) For many, admonition, caution, and warnings are most clearly provided through the sanctions (declaration of consequences, effects and results of disobedience including punishments) proclaimed as divine law.
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and properly apprehended. (For example, (5.) Through Jesus Christ, believers should be able to grasp that the process of GOD has not been focused upon damnation and death. Rather, the focus is salvation, eternal life, and love. Christ has avoided cruelty, threats, and violence. The Lord has gone forward using such tools as fellowship with experienced believers, forbearance, forgiveness, healing, repentance, and truth. All are correct to be in awe, for GOD does appear. However, anxiety, dread, and fear that signal deep human emotions are useless to establish and maintain right relationship with our Creator.) 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
Showing posts with label advice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label advice. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
(03/26/2014) Saul of Tarsus
Focus, today, is upon conversion and coming to Jesus as shown in the experience of Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles. Also, there is more on when advice/rules should be obeyed as law. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “rachel m” (Level 3 with 2,498 points, a member since March 18, 2007) posted the following:
Was Jesus a Rabbi? if so, then he broke all his own rules.?
i cant understand how Jesus became so popular. i DO NOT mean to be disrespectful but why Jesus??? there were many just like him at the same time so what was so special about him??
THE BATTLE AXE: When Is A Law The LAW? (03/25/2014)—The operations of sin influence created beings and living creatures to despise and reject godliness in all its forms. During his ministry upon the earth, Jesus contended against formalism (i.e., exaggerated and strict adherence to customs, traditions and practices as though their observance will satisfy all aspects of divine law). The Savior revealed that formalism is a source of confusion, error, and sin no less than idolatry that centers in worship of the law, rather than the divine law giver. The law may become an instrument of death, and a shield to transgression where emotion, fear, and emphasis upon obedience to law are primary aspects of focus and belief. A saving relationship with GOD, who is a spirit, may only be achieved by application of imparted, indwelling spirit matter—ones inward law. A highly developed legal apparatus was in place that blinded men to the spirit substance of the law. In addition to commandments, ordinances, and statutes that we immediately recognize as “the law,” the holy writings also document rulings from the system of judges who were appointed to resolve conflicts and disputes along with the pronouncements and verdicts from GOD that identify and condemn sin. The Scriptures also provide advice and counsel that have come forth from GOD, and therefore, has been acknowledged and valued as having the same force and power as divine law. These added treasures from GOD appear in the form of instruction, parables (we say, object lessons), precepts, principles, prophecies, warnings, and wisdom. Consider Exodus 18: 13-26, Leviticus 18: 3-5, Deuteronomy 1: 13-17, Deuteronomy 4: 1-20, Psalms 111: 10, Proverbs 1: 7, Proverbs 9: 10, Proverbs 21: 30, Matthew 13: 33-35, 2nd Timothy 3: 16-17 and 2nd Peter 1: 19, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1st Corinthians 2: 9-14, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Faith Given By GOD (03/13/2014); Miracles Are From GOD (03/14/2014); The Benefit of Grace (03/19/2013); Magical Resurrection? (03/20/2013); Given the Cloud of Witnesses (11/29/2012); A Golden Ticket? (11/30/2012); And This Was Good News (12/01/2012); A Need to Fear? (12/02/2012); The Slave to Law and Sin Made Free (11/16/2012); Lawful Divorce (11/17/2012)
“rachel m”, here are a few points you might want to consider before you just “give up on it” altogether:
(1.) The Apostle Paul stands out for expressing feelings similar to yours when he first began to examine the “Jesus phenomena.” As a dedicated and much respected scholar of Jewish law and culture, Saul of Tarsus, volunteered to serve as an officer of the Sanhedrin Court. In effect, the Pharisee became “the Lord, High Executioner,” officially commissioned to destroy the early church. He was given authority to offer bribes, kick down doors, take names, make arrests, torture, and preside over public executions by stoning.
(2.) Saul had his own personal experience of Christ. At first it came by hearing others preach, and proclaim the doctrines and teachings endorsed by Jesus. He became impressed by the confidence, certainty, and conviction among those who were his victims. At the same time, Saul saw gentleness, goodness, and the same spiritual power appearing among the Lord’s disciples that had been reported as shown by Jesus. There is no report of Saul having been in any of the gatherings where Jesus healed and preached before the Lord’s crucifixion. Yet, the stoning of a deacon, Stephen, the first martyr of the church, allowed Saul an experience within his own living spirit as if he had been physically present at the death of Jesus.
(3.) Finally, as he was traveling to Damascus, Saul had a direct experience of Christ. He was overwhelmed by what he heard and saw; and for three days remained blind. Saul was himself as if dead for three days; and a disciple was sent to heal and restore him. After instruction, he chose to honor and serve Jesus, first by accepting baptism (death of ones inborn spirit nature, rebirth having a new spirit nature from GOD), then by sharing his testimony, by personally protecting the church of Jesus, and by spreading the Gospel in places where it might not otherwise be heard.
There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, thoroughly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) All non-believers go through the same overall process that Paul experienced. Certainly, the details of a believer’s testimony and witness that proclaims their encounter with Christ will vary from person to person. Nonetheless, the spiritual process of GOD is fixed, immutable, and has not changed. By what they share and show, the disciples of Jesus (i.e., ordinary people in flesh and blood) prepare those who will finally come to Christ to have their own clear experience of his presence in their lives.) Stay alert, for where you truly want answers from GOD, more are on the way. Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3: 13-14, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Was Jesus a Rabbi? if so, then he broke all his own rules.?
i cant understand how Jesus became so popular. i DO NOT mean to be disrespectful but why Jesus??? there were many just like him at the same time so what was so special about him??
THE BATTLE AXE: When Is A Law The LAW? (03/25/2014)—The operations of sin influence created beings and living creatures to despise and reject godliness in all its forms. During his ministry upon the earth, Jesus contended against formalism (i.e., exaggerated and strict adherence to customs, traditions and practices as though their observance will satisfy all aspects of divine law). The Savior revealed that formalism is a source of confusion, error, and sin no less than idolatry that centers in worship of the law, rather than the divine law giver. The law may become an instrument of death, and a shield to transgression where emotion, fear, and emphasis upon obedience to law are primary aspects of focus and belief. A saving relationship with GOD, who is a spirit, may only be achieved by application of imparted, indwelling spirit matter—ones inward law. A highly developed legal apparatus was in place that blinded men to the spirit substance of the law. In addition to commandments, ordinances, and statutes that we immediately recognize as “the law,” the holy writings also document rulings from the system of judges who were appointed to resolve conflicts and disputes along with the pronouncements and verdicts from GOD that identify and condemn sin. The Scriptures also provide advice and counsel that have come forth from GOD, and therefore, has been acknowledged and valued as having the same force and power as divine law. These added treasures from GOD appear in the form of instruction, parables (we say, object lessons), precepts, principles, prophecies, warnings, and wisdom. Consider Exodus 18: 13-26, Leviticus 18: 3-5, Deuteronomy 1: 13-17, Deuteronomy 4: 1-20, Psalms 111: 10, Proverbs 1: 7, Proverbs 9: 10, Proverbs 21: 30, Matthew 13: 33-35, 2nd Timothy 3: 16-17 and 2nd Peter 1: 19, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1st Corinthians 2: 9-14, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Faith Given By GOD (03/13/2014); Miracles Are From GOD (03/14/2014); The Benefit of Grace (03/19/2013); Magical Resurrection? (03/20/2013); Given the Cloud of Witnesses (11/29/2012); A Golden Ticket? (11/30/2012); And This Was Good News (12/01/2012); A Need to Fear? (12/02/2012); The Slave to Law and Sin Made Free (11/16/2012); Lawful Divorce (11/17/2012)
“rachel m”, here are a few points you might want to consider before you just “give up on it” altogether:
(1.) The Apostle Paul stands out for expressing feelings similar to yours when he first began to examine the “Jesus phenomena.” As a dedicated and much respected scholar of Jewish law and culture, Saul of Tarsus, volunteered to serve as an officer of the Sanhedrin Court. In effect, the Pharisee became “the Lord, High Executioner,” officially commissioned to destroy the early church. He was given authority to offer bribes, kick down doors, take names, make arrests, torture, and preside over public executions by stoning.
(2.) Saul had his own personal experience of Christ. At first it came by hearing others preach, and proclaim the doctrines and teachings endorsed by Jesus. He became impressed by the confidence, certainty, and conviction among those who were his victims. At the same time, Saul saw gentleness, goodness, and the same spiritual power appearing among the Lord’s disciples that had been reported as shown by Jesus. There is no report of Saul having been in any of the gatherings where Jesus healed and preached before the Lord’s crucifixion. Yet, the stoning of a deacon, Stephen, the first martyr of the church, allowed Saul an experience within his own living spirit as if he had been physically present at the death of Jesus.
(3.) Finally, as he was traveling to Damascus, Saul had a direct experience of Christ. He was overwhelmed by what he heard and saw; and for three days remained blind. Saul was himself as if dead for three days; and a disciple was sent to heal and restore him. After instruction, he chose to honor and serve Jesus, first by accepting baptism (death of ones inborn spirit nature, rebirth having a new spirit nature from GOD), then by sharing his testimony, by personally protecting the church of Jesus, and by spreading the Gospel in places where it might not otherwise be heard.
There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, thoroughly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) All non-believers go through the same overall process that Paul experienced. Certainly, the details of a believer’s testimony and witness that proclaims their encounter with Christ will vary from person to person. Nonetheless, the spiritual process of GOD is fixed, immutable, and has not changed. By what they share and show, the disciples of Jesus (i.e., ordinary people in flesh and blood) prepare those who will finally come to Christ to have their own clear experience of his presence in their lives.) Stay alert, for where you truly want answers from GOD, more are on the way. Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3: 13-14, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
(03/25/2014) When Is A Law The LAW?
Today, focus is upon the nature and process of divine law. Also, there is more on genuine repentance. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Aaron Aaron Aaron” (Level 2 with 953 points, a member since April 06, 2013) posted the following:
Is not obeying gods advice/rules, a sin? (protestant christian)?
before you think of some sarcastic comment against christians, if you don't have anything intelligent to say, please dont say anything at all. thanks
For example, if god says, in the bible...to be wise, is it a sin to not be wise? an example of not being wise as say, swearing infront of other people when trying to promote a positive testamoney.
thank you :)
THE BATTLE AXE: Genuine Repentance? (03/24/2014)—(4.) The repentance we speak of as Christian believers pertains to more than courtesy, good, manners, politeness, and social etiquette. An apology is merely a verbal event wherein one expresses embarrassment, feelings of guilt, and sentiments of regret and remorse. To repent must be more than an intellectual or mental act wherein one simply changes ones mind. Repentance is a “return to GOD” by turning ones awareness, spirit content, and self-will away from sin. Christian repentance is carried out through the Spirit of GOD, and is more than a one-time religious event such as church attendance. The believer is given a “new heart.” Repentance is triggered as an awareness that is called “godly sorrow”, and often is first called into view through confession. Later, repentance is regularly displayed as a continuing pattern in the life of created beings and living creatures that derives from their fresh endowment of Spirit from GOD. See 1st Samuel 7: 2-4, 2nd Chronicles 30: 8-9, Isaiah 55: 6-8, Jeremiah 24: 6-8, and Ezekiel 18: 20-32, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written. For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law? For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. (Romans 2: 21-29, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Benefit of Law? (11/15/2013); Are Holidays Bad? (11/16/2013); Angels, Law and Sin (10/18/2013); Law A Schoolmaster? (10/03/2013); Was Jesus Literate? (10/04/2013); Gentiles and the Law? (09/19/2013); Weed and Godly Wisdom (09/15/2013); The Limit to Believing? (09/16/2013); Law in Christian Belief? (09/03/2013); A Need to Know? (09/04/2013); Why A “Spokesperson”? (01/14/2013); No Contradictions? (01/15/2013)
“Aaron Aaron Aaron” your excellent questions calls for an excellent answer. For many Christian believers what you ask has to do with how to recognize practices, statements, and utterances that have the force of divine law. One of the most important accomplishments through the ministry of Jesus Christ has been to clarify the function, process, eternal purpose, and sacred nature of law. Because many believers are first introduced to divine law as the Ten Commandments (some say, the Decalogue), the idea continues to be mistakenly held that divine law is punitive; centers only on various prohibitions, punishments, and restrictions (thou shalt not); and was intended only for the Jews. Because the law expresses and reveals divinity there absolutely must be law.
Through the holy writings, followers of Jesus understand there have been many covenant agreements (we say, lawful contracts) established that further bind mankind to GOD. Included are covenant agreements with Adam, Noah, the one we know as the “law of Moses,” the covenant of David, and the New Testament in the blood of Jesus Christ.
Christ has taught keeping the law requires more than ceremonies, social customs, rituals, and traditions. The spirit substance of the law must be maintained in attitudes, behavior, conduct, and relationships. Thus, only those “without sin” may cast the first stone as the agents of GOD and his sinless law. Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, of GOD as the Law Giver and Judge, and of a Creation that continues only through the orderly process of law.
Where believers say that Christ has “fulfilled the law” by his death on the cross, some err thinking this means there are no more restrictions upon self-will. Many are defiant and reject church attendance and other participation in communities of faith, because they must yield to discipline, policy, and standard procedures that appear no different than law. Such must acquire discernment (ability to use their own endowment of spirit matter from the makeup of GOD to examine and recognize the spirit content in such things as events, objects, persons, and purposes).
There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, thoroughly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, the power of the law derives from its spirit, and not merely its letter. Many confronted Jesus who practiced as lawyers and scribes, and regularly argued the specific words and precise application of the law (we say, technicalities). It’s like our law regarding “drug free zones” around schools. Most sellers and users are shocked to find there is no two-inch or two-feet exception; and that elementary, middle and high schools are not the only protected locations. Nursery school, daycare, playgrounds, and after school program areas are also embraced.) Where you truly want answers from GOD, there is far more on its way. Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. (Romans 7: 12-13, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Is not obeying gods advice/rules, a sin? (protestant christian)?
before you think of some sarcastic comment against christians, if you don't have anything intelligent to say, please dont say anything at all. thanks
For example, if god says, in the bible...to be wise, is it a sin to not be wise? an example of not being wise as say, swearing infront of other people when trying to promote a positive testamoney.
thank you :)
THE BATTLE AXE: Genuine Repentance? (03/24/2014)—(4.) The repentance we speak of as Christian believers pertains to more than courtesy, good, manners, politeness, and social etiquette. An apology is merely a verbal event wherein one expresses embarrassment, feelings of guilt, and sentiments of regret and remorse. To repent must be more than an intellectual or mental act wherein one simply changes ones mind. Repentance is a “return to GOD” by turning ones awareness, spirit content, and self-will away from sin. Christian repentance is carried out through the Spirit of GOD, and is more than a one-time religious event such as church attendance. The believer is given a “new heart.” Repentance is triggered as an awareness that is called “godly sorrow”, and often is first called into view through confession. Later, repentance is regularly displayed as a continuing pattern in the life of created beings and living creatures that derives from their fresh endowment of Spirit from GOD. See 1st Samuel 7: 2-4, 2nd Chronicles 30: 8-9, Isaiah 55: 6-8, Jeremiah 24: 6-8, and Ezekiel 18: 20-32, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written. For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law? For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. (Romans 2: 21-29, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Benefit of Law? (11/15/2013); Are Holidays Bad? (11/16/2013); Angels, Law and Sin (10/18/2013); Law A Schoolmaster? (10/03/2013); Was Jesus Literate? (10/04/2013); Gentiles and the Law? (09/19/2013); Weed and Godly Wisdom (09/15/2013); The Limit to Believing? (09/16/2013); Law in Christian Belief? (09/03/2013); A Need to Know? (09/04/2013); Why A “Spokesperson”? (01/14/2013); No Contradictions? (01/15/2013)
“Aaron Aaron Aaron” your excellent questions calls for an excellent answer. For many Christian believers what you ask has to do with how to recognize practices, statements, and utterances that have the force of divine law. One of the most important accomplishments through the ministry of Jesus Christ has been to clarify the function, process, eternal purpose, and sacred nature of law. Because many believers are first introduced to divine law as the Ten Commandments (some say, the Decalogue), the idea continues to be mistakenly held that divine law is punitive; centers only on various prohibitions, punishments, and restrictions (thou shalt not); and was intended only for the Jews. Because the law expresses and reveals divinity there absolutely must be law.
Through the holy writings, followers of Jesus understand there have been many covenant agreements (we say, lawful contracts) established that further bind mankind to GOD. Included are covenant agreements with Adam, Noah, the one we know as the “law of Moses,” the covenant of David, and the New Testament in the blood of Jesus Christ.
Christ has taught keeping the law requires more than ceremonies, social customs, rituals, and traditions. The spirit substance of the law must be maintained in attitudes, behavior, conduct, and relationships. Thus, only those “without sin” may cast the first stone as the agents of GOD and his sinless law. Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, of GOD as the Law Giver and Judge, and of a Creation that continues only through the orderly process of law.
Where believers say that Christ has “fulfilled the law” by his death on the cross, some err thinking this means there are no more restrictions upon self-will. Many are defiant and reject church attendance and other participation in communities of faith, because they must yield to discipline, policy, and standard procedures that appear no different than law. Such must acquire discernment (ability to use their own endowment of spirit matter from the makeup of GOD to examine and recognize the spirit content in such things as events, objects, persons, and purposes).
There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, thoroughly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, the power of the law derives from its spirit, and not merely its letter. Many confronted Jesus who practiced as lawyers and scribes, and regularly argued the specific words and precise application of the law (we say, technicalities). It’s like our law regarding “drug free zones” around schools. Most sellers and users are shocked to find there is no two-inch or two-feet exception; and that elementary, middle and high schools are not the only protected locations. Nursery school, daycare, playgrounds, and after school program areas are also embraced.) Where you truly want answers from GOD, there is far more on its way. Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. (Romans 7: 12-13, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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