(10/31/2016) The Wisdom of Years?

Today, experience, knowledge and wisdom from GOD are topics along with suffering and the ministries of David the son of Jesse.  A new writer  at “Yahoo! Answers (India)” using the ID “robyn” (Level 1 with 95 points, a member since October 30, 2016) posted the following:

What does it mean I was young but Am now old psalms 37.25?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:  And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;  And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD:  and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:  But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth:  and he shall smite the earth:  with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.  And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.  The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.  And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together:  and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.  And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’ den.  They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain:  for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.  And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek:  and his rest shall be glorious.  (Isaiah 11:  1-10, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  How To Get Faith? (10/10/2016); Anointed, Consecrated and Installed (08/04/2016); GOD Within Christian Believers (07/31/2016); To Foster Godly Sorrow (03/11/2016); Called of GOD? (08/02/2015); The Priesthood of Kings (10/17/2012); Childlike Faith (10/18/2012)

“robyn”, those who serve the Lord in the most sensitive and useful sacred roles must receive life essence (breath, spirit, word) from GOD and acquire sacred knowledge.  Mature Christian believers receive Psalms 37 as words from the prophet and psalmist David, the son of Jesse, whom GOD anointed and called into service while still a teenager keeping his father’s sheep.  Early in his ministry that concluded with his rule as king over the covenant peoples of GOD, David shared sacred testimony and witness regarding the active presence of GOD within mankind by using the devices of psalms and music to impart spirit content from the makeup of Deity.  Included are faith, forbearance, forgiveness, holiness, longsuffering, love, meekness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  To prophesy is to comfort, edify (build up; reinforce the power and strength of ones spirit), exhort (urge to take correct, godly action), and unselfishly serve (we say, minister) through praise, prayer, and thanksgiving.  The endowment imparted to David sanctified him to serve in multiple sacred roles.  Thus, just as he operated as King over a unified nation (that later became 2 separate kingdoms), David served as Commander of the Army, an embodiment of earlier men in service to GOD (e.g., Adam, Abraham, Moses) and Messiah who would come from his loins, Judge (one sent to deliver the people of GOD), High Priest, a spokesperson for both divinity and humanity as well as one who endures suffering.  As part of his work to return the Ark of the Covenant to the tabernacle, and establish a Temple and Sanctuary to honor GOD, David behaved as the High Priest by organizing the service rotations for the Priests and Levites, and establishing the use of psalms as liturgy.  An indispensable aspect of service to divinity is the work of revealing GOD to be the source for ones awareness and will power (we say, self-will) that equip the living to undergo unwanted changes, conflict, confusion, hardship, homelessness, fear, and uncertainty as well as discernment to recognize and resist sin.  The wisdom that comes with aging, growing up, and maturing (we say, “the wisdom of years”) often is made up of secular knowledge only, and is not useful for the higher roles of sacred service.  Consider the following:

(1.)  Job 32:  5-13, King James Version (KJV):  5 When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then his wrath was kindled.  6 And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion.  7 I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.  8 But there is a spirit in man:  and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. 9 Great men are not always wise:  neither do the aged understand judgment.  10 Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will shew mine opinion.  11 Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say.  12 Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words:  13 Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom:  God thrusteth him down, not man.

(2.)  John 3:  4-12, KJV:  4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?  5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.  6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.  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.  9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?  10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?  11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.  12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  1st Timothy 4:  11-13, KJV:  11 These things command and teach.  12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.  13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/03/2016) They Shall Not Be Mentioned

The discussion continues, today, that sin must be personal for Christian believers just as Jesus dying upon the cross must be personal.  Alertness and greater awareness are required, not “baggage”, pride, or self-promotion.  The work of a believer is less in the line of self-improvement and more in agreement with becoming ripe for harvest as those the Lord will gather from the earth.  Attitudes, behavior, and transgressions from ones past are not to be used as accusations and obstacles to new life and the building of trust within the body of believers.  While operations to heal will go forth from the Holy Spirit that downplay and erase the disgrace, embarrassment, and pain once experienced through sin, strength also is imparted that permits those born again to adopt sacred purpose, take charge of themselves in their new lives, and serve as true champions against the things that once corrupted and defrauded them.  Believers need not fear to look back upon the past, for thereby they realize, though the Savior was invisible, Christ was with them all the time.  The Father, the Son and the Spirit were present, however, not to interfere with, or overthrow their integrity as persons, hinder their individual development, and frustrate their necessary exercise of will.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live.  The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son:  the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.  But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.  All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him:  in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.  Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD:  and not that he should return from his ways, and live?  But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned:  in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.  (Ezekiel 18:  19-24, KJV)

 
THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  A Dry Thirsty Land (05/01/2016); Sin Turned To Goals (05/02/2016); Forgiveness and The Cross (04/04/2016); The Old Self Crucified? (04/03/2016); Repentance and New Life? (12/30/2015); The Process of Forgiveness? (10/21/2015)


THE BATTLE AXE:  Sin Must Be Personal (04/29/2016)—As surely as we are to remember Jesus dying upon the cross for our redemption, Christian believers also ought remember that errors and sin are still threatening to overwhelm them with destruction.  Embracing Christ as Savior, believers become able to view their life experience as one of continuous growth, rather than a series of disruptive episodes.  For this reason, many mature believers in Christ are convinced that, joined to sacred knowledge and practice, the truth of our experience of sin, the flesh, and the world can be made part of our arsenal against evil and wickedness.  Admonition, counsel, guidance, instruction and warning are understood as having more power when grounded in authentic life experience, rather than parables, speculation, theory, or “the leaven of the Pharisees.”  There are young people, desiring genuineness and sincerity, who prefer to endure affliction and negative experiences that permit them a sense of life having true substance, and is not “fake”, false, and full of illusion.  Such  youth often mistake the meaning of “freedom” to be “do as you please,” so they turn away from the self-esteem, self-respect and self-restraint that are the marks of full self-control, mastery, and maturity.  Instead of believing that becoming adult means there must be misery, unhappiness, violence, and wretchedness, adults and young people alike are encouraged to see, the ministry of Jesus Christ has been carried out to remove the shackles of disbelief, ignorance, and uncertainty regarding the things of GOD.  Those who follow the Lord, do so on a path that leads to a lasting freedom without the dangers and unwanted risk of having past burdens restored, and old wounds reopened.  Consider again the following from the Scriptures:   

(1.)  Deuteronomy 9:  7, King James Version (KJV):  7 Remember, and forget not, how thou provokedst the LORD thy God to wrath in the wilderness:  from the day that thou didst depart out of the land of Egypt, until ye came unto this place, ye have been rebellious against the LORD.

(2.)  Proverbs 28:  13, KJV:  13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

(3.)  James 1:  23-25, KJV:  23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:  24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.  25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

(4.)  Psalms 119:  59-60, KJV:  I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.  60 I made haste, and delayed not to keep they commandments.

(5.)  Psalms 119:  67, KJV:  67 Before I was afflicted I went astray:  but now have I kept thy word.

(6.)  Psalms 119:  75-76, KJV:  75 I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.  76 Let, I pray thee, they merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.

(7.)  2nd Peter 1:  5-10, KJV:  5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;  6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;  7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.  8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.  10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure:  for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually taken in.  (For example, (8.)  Philippians 3:  12-14, KJV:  12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect:  but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.  13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended:  but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,  14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/06/2015) Alway Delivered To Death?

Today, life experience  for Christian believers is described as forward-looking due to its focus upon the word of GOD.  The primary work among disciples of Jesus is that of prophecy:  to comfort, edify, and exhort; the primary products include faith, gratitude, hope, joy, and longsuffering.  It is in contrast to the preeminence of eternal life that death or fear have place with the chief concerns of the church.   Acknowledging and burying the dead, hallowing (we say, consecrating or sanctifying) ground for the internment of believer remains, and pastoral counseling to survivors of the deceased may appear as expressions of divine love and respect, both in place of and in addition to preaching and solemn worship.  One of the many fighters using the ID “Anonymous” at “Yahoo! Answers” posted the following:


Is religion nothing more than a thing that helps people deal with the thought of and experience of death?

Have you seen dead people before? They cannot: see, touch, think, remember, talk, walk, etc. That's the reality of death.

Update:  Enlighten me if you have a better explanation.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness:  for they shall be filled.  Blessed are the merciful:  for they shall obtain mercy.  Blessed are the pure in heart:  for they shall see God.  Blessed are the peacemakers:  for they shall be called the children of God.  Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake:  for their’s is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.  Rejoice, and be exceeding glad:  for great is your reward in heaven:  for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.  (Matthew 5:  6-14, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Eternal Life Not Afterlife? (08/11/2015); The Return to Dust? (06/14/2015); Death, Forgiveness, Sin and Spirit? (05/28/2015); Death is a Divine Tool (09/15/2014); A Sleep and a Second Death (09/16/2014); Death Has Been Transformed (05/09/2013); Loving the Enemy? (05/10/2013)


“Anonymous”, for the followers of Jesus Christ, ones faith with other inseparable aspects of the divine nature (e.g., holiness, righteousness, truth, wisdom, wrath against sin) centers in divine operations whereby mankind undergoes permanent change, and is prepared for transformation to continue as an immortal, incorruptible companion to divinity.  Through baptism (death of ones inborn spirit; rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak), believers and disciples of Jesus spoken of as “born again,” must “grow up,” and mature again meeting the same life challenges as all others upon the earth.  Included are aging, bereavement, disease, disappointment, frustration, injustice, isolation, and persecution.  While themes of its teachings go all the way back to the Creation of heaven and earth, and every believer is to experience covenant and personal relationship with Deity, the spirit content of a Christian believer is “forward-looking” as a focus upon expectations for the fulfillment of things spoken from divinity as proclamations, promises, and prophecies.  Consider again the following verses from the Bible:

(1.)  2nd Peter 1:  2-4, King James Version (KJV):  2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,  3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:  4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises:  that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

(2.)  Hebrews 12:  14, KJV:  14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

(3.)  2nd Corinthians 4:  11-14, KJV:  11 For we which live are  alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.  12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.  13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;  14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  1st Corinthians 15:  50-54, KJV:  50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.  51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,  52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump:  for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.  54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/01/2015) A New Year’s Message, 2015: Great Expectations?

    As we enter into the New Year, 2015, many of us are concerned for our immediate future as Christian believers.  Having a mix of desires, disappointments, dreams, and expectations, believers too are asking:  What will happen for me, now?  Will things get better, or stay pretty much the same?  Will I finally fall in love, or meet someone to be my life companion?  Will I finally have the miracle I’ve been praying for; or will I experience the coming of Jesus, and the end of the world as we now know it?  Will I see in my lifetime the harvest, the Rapture, and other sacred events proclaimed, promised and prophesied in the Bible?  Will I finally give up, and stop trying to hold on to things we know are impossible?

    Because we are in a divinely ordered and structured process of growth and transformation, and believers are the focus of multiple sacred operations carried out by the Holy Spirit that are intended to establish permanent changes, everyone will continue to experience a broad range of the positive and negative feelings that anchor us in our humanity.  There will be enduring the unexpected, and facing the unknown.  There will be fear and uncertainty; anger and frustration.  There will be defiance and resistance.  There will be contentment, joy, and satisfaction.  In the midst of many storms, there will be peace.  In short there will be challenge after challenge with unfulfilled hope until the day of Christ’s appearing.

    On the one hand, the life of a Christian is the same rollercoaster of experience that all upon the earth must endure.  On the other hand, believers are marching to Zion supplied from the onset with guidance and instruction from Jesus, fellowship with other believers, a fresh endowment of sacred content from the makeup of divinity (e.g., faith, holiness, love), sacred knowledge through study of the holy writings, and new insights that emerge over time as they continue to pursue their journey. 

    For believers, diverse questions and thoughts are not so much a result of the changing times as the outcome of shifts in focus where believers lose sight of the eternal goals of divinity that have been revealed through Jesus Christ.  What we are commanded to expect and be ready for (we say, our hope) is unchanging.  My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.  At the Advent, the Second Coming of Jesus, mankind is to become immortal and incorruptible, to live upon the earth made new, and serve as an eternal companion to Deity.  For now, Creation continues, and GOD is completing numberless sacred operations to fulfill the spirit potential of man to be more than a mere animal or carnal being.  Thus, there are such features revealed as atonement, correction, forbearance, forgiveness, longsuffering, perfection, redemption, salvation, and sanctification.

As we begin the New Year, 2015, think it not strange that there will be affliction, hardship, or fiery trials.  Let us continue our deliberate choice to experience salvation through Jesus Christ in spite of all opposition that arises by disease, covetousness, envy, ignorance, poverty, pride, selfishness, sin, temptation, or tribulation.  Let us resolve again to hear our Sovereign say, Well done thou good, and faithful servant.  Where you have done it for the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.  The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.  But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.   Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,  Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?  Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.  Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.  (2nd Peter 3:  8-14, KJV)


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/11/2013) Struggling?

Belief, forgiveness, and spiritual growth are topics, today. Also, there is more on loving ones enemy. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Jack” (Level 1 with 98 points, a member since June 24, 2012) posted the following:


Struggling with christianity helpp!?

Well a week or so I was seriously contemplating making a deal with the opposite of God (I don’t want to say his name) and I decided not to since then I have been very dedicated toi christianity and saying prayers. Do you think God will forgive me and is there any chance that I made a deal with the man in my sleep accidently if so is there anyway I can undo it. Really worried please help!


THE BATTLE AXE: Loving the Enemy (05/10/2013)—(5.) The concept of “enemy” contained within Mosaic law establishing Israel as a sovereign state is not the same as that for those who were to be utterly removed from the Promised Land, even to the slaying of women, children, and livestock. (See Deuteronomy 23: 19-20, Leviticus 25: 17-18 and 39-46, Exodus 23: 3-5, KJV). The ministry of Jesus acknowledges the promises of GOD regarding the Gentiles, and in accordance with sacred purpose, Jesus introduced broader understandings for the terms “brother,” “enemy” “family” and “neighbor.” (See Mark 3: 31-35, Luke 10: 24-34 and Ephesians 2: 11-22, King James Version.) (6.) In the same way GOD did not create sin, and sin is not a substance made from spirit, GOD created no adversary or enemy at Creation. Even so, there are those who oppose the law and rule of GOD. Such are properly called “children of disobedience,” “sinners”, “transgressors”, the unjust,” “the wicked,” and “antichrists”. The language that speaks of enemies derives from military and political thinking; and is replaced by language that speaks to spiritual judgment and salvation. See 1st John 4: 1-21 and Revelation 22: 1-21, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW: Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 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. 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. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. 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? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 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. (1st Peter 4: 12-19, King James Version)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Life Given By Knowledge? (04/03/2013); A Spirit Church? (04/04/2013); GOD Does Exist? (03/20/2012); The “Original” Bible (03/21/2012); Binder 34: Take My Yoke (10/31/2011); Dispatch 25: Comparing Spiritual Things (09/04/2011); Dispatch 26: The Shield (09/05/2011)


Jack, here are some points that mean a lot to many mature Christian believers:

(1.) Everyone struggles with Christianity; believers rarely go from first hearing the Gospel to standing in full conviction at the speed of thought. A person becomes engaged in multiple sacred processes including death, re-birth, redemption, repentance, salvation, judgment, and sanctification.

(2.) The human process of approaching GOD, and maintaining a relationship through Jesus Christ is rooted in carnal, emotional, material, psychological, and social challenges. Every sacred concept and divine truth repeatedly appears in ones experience, and the believer must increasingly recognize and re-affirm their spiritual belief without also “breaking faith,” embracing contradiction, or violating conscience.

(3.) Other believers only may share their knowledge of the formal doctrines and teachings, or declare their own belief and conviction. Each one who comes to Christ must practice a discipline wherein they put aside ideas from their own experience and imagination, and completely rely upon what is in their understanding as having come from Christ—his life experience, his ministry, the record of his appearance upon the earth, his belief, and his imparted, holy Spirit. (See Psalm 2: 10-12 and Philippians 2: 12, KJV.)

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) The choice IS yours. What do you choose to believe? Believe it now, act upon it now. There’s no reason to ask for forgiveness where you are absolutely certain it won’t be given. Where you truly believe you no longer have the salvation that comes from GOD, you also must truly accept, there is nothing anyone anywhere can do to change that. Go on with your life, and, like everyone else, do the best you can to keep from being miserable.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/06/2013) Church Mandatory?

      The possible benefit from mandatory church attendance is considered, today. Also, there is more on whether experience is acceptable evidence for spiritual truth. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Looking in With Wonder” (Level 2 with 732 points, a member since March 25, 2013) posted the following:

School is mandatory, surely the church should be too. It would mean a lot more respect. thoughts?

THE BATTLE AXE: Experience Is Not Evidence? (05/05/2013)—(5.) Carnal, material and social experience do not serve as the highest evidence of divine truth (see Psalm 19: 1-14 and Romans 1: 16-32, KJV). GOD is a spirit, and must be known and understood as present through spiritual content, eternal purpose and sacred process. While the revelation of GOD to all created beings and living creatures continues to use human actors, awareness, and human events, the power of the sacred process does not depend upon the sum of ones knowledge, information, intelligence, memory, and reason. Belief is driven by the appearance and interaction of divine substance. Included are faith, forbearance, forgiveness, holiness, humility, joy, longsuffering, love, wisdom, and wrath against sin. See Psalm 119: 98-106, Matthew 15: 7-20, John 20: 19-31 and 2nd Corinthians 5: 7, KJV. (6.) GOD does not manipulate human affairs and natural events to supply mankind with “proof” to convince and persuade anyone that He is GOD. GOD is not obligated to argue or debate, and to remove disbelief. The proofs and signs granted to his servants are to acknowledge, affirm and reinforce the divine intent residing within the believer, to further their understanding, and to ignite zeal within believers (see Judges 6: 11-24 and 33-40 and 2nd Kings 13: 14-19, KJV). Spiritual gifts, resources, and tools are shared, however, this is to permit human awareness, recognition, and realization of divine presence as well as sacred operations, and eternal purpose. Spirit content is imparted through the holy writings along with understanding that reveals the divine nature and sacred purpose that frames and underlies all existence.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day? Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the sabbath. And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day. So the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware lodged without Jerusalem once or twice. Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the sabbath. (Nehemiah 13: 17-21, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: GOD in Schools? (12/20/2012); Naaman the Leper (12/21/2012); Holiday Displays? (12/07/2012); An Attack Upon Creation? (12/08/2012); Parental Duty? (10/08/2012); The Gender of Angels? (10/09/2012); Mob Rule and Violence (09/27/2012); Suppose I Am Wrong? (09/28/2012); What Is Reality (a.k.a. Truth)? (09/29/2012); The Content Of Prayer (01/29/2012); Teen Believers? (10/07/2010); Foiled Again (10/08/2010)

      Many mature Christian believers would agree that the sacred benefit of church attendance, and participation within assemblies, congregations and communities centered in shared belief can not be provided to all simply by the demands from civil law, or from the “bully” pulpit. Here are some points to consider:

(1.) GOD is a spirit, and must be known and understood through spirit content, eternal process, and sacred operations. Included are atonement, birth, condemnation, death, forgiveness, rebirth, repentance, and salvation. GOD appears to created beings and living creatures by expressions of divine will such as holy law, incarnation, and wrath against sin. (See John 4: 23-24, KJV.)

(2.) The church is a community of elect persons, and is a material and social instrument to present the divine will. Neither all the angels of heaven nor all mankind in the earth are embraced as members of the divine priesthood established by Jesus Christ. Their rule and service as kings goes forward in the form of ministry, works of faith, and continuous worship of GOD.

(3.) As an idea and process within the law, “religious liberty” generally is described as a freedom, as ones choice to be accountable and acknowledge sacred duty as well as a person’s right to maintain and practice in accordance with their own “faith” (usually undefined). Most mature believers understand the church where Jesus Christ is Head is not a democracy or institution built upon human consensus and majority rule. Participation is no longer on the basis of self-will and volition. Membership and support of the church are imperative, and no longer optional once they have surrendered to Christ in baptism (i.e., death and rebirth). Saying this another way: In the same way breathing is what one must do to stay alive, Christ is what one must do to know eternal life.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Social process for respect, sharing and trust often begins in our assuming there is agreement and equality in spite of diversity and individual differences as well as a commitment to ordered change, growth, and learning. For the sacred process of the church, the starting points may be doubts, questions and uncertainty that come under the operation of faith, and the endowments of divine person imparted to believers.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/05/2013) Experience Is Not Evidence?

      Acceptance, evidence, and proof for spiritual beliefs are the topics, today. Also, there is more on why one ought not assume that Jesus is dead, and Christianity as a belief system. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Canadian Duck” (Level 4 with 4,760 points, a member since January 4, 2010) posted the following:


Why cant theists understand that personal experience is not evidence unless they can prove it?

People say that they see Elvis Presley or Jesus all the time, a lot of theists claim to “feel” god, how the f*ck is that evidence? Someone please explain this logic, a christian tried to convert me by saying he saw jesus lmao.


THE BATTLE AXE: Jesus Lives! (05/04/2013) (5.) Christianity endures as a belief system that is balanced, dependable, detailed, lucid, productive, sensible, and sound. Even the youngest believers are easily able to recognize the connections between, and among the multiple elements and levels of sacred truth; and are able to trace clear connections for assumption, process, and understanding that must be acquired and built up. Belief systems must be closed, and may not allow inclusion of contradictions, exaggerations, half-truths, impurities, and lies. Even so, as with Christian belief, statements appear that serve as announcements, approximations, commands, conditional truths, promises, veiled truths, and understatements. As a closed system manifesting GOD, judgment and salvation, Christian belief does not directly address many issues relevant to other belief systems. Included are historical and natural events, philosophies, politics, and human sexuality. In general, those continuing in Christian belief gain a reputation as affectionate, approachable, blameless, committed, compassionate, creative, dutiful, faithful, firm, fearless, friendly, generous, gentle, honest, humble, industrious, intelligent, open, plainspoken, prudent, sensitive, sober, stable, thrifty, unprejudiced, unwavering, and wise. (6.) An assumption is a statement taken to be true without complete documentation and detailed evidence in order to construct or support a necessary awareness, and systematic truth. To “assume,” then, is to propose conditional acceptance of a statement as true so that it may be used temporarily to present a unique argument. Assumptions are used as starting points, while conclusions are understood as end points. Where one begins with assumptions that are accurate and correct, they may add on and fit together various statements of fact to establish a closed and perfect structure comprised entirely of truth. However, where one begins with false assumptions, they may only arrive at false conclusions, and a structure having questionable foundations. Where one assumes that Jesus is dead, they agree to rely upon and use the false notion that Jesus is deceased as though it is a proven and valid fact that determines the truth-value for all other statements about the divinity, eternal life, spirit presence, and continuing work of Jesus. To “presume” is to assume that one may take upon oneself the authority, privilege, property or status of another without their agreement, knowledge, or permission and without that of those having greater rank and position. Where “to assume” is to take thought that may be contrary to truth “to presume” is to take action contrary to truth. Presumption is held to be sin, and is accounted as a form of stealing (i.e., taking the belongings of another without their knowledge and permission; identity theft). Where one promotes truths that contradict, counterfeit, disagrees with, and opposes the truth presented through the holy writings, they are said to presume upon GOD. See Deuteronomy 17: 8-13, Numbers 14: 43-45, Deuteronomy 18: 15-22, John 10: 10, 1st John 2: 21-25, 2nd Peter 2: 9-11 and Psalm 19: 7-14, King James Version.


THE GOLDEN ARROW: Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught. And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned? Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. (John 7: 14-18, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Jesus Lives! (05/04/2013); Illusion? (04/25/2013); Not of Legal Age? (04/26/2013); Why Blood? (04/13/2013); Time Before the Sun? (04/14/2013); To See With New Eyes (11/06/2012); A Life Companion? (11/07/2012); Suppose I Am Wrong? (09/28/2012); What is Reality (a.k.a. Truth)? (09/29/2012) Why Religion, Anyhow? (02/18/2012); On The Messiah (02/19/2012)

    
     Canadian Duck, here are some ideas that have been carefully examined by many mature Christian believers and continue to be useful as guides when considering judgment and spiritual truth:

(1.) Eyewitness experience, personal testimony and reports of spiritual events (e.g., apparitions, dreams, visions, visitations, etc.) are measured and weighed using internal standards generated within a detailed belief system. Outsiders, and those lacking the concentration, knowledge, and skill to apply the belief system’s rules for consistency and clarity, cannot achieve the goals of corroboration.

(2.) Material offered “in evidence” need not be repeated reports that are exactly the same. Differences and diversity do not stifle corroboration, where peculiar facts may reinforce and support spirit truths on many levels otherwise overlooked, and not immediately taken into account. Thus, the weighing of spiritual truth involves more than physical events. Included are such features as duration, effect, nature, purpose, and specific spirit substance—faith, holiness, joy, love, wrath against sin, etc.

(3.) There is no “burden of proof” for spiritual experience. Where you say, This orange juice is cold and sweet!, it is not reasonable to demand you produce “empirical evidence.” The dynamics for mutual acceptance, respect, trust and truth should be sufficient. Even so, to ask for clarification, details and elaboration (that you, say a little more) might not be out of line.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) The convicting evidence from GOD is intended for those who obey the Almighty, who are part of the ministry and work, and is not for unbelievers. The “evidence”, in fact, is an aspect of himself, an imparted, indwelling spirit from GOD (we say, the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth). By internalization, and the ongoing operation of GOD, believers all come to understand.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/15/2013) No Contradictions?

     Again, contradictions in the Bible are a topic, and there is more on why believers are used to speak for GOD.  The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “religion to rational” (Level 3 with 1,155 points, a member since June 1, 2012) posted the following:


Why do some people think that there are no contradictions in the Bible?


THE BATTLE AXE:  Why A “Spokesperson”? (01/14/2013)—There are many things from GOD that believers must learn, and their instruction must be clear, direct and plain.  Through the use of human agents, GOD has demonstrated a divine purpose to bridge, and eventually remove, the gulf that presently continues to exist between the Creator and the created.  The Scriptures record pleadings, questions, reflections and responses by men and women to acts and pronouncements from GOD describing every level of economic, political and social life, from farmers to statesmen, from paupers to kings.  These all have used language and references that are sufficiently familiar and easily understood that the average person seeking answers from GOD may immediately connect, and recognize that many of their own fears, feelings, observations, questions and views are being spoken.  The full spectrum of human concerns have been addressed through the mechanisms of apostles, elders, covenants, husbands/wives, judges, kings, law, judgments, nations, patriarchs, priests, prophets, and warriors.  The contemporary tool of the church clarifies all that has gone before, and will continue the presence of Jesus Christ and his Gospel to the very hour of his coming in glory.  There is no “disappointment” for those having discernment as if GOD were absent or away, for the vessels of true divinity are, in fact, abundant and plenteous.  In modern America, gangs and other structured social groups are often all over our communities.  However, they usually lack the spiritual discipline, focus, insight and maturity that allow men and women to serve as balanced and effective examples, students, or teachers for the things from GOD.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,  Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:  Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.  But ye have not so learned Christ;  If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:  That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;  And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;  And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.  (Ephesians 4:  17-24, King James Version)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Contradictions? (09/21/2012); The Spirit by Measure (09/22/2012); Reading Only The Red Part (11/19/2012); According to the Eternal Purpose (11/20/2012); To See With New Eyes (11/06/2012); A Life Companion? (11/07/2012); Prophecy Fails? (03/15/2011); Bible Benefit? (03/16/2011)


     Where readers approach the holy writings as generated from GOD, having been produced through the faith of others, or as spiritual documents that convey content and substance that are divine, they continually operate in the terms of their own faith and spirit content, rather than academic and intellectual routines that emerge from our animal nature and that are tainted by “human error.”  Saying this another way:  They use spiritual rules for growth, learning and understanding in the place of secular rules.  This is no different than not using the rules of baseball when playing cricket (even though both speak of using a bat).

     One does not instantly achieve the ability to correctly realize sacred meaning and value within scriptural writings; and the spiritual maturity that includes discernment, insight and recognition for accord and harmony does not come over night.  There must be growth that comes by sacred practice such as giving, observance of sacraments, prayer, and unselfish service.  These create a “vocabulary of shared experience” that unifies believers, and illumines scriptural truth.  More than this, the imparted, indwelling Spirit from GOD makes visible otherwise “unseen things,” and supplies what otherwise would be “missing links.”

     There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, contradictions in Scripture are only important where blindness, ignorance and spiritual confusion are common and widespread.  There have long been those who carefully research the Bible to find contradictions, rather than to have a full grasp that would allow them to spread the Gospel.  Just as human logic and reason are not enough to eliminate criminal behavior in society, declaring contradictions are not enough to comprehend and eliminate sin, or to lay hold upon divinely provided salvation.  As humans, men are made up of mental, physical and spiritual elements that must be nourished and maintained in a peculiar balance for there to be health, prosperity or understanding.  Therefore, the careful study of Scripture by believers in Jesus Christ is primarily intended to discover accord and agreement, not contradictions.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC