(03/26/2019) Water That Imparts Holiness?

A depiction of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove and conveyed from the holy writings as a splash of water (see reference below)

Today, the reply is on idolatry, the sacredness of holy water, and the imparting of holiness to reside within vessels fashioned by divinity or within man-made objects. To the carnal mind, it sounds impossible that water may contain divine spirit; however, nothing is impossible for GOD. Divinity and the Holy Spirit may appear and be manifest using breath, flesh, oil, speech, and water along with many other visible forms and objects. Even so, through their disobedience and transgression of divine law, the spirit content from the makeup of GOD that had been imparted to Adam and Eve became permanently changed and diminished; their flesh and that of their offspring could no longer be used as a divine temple without the appearance of divinity in flesh as Jesus Christ (we say, the Incarnation). Mankind now craves there be restoration of the sacred gifts that were lost, fresh deposits and endowments of sacred substance, and a full indwelling of the Holy Spirit (we also say, the Breath of Life; the Comforter; the Holy Ghost; the Spirit of Prophecy; the Spirit of Truth). Thus, the life essence from GOD is often described in the Scriptures using figures and tokens that depict mankind and the Promised Land as dry, thirsty, lacking willpower, longing for the early and the latter rain, and continually alert to the appearing of new streams and wells of living water. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shared) posted the following:

Is holy water really any different from any other water?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.) Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. (John 4: 7-14, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Bible Language About Spirit? (06/13/2018); The Cross Proclaims Victory (05/12/2016); A Dry Thirsty Land (05/01/2016); Holy Water? (09/28/2015); GOD Known By Action Not Form? (03/18/2015); Believers and the Cross (06/24/2013); A Relationship not Just Knowledge? (06/25/2013); The Dove (12/28/2012); Purchased With Blood? (12/29/2012); On Religious Items (08/29/2012); On Cults (08/30/2012)

“Anonymous”, many Christians continue to acknowledge multiple benefits and privileges from receiving water that has been consecrated by divine operations as an acceptable aspect of their regular sacred practices (we say, sacraments). In the same way the emblems of bread and wine are venerated as the body of Christ during the Lord’s Supper (Communion), “holy water” is provided as an emblem from the cross. Often, such believers also accept that holiness remains inseparable from the full array of sacred substances within the character, makeup and nature of GOD. Included are faith, forbearance, oneness without sameness, personhood, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

There is what we call “holy water” that has been set apart (sanctified) by men through prayer for divine use, and may first have come from any of several natural sources (e.g., distilled water; running water from a brook, stream, or river; spring water; standing water from a lake or pond; water from melting and thawed ice). There also is “holy water” whose nature and substance has been changed by deposits and endowments of spirit content from the makeup of active presence (we also say, divine fullness; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit).

In the same way, divine life essence (breath; spirit; word) may be imparted to the soil establishing “holy ground” as in the account of Moses, the Holy Spirit operates to cleanse and prepare man-made objects, and the followers of Jesus to exist as vessels who contain and embody spirit content from GOD. Such vessels are not to be exalted or worshiped as though they were idols that contain gods, or could bestow benefits and privileges to the living apart from the divine fullness. As living sacrifices and tools to be used for sacred works, there are “holy men” (apostles, priests, prophets, and spokespersons; kings, princes, and rulers; and standing for the disciples of Jesus to be known as the offspring of GOD, and joint heirs with Jesus Christ); and there may be divine utensils and vessels for service at a consecrated altar. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. 1^st Corinthians 12: 3, King James Version (KJV): 3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

2. 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.

3. 2^nd Corinthians 4: 5-11, 5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. John 19: 31-35, KJV: 31 The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. 32 Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. 33 But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: 34 But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. 35 And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(12/29/2012) Purchased With Blood?

     Redemption and the Holy Spirit are topics, today.  The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Alex” (Level 2 with 460 points, a member since October 19, 2012) posted the following:

Christians, why does the Bible say God 'bought' the church with his own 'blood'?
Acts 20:28 tells us, “Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.”
Who bought the church—the church of God—with His own blood?

THE BATTLE AXE:  The Dove (12/28/2012)—The standard of the dove signifying peace is lifted up for the kingdom of heaven in contrast to the ensign of the Roman eagle, a bird of prey, that signals conquest, destruction and war.  Like John the Baptist, mature Christian believers proclaim the kingdom, and are endowed with the Holy Spirit (also called the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, and the Spirit of Prophecy).  As one continually nourished by holy offerings, sacrifices and tithes, and who continued upon holy ground until carried to serve as a herald and witness in the wilderness, the Prophet John acknowledged the consecration of Jesus as High Priest, his anointing as king (Messiah), public recognition of his claim as heir to Adam, Abraham, and David (the Son of man) as well as divine confirmation that Jesus is the Son of GOD.  The appearance of the dove as the voice sounded from heaven was in the nature of jubilation, proclamation, revelation, and testimony in judgment.  All the spirit-persons of the GODhead are present in the scene; and each affirms the authority and fullness of the others.  These things were exposed to the Prophet allowing him to identify Jesus as “the Lamb of GOD” to those who had been prepared to become the first followers of Christ.  (See John 5:  33-38, John 1:  29-37 and 1st John 5:  6-12, KJV.)

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And it shall be, when Jehovah shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanite, as he sware unto thee and to thy fathers, and shall give it thee,  that thou shalt set apart unto Jehovah all that openeth the womb, and every firstling which thou hast that cometh of a beast; the males shall be Jehovah’s.  And every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb; and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break its neck:  and all the first-born of man among thy sons shalt thou redeem.  And it shall be, when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand Jehovah brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage:  and it came to pass, when Pharaoh would hardly let us go, that Jehovah slew all the first-born in the land of Egypt, both the first-born of man, and the first-born of beast:  therefore I sacrifice to Jehovah all that openeth the womb, being males; but all the first-born of my sons I redeem.  (Exodus 13:  11-15, American Standard Version)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Price of Humanity? (12/13/2012); Remembering the Holocaust (12/14/2012); More Than Salvation (11/27/2012); The Slave to Law and Sin Made Free (11/16/2012); Lawful Divorce (11/17/2012); Divine Self-Sacrifice? (09/30/2012); Jesus Our “Advocate” (08/16/2012); Girdle 14:  Reasonable Service (11/29/2011); Why Sacrifice? (10/13/2010); Appetite (10/14/2010)

     More than merely saving believers in judgment from their sentence of damnation, the birth, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ establishes eternal life through redemption.   Redemption is the provision of divine covenant that allows things dedicated, offered in prayer, and promised to GOD (e.g., oneself, ones firstborn, donkeys, goats, sheep, oxen) to be recovered from the altar of GOD.  All living things delivered to the altar (a holy table that serves as a point where heaven and earth are joined) must be sanctified, sacrificed, and salted (i.e., washed, set apart, slain, and transferred to GOD through holy fire that accomplishes cleansing, judgment and lifting).  The redeemed are recovered from the altar to continue in service as living sacrifices.  Those that cannot be used in sacred service and worship, that would defile and profane the altar when offered, and where no redemption price has been paid (say a mule), the neck is broken, and it is destroyed.

     That Jesus Christ may bestow eternal life to those that are his by their “saving purchase” is a fulfillment of divine law, promise, and prophecy, and constitutes lawful redemption.  The provision of redemption again displays the law as righteous, and in agreement with the mercy found in judgment.

     There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, less mature Christian believers tend to oversimplify the truths of redemption and salvation, ignore them altogether, or lump them together as though one is no greater than another.  It remains, the devotion, gratitude, obedience, thoroughness and zeal of believers will vary according to their right knowledge and understanding.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/28/2012) The Dove

      The dove as a symbol in Scripture, and more on hellfire and brimstone preaching are shared, today. The “Yahoo! Answers” Top Contributor using the ID “Camille” (Level 7 with 142,088 points, a member since March 18, 2009) posted the following:



Why is the dove often used as a symbol for the Holy Spirit?



THE BATTLE AXE: Hellfire and Brimstone Preaching? (12/27/2012)—Many traditions of charismatic and impassioned preaching (often called “shouting”) are practiced in the churches, to this very day. Hellfire preaching is thought to be from the prophets, specifically John the Baptist (a voice crying in the wilderness), rather than from the more intimate pastoral ministry of Jesus Christ, who shared as a healer, judge, miracle worker, and teacher. The New Testament writings from the Apostles of Jesus emphasize prophecy (comfort, edification, exhortation), and describe their preaching as primarily invitation, testimony and “eye witness.” In Islam, the role of an apostle is to “threaten and warn;” and we often see this today as the fomenting of jihad (holy war). Scholars frequently trace the hellfire tradition in the United States to early America and a sermon by the missionary, pastor and theologian, Jonathan Edwards (“Sinners in the Hand of an Angry God,” 1741). The evangelist, Billy Sunday (1862-1935), is often spoken of as having been a modern era hellfire preacher. He is said to have preached to as many as 100 million people face-to-face without the aid of electronic sound systems, radio or TV. Newspapers often published his full sermons. Sunday’s preaching of the temperance message gave support to Prohibition, and is believed to have contributed heavily to adoption of the 18th Amendment of the U. S. Constitution in 1919. While hellfire preaching was believed necessarily dramatic and graphic to instill “the fear of GOD,” it has often been criticized as overly simplistic, and labeled as emotionalism. Identified with conservative Christianity, and labeled as “fundamentalism”, hellfire preaching supports a behavioral understanding of sin whereby various popular behaviors should be condemned. Thus, hellfire preaching usually denounces fornication and sexual sin along with such popular middle-class amusements as athletic competition on days of worship, attending the theater, dancing, drinking, gambling, playing cards, reading novels, and swearing. Proclamations for those in the public forum, may be very different than messages in congregation. Even so, in addition to strong temperance messages, biblical preaching that properly highlights advent, apocalypse, death, divine law, judgment, resurrection, and end-times prophecy are all generally regarded as hellfire preaching. Many believers simply continue to regard both the content and style for all genuine preaching as having sacred origin, and carried out as the Holy Spirit gives utterance (see Acts 2: 14-40, King James Version).



THE GOLDEN ARROW: Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. (Matthew 10: 16-20, King James Version)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Spirit Matter (10/21/2012); Caesarea Philippi (10/22/2012); Visions of Heaven (03/22/2012); Does GOD Need Worship? (03/23/2012); Binder 16: GOD Inhabits Praise (10/13/2011); Binder 9: Commitment to Being (10/06/2011)



      The dove first appears in the Bible through an account of divine judgment against sin. Mature Christian believers accept the dove bearing an olive leaf as a visible expression of the divine intent that mankind should be in a continuing relationship with the Creator characterized by grace, longsuffering, mercy, divine nourishment, peace, and prosperity (Genesis 8: 8-11, KJV). As a silent servant marked by innocence and prayer (white feathers), swift, winged and bearing comfort from GOD, the dove depicts a unique holy messenger that is different from the angels, who appear as flaming ministers (Psalms 104: 4 and Hebrews 1: 6-8, KJV).

      Very early, the dove became associated with the sacred themes of deliverance, rest, wisdom and witness. Thus, the prophet David employed the figure of a dove in hymns, worship liturgy, and prayer (e.g., Psalms 55: 6 and 68: 13, KJV). A later prophet, John the Baptist, would be given a testimony and witness that Jesus is to be acknowledged as One Sent, and the Son of GOD (Matthew 3: 13-17 and John 1: 1-37, KJV). From before his birth, John had been divinely prepared, and was built up through the Holy Spirit to discern and recognize the agents and operations of GOD in the earth. The earliest mention of the Holy Spirit in the Scriptures is as the active force of GOD at Creation (Genesis 1: 1-3, KJV).

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, doves (also called turtle doves) were used in divining (ceremonies and rituals to receive guidance from GOD) as well as for offerings and sacrifices by those in poverty who could not offer a lamb, goat, or bullock. Gentle, harmless and lowly, the dove, like the paschal lamb, is a type of Christ (1st Corinthians 5: 7, KJV). Therefore, atonement, intercession and mediation come into view attributed to Messiah and the Holy Spirit, rather than to any finite living creature.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC