One of the most challenging aspects of sharing as a Christian blog writer is that you must obey the Rule of Brevity: KISS (keep it simple, stupid!). Readers may become easily confused, and may not recall the most necessary information when you tell them too much all at once. Those choosing to be effective as ministers, especially those sharing by a written rather than spoken word, must rely upon the operation of GOD to create and maintain a proper balance between ones divine awareness of human need, and ones human realization of what others are prepared to accept. The honest writer must make every effort to be thorough and complete, yet, must confess dependency upon the higher, holier mind of one who truly does have experience and knowledge of all that may be called holy or sacred. With this in mind I encourage readers to continue with my presentation on Mary.
THE BATTLE AXE: Mary (06/13/2014)—(4.) For Jesus, being about the Father’s business was a matter of being in obedience to divinity, doing as he was told, serving as a spokesperson (we say, prophet), and teaching specific doctrines he had received from heaven, that were not created by himself or anyone else in the earth. Believers should not be surprised that the holy writings documenting the ministry and operations of GOD for Salvation record few expressions of tenderness by Jesus toward his mother. The Savior loved and respected his mother, Mary; and also demonstrated this from the cross. Even so, Jesus never worshiped Mary. (5.) At the least, Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, is to be received as a sister in the New Testament, and a member of the household of GOD. As such, she is not to be condemned, despised, disrespected, ignored, insulted, or slandered. Christian believers who accept that nothing is impossible for GOD are not offended by the thought that Mary, first, would be anointed and endowed from her own conception and birth, would be continually encouraged to grow showing humility and love toward GOD, would suffer humiliation as the mother to Messiah, would strengthen the early church by her presence and counsel, and finally would be exalted, preserved, and lifted up from the earth to GOD and Christ. Now, as are all those in the presence of GOD, Mary is alive, she is holy, she is immortal, and she is pure. Given that all those who correctly respect and venerate Mary only do so through operations of the Holy Spirit, believers in Jesus endure no damage or loss of their salvation when asking that Mary intercede by prayer, by speaking to her son, or by her continuing to show reverence to GOD. Those who acknowledge Mary do so on the basis of their faith, love and Spirit. Jesus has not commanded any to deny his mother. Those who oppose Mary do so on the basis of their own enmity, flesh, and sin. (6.) For many Christian believers the bottom line regarding Mary as the mother of Jesus is that such teachings are “meat”, not “milk”. The eternal love of the Father appears, and is embodied and incarnate within the flesh of the mother. Followers must be able to discern and recognize the Holy Spirit operating as agent of both the Father and the Son, who equally exalt Mary for the eternal benefit of heaven and earth. Things that come to us from the ministry of Jesus through operations of the Holy Spirit also include knowledge of a visitation by Mary before the birth of Jesus to comfort her cousin Elisabeth (who would give birth to John the Baptist). At that time, both expectant mothers behaved in the role of prophetess, and were moved to praise and speak as those anointed by GOD and endowed with the Spirit of Prophecy. That Mary should intercede for the lives of men is no less commendable than Abraham making appeal for Sodom and the cities of the plain. That Mary should reflect and emanate glory from the GODhead is no more an offense than when the face of Moses shone following his experience of 40 days and nights in the divine presence. See Proverbs 31: 29-30, Luke 2: 41-52, Luke 11: 23-28, Luke 23: 26-31, Galatians 5: 14-16, Hebrews 6: 1-3, Exodus 34: 29-35 and James 4: 10-12, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever. (Luke 1: 46-55, KJV)
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also. (Romans 16: 2, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Showing posts with label blog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blog. Show all posts
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Sunday, May 18, 2014
(05/18/2014) From Such Turn Away
“Yahoo! Answers” and other Internet sights do not always provide healthy and respectful material for godly discussion in a sacred writings blog. Therefore, readers here are invited to use the comments section (below) to share their questions that will honor GOD by uplifting the name of Jesus, and correctly permit others to gain insight, to learn, and to mature as Christian believers. Today, only a BATTLE AXE and GOLDEN ARROW are shared with more on denying oneself.
THE BATTLE AXE: Denying Oneself (05/17/2014)—Everything and everyone are not answers to the people of GOD. In the same way a right relationship to GOD must be “discovered” and developed, right relationships among the people of GOD are arrived at only through continuous, spiritual service. There must be a transformation of ones own awareness and lifestyle in order for the spirit from GOD through Jesus Christ to produce godliness within a person’s relationships with others. Because many insist that self-indulgence is acceptable, natural and “normal”, they refuse to heed the cautions and warnings from GOD against sin. Such view their own behavior as an honest expression of their own character and personality. In their view, they themselves (i.e., their own feelings, opinions, and thoughts) are the standard for truth. It does not make sense that GOD will condemn people for “just being themselves,” for merely responding to their animal appetites, or rejecting repeated appeals that are irrelevant and suspect. These fail to grasp that without divine law, and reasonable self-discipline, human existence is constantly vulnerable to abuse, addiction, damage, defilement, unnecessary conflict, and self-destruction. Selfish thinking, crude behavior, and seeking ones own pleasure may not be regarded as aspects of divinity that should appear within mankind. The concepts of divine judgment necessary to Christian belief all oppose such “regular” conduct as covetousness, envy, feigning ones feelings, hedonism (living for ones own pleasure), hypocrisy, lies, pretension, pride, and callous self-promotion. Because divine judgment centers upon the spirit content of created beings and living creatures, focus must be upon the appearance of ones makeup and substance displayed through attitudes, beliefs, and deeds. Inseparable aspects from the makeup of GOD should be present such as faith, forbearance, holiness, love, longsuffering, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (2nd Timothy 3: 1-5, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
THE BATTLE AXE: Denying Oneself (05/17/2014)—Everything and everyone are not answers to the people of GOD. In the same way a right relationship to GOD must be “discovered” and developed, right relationships among the people of GOD are arrived at only through continuous, spiritual service. There must be a transformation of ones own awareness and lifestyle in order for the spirit from GOD through Jesus Christ to produce godliness within a person’s relationships with others. Because many insist that self-indulgence is acceptable, natural and “normal”, they refuse to heed the cautions and warnings from GOD against sin. Such view their own behavior as an honest expression of their own character and personality. In their view, they themselves (i.e., their own feelings, opinions, and thoughts) are the standard for truth. It does not make sense that GOD will condemn people for “just being themselves,” for merely responding to their animal appetites, or rejecting repeated appeals that are irrelevant and suspect. These fail to grasp that without divine law, and reasonable self-discipline, human existence is constantly vulnerable to abuse, addiction, damage, defilement, unnecessary conflict, and self-destruction. Selfish thinking, crude behavior, and seeking ones own pleasure may not be regarded as aspects of divinity that should appear within mankind. The concepts of divine judgment necessary to Christian belief all oppose such “regular” conduct as covetousness, envy, feigning ones feelings, hedonism (living for ones own pleasure), hypocrisy, lies, pretension, pride, and callous self-promotion. Because divine judgment centers upon the spirit content of created beings and living creatures, focus must be upon the appearance of ones makeup and substance displayed through attitudes, beliefs, and deeds. Inseparable aspects from the makeup of GOD should be present such as faith, forbearance, holiness, love, longsuffering, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (2nd Timothy 3: 1-5, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Saturday, April 12, 2014
(04/12/2014) Kill the Blog Writer!
Today, I continue using spring training, and other ideas from baseball to spark insights on how to behave in the public forum as an educated person who brings value to the conversation on Christian belief.
THE BATTLE AXE: Spring-training (04/11/2014)—For full Christian belief, there is only one message; and so, the process of acquiring perfected belief is simple, yet, profound (we say, deep; far-reaching in application, consequences, and effect). Using familiar language, that of baseball, we can make an analogy to the Christian work of salvation, and to generate parables to convey various points. For example, just as everyone who is fit to own a season ticket, or watch the game from the bleachers is not fit to play shortstop or center field, everyone who reads a book or has an opinion in a public forum is not fit to speak as a person having correct knowledge and a right relationship with GOD, or is a believer having place in the church of Jesus Christ. There will always be those who neither “know the game,” nor play it, yet, who show no respect to those who can, and do. Also, making the roster for a Series-bound team will require more than athleticism, physical strength, and stamina; there must be “chemistry”, and a good fit. While homerun hitters and sluggers are important, those who master the automatic outs—laying down a bunt to advance the men on base, countless foul balls to work a pitcher’s arm before granting him the strike, and willingness to deliver the in-field fly (some say, a pop-up, a sacrifice) that allows a runner to sprint to the next base—are often the true heroes of a game. To reach ones highest level of value, repetition of the fundamentals such as control of power, stance, and timing can never be regarded as “boring.” The player who insists upon breaking bats, destroying the dugout, having locker-room hissy fits, throwing the punch that causes a brawl, and going nuke in anger or frustration, is quickly understood to be a distraction from the mission, a candidate for trade or release from contract, a liability to the owner and his teammates. Just as the box scores, standings, overall stats and win/loss record all must be used together to describe a team’s performance, believers must master using the language, precepts, principles, proclamations, and prophecies contained within the Scriptures for the most correct appreciation of salvation for mankind through the operations of GOD, of Christ, and of the Holy Spirit.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? (John 3: 7-12, KJV)
There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, there are many rules that govern play in baseball, and disputes frequently arise regarding their correct application. In addition, there are recurring situations that demand input by a neutral, third-party having a privileged and intimate view of all action and exchange on the field (we say, umpires). Unlike team coaches and managers, the officials tend to remain unknown, having no trading cards, celebrity or popularity among baseball fans. Despite the continuing malice toward officials (Kill the ump!) with accusations of incompetence and cheating, umpires must fearlessly hold to their commission as guardians for the game, and as the caretakers who further establish its full integrity, and value.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to the measure of divine faith that resides in you.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
THE BATTLE AXE: Spring-training (04/11/2014)—For full Christian belief, there is only one message; and so, the process of acquiring perfected belief is simple, yet, profound (we say, deep; far-reaching in application, consequences, and effect). Using familiar language, that of baseball, we can make an analogy to the Christian work of salvation, and to generate parables to convey various points. For example, just as everyone who is fit to own a season ticket, or watch the game from the bleachers is not fit to play shortstop or center field, everyone who reads a book or has an opinion in a public forum is not fit to speak as a person having correct knowledge and a right relationship with GOD, or is a believer having place in the church of Jesus Christ. There will always be those who neither “know the game,” nor play it, yet, who show no respect to those who can, and do. Also, making the roster for a Series-bound team will require more than athleticism, physical strength, and stamina; there must be “chemistry”, and a good fit. While homerun hitters and sluggers are important, those who master the automatic outs—laying down a bunt to advance the men on base, countless foul balls to work a pitcher’s arm before granting him the strike, and willingness to deliver the in-field fly (some say, a pop-up, a sacrifice) that allows a runner to sprint to the next base—are often the true heroes of a game. To reach ones highest level of value, repetition of the fundamentals such as control of power, stance, and timing can never be regarded as “boring.” The player who insists upon breaking bats, destroying the dugout, having locker-room hissy fits, throwing the punch that causes a brawl, and going nuke in anger or frustration, is quickly understood to be a distraction from the mission, a candidate for trade or release from contract, a liability to the owner and his teammates. Just as the box scores, standings, overall stats and win/loss record all must be used together to describe a team’s performance, believers must master using the language, precepts, principles, proclamations, and prophecies contained within the Scriptures for the most correct appreciation of salvation for mankind through the operations of GOD, of Christ, and of the Holy Spirit.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? (John 3: 7-12, KJV)
There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, there are many rules that govern play in baseball, and disputes frequently arise regarding their correct application. In addition, there are recurring situations that demand input by a neutral, third-party having a privileged and intimate view of all action and exchange on the field (we say, umpires). Unlike team coaches and managers, the officials tend to remain unknown, having no trading cards, celebrity or popularity among baseball fans. Despite the continuing malice toward officials (Kill the ump!) with accusations of incompetence and cheating, umpires must fearlessly hold to their commission as guardians for the game, and as the caretakers who further establish its full integrity, and value.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to the measure of divine faith that resides in you.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Thursday, August 1, 2013
(08/01/2013) Sacred Writings Profaned?
In recognition that the advertising policies here no longer complement the daily study of holy writings and the expression of faith through spiritual contemplation, the present title with banner will be replaced:
And will now be shown as:
(08/01/2013)
“THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD
A daily sacred writings blog hosted by WordPress.com”
A daily sacred writings blog hosted by WordPress.com”
And will now be shown as:
“THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD
A daily Internet advertising site hosted by WordPress.com”
A daily Internet advertising site hosted by WordPress.com”
(08/01/2013)
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