(01/12/2020) Judge Not The Appearance

Today, reply is on counsels from Jesus Christ regarding the practice of judging others. To correctly minster to sinners returning to GOD through Jesus Christ, followers of the Lord must practice forgiveness, and suspend condemnation by mankind. The goals and objectives in sacred judgment are acknowledgment, affirmation, approval, the provision of mercy, and the justification of divinity. Questions on how to recognize cults and Satan-worshipers have low priority among mature Christians. Satan has no authority, influence, or presence in the final judgment by GOD. Moreover, the Devil has no power to conceal, defend, protect, or release any from the divine expressions of wrath against sin. The Adversary will be cast into the Lake of Fire before the Advent of Jesus Christ (i.e., the harvest; the first resurrection; the Second Coming), and before the second resurrection that will be completed prior to the white throne judgment. For the church, sacred judgment will focus on the spirit process and substance imparted from the makeup of divine fullness that should appear within events, objects, persons, and speech expressing the sovereign will of GOD, rather than on occurrences of poor attitudes, bad conduct, faulty logic, violence, and naughtiness. Failing to realize that sin is contrary to the continued existence of divine law, the Lawgiver, the true nature of humanity, their own survival, and our preserving the multiple spheres of life that make up the universe, transgression and iniquity are being practiced as a way of life on the earth. Boasting themselves as those having free-speech, many mistakenly regard the making of false accusations, blasphemy, name-calling, presumption, rebellion against divinity, and slander as a matter of showing oneself to be attractive, clever, knowledgeable, intelligent, or even scientific. Because judging others, and the judgment practiced by sinners and the ungodly are self-promoting and punitive in their focus, the fruit they produce are decayed, rotting, and filled with anger, bitterness, enmity, malice, revenge, and spiritual confusion. Those who deserve praise and rewards from GOD will not be forgotten or overlooked. It is written: 1^st Corinthians 4: 3-5, King James Version (KJV): 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. 4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shown) posted the following:

Is it true that evil people can seem nice on the outside?

And satanic cults don't always look like cults?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. (Revelation 20: 11-13, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Presuming To Judge Others? (12/16/2019); Ones Spirit Must Grow? (09/29/2019); Judging Another Person’s Conversion (09/06/2019); The Thought of Foolishness (03/31/2019); When Nobody Is Looking? (09/13/2018); Condemned By The Bible (06/08/2018); On Wearing Sports Jerseys? (11/20/2015)

“Anonymous” as an aspect of error and sin, many of us become entangled in judgment whereby we oppose one another, and wherein we oppose GOD. Only divinity may correctly assign and identify assessments of sacred character, divine operations, and the presence of consecrated fruit (we say, judge; condemn; sentence anyone to damnation). Even so, mature Christian believers are to acknowledge multiple lessons and warnings from divinity that promote balance, integrity, and wisdom when applying sacred law to resolve conflict and settle disputes among themselves, and those outside of the faith with whom they may have disagreements and quarrels. Such practices as deception, hypocrisy, and spiritual confusion can appear by focusing on surface elements of material objects, carnal reason, and social interaction. Believers should avoid competition, use of secular knowledge in place of sacred knowledge, and relying on finite visible indicators, rather than proper discernment of spirit content and eternal purpose. The brethren (i.e., those who also are members within the body of Christ) are to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ to one another not only through shared praise, worship, and unselfish service (i.e., religion, church stuff). We should show ourselves his followers through our ongoing lifestyles and daily routines, commitment, humility, our endurance of sufferings, our willingness to forgive and be reconciled to others as well as our willingness to be accountable to divinity. Consider the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Wintley Phipps:

(1.) Malachi 3: 13-18, King James Version (KJV): 13 Your words have been stout against me, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee? 14 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? 15 And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered. 16 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. 17 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. 18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

(2.) Matthew 7: 1-5, KJV: 1 Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. 3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? 5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.

(3.) Matthew 7: 14-20, KJV: 12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. 13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

(4.) 1^st John 4: 1-8, KJV: 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. 4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. 6 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. 7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5n4ZdyHJOg.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(12/01/2019) Proof of The Resurrection

A depiction of the first appearance of Jesus to his apostles following his resurrection.

Today, reply is on the events provided by GOD to the followers of Jesus Christ that establish among Christian believers that the Lord is risen from the dead. Rather than the flesh, the Spirit imparted from GOD is the primary evidence for resurrection; and, when Jesus breathed on his apostles to impart the Holy Spirit comes into view as the event that made possible their acceptance of his resurrection and presence in the Upper Room. Many respond to accounts of the dead being raised as “incredible” (i.e., false reports; lies; something not possible, and therefore unbelievable). To have certain knowledge (proof) of ones own redemption and salvation by GOD through his Son, sinners must become aware of things that are invisible, yet, endowed with authority, power, and presence from divinity. Included are divine prerogative, grace, eternal purpose, sacred events (we say, miracles), and the sovereign will of GOD. There must be operations of faith and other aspects of divine life essence. Multiple streams of truth flow to us from the cross proclaiming that Jesus was a lamb of sacrifice slain for atonement of sin. In addition to his death on the cross, the holy writings also document his resurrection, and appearances to the living after his crucifixion. It is written: 1^st Corinthians 15: 12-15, King James Version (KJV): 12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shown) posted the following:

Thomas walked with Jesus & witnessed miracles yet still required proof of the resurrection which Jesus provided. Why not for us today?

Why should we be any different than Thomas?

And before you say "We have the Bible", the Jews had the Torah.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: 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. (1^st Corinthians 12: 3, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Single Sacred Revelation (01/09/2019); Authentic Experiences From GOD (05/14/2019); Belief, Faith, and Proof (03/02/2014); Miracles and Visitations? (03/03/2014); All Lying Forbidden? (03/04/2014); Experience Is Not Evidence? (05/05/2013); Church Mandatory? (05/06/2013)

“Anonymous”, faith is the proof for the resurrection of Jesus Christ along with the many inseparable aspects of divine makeup (e.g., balance, forbearance, forgiveness, holiness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin). Usually those who require “proof” for the resurrection of Jesus Christ are attempting to grasp and understand divinity using the finite human tools of intellect and carnal reason. Mistakenly, they insist that academic, scientific, and secular knowledge can be used to analyze and examine things known only by using sacred knowledge. After the crucifixion, when Jesus first appeared among his apostles, he upbraided them for their hardness of heart, and refusing to respect the testimony of the empty tomb, and his appearance as a gardener. Yet, apprehension for things that are divine and sacred is only through features that are spirit in their process and substance, rather than carnal, material, physical, and social. There also must be acceptance of accountability and duty, commitment, discernment, respect, reverence, trust, and truth.

Thomas and the other apostles of Jesus Christ were chosen to be eye-witnesses of sacred events (we say, miracles); to be members of a spiritual team that would prepare communities to receive Jesus as a traveling evangelist (we say, itinerant preacher); and to assist in maintaining order during the public meetings and open-air sessions. More than this, the apostles were to be the living documentation that Jesus is alive following his divine resurrection. Also, the apostles were to acknowledge, authenticate, and certify the falling of the Holy Ghost; continue their apostolic ministry (e.g., baptism, exorcism, feeding, healing, teaching); display the spiritual gifts provided to continue the ministry of Jesus on the earth; and invoke anointing by the Spirit through the laying on of hands.

The apostles and the believers from the Upper Room received more than instruction regarding things past and current events. They were given guidance and visions regarding eternal purpose, the end times, and the appearing of Jesus to harvest the earth. As members of the early church granted the gifts of prophecy, the apostles were spokespersons from GOD who shared comfort, edification, and exhortation. Consider once again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Donnie McClurkin:

(1.) Luke 16: 27-31, King James Version (KJV): King James Version (KJV): 27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house: 28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. 29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. 30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. 31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

(2.) John 20: 19-25, KJV: 19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. 21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: 23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. 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.

(3.) John 20: 26-28, KJV: 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.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xcEX4aP8Sk.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(11/16/2015) Put On Charity?

Today, Scripture points are shared on the place of clergy, judging others, and the value believers are to place upon the church.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID  “Anonymous” (required profile information does not appear) posted the following:


Best way to contribute to my church?

It's an unusual situation where 2 churches combined into one. 2 senior pastors, and about 80 regular members (small church) One preacher I don't care for in over 300lbs, lazy, and cherry picks his associates, lives in a 1/4 mil home where most of us live in 150K homes, has 4 kids, nice car, only 30 or so, The other is great, I don't think their on a salary but split the pot. If I give, it goes to both

Update: When we are singing or the other preacher preaches....fat boy just plays on his smart phone. I've talked about this with my PhD shrink and he says to stay, just skip the bad preachers sermon weeks, in bible study and have lots of friends there

Update 2: Oh, I'm not being swindled, I only give $5 currently.

Update 3: I would eventually give around $100 a month to support the church bills and pastors salary....not much, but is for me. I believe it makes sense to be apart of a church on many levels and it does me a lot of good, I have made many good friends there and have grown closer to the Lord.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;  Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any:  even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.  And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.  And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.  And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to God and the Father by him.  (Colossians 3:  12-17, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Unto The Pure (11/15/2015); Pointing Out Error? (10/07/2015); A Correct Church? (10/05/2015); We Judge Each Other? (10/04/2015); Any Way For Men To Behave? (09/06/2015); Different Strokes, For Different Folks? (06/22/2015); Disliking Other Christians? (06/03/2014); How To Renew The Mind (11/22/2013)


“Anonymous”, many are satisfied to experience the church as a carnal and social reality.  Their focus centers in personal communication, exchange, and interaction.  However, all who are called to Christ must take on a new understanding, and “see with new eyes.”  The goal is to become like Christ, a child and heir to GOD.  Thus, more correctly understood, the church is a divine tool to establish permanent changes that will result in mankind becoming immortal and incorruptible at the coming of Jesus Christ.  Believers are to become “ripe” for harvest; and this must begin with baptism (death of ones inborn spirit and rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak).  Once “born again,” the believer must “grow up” again, and become mature by meeting life challenges upon the earth.  By continuous observation of sacred practices (some say, sacraments) believers maintain the peculiar forms of law we call self-control and self-discipline.  The followers of Jesus will acquire sacred knowledge through ongoing fellowship with more experienced believers, regular prayer and worship, study of the holy writings, and unselfish service that demonstrates and proclaims the gospel message to others.  It remains, our spiritual value to one another depends upon our being in correct relationship with GOD through Christ.  The following Scriptures may help you achieve clearer focus:

(1.)  Jeremiah 3:  15, King James Version (KJV):  15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

(2.)  Hebrews 13:  17, KJV:  17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves:  for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief, for that is unprofitable for you.

(3.)  1st Timothy 5:  19, KJV:  19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.

(4.)  1st Samuel 16:  7, KJV:  7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him:  For the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

(5.)  James 2:  8-10, KJV:  8 If ye fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:  9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.  10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (6.)  James 4:  10-12, KJV:  10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.  11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren.  He that speaketh evil of his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law:  but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.  12 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy:  who art thou that judgest another?)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

 
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/22/2015) Rebuked, And Not Baptized?

Baptism, enforcement of church discipline, fellowship, and salvation as the cooperation of flesh and spirit are themes, today.  Given the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus as a complete and finished work on behalf of mankind, many mistakenly think that divine law has been completely rescinded, and there are no longer any sacred practices or rules that should be obeyed among believers.  Often, those who hold such a view are relying upon their unseen character, individuality, and inner being to be acceptable to GOD, and therefore, deny that others in the flesh like themselves may hold them accountable for what they do and say within the church.  It remains, there is a need for vigilance.  While clergy and fellow worshipers may have no authority either to approve or eternally condemn the spirit nature of others, every believer is required to maintain a clear separation from unrighteousness.  The flock must be protected from counterfeit believers and “wolves in sheep’s clothing.”  Consider again the following from the Bible, and the points appearing below:  1st Samuel 16:  7, King James Version (KJV):  7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him:  for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.  Also, James 1:  26-27, KJV:  26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.  27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Spirit Of All” (Level 5 with 9,701 points, a member since February 16, 2014) posted the following:


Can Christians deny someone baptism?

I was about to be baptized last night but I was refused. It was cold out so I had vodka to warm me up and got slightly drunk. People noticed and I was rebuked for doing so. How is this fair?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.  And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?  And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.  The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:  In his humiliation his judgment was taken away:  and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.  And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?  Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.  And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water:  and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?  And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.  And he commanded the chariot to stand still:  and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.  (Acts 8:  29-38, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Baptism, Then Communion (09/02/2015); Going to Church Before Baptism? (05/05/2015); Partially Baptized? (01/22/2015);  Before Getting Baptized? (11/28/2013); The Rich in Divine Relationship? (11/29/2013); Denying Baptism to Others (11/04/2013); Relating to GOD? (11/05/2013)


“Spirit Of All”, to truly understand why you were refused baptism, you would have to ask, How was this (my behavior)  godly?  On the basis of their attitude, behavior, and conduct, a person may be denied fellowship (i.e., continuing association; intimate and personal relationship) and recognition as a Christian believer as well as membership, ordination to serve in leadership roles, and such privileges as burial in consecrated ground or sharing the Lord’s Supper.  Because the church brings together diverse people having different levels of sacred knowledge, maturity, and preparation, discipline (i.e., training; restraint) and divine order must be maintained for management of the broad range of emotional, psychological and spiritual challenges every believer is required to face.  Consider again the instruction to the church from the holy writings:

(1.)  1st Corinthians 6:  9-11, King James Version (KJV):  9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?  Be not deceived:  neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.  11 And such were some of you:  but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

(2.)  2nd Timothy 3:  1-5, KJV:  1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,  3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,  4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof:  from such turn away.

(3.)  1st Corinthians 14:  26, KJV:  26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation.  Let all things be done unto edifying.

(4.)  1st Corinthians 14:  40, KJV:  40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  1st Corinthians 5:  9-13, KJV:  9 I wrote unto you in a epistle not to company with fornicators:  10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.  11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.  12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?  13 But them that are without, God judgeth.  Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/18/2014) Unclear Scriptures?

Making sense of differences among translations and versions of the Bible is the topic, today.  Also, there is more on greater divine effort to reach nonbelievers.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “brad” (Level 1 with 90 points, a member since March 17, 2014) posted the following:


Confusing Bible verse? 

In john 7:24 (NLT) it says: "Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly.”

In the same verse in the King James Version it says: "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment"
 
I have an NLT and it's mostly great, but what the heck is with this extremely vague passages like this one?
 
It makes no sense..


THE BATTLE AXE:  GOD to “Try Harder”? (03/17/2014)—(5.)  Nothing in all the history, or future of mankind can surpass the accomplishment of salvation and eternal life through Jesus Christ.  It is not that GOD must change; sinners must undergo change (called repentance) that is only accomplished through operations of GOD.  The truth never changes, however, for created beings and living creatures, acceptance, discernment, obedience, and understanding of truth may change.  GOD is a living entity whose makeup is entirely of spirit matter that cannot be apprehended and known by created beings and living creatures as they rely upon material and physical objects, or repetitive natural processes not having awareness that is focused and shaped to continuously acknowledge spirit substance.  The active presence of GOD is revealed and shown through sacred events and operations carried out using appearances of divinity as an incarnate, sovereign agent (we say, Jesus, the Son of GOD), and a dynamic essence (we say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth).  As eternal, fixed, and permanent truth, the revelation of GOD is immutable, and will not change.  Saying this another way:  GOD’s will, and GOD’s way are complete, established, and finished.  For the earth, there are yet things proclaimed, promised, and prophesied that have not come to pass, that are now going forward in the continual process of GOD.  Such events as the harvesting of believers from the earth, and the resurrection of the wicked for judgment will certainly take the nonbeliever to “new heights.”  However, those elements go beyond salvation of sinners, and speak to concluding and resolving the full mystery of GOD.  Salvation requires agreement and correspondence of both flesh and spirit, and only results when consciousness and self-will in the living (we say, attention, effort, and willpower) are properly directed to GOD.  Consider again Isaiah 55:  6-13, Romans 10:  2-4, and Acts 16:  25-34, King James Version.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And Samuel did that which the LORD spake, and came to Bethlehem.  And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably?  And he said, Peaceably:  I am come to sacrifice unto the LORD:  sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice.  And he sanctified Jesse and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice.  And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD’S anointed is before him.  But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him:  for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.  Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this.  Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by.  And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this.  Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel.  And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these.  And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him:  for we will not sit down till he come hither.  And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to.  And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him:  for this is he.  Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren:  and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward.  So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.  (1st Samuel 16:  4-13, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Right Place to Get Knowledge (02/17/2014); Arguing Against the Bible in Church? (02/18/2014); Lower-case or Capital? (01/31/2014); Sprinkled, Immersed, Named? (02/01/2014); Why Bother to Read? (10/31/2013); GOD Speaking Through Songs? (11/01/2013); Words Spoken By GOD? (06/05/2013); Teachings on Judgment (06/06/2013); What to Take Literally (03/11/2013); A GOD of War? (03/12/2013)


“brad”, for Christian believers, who have submitted to GOD through baptism (i.e., death of their inborn spirit nature, and rebirth having divine DNA), learning from the Bible requires multiple readings, and many gradual shifts of ones understanding.  In this sense, learning Scripture is a lifetime experience like getting to know a totally different language and culture.

The holy writings are themselves spirit matter, and must add to, refresh, and make visible otherwise hidden spirit matter contained within believers.  The aspect directed to our intellect is “the tip of the iceberg” so to speak.  For we are now vessels containing divinity.

Bible accounts, historical narratives, parables, and proverbs are not anecdotes, fictions or stories intended for amusement and entertainment.  When believers use multiple translations and versions of Scripture for their studies, they must be prepared to make determinations of application, meaning, and truth-value on the basis of agreement and consistency with revealed divine operations, eternal purpose, and sacred practice.

Certainly, there is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, thoroughly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, salvation for the living results by interactions of flesh and divine spirit.  High things of GOD are displayed and imparted in figures, and terms that may be easily recognized among those upon the earth, no matter what climate, culture, or language group the are in.  Common sense, then, is usually enough to clarify and explain many issues; and a reader need only be patient.  More difficult obstacles and problems are overcome through continued fellowship with mature believers, further reflection, prayer, and continued study.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? if any man trust to himself that he is Christ’s, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ’s, even so are we Christ’s.  (2nd Corinthians 10:  7, KJV)


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC