(10/04/2018) Holy Boldness and Humility

Today, reply is on the spiritual condition and sacred tools sinners must acquire in order to approach divinity, and be granted eternal fellowship with GOD.  A sinner's walk with GOD may begin when they choose, listen, and carefully reflect on the word of GOD while it is preached.  Also, their repentance and transformation may begin when they ask GOD to come into their own life by speaking to divinity in either private or public prayer.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data appears) posted the following:

How do I humble myself and come to Jesus?

My issue is pride. I admit that I am a sinner. I get these sharp sensations reading Romans 5:8 and when I read the gospel of Christ. I even get scared sometimes thinking about Jesus.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.  Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.  For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,  But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.  (Hebrews 10: 19-27, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: On Facing The Future (01/17/2018); Discernment, Focus and Meekness? (07/07/2017); Fellowship With the Father (06/13/2017); Endurance, Humility and Obedience? (06/04/2017); The Gift of Humility (02/19/2017); Humility and The Cross? (03/15/2016); Sabbath, Power, and Rest? (07/17/2015); Humility Needed for Salvation? (08/15/2014); False Angels of Light? (08/16/2014)

“Anonymous”, what you seem to be speaking of as “coming to Jesus” are obedience, “holy boldness,” and “humility” that are required to stand before GOD in final judgment. Because they are relying on aspects of the flesh (e.g., appetite, sensation, emotion/mind), and secular knowledge (e.g., intellect, logic, carnal reason), rather than sacred knowledge (e.g., divine law, prophecy, revelation), both sinners and developing Christian believers often mistakenly think that they themselves may reverse their separation from GOD caused by sin through their own efforts. They regard their spiritual condition as the result of their own ego, pride, and self-importance. Correctly understood, however, the operations of sin may dominate awareness and self-will within the living, for through Adam (the first pair), created beings and living creatures all have become subject to vanity (i.e., things that lack divine substance and sacred value). There now must be a process of transformation whereby the living are provided with spirit substance imparted from the makeup of GOD. Sinners who become “born again” receive fresh endowments of inseparable spirit content. Included are balance, completeness, faith, holiness, holy boldness, humility, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. A born-again believer must “grow up again” by facing life challenges, growing pains, and even suffering while living on the earth. Through discovery, fellowship, gradual growth, learning, practice, and unselfish service, the believer must become mature and ripe for harvest by Jesus Christ (we say, the Advent; his appearing; the Rapture; the Second Coming). Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) Isaiah 41: 10-11, King James Version (KJV):  10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God:  I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.  11 Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.

(2.) Isaiah 40: 28-31, KJV: 28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.  29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.  30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:  31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

(3.) Proverbs 21: 3-4, KJV:  3 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.  4 An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) 1^st John 4: 15-19, KJV:  15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.  16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.  17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment:  because as he is, so are we in this world.  18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear:  because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.  19 We love him, because he first loved us.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(05/17/2017) No Fear In Love?

Today, topics include access, awe, exclusive devotion and divine judgment.  The fear that comes by sin and transgression of the divine will results in separation from GOD.  Through Jesus Christ, sinners are given assurances of grace, forgiveness, and rebirth that replace fear and terror with access to GOD having confidence, hope, joy, and trust.  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Kaliyah” (Level 1 with 2 points, a member since February 24, 2017) posted the following:


What does the Bible mean when it says, "there is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out all fear? ( 1 John 4:18)"?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.  If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.  (1st John 2:  28-29, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Convinced/Convicted? (05/16/2017); Operations of Christian Faith (04/28/2017); ...Because GOD Loves You (03/05/2017); The Gift of Humility (02/19/2017); Saying “GOD is Love” (12/18/2016); Herein Is True Love (10/21/2016); Fear That Acknowledges GOD? (07/15/2016)


“Kaliyah”, mature Christian believers generally accept that every relationship with divinity that bears spiritual fruit and produces genuine godliness also displays awe, fear of the Lord, respect, and reverence.  Sinners who turn away from  the darkness in their own lives that has been generated by the operations of sin, who turn to the light of divine acceptance in the Beloved (Jesus Christ), and who make commitment to endure as a new creation of GOD, will be released from the fear of divine punishment, the wrath of GOD, and what is called the second death.  The new believer will become known as a son or daughter of GOD, and a joint-heir with the Son of the Highest.  Once “born again”, a developing believer must “grow up again;” and will be edified, nourished, and made ripe (mature for harvest at the coming of the Lord) through such tools as divine promises, sacred knowledge, fresh endowments of spirit content imparted from the makeup of Deity (e.g., faith, holiness, holy boldness, longsuffering, meekness, wisdom) as well as duty, prayer, unselfish service, and suffering.  The believer overcomes depression, doubt, fear, even poverty, by filling their heart, mind, lifestyle and daily routines with the character and substance of Christ.  Consider the following:

(1.)  Zephaniah 3:  17, King James Version (KJV):  17 The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

(2.)  Psalms 27:  1-5, KJV:  The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?  2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.  3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear:  though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.  4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.  5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion:  in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock

(3.)  Isaiah 41:  10-13, KJV:  10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee:  be not dismayed; for I am thy God:  I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.  11 Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded:  they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.  12 Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee:  they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought.  13 For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

(4.)  Mark 5:  35-36, KJV:  35 While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead:  why troublest thou the Master any further?  36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.

(5.)  Luke 12:  4-6, KJV:  4 And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.  5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear:  Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.  6 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (6.)  2nd Corinthians 5:  10, KJV:  10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/14/2012) Why Courage?

     The importance of courage to ones Christian walk, and more on family and romance are topics, today.  The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Ryan M” (Level 1 with 125 points, a member since January 30, 2007) posted the following:

Why is courage so important in a Christ-follower’s life?

THE BATTLE AXE:  Family and Romance? (10/13/2012)—Family as a social institution used by men is not the same as family when used as a divine spiritual tool.  Issues we now know as incest, property rights, and sibling rivalry were not known during Adam’s lifetime.  Thus, the account of Abel slain by his brother Cain actually centers on the acceptable models of priesthood and sacrifice provided from heaven for the earth, and to all mankind.  Today, in the United States, most communities provide children and family courts to resolve the many conflicts, and disputes that occur among those bound together through blood and law.  Earlier, order and structure within families as well as among and between families was on the basis of individual skills, animal instinct, and personal power, rather than mechanisms for impartiality such as courts and law.  Many continue to practice the “old ways,” however they encounter increasing opposition.  Among Christian believers, such scriptural and unwritten rules continue to be observed, including (1) all  must encourage, and nourish the integrity and soundness of body, mind and spirit for every member of the family as for themselves; (2) just as sexual intimacy is forbidden, and the “privacy” of others are to be protected, violence against ones parents, brothers, sisters and other family is outlawed; (3) none will hinder, meddle with or oppress other family members to block their success, deny their faith, suppress their spiritual growth, or cut off fulfillment of their chosen duties; and (4) one may become distanced from family through time and space, however, the bond is to be respected by all as unbreakable even by death.  The spirit content of blood is being and life. The spirit content of law is divine will and truth.  The spirit content of marriage is union.  Just as all are made free from sin by death, all are made free from marriage, law, family and commitment.  Through the mechanisms of duty and inheritance, the bond of family continues in effect, transcending blood and law, and is anchored in shared truth.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.  When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.  Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.  Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies:  for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.  I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.  Wait on the LORD:  be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart:  wait, I say, on the LORD.  (Psalms 27:  9-14, King James Version)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Spirit by Measure (09/22/2012); On Being Careful (02/13/2012); Grounded In Love (12/13/2011); About Zeal (02/17/2011); Awesomeness? (12/19/2010); Born With Sin? (12/20/2010)

Here are some thoughts shared among mature Christian believers:

For many “courage” means a state of emotion where one does not feel anxiety, fear, nervousness or worry.  Apprehension is not present, where one anticipates damage, disgrace, loss, or pain; and so, one feels free and uninhibited when approaching duty, or life challenges and problems.  As an emotion, courage is temporal; it only lasts for a time; and it comes and goes.  For those just beginning to investigate and learn the things of GOD through Christ, courage is necessary as a form of strength that fosters dialogue, learning and reflection.  Many questions must be posed, and one must be willing to expose the depth of their own beliefs and understandings.

For the believer who has been reborn through baptism, the need is not for courage and emotion; instead, there must be “holy boldness,” balance, and “fear of the Lord.”  Like faith, joy, humility and wrath against sin, holy boldness is a content of divine being (sometimes we say “divine DNA”), and is inseparable from other sacred substance such as holiness, righteousness, truth and wisdom.  The imparted, indwelling Spirit from GOD must be present that makes possible a believers approach and entrance into the Divine Presence.

“Fear of the Lord” is reverence, right respect, and the correct awareness of GOD called “awe”.  Access to GOD begins with things that are impersonal and remote such as doctrine, law, proclamation and Scripture.  Needed strength to approach sovereign truths that are invisible and otherwise unknown are supplied through the ministry of Jesus, that equip and prepare believers for personal experiences of GOD, including healing, prayer, and prophetic visions.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, “the fearful” (also called “cowards”) are classed with idolaters, murderers, sorcerers, whoremongers, the unbelieving, and all liars (see Revelation 21:  7-8, KJV).  Christian belief is not a matter of “gambling” or foolish risk-taking; however, there are many unseen attackers and unexpected enemies, a darkness that opposes spiritual growth, that may be described as “facing the unknown”.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC