(05/17/2018) The Household Of Cornelius

The painting depicts how the Holy Spirit began to fall before Peter was able to complete his introduction to the sermon.




Today, reply is on the falling of the Holy Spirit upon the household of Cornelius, a Gentile who was a retired Roman Centurion.  The figure of Cornelius and the community gathered around him compares to those of Abraham and David, the warrior king who wanted to build a permanent house for GOD.  The falling of the Holy Spirit that brought them into covenant with GOD through Jesus Christ, established them as a habitation of GOD through the Spirit, and his new creation.  Cornelius and all assembled received a “circumcision of the heart.”  The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “GRANNY NORINE” (Level 1 with 234 points, a member since May 16, 2014) posted the following in the Religion and Spirituality section:



Why do you ALL continue to IGNORE Peter "FORGOT" (Acts 11:15-16) what Jesus said in Acts 1:5 that "fulfilled" water baptism?



THE GOLDEN ARROW:  The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ:  (he is Lord of all:)  That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;  How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power:  who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.  And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:  Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;  Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.  And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.  To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.  While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.  And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.  For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,  Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?  And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.  (Acts 10:  36-48, King James Version, KJV)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Gift(s) From GOD (04/08/2018); Salvation By Good Works? (03/08/2018); The Law and The Prophets (03/07/2018); What Is A Spirit? (03/06/2018); Choosing to be Reborn (01/29/2018); The Water, The Fire (10/10/2017); Receiving The Holy Spirit (12/08/2016); Cornelius, and Prayer By Sinners? (03/09/2015)



“GRANNY NORINE”, here are some points you might find useful as you continue to consider the falling of the Holy Spirit in the home of a retired Roman soldier:

1.  The work of an apostle is to provide eyewitness report (we say, testimony in judgment) that Jesus has been raised from the dead, and to authenticate genuine manifestations of the Holy Spirit (we also say, the Comforter; the Holy Ghost; the Spirit of Prophecy; the Spirit of Truth).

2.  Following the appearance of an angel in his home, Cornelius summoned Peter to minister, for the first time, in the home of a Gentile.  However, along with Jewish customs, law, and tradition, Peter had to overcome his own attitudes of bias, ethnic arrogance, fear, exaggerated pride, racism, and suspicion that made him hesitate before he could acknowledge Cornelius, who was well-known for almsgiving and enthusiastic support of Jewish belief.

3.  The falling of the Holy Spirit in the home of Cornelius was the same as that in the Upper Room on the day of Pentecost.

4.  In the same way, Peter preached repentance and baptism to the crowd that assembled at Pentecost having questions, and as many as 3,000 were added to the church through water baptism, all the members of Cornelius’ household who experienced the falling of the Spirit also received water baptism.

5. Receiving divine gifts by the falling of the Holy Spirit does not cancel, or take the place of water baptism and the requirement for living in repentance. 

6.  Those in the Upper Room all received baptism before the cloven tongues of fire, yet, in the home of Cornelius, all received cloven tongues of fire before they received water baptism.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, 7.  Peter and the others trained by Jesus could not impart the Holy Spirit from themselves to others through the operations of their own self-will (willpower).  The Holy Spirit shares in the authority, personhood, and sovereignty of divine fullness (we say, the GODhead; the Trinity; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit), and himself bestows and distributes his consecrated gifts.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/16/2018) Jesus Rebuked The Moneychangers?

The photo depicts the table of the currency exchanger projecting discipline, order, and the "letter of the law" while denying the presence, righteousness, and spirit of the Lawgiver.

Today, reply is on the sacred event wherein Jesus cleansed the temple at Jerusalem by revealing the wrath of GOD against sin.  Jesus had been to the temple many times before as a firstborn son during obligatory feasts and festival days.  This time, his entry into Jerusalem was as head of a new ministry (one that had healed thousands and released others from demons); and he was met by those from many different areas of the nation whose lives he already had touched.  In addition to the ancient message that GOD must be worshipped through obedience to sacred law, Jesus brought the message, GOD must be worshiped in spirit and in truth.  One of the many fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data shared) posted the following:

If Jesus loves sinners then why did he attack money changers?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?  And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.  And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,  And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.  And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.  And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the son of David; they were sore displeased,  And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?  (Matthew 21:  10-16, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  His Enemies A Footstool (04/29/2018); Divine Wrath Against Sin? (10/17/2017); Determining What Is Sin (06/15/2017); Hosanna In The Highest (04/09/2017); Divine Love Seen As Hate? (01/29/2015); A House Of Prayer For All People? (08/10/2014); Holy Ground (03/30/2014); The Temple Mount (03/31/2014); Money-changers in The Temple? (06/23/2013); Believers and the Cross (06/24/2013)

“Anonymous”, here are some points you may find useful.  Most Christian believers are able to understand that GOD’s love for the sinner is like that of a father’s love for his daughters or sons in spite of their poor grades at school, or their poor performance of chores within the home.  There may be anger, disappointment, and a punishment, yet, the affection and bond of parent and child continues as permanent, stable, and unshaken:

1.  By allowing moneychangers and those selling animals as offerings and sacrifices to be stationed on holy ground, and within the precincts of the temple, non-residents, travelers and folk only passing-through mistakenly were seen as being assisted and encouraged to perform genuine devotion and worship.

2.  The moneychangers and livestock sellers also were seen as officials and authoritative influences within the sacred hierarchy that included only the consecrated Priests, Levites, and saints  (e.g., prophets, sanctified widows, and those under vows such as Anna and Simon).

3.  The lawyers, scribes, factions. and beggars who also were part of the continuing temple community were like the overlay of party officials, politicians, lobbyists, and petitioners in some national capitals who seek to control and direct government, legislation, and public policy, yet have no authority as government employees.

4.  The mandatory feasts and festivals that required all firstborn males and heirs to appear at Jerusalem, also continued the experience of Israel as a people in relationship with divinity as sons of Abraham, as nomads, as pilgrims, and as those seeking the city of GOD.

5.  While Jesus was respected as only having the authority and title of “rabbi”, he performed a cleansing of the temple proclaiming his anointing and authority to be that of a prophet, a judge, a king, a son of Abraham, the heir of David, and the promised Messiah.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, 6.  Jesus did not display anger, temporal feelings of hatred, or behavior that was a momentary, interpersonal response to disrespect, an insult, or some act of rudeness that could be easily dismissed, forgiven, and forgotten.  Jesus displayed and revealed jealousy, zeal, and the character, makeup and substance of GOD directed against blasphemy, defilement, idolatry, impenitence, and irreverence—we say, the wrath against sin that is a perpetual aspect within the full GODhead.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/07/2012) Holiday Displays?

     Religious holiday displays on public property is the topic, today; and there is more on reading the Scriptures as “soul” food. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Maria” (Level 2 with 255 points, a member since March 27, 2010) posted the following:

Facts about why you think religious holiday displays should be allowed on public property.?
Thank you very very very very much..... :) :) :)

THE BATTLE AXE: “Soul” Food? (12/06/2012)—The prayer that petitions, “give us this day our daily bread,” speaks to more than food and drink for the flesh. The thoughtful believer acknowledges various needs for nourishment of their emotions, their mental life, and the life of their own spirit. Additionally, believers make requests on behalf of their companion from GOD, the imparted, indwelling Spirit. Rightly understood, for life to be balanced, healthy and productive one needs laughter every day or they become disheartened, gloomy, and grief-stricken. One needs tears of disappointment, loss and sorrow every day as well or they become haughty, incautious, overconfident, and swollen with pride. The holy writings supply believers with examples from the lives of others like themselves, and statements of divine law and wisdom that further establish the heart and mind in mankind as being in the image of GOD, and grounded in truth from the inner depths of divine being.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. (1st Corinthians 12: 25-27, King James Version)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: On Religious Items (08/29/2012); On Cults (08/30/2012); Girdle 43: Of The Common Salvation (12/30/2011); Girdle 41: A Living Sacrifice (12/28/2011); Annual Feasts (12/29/2010); Jesus Our “Advocate” (08/16/2012); A Healing Word (01/13/2011); “Secret Santa” (11/25/2010); Holy Comfort? (11/26/2010)

     The right spirit for giving and receiving public displays during a holiday season (e.g., Mother’s Day, Thanksgivings Day, Veterans Day, etc.) remains one of learning, respect and sharing. In forward-looking areas, it is neither inappropriate, nor a disregard of diverse beliefs and practices within the full community to have peculiar displays on public property. Such materials signal the harmony, intelligence, quality of life, and security within a municipality while encouraging others to become residents, and bring their own unique contributions for development and growth.

     The attitude that all public displays serve as propaganda intended to “brainwash”, indoctrinate, and oppress has come out of war-torn regions and nations where conflict, and insurrection have been a constant aspect of their existence, and cultural history. Condemnation, fear, paranoia, and schizophrenic exaggerations discourage every effort to encourage exploration of other lifestyles, or share explanations of what and why peculiar ideas or symbols have meaning. For example, those who celebrate the birth of Jesus could share the truth that a Christmas wreath is hung upon ones door to acknowledge that a loved one is missing from the family circle. Despite the death of that loved one, joy continues to be in the home, for the family within is comforted by the “good news” of salvation.

     There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, acknowledgment and confirmation of differences, rather than forced conformity, is vital to a community having color, integrity, hope, opportunity and richness. A principle shared among believers in Jesus is that ownership is not an obstacle to joy: Where a gift is given to one member in the body, it is available and will benefit all the members of the body. Thus, as those who are making a mature investment to a commonwealth, everyone celebrates the harvest where the hard work of a single neighbor has permitted his family to have a new car, and this is experienced as a blessing for everyone in the community. Similarly, all the homeowners may not be able to afford light displays in their windows, on their front lawn, or upon the housetop. Nonetheless, all who see the two or three displays that are provided can feel encouraged, and lifted from darkness.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC