(02/21/2017) Equal Footing With GOD?

Today, reply is made to a question on oneness and sameness of authority within the GODhead.  Correctly understood, divinity must be acknowledged as spirit substances that are diffuse, yet, inseparable, and are not limited through frameworks of time and space, discrete events, or natural law that applies to material and physical objects and their processes for duration.  That one aspect of the full GODhead has appeared using flesh to complete mortality does not alter or diminish the character, description, and nature of Deity.  The  essential elements of divine existence and process (e.g., authority, glory, government, grace, ownership, preeminence, active presence, purpose) continue as immutable and unchanging.  The fighter at “Yahoo! 7 Answers (Australia)” using the ID “Trilobiteme” (Level 3 with 1,651 points, a member since September 29, 2011) posted the following:

If the old testament says there is one God and Jesus Christ said the Father and I are one does that mean he on equal footing with God?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  The same was in the beginning with God.  All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.  In him was life; and the life was the light of men.  And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.  (John 1:  1-5, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Exalted By The Father? (01/26/2017); The Firstborn of GOD (01/02/2017); Different Form, Same Relationship? (11/20/2016); Word, Son, and Christ? (08/24/2016); A Servant and More (08/17/2016); The Holy Spirit and Unity? (08/13/2015); Oneness, Not Equality or Rank? (07/16/2015)

“Trilobiteme”, don’t be confused by the many divine uses of flesh and blood.  Sacred operations by the persons of  GOD all express oneness without sameness.  Therefore, in general, Christians regard argument, debate, and questions about differences in divine authority, function, and majesty to be irrelevant, unfruitful, and useless—they do not build up spiritual control and power.  Mature Christian believers often understand the fullness of divinity (we say, the GODhead) to be made up of all spirit substance that may ever exist, is active, eternal, and incorruptible.  The inseparable aspects of spirit (we also say, breath, life essence, word) do not appear having measurable dimensions and form except as the person Jesus Christ.  The makeup of Deity is held to include existence, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, person, presence, sovereign will, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Through rebirth and sanctification, believers enter into a transforming relationship that does not encourage pursuing questions regarding differences in authority and hierarchy within the GODhead.  In their beginnings, believers may envision the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit relying on images and thoughts that are carnal, material and social.  However, eventually, focus is to be on the work of proclaiming the gospel, edifying the body of believers, and performing in accordance with the principles and precepts of divine law and the imparted, indwelling Spirit.  With this in view, consider, again, the following:

(1.)  Philippians 2:  5-11, King James Version (KJV):  5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:  6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:  7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:  8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.  9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:  10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;  11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

(2.)   Colossians 1:  12-20, KJV:  12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:  13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:  14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:  15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:  16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers:  all things were created by him, and for him:  17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.  18 And he is the head of the body, the church:  who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.  19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;  20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  1st Corinthians 15:  21-28, KJV:  21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.  22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.  23 But every man in his own order:  Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.  24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.  25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.  26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.  27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.  28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/17/2016) Should Believers Welcome Attackers?

Focus, today, is on Christian use of Internet tools that block, delete, and refuse to acknowledge  comments posted by atheists, critics, disbelievers, and scorners.  While believers are to be forbearing, forgiving, respectful and supportive of those making inquiry into the things of life from GOD through Jesus Christ, believers are not correct to encourage the continuation of abuse, blasphemy, deceit, discord, “doubtful disputation,” slander, and spiritual confusion.  It is an error to think that responding to mocking and unbelief are some form of sacrifice for the Lord, for we are instructed by Hosea 6:  6, King James Version, KJV):  For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.  We are to put on the whole armor of GOD as our defense in meeting thrusts from those who are antichrists by their commitments, conduct, desires, doctrine, knowledge, lusts, purposes, and spirit.  The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Christmas Dashy” (Level 5 with 5,163 points, a member since December 03, 2015) posted the following:

Christians, would God approve of you blocking atheists?

for the mere fact that we challenge your belief?

I would think that God would want us atheists to be challenging you to, you know, test your faith

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?  Ye lust, and have not:  ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain:  ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.  Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.  Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.  Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?  But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.  Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.  Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep:  let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.  Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.  (James 4:  1-10, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Heirs of The Cross? (04/01/2016); By Faith, Not By Interpretation? (12/31/2015); Growing Up Again? (12/09/2015); Mercy Not Sacrifice? (08/10/2015); Temptations, Tests and Trials? (05/12/2015); Philosophical Questions? (04/17/2014); To Accomplish A Sacred Goal (04/18/2014); Arguing Against the Bible in Church? (02/18/2014); Snake Handling? (02/19/2014)

“Christmas Dashy”, as sinners who have been “born again”,  Christian believers are encouraged to endure affliction, life challenges, “growing pains,” and suffering upon the earth as necessary aspects of becoming “ripe” for harvest at the appearing of Jesus Christ from heaven (we say, the Advent, the Rapture, the Second Coming).  To be effective and fruitful as those born again, believers all must “grow up again” displaying growth within their spirit, their acquisition of sacred knowledge, and their developing to  maturity as a “new creation” through the ministry provided by Christ and the Holy Spirit.  Multiple operations carried out by divinity equip and supply his workers to accomplish the specific duties, tasks, and spiritual works that continue correct relationship with divinity.  Included are clarifying, demonstrating and spreading the doctrines and teachings from Christ through their lifestyle and daily routines as well as praise, prayer, service, and worship.  While dialog and interaction with others are necessary, the tools of argument, debate, and the methods of academic study tend to be useless.  Such finite tools as intellect, logic, mathematics, science, and technology do not allow created beings and living creatures to recognize, resist or eliminate sin.  Focus and priority must be upon the gifts from the Holy Spirit that enable a complete and correct embrace of divine prophecy, promise, sacred revelation, and the promptings by the imparted, indwelling Spirit.  Believers are not to deceive, harass, intimidate, meddle with, oppress, and threaten disbelievers.  Neither are believers to invite or welcome inappropriate compromises, conflicts, disputes, and quarrels with those entangled by secular knowledge, philosophy, and other systems that lack spirit substance from the makeup of the Creator.  The believers are to be citizens of an eternal kingdom separate from those immersed in the affairs of the flesh and of the world (we say, things carnal, material, and social).  Consider how some of this is stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)  2nd Timothy 2:  3-5, King James Version (KJV):  3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.  4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.  5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

(2.)  1st Timothy 6:  20-21, KJV:  20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:  21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.

(3.)  Galatians 5:  16-23, KJV:  16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.  17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh:  and these are contrary the one to the other:  so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.  18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.  19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,  20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,  21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like:  of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.  22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  23 Meekness, temperance:  against such there is no law.

(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.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  1st Peter 4:  14-19, KJV:  14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you:  on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.  15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.  16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.  17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God:  and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?  18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?  19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/31/2015) By Faith, Not By Interpretation?

Today, points are shared responding to a question on explaining and apologizing for things written in the Bible.  While the holy writings provide information that is important for shared communication and exchange among Christian believers, intimate relationship with divinity as children of GOD, disciples of Jesus Christ, or trusted servants only begins and continues through faith.  We are not saved by expressions from our mind or self-will, even such deliberate “works” as believing, dialog, memorizing verses, and study.  Faith is an aspect of the full divine makeup, and is inseparable from other spirit substance such as awe, holiness, longsuffering, love, peace, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Just as the Spirit imparted from GOD to a believer is intended for their growth, maturity, and sanctification, rather than to equip them for perpetual battle and conflict, the Bible has been provided as an unchanging source for guidance and instruction, and is not provided for repeated argument, debate, and quarrels generated by education, or logic and reason.  Consider the following from the Scriptures, and the further responses below:  1st John 5:  5-7, King James Version (KJV):  5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?  6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.  7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost:  and these three are one.  Also, Galatians 3:  22-27, KJV:  22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.  23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.  24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.  25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.  26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.  27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.  Acts 20:  32. KJV:  32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.  2nd Timothy 3:  16-17, KJV:  16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Henry” (Level 2 with 254 points, a member since November 26, 2015) posted the following:


Not sure if I’m interpreting the bible, or just making excuses for it?

My parents raised me to be an apologist and I can name dozens of dark verses. These verses include God stoning someone for picking up sticks on a Sunday, Lot sending his virgin daughters to be gang raped, and Jeptha sacrificing his daughter because he promised to. However, my parents always told me to come up with some kind of explanation for it. Is this morally possible?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;  Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:  Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.  But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,  Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:  That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.  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:  1-9, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  A GOD of Judgment (12/01/2015); To Study the Book of Judges (09/09/2015);  Justified for Attacking The Bible? (06/28/2015); The Words Are Spirit? (06/03/2015); The Scriptures and Perfection? (10/27/2014); All Who Read Convert? (10/10/2014); Not Told in Advance? (10/11/2014); The Point of Experiences in the Spirit? (07/07/2014)


“Henry”, the holy writings provide a divine point of view for examining life experience among created beings and living creatures, and displays divinity using thousands of lives and thousands of events over the course of thousands of years.  While the sacred record includes some accounts that have been used as secular history, through Jesus Christ the Scriptures are recognized as revealing divine operations, sacred practices, and eternal purposes.  Most Christian believers begin their new life in Christ having little correct sacred knowledge regarding prophecy, rebirth, sanctification, and spirit (we also say, breath, life essence, word).  Their focus is often their own immediate condition and continuing experience as carnal, finite, material, and social.  Believers are to embrace permanent changes on multiple levels that are to be in agreement with unseen aspects of the universe.  The believer must put aside the finite tools of intellect, logic, philosophy, science, and technology.  They must take up tools for recognizing and applying the authority and power of their own endowment of spirit from GOD.  Thus, through the operations of divinity, water baptism establishes the death and burial of ones inborn spirit.  Trusting GOD, the believer is born again from divine DNA, so to speak, and must “grow up again.”  The believer is to be a vessel for inseparable spirit matter from the makeup of Deity.  Included are awe (some say, fear of the Lord, reverence), faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  The mature disciples of Jesus Christ are forward-looking for they operate focused upon praises, proclamations, promises, purpose, testimonies, and visions that express sacred law, and divine will.  Those born again will encounter “growing pains,” and must mature upon the earth becoming perfected for eternal life in terms of balance, completeness, and stability.  Consider again the following verses from the Bible:

(1.)  John 3:  6-8, King James Version (KJV):  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.  8 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.

(2.)  John 5:  24-29, KJV:  24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.  25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God:  and they that hear shall live.  26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;  27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.  28 Marvel not at this:  for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,  29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

(3.)  2nd Peter 1:  19-21, KJV:  19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:  20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.  21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man:  but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

There are many other verses here that should be carefully considered, correctly understood, and brought to bear against error.  (For example, (4.)  John 1:  10-14, KJV:  10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.  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.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/13/2014) Why the Gospel for Our Children

The Gospel, incarnation, relationships with divinity, and salvation are topics, today.  Also, there is more on believers, evil, and GOD.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “WhiteSnyder” (Level 3 with 1,034 points, a member since February 21, 2014) posted the following:


Why are you Teaching Your Children To Be Like Jesus When HE WAS CRUCIFIED BY HIS OWN PEOPLE? 

CHRISTIANS!!!


THE BATTLE AXE:  GOD Permits Evil? (05/12/2014)—(5.)  Many count it “normal” to demand the love of GOD without also having any intention of praising, serving and thanking GOD.  In their multiple errors, they also demand justice, yet, themselves make no commitment to uphold law, maintain equity and fairness, or pursue openness and truth.  Some believe that instead of affection, hugs and kisses, the most important gifts from GOD that show divine love have been freedom to encourage, indulge and introduce evil (i.e., arbitrary, destructive, and unnecessary change within divine order), and the freedom of choice whereby created beings and living creatures may deny the Almighty, and even withhold worship to GOD.  Lacking faith, holiness, and other spirit matter from the makeup of GOD, there are countless men, women, and children, who have their own thoughts and feelings as the standard for what is real, and account only their own desires and opinions as being answers, guidance, and the genuine word of GOD that they have received.  The Scriptures declare that GOD has said, Come let us reason together.  However, this does not mean GOD welcomes argument, confusion, contradiction, dispute, and quarrel.  Men may approach GOD exposing and expressing their thoughts in prayer, and acknowledging and responding to the word, and work of GOD that endures within their awareness.  Allowances are made for the many differences and gulfs between divinity, and the diverse created beings and living creatures that exist within our universe.  Divine judgment is the process wherein resolution and settlement of conflicts and disputes are accomplished through proclamations of sacred law.  Just as divine love is showcased through salvation, and divine splendor is more completely displayed in Creation, judgment is the divine operation that most reveals the righteousness of GOD.  Arrogance, defiance, deliberate promotion of error, haughtiness, iniquity, obstinacy, lawlessness, pride, and stubbornness all are under the curse.  The Scriptures also declare that GOD has said that he will walk contrary to those who walk contrary to him; and he will punish those who continue to walk contrary to him.  In human experience, bad things may happen to good people; however, not so much by the process of GOD as by the “mechanics” of life in the flesh, and in the natural world.  Also, what often seems to be a delay and postponement of justice, in fact, is a peculiar provision of mercy.  See Isaiah 1:  16-28, Leviticus 26:  1-46, Ecclesiastes 8:  11-14 and 2nd Peter 3:  9-15, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Give ear, O my people, to my law:  incline your ears to the words of my mouth.  I will open my mouth in a parable:  I will utter dark sayings of old:  Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.  We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.  For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:  That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:  That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:  And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.  (Psalms 78:  1-8, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  On Youth Doing Enough (02/06/2014); Driving Under the Influence (02/07/2014); Issues for Children’s Church? (04/06/2013); Outgrowing Childhood Prayers? (04/07/2013); Confessing Only to GOD? (04/08/2013); And This Was Good News (12/01/2012); A Need to Fear? (12/02/2012)


“WhiteSnyder”, by operations of the Holy Spirit imparted from GOD through the ministries of Jesus Christ, Christian believers now receive special doctrine and teachings from divinity described by such spiritual gifts as balance, faith, joy, hope (we say, expectation), insight, love, and wisdom.  Here are a few points that may help build up your understanding as you continue your studies:

(1.)  The Gospel is accounted as good news because spiritual needs and supplies are made available on a cosmic scale to maintain divine order, that are vital not only for the survival of a peculiar ethnic group, a middle eastern nation, or a relatively small region within the Roman Empire.  Sin is not a living entity, and is no material or spirit matter that has measurable dimensions, or has been put forth by GOD.  Yet, sin has direction, effect, and presence; and may dominate awareness and self-will in created beings and living creatures.

(2.)  Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, of the Law Giver, and of the entire Creation that is generated and maintained through sacred law.  As something that is “no thing”, sin can neither be detected, eliminated, nor resisted using only finite intellect, logic, reason, and science.

(3.)  Even a child can understand that one obtains a more complete and full benefit in their relationships that are based in love, positive purpose, respect, and truth.  Saying this another way:  children most feel secure when they are with those who acknowledge, supply, and help them to meet their own needs.  As our advocate, and mediator, Jesus helps us develop a right relationship with Almighty GOD, where we are embraced as dear children, and not mere objects that exist upon the earth.

There is a lot more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  The suffering, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ pertain to completing sacred operations that make divinity known and visible to created beings and living creatures.  Included are atonement, covenant, forbearance, forgiveness, judgment, longsuffering, proclamation, promise, prophecy, repentance, resurrection, and sanctification.  Through baptism (death of ones inborn spirit, rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak) and once mature, believers serve as the children of GOD, and “incarnations” of GOD (the appearance of divinity in human form) as did Jesus Christ.).  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;  And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.  (Ephesians 5:  1-2, KJV)


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(02/18/2014) Arguing Against the Bible in Church?

Today, some points are shared on ones freedom to argue against the Bible when in church.  Also, there is more on relationships where believers may get spiritual knowledge.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Cloudberry vs Boysenberry” (Level 1 with 244 points, a member since May 11, 2009) posted the following:


Christians, during church can you argue against something from the bible?

Let's say you read something in the bible and say to yourself "I don't think that is true, I want to argue that". Can you do that? Can you get with other Christians and say that somethings are just inaccurate in the bible?

If you do that, how will others look at you? Will you be looked at as weird or odd for even questioning the bible?

Additional Details

What's wrong with the question? Scientists do this all the time. They argue points, disprove theories and still move on. That is not negative in any way shape or form.

My question is for Religion. How do they handle something like this?

"Deadeye" so you are saying you have to read the bible cover to cover before you convert? Most of us were children that didn't have much of a choice but and went along with mom and dad.


THE BATTLE AXE:  The Right Place to Get Knowledge (02/17/2014)—(5.)  In a certain sense, believers should only seek spiritual knowledge from within themselves.  In the holy writings, Christian believers are commanded to avoid relationships and situations that compromise, and work against the divine content they receive as part of the church.  Even family, and others in close association may operate as those who  contend against the Gospel, and continually promote sin.  The Internet, social media, television, and the public forum are not dedicated, disciplined, and set apart (we say, sanctified) to serve Christian believers, and using these tools require the same balance, discretion, and maturity as choosing ones friends, and deciding how to interact with ones spouse, schoolmates or co-workers.  Believers all must arrive at the point where they stand entirely upon their own measure of faith from GOD.  All develop discernment whereby they make choices and decisions for companionship and participation.  Through the ministry of Jesus Christ, believers are built up in understanding, and guided by the imparted, indwelling Spirit (called the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth).  A fresh endowment of spirit content from GOD is acquired through baptism that operates upon awareness and self-will within the believer.  Christians must answer many things that are contrary to, and different from, their own spiritual beliefs, cravings, and understandings.  Included are atheist beliefs, Buddhism, the Koran, Greek myths, Hindu, mathematics, occultism, philosophy, politics, popular culture, shamanism, and witchcraft.  Believers may freely examine and study various belief systems, yet, they must be careful to maintain a disciplined grasp upon those things from GOD that provide genuine nourishment of the divine spirit they themselves contain.  See Proverbs 13:  20, Proverbs 22:  4, Luke 14:  25-27, Romans 10:  5-10, 2nd Corinthians 1:  24, 2nd Corinthians 6:  14-18, 2nd Timothy 2:  3-4, 2nd Timothy 3:  1-5 and 1st John 2:  18-29, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable:  A sower went out to sow his seed:  and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.  And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.  And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.  And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold.  And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.  And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be?  And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God:  but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.  Now the parable is this:  The seed is the word of God.  Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.  They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.  And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.  But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.  (Luke 8:  4-15, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Why Jesus Authored No Books (05/01/2013); Recognizing True Prophets (05/02/2013); Quoting Scripture to GOD? (04/24/2013); Illusion? (04/25/2013); How To Accept Bible Truth? (04/17/2013); About Preaching the Gospel (04/18/2013); No Contradictions? (01/15/2013); Accomplished in Christ? (01/16/2013); Believing Everything? (11/23/2012); How To Have Conviction (11/24/2012)


“Cloudberry vs Boysenberry”, here are a few points intended for the children of GOD that I can share from my experience:

(1.)  In classroom situations and settings for instruction, many opportunities for discussion and exchange are provided.  Believers freely raise questions, and offer responses that display not only their understandings of various doctrines, policies of the church, and Scripture verses, they also deliver and exchange insights, personal testimonies, and prophetic proclamations.  There are many rules that may apply, and respect is to be maintained throughout.

(2.)  Argument, debate, and private opinions are accounted as useless.  The body and congregation are to welcome only statements that clarify the divine law, sacred duty, the operations of divine spirit, and eternal purpose.  For this reason, many assemblies discourage the use of speaking in tongues and their translation, and interruptions during lessons, particularly sermon presentations.

(3.)  While everyone attending a meeting or session may be a baptized adult, a member of the church in “good standing” who actively participates in the several ministries available, and has met all their obligation to support the church by giving, all believers are not equal, and have not achieved the same levels of responsibility, authority, knowledge, and maturity.  Differences, diversity and imbalance are necessary as a dynamic for the church that provides energy, growth, and movement.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. ( For example, (4.)  Within the church, the process and duty for believers is to first, prepare their Spirit for participation by submitting themselves to GOD in prayer; listen carefully to any presentations that are offered while they are in the gathering place (take nothing for granted, no matter how casual, or offhand it may seem); reflect; then go to GOD for confirmation of sacred truth through prayer, and further study of the holy writings.  In the final stage, one may have to accept and acknowledge correction, and begin to display change as well as resolve to practice according to the new light they have received.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


He that hath knowledge spareth his words:  and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.  Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise:  and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.  (Proverbs 17:  27-28, KJV)


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC