Today, points are shared on mankind as more than “a brain” having physical being in a material world. Where we agree that humans are more than mere “thinking machines,” it is acceptable to ask, In what way? More than this, the proposed existence of GOD also requires consideration for such elements as communication with Deity, divine law, sacred process, and eternal purpose. The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “va2906” (Level 2 with 530 points, a member since July 30, 2016) posted the following:
Why would God give us a brain and then give us a nonsensical bible, then tell us were going to Hell if we don't believe?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2nd Timothy 1: 7, King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Convinced/Convicted? (05/16/2017); Tools For Knowing Divinity (05/12/2017); Christianity Is Not Mindless (05/02/2017); Proof That GOD Exists? (10/16/2016); Abstractions, Atheism and I.Q. (08/18/2016); The Rise in Atheism? (07/07/2016); Guided By Divine Truth (06/20/2016)
“va2906”, the problem of defining and knowing “spirit” will be encountered for anyone seeking a full and correct knowledge of mankind. Many are ignorant and lack sacred knowledge because they refuse to respect such divine tools as the Bible. Where you will agree that the content of living creatures on the earth is made visible through their multiple abilities, activities, characteristics, skills, and possibilities for expression, it is reasonable to say, mankind is more than simply “a brain.” Through the operations of “mind”, the living are able to process unbelievable amounts of data and information that include appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, sexual arousal), emotions (e.g., anger, fear, sorrow), secular knowledge, sensations (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching), and abstract thought (e.g., measurable dimension, fantasy, imagination, projection). With this in view, human potential is understood as going beyond mechanical “data processing,” for through the operations of awareness and self-will mankind may repeatedly display an animal, a distinctly human nature, or a godly and spirit-filled nature akin to that attributed to Deity.
Finite academic and mental tools such as intellect, logic, carnal reason, and “critical thinking” have been found inadequate and inappropriate for acquiring and applying the necessary revelation and sacred knowledge that must be imparted by GOD for men to truly know their Creator. GOD is active presence and “spirit” (we also say, breath, life essence, utterance, word) who expresses and uses such elements as authority, oneness without sameness, ownership, person, purpose, the frameworks of time and space as well as “sovereign will.” Where deposits of spirit substance from the makeup of GOD reside within created beings and living creatures they all may project the divine spirit and the “image of GOD.”
Sinners who endure the operations spoken of as rebirth (death, burial, and resurrection of the inborn/inbred spirit; renewal having spirit content from GOD through Jesus Christ) are to be understood as sons and daughters, offspring of GOD, and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ, the Son of the Highest. Because GOD is immortal, incorruptible, and invisible, divinity can only be fully recognized and responded to by operations of ones own endowment of spirit from GOD. Included must be faith, holiness, hope, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Consider the following points from the Bible:
(1.) John 3: 1-7, King James Version (KJV): 1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
(2.) John 1: 11-14, KJV: 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
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
Assumptions about GOD, resurrection, and sin are in view, today. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “g” (Level 1 with 17 points, a member since March 08, 2014) posted the following:
Resurrection of dead?
do you think there will be a future resurrection of the dead and in what form when someone dies the body dies the brain dies what is left do we really have a spirit i have read in bible we come back in flesh and bone but how this seems impossible
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 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. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. (1st Corinthians 15: 12-22, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Perfected Body (03/09/2014); Immutable GODhead (03/10/2014); Mankind Destroyed? (01/24/2014); What Salvation Is (01/25/2014); Jesus Arose Bodily (12/24/2013); Thanking and Blaming GOD (12/25/2013); Jesus Rose? (11/08/2013); Must We Really Die? (05/13/2013); Can GOD Die? (05/14/2013); Death Has Been Transformed (05/09/2013); Loving the Enemy? (05/10/2013)
“g”, consider the following: Christian beliefs on resurrection should be prayerfully studied from the Bible. The teachings are simple, yet, they are profound (we say, deep, far reaching in their application and effect). Many hidden assumptions (unstated ideas we agree upon as we start a discussion, that often go unnoticed, and that we do not question or demand evidence for) must come into view that a person makes about GOD; and one must be alert to the many subtle shifts in meaning (we say, barely visible differences) among ideas that seem to make the same points, yet, are completely different in their substance and impact (e.g., re-animation, regeneration, and reincarnation).
GOD is a nonmaterial spirit who has put forth all created beings and living creatures, diverse forms and objects as well as the conditions and frameworks for their interaction within various spheres of existence. GOD is not made up of particles as are clouds, fog, mist, smoke, steam and vapor. The “content” or substance of GOD are the inseparable aspects of divinity such as faith, holiness, life, person, presence, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin.
We use language that says mankind is “made in the image” of GOD to acknowledge the similarities that exist because all humans contain some measure of divine matter. GOD is eternal, immortal, immutable, and unchanging (i.e., can not be influenced, manipulated, or operated upon as an object). Mankind is mortal, and experiences life with a continuous focus upon mechanical operations of the physical body as cycles, patterns, phases and stages.
In various ways, GOD has expressed an intent that mankind should permanently exist as a companion to divinity. Therefore, mankind is now in a continual process of assessment, cleansing, preparation (we say, judgment, salvation, sanctification), and permanent change. Mankind is to become immortal and incorruptible. Life is GOD’s intent, and death is GOD’s tool.
There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, by appearing incarnate (in flesh) as Jesus Christ, GOD has demonstrated and “explained” that flesh and Spirit must cooperate for humanity to be totally separated from sin. Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, of GOD, and of all Creation that responds to GOD in obedience. Nothing is impossible for GOD; yet, the elimination of sin is a profound challenge. Sin is no thing created by GOD; contains no life or spirit matter; yet, has direction, effect, and presence. Sin may dominate awareness and self-will in created beings and living creatures despite their emotions, intellect, logic, and science.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to the measure of divinity that resides in you.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2: 8-9, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Resolving the conflicts of feeling and intellect when seeking to know GOD is the topic, today. Also, there is more on war and judgment. The “Yahoo! Answers United Kingdom” writer using the ID “Whatever!” (Level 3 with 1,235 points, a member since 8 August 2012) posted the following originally asked on “Yahoo! Answers United States”:
My Heart Knows There is A God But My Brain is 100% Sure There isn't One?
How can I reconcile between what I feel in my heart and what I know in my brain? The more I read about religion, (Christianity, Judaism, Islam......whatever), the more I am convinced there isn't a God. However, deep my heart, I feel there is one (Just not what religion is saying it is) and I pray to him and feel his presence/blessings in my life. What the heck can I do? is this normal? how can I reconcile. Thanks
THE BATTLE AXE: Of War and Judgment (10/08/2013)—Sacrificial relationships entail the permanent offering of oneself to GOD. Once set into motion the affiliation and bond is broken only by utter destruction, for the word of GOD once spoken is irrevocable. Here, the same judgment may come upon females and children that comes against males, for all may continue and foster the spread of sin and unrighteousness. All created beings and living creatures will be held accountable for their deeds, and examined for their substance. Atonement and the transfer of gifts from the earth to heaven require the use of a holy table (altar), and fire from heaven that releases the spirit content (e.g., awe, gratitude, humility, joy, piety, reverence) from material offerings, and lifts divine substance into the celestial presence. Where a devoted object (e.g., a bull, a sheep, ones firstborn) is not consumed upon the altar, it must be redeemed. Once a redemption price is paid, use of the object is restricted to divine service; and the offering is said to be “a living sacrifice.” As a result, we typically describe sacrificial relationships using such terms as commitment, dedication, devotion, submission, and unselfish service. Human relations that demonstrate the divine aspect of sacrifice are recognized by acceptance of duty (tasks that absolutely must be completed, even at the cost of ones life), and the maintenance of trust through faithfulness, steadfastness, and truthfulness. There are levels of acknowledgment and exchange characterized as love (unselfish action to benefit another), obedience (putting aside ones own will to perform the will of another), submission, and surrender. Such relations include descent (roles as offspring), discipleship, marriage, military service, parenting, and voluntary servitude. The Holy Name, Jealous, proclaims that GOD is to be known as active to maintain relationship, not that GOD is possessive, or loses self-control when men take interest in false gods and idols. Clearly, Levites, Nethinims, and those under vow as Nazarites were living sacrifices. The holy writings record incarnation as a sacred event to establish salvation as well as to demonstrate sacrificial relationship. See Exodus 13: 11-22, Exodus 34: 1-28, Joshua 9: 1-27 and Isaiah 12: 2-4, King James Version.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. (Ephesians 1: 17-23, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Utterance is Spirit (09/08/2013); A Start for the Idea of GOD? (09/09/2013); The Bible and Genealogy (09/10/2013); GOD the X? (07/19/2013); Words Spoken By GOD? (06/05/2013); Teachings on Judgment (06/06/2013)
“Whatever!”, here are a few points Christian believers may share as a voice for the church of Jesus Christ:
(1.) Neither the heart (emotion and feelings) nor the brain (intellect, logic, reason) are designed by GOD to completely respond to divine law, or sacred person. As aspects of flesh, heart and brain come under the influence of appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, sexual cravings), sensation (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching), and various mental functions (e.g., desire, fantasy, imagination, memory, projection). Additionally, awareness and self-will in created beings and living creatures may be dominated by sin. Only where we focus upon spirit matter do we begin to come into right relationship with GOD, and mature belief.
(2.) Sin is not any thing created by GOD, is not material, is not a spirit substance, and has no divine content. Yet, sin has direction, effect, and presence. Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, of sacred person, and of all things in the sphere of divine Creation. Apart from GOD, mankind can not detect, eliminate and resist sin.
(3.) GOD is a being whose makeup and substance is pure spirit. Inseparable aspects of spirit content are balanced, interact, and are interwoven as divine being. Included are faith, gratitude, holiness, humility, joy, longsuffering, love, righteousness, truth, wisdom and wrath against sin.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood. (For example, (4.) Your present inner conflict may be thought of as “growing pains.” Once born again in baptism (the transformation for ones awareness from the world, the flesh, or things generated by spirits that oppose GOD—we say, demons or devils—you must “grow up” again. A believer must have experience using our frameworks of time and space (we say, by growing and learning). What you are receiving, today, is only a further part of great things to come. Be encouraged!) I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
