(05/12/2016) The Cross Proclaims Victory

Today, points are shared on the meaning and value of the cross for Christian believers.  Within the church created by the Lord, the cross is not an instrument used in practicing magic, nor is the cross an object of worship.  Even so, many disciples and followers of Jesus Christ experience the living presence of the Savior as their own indwelling Spirit responds to a cross or crucifix.  Certainly, their awareness may be released from focus upon material objects, personal problems, and issues of living in the world.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Melanie” (Level 4 with 3,449 points, a member since September 29, 2014) posted the following:

A question for Christians. Why do you have crosses? Do you like glorifying a torture instrument? Is Jesus happy with that?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.  For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.  (Hebrews 12:  1-3, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Without Preaching The Cross? (02/21/2016); The Meaning not the Object (05/26/2015); Not Images Used in Worship? (09/14/2014); Death is a Divine Tool (09/15/2014); Believers and the Cross (06/24/2013); A Relationship not Just Knowledge? (06/25/2013); Signs of Messianic Belief? (12/16/2012); Vows and Covenants? (12/17/2012)

“Melanie”, the cross can only be celebrated by those having balance, joy, respect, and wisdom from GOD.  Continuing to live upon the earth, Christian believers are surrounded by carnal, material, and social elements that may draw and fix their attention.  Maintaining freedom that allows one to serve GOD in mature ways requires sacred knowledge and active practice of sacraments that shield the mind and heart from secular meanings, processes and values as well as from sin.  Sin has not been created by GOD, and opposes the continued existence of divine law, GOD as the Law Giver, and all Creation that relies upon sacred law as a platform for divine order.  The operations of sin may dominate awareness and self-will in created beings and living creatures.  While sin can not be destroyed or eliminated as an ordinary object, sin can be spiritually discerned, resisted, and overcome.  Among “born again” Christians, who have received deposits of spirit substance imparted from the makeup of divinity, the cross proclaims the triumph and eternal victory of Jesus Christ over multiple forces and influences.  The cross also declares peculiar achievements of each believer who has had help from GOD to overcome obstacles to their new life in Christ.  Included are anger, covetousness, death, deceit, enmity, evil, fear, hate, ignorance, sin, suffering, ungodliness, and wickedness.  The cross is not something cute and shiny worn as jewelry to appear in fashion.  Nor is the cross an object of worship (we say, an idol).  The cross may be acknowledged as an altar whereon the highest offering from mankind has been laid; yet, were believers to “glorify” the cross itself, they would be guilty of worshiping a false god, a lifeless object, a dead thing that may not act for their salvation.  Consider how some of this appears stated in the language of the Bible:

(1.)  Philippians 3:  18-21, King James Version (KJV):  18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:  19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)  20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:  21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

(2.)  1st Corinthians 1:  18-24, KJV:  18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.  19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.  20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?  21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.  22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:  23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;  24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

(3.)  Galatians 6:  12-15, KJV:  12 As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.  13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.  14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.  15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually taken in.  (For example, (4.)  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

(02/21/2016) Without Preaching The Cross?

The duty of Christian believers to continually acknowledge and preach the cross is in view, today.  Preaching the cross is mandatory, not a matter of private opinion, or personal preference.  Even so, I have allowed the content of questions asked to determine the ministry provided through this sacred writings blog.  (Of the 1,112 blog documents I have published on the Internet, only 16 have a search tag “the cross.”)  We avoid preaching the cross using the excuse that we don’t want to make trouble, or embarrass and offend those who don’t believe.  On the one hand, it is to be agreed that it is useless to preach the Gospel to those who are dead in spirit, who defy the condemnation of GOD, and who are beyond the operations of divinity to establish them also as having place in the new creation through Jesus Christ.  Such persons  will be argumentative, contentious, and un-teachable.  Yet, there is no greater message to express divine love, and renew human hope for the necessary responses from GOD that are salvation.  Those seeking to freely give without first having truly received from GOD are to be avoided, for what they seek to share is lacking in power.  Where a believer has only a knowledge of the cross to share, they still can bestow upon others a vital key for entering the kingdom.  Once more the prayer of the church must be for boldness.  Consider again the Scriptures that follow, and the presentation below:

Matthew 7:  6, King James Version (KJV):  6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

Matthew 27:  24-26, KJV:  24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person:  see ye to it.  25 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.  26 Then released he Barabbas unto them:  and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

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.

1st Corinthians 1:  21-25, KJV:  21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.  22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:  23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;  24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.  25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

Acts 4:  26-31, KJV:  26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.  27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,  28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.  29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings:  and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,  30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.  31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Jonah” (Level 1 with no points shown, a member since April 22, 2015) posted the following:


I am a Baptist minister. Should I preach a sermon on Isaiah 20 while wearing just my boxers?

In Isaiah 20, Isaiah preaches naked, so I think I should preach on Isaiah 20 wearing just my boxers.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him:  and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?  They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again.  He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.  And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing;  Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.  And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.  For whosoever will save his life shall lose it:  but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.  For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?  For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels.  (Luke 9:  18-26, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Bridge To Heaven (01/27/2016); Christ A Curse? (01/25/2016); The Scale of Salvation? (12/13/2015); The Meaning not the Object (05/26/2015); Power Against Sin? (04/12/2015); The Agony of Death? (03/22/2015); Gall Refused on the Cross? (03/20/2015); On Saying the Truth? (12/18/2014); What is Truth? (12/19/2014); Prophetic Demonstrations (09/06/2013); Why GOD Prayed to GOD (09/07/2013)


“Jonah”, in a recent email letter to describe my current activities to one of the fellows from my days on campus in New England, I stated that I have behaved like Jonah (who fled to Tarshish when commanded to leave Joppa, go to Nineveh (called the Robber City) and preach repentance to the captives, exiles, Gentiles and heathen there).  Like many, I have deliberately and repeatedly been trying to avoid the Christian duty to “preach the cross.”   Yet, there is no other message, or saving truth at the same or higher level.  Instead of proclaiming the cross as the heart and soul of sacred knowledge and truth, my behavior has been like that of many in the church—compromise, elaborate excuse-making, evasion, and self-promotion.  As a result, what I’ve had to say to others has been without the power to change lives, heal, or truly nourish the imparted Spirit.

It is increasingly important for us to acknowledge and review the cross daily in some way:  conversation, meditation, prayer, study.  Many Christian believers are making the cross an annual event, a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience, and a “private moment” sealed away within their own awareness.  However, the presumption, destructive pride and selfishness of our nations are continued by our not speaking of the cross.  Too often, we seek to interact on the basis of “safe issues” and secular knowledge.  Too many times we assume we already have, and completely understand everything we need for our own individual salvation.  Some oppose learning and teaching the cross accounting it the same as wearing a hair-shirt, or self-flagellation.  Embracing the cross is despised as a bloody and cruel darkness that depresses and frightens believers by unnecessary threats of violence.  The cross is feared as a source of bad dreams, insomnia, and nightmares; and there are men who see themselves protecting their families against the cross as doctrine that should be “X-rated”, labeled as gore and horror, too strong for women and children.  Believers must overcome fear by taking up the cross before they will bear fruit from the crucial teachings on topics such as torment, the Lake of Fire, and the second death.

Dodging the cross we preach “Black lives matter,” Civil rights, voter registration; Giving, sowing, and the $1,000 dollar seed; “celebrating with Santa Claus and Christmas trees is idolatry;” “Sabbath is not Sunday;” “the Pope is Antichrist;” feed the Hungry; house the Homeless; save the Aquifer; Save the Children; Save the Dolphins; Save the Earth; Save the Environment; Save the Whales; Support Disabled Vets; Traditional Marriage; Transgender Tolerance, Wear a Pink Ribbon; etc., etc.  

Jesus upon the cross is a scene from eternal judgment that also reveals mercy, the excellence, power and divine strength established by the gift of GOD that is life as well as the oneness and unity of full divine person.  The crucifix continues to be an import tool to help some envision the cross.  Many feel the cross argues against intelligence, is barbaric, and “uncivilized”.   For them preaching the cross is condemned as callous manipulation that introduces and maintains emotionalism, hysteria, and sentimentalism.  Even so, in the language of the Bible, mature believers hold the following to be sacred truth:

(1.)  1st Corinthians 1:  18, King James Version (KJV):  18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

(2.)  1st Corinthians 2:  1-5, KJV:  1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.  2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.  3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.  4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:  5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

(3.)  Mark 15:  31-33, KJV:  31 Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save.  32 Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.  33 And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Galatians 2:  19-21, KJV:  19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.  20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me:  and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.  21 I do not frustrate the grace of God:  for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/26/2015) The Meaning not the Object

The use of the cross, crucifix and other objects for inspiration and in worship are considered, today.  Given the temporal character and nature of life experience upon the earth, even believers in Christ must be repeatedly encouraged, re-exposed to, and reminded of the things pointing to their salvation.  Believers also experience being drawn away into competing activity and doctrine; forgetting; lapses and sudden shifts of their attention and focus as well as detachment and separation that result from lack of contact, and being absent from the active presence of divinity.  Correctly received, the use of memorials (e.g., the rainbow, a rest and Sabbath that follows Creation, or even a day remembering shared struggle and those who die unselfishly in defense of their nation) does not exalt or “venerate” (we say, honor as sacred) conflict, death, flesh, and warfare.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “L’nya” (Level 3 with 1,452 points, a member since August 25, 2010) posted the following:


Would you venerate a weapon used to kill one of your loved ones?

Would Jehovah God want the means his Son Jesus was killed venerated?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel:  not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.  For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.  For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.  Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?  For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.  For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:  But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;  But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.  Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.  For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:  But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;  (1st Corinthians 1:  17-27, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Not Images Used in Worship? (09/14/2014); Death is a Divine Tool (09/15/2014); Believers and the Cross (06/24/2013); A Relationship not Just Knowledge? (06/25/2013); On Religious Items (08/29/2012); On Cults (08/30/2012)


“L’nya”, you seem to be disturbed by the continuing use of the cross.  For Christians, in the same way it is acceptable to use representations and symbols such as language and words to communicate our inner feelings and thoughts, it is correct to use emblems, images and physical objects such as a prayer shawl, bread and wine.  Only where one wrongly attributes divinity to material and physical objects without acknowledging the spirit content, meaning and purpose from Christ (for events, messages, other persons, etc.) do such errors as heresy, idol worship, occultism, and superstition appear.  Here are some points to consider that have been useful for correction and guidance among Christian believers:

(1.)  Romans 8:  5-9, King James Version (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.

(2.)  John 3:  18-20, KJV:  18 He that believeth on him is not condemned:  but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.  19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.  20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

(3.)  1st Corinthians 8:  4-6, KJV:  4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.  5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)  6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

(4.)  1st Corinthians 7:  29-31, KJV:  29 But this I say, brethren, the time is short:  it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;  30 And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not;  31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it:  for the fashion of this world passeth away.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually taken into account.  (For example, (5.)  Luke 22:  19-20, KJV:  19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you:  this do in remembrance of me.  20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.)  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

(06/25/2013) A Relationship not Just Knowledge?

Differences among believing in a god, believing in a sacred book or holy writings, and having a positive relationship with GOD through Jesus Christ are topics, today.  Also, there is more on believers and the cross.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Timothy” (Level 1 with 84 points, a member since June 19, 2013) posted the following:


I believe in a god but I dont fully believe in the bible. Is it still christian or is it another religion?


THE BATTLE AXE:  Believers and the Cross (06/24/2013)—In the holy writings, a “sign from GOD” is a material and physical event occurring in nature to certify that a peculiar message or prophecy is authentic, and that the word proclaimed from GOD will definitely come to pass.  Like the word “Amen” signaling suspension of ones self-will and acceptance of the divine will, the “sign of the cross” is a gesture used by many believers to indicate agreement and conclusion in prayer.  Some also use the sign of the cross to invoke divine authority, or as a tool and weapon to exorcise and repel unclean spirits.  For many, a crucifix is a cross that displays the figure of Christ, and is intended to stir compassion, empathy, and acknowledgment for the sufferings and death of Jesus.  By the crucifix, a believer is made present at the foot of the cross while Jesus is yet dying.  Through the Holy Spirit, he or she receives access to humility, faith, love, and sorrow for sin along with the peculiar joy of the Lord that serves as strength during affliction and tribulation.  By contrast, the emblem of the empty cross points to a believer’s baptism, the Savior’s resurrection, the promise of his second coming, and his eternal triumph over death.  Far from being reminders of inhuman cruelty, depression, despair, fear, or self-destruction, the cross and crucifix are received as divine gifts pointing believers to the truth of eternal life, and the unseen things of GOD for the transformation of mankind into beings like Christ who will be incorruptible and immortal.  While the two emblems silently speak of dependence upon GOD for life, they also declare sacred truths of duty, forgiveness, impartial judgment, justice, kindness, obedience, repentance, the perfection of self-will in created beings and living creatures, sacrifice, selflessness, and surrender.   See Romans 6:  1-23, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:   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.  For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  Because the carnal mind is enmity against God:  for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.  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.  And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.  But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.  Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.  For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die:  but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.  The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:  And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.  (Romans 8:  5-17, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Emotional Appeal? (04/02/2013); Life Given By Knowledge? (04/03/2013); The Love of GOD (03/03/2013); Our Need for a Son (03/04/2013); Foolish For Not Believing? (03/22/2013); Science and the Laws of Nature? (03/23/2013); How to Love GOD? (03/24/2013); Before Abraham Was… (03/14/2013); On Titles and Respect (03/15/2013); What to Take Literally (03/11/2013); A GOD of War? (03/12/2013)


Timothy, be encouraged!  Here are some points to consider that have been very helpful to many Christian believers:

(1)  Gaining knowledge about GOD is only one aspect of the process of being in a beneficial and satisfying relationship with GOD.  To have life as sons and daughters to GOD, believers must receive divine spirit substance that comes only from the person of GOD (we say, must be born again from divine instead of human DNA).  The spirit content of GOD includes faith, holiness, longsuffering, love, righteousness, truth, wisdom and wrath against sin.  Believers study the Bible to acquire a shared language for expressing their commonly held beliefs and expectations, and to participate in a community of those who serve and worship GOD.  Believers are not “saved” because of their affiliations, behavior, knowledge, mental or physical abilities, skills, or talents.  Salvation is by the grace of GOD, and as divinity responds to each believer’s endowment of the imparted, indwelling spirit of Jesus Christ.

(2)  Believers trust that the Bible is a special record given to mankind by GOD describing sacred events and operations that have been completed to accomplish eternal purposes in earth and in heaven (the place of celestial presence).  The Bible permits believers to experience a divine point of view (so to speak), and depicts various sacred issues, processes and thoughts by using thousands of lives over the course of thousands of years.  Included are atonement, birth, death, covenant, forgiveness, prophecy, rebirth, resurrection, and judgment.

(3)  All who later stand as confident believers start out having doubts, fear, questions, and uncertainty as result of the various claims and opposition made in society, and in the world.  Consciousness of GOD and trust must be developed over time; and so, the process of re-learning and apprehending what GOD reveals of himself is spoken of as “rebirth”.  Born again, one must grow up again; and must encounter challenges and growing pains.  In this sense, becoming Christian is no different than learning “mama”, “dada” and taking first steps.  It does not happen by magic.  Truth from GOD is discovered and recognized (we say, discerned) by focusing and marshaling ones own divine content.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example,  (4)  GOD is a person whose make-up is entirely of spirit matter.  Through multiple sacred operations GOD has appeared in the earth as the man, Jesus.  Through Jesus, GOD was to be more easily known by men upon the earth; and, now that he has returned into heaven, for many of us, to know Jesus is as difficult as knowing GOD.  To know GOD and his Christ, finite created beings and living creatures must become free from the frameworks of time and space as well as from sin, and every dependence upon carnal, material and social truth.)   Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/16/2012) Signs of Messianic Belief?

     Belief that may combine Christian and Jewish traditions is today’s topic; and there is more on joy as a believer’s strength. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Melani” (Level 1 with 105 points, a member since November 3, 2012) posted the following:

A coworker wears both a crucifix and tzitzit?
AND she's a woman. Religiously, what does this mean?

THE BATTLE AXE: A Slaughter of Innocents (12/15/2012)—Joy of (= from) the Lord is provided through the imparted, indwelling spirit of GOD; and does not render believers childish, foolish, and incapable of meeting the difficulties and problems of human life. Instead of euphoria and giddiness, believers acquire a further sense of balance, confidence, order, security, vision and understanding that is important for their making life choices and spiritual decisions. Like the promises of GOD that are certain of fulfillment, joy contends against disappointment, loss, and rejection. More importantly, joy serves as a tool along with other spirit content (e.g., faith, humility, longsuffering, patience) for created beings and living creatures to make right responses to sacred process, divine purpose and holy revelations. Divine joy is closely associated with abundance, beauty, gratitude, kindness, praise and thanksgiving, therefore, joy repeatedly appears with healing, prayer, service, vocational work, and worship. Believers experience the joy of their salvation (1) as they continue to acknowledge change, growth and newness of life; (2) share the Gospel with compassion, courage, enthusiasm and understanding; and (3) show affection, godliness, and respect.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law. (Isaiah 42: 1-4, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Son of Man (11/28/2012); How Was GOD Known Before Jesus? (10/06/2012); On Religious Items (08/29/2012); On Cults (08/30/2012); On The Messiah (02/19/2012); The Coming (11/10/2010); A Fig Tree Cursed? (10/02/2010)

     It is very likely that your coworker is a “Messianic believer” acknowledging the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Greek names given the Savior). Many experienced Christians and Jews now joyfully embrace the Jewish heritage of Jeshua Bar-Joseph (the Hebrew name given the Savior). In addition to the use of prayers in the Hebrew language, and the use of tzittzit acknowledging divine law, you may find the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath (Friday sundown to sundown on Saturday), feast days commanded in Scripture, and study of rabbinical writings.

     While the word “Messiah” is actually found only twice in the Bible (see Daniel 9: 21-27, KJV), groundwork for the doctrine of a divine person that would appear as an offspring of Adam, destroy the adversary of GOD, and restore perfection to mankind and the earth is established very early (see Genesis 3: 1-24, KJV). Later, Messiah is titled “the Lamb” and is named “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS” (see Revelation 17: 14 and 19: 16, KJV). Messianic belief also advances Adventism, the acknowledgment of divine proclamations, promises, and prophecies that Messiah will return again to the earth, soon. Upon completion of judgment presided over by Jesus as the divinely appointed, righteous Judge, Messiah will be head over a kingdom of incorruptible and immortal believers.

     There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, the key to your learning more is that you speak directly to your coworker, rather than talk about your coworker. Disrespect, gossip, rumor, and slander are fostered by every other approach.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC