Today, Scripture points are shared on the value of religious beliefs, and the holy writings. Many forceful and immature voices are now being heard through popular culture that argue the Bible and organized religion are antiquated, confrontational, divisive, exacting, homicidal, humiliating, incendiary, unnecessarily judgmental, and uncivilized. These so-called “enlightened critics” promote the same spirit of defiance, insurrection, pseudo-intellectualism, and rebellion that was articulated through communism; however, their contemporary calls are that all doctrine, organized religious practices, standards, and teachings be outlawed and prohibited for the sake of global survival, and world peace. Since the days of Abel and Cain, there have been those who desire the blessing GOD provides only to his own heirs and offspring; however, they continue to deny the lovingkindness, preeminence and sovereignty of the Creator. Christian believers are cautioned against “thieves” who come only to rob, kill, and destroy; “wolves in sheep’s clothing;” and those displaying a form of godliness, but denying the true Power. One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:
Is the bible used by both evil people and good people. Does it serve a double standard.?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: 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. (Acts 20: 32, King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Conflict Because of Religious Belief? (01/30/2015); Unto The Pure (11/15/2015); A Price for Religious Liberty? (06/30/2015); A Wandering Jew? (04/09/2015); Faith not Politics? (12/02/2014); Ye Are Not In The Flesh (12/03/2014); God Bless America? (09/12/2013); Law, Slavery and Redemption (09/13/2013)
“Anonymous”, for the disciples and followers of Jesus Christ, the holy writings are an actual appearance and embodiment (we also say, a manifestation) of divinity. So to speak, the Scriptures provide “a divine point of view” revealing the active presence of Deity by using thousands of events within thousands of lives over the course of thousands of years. To have the fullest benefit from the Scriptures, a believer must receive the divine anointing and spiritual gifts that give meaning and power to their experiences of growth, guidance, instruction, and preparation. Included are baptism, confession, forgiveness, penance, praise, prophecy, sanctification, thanksgiving, and worship. Even so, many deal with religious beliefs, emblems, and sacred knowledge the same way “fans” will deal with their favorite sports. They insist upon professional balls, jerseys, and playing fields, yet, are mere “weekend warriors” who rarely get involved in local league activity. While they may boast, challenge each other, and “talk plenty trash,” few are career criminals, con-artists, and imposters seeking to exploit, “hustle”, and victimize those in their own community. Similarly, there are many who “follow” as religious believers who do not properly discern the spirit content, eternal purposes, and sacred operations of divinity. Such people can appear to be blasphemers, bogus or counterfeit clergy, and “false prophets” that misapply, and “wrest” the Scriptures. However, more than being agents of Satan, cold-blooded crooks, disbelievers, and frauds, the many “fair-weather” and “nominal believers” (in name only) often are answering as babes to “growing pains”, for the even-handed and impartial responses by GOD to the human predicament often appear to be chance, coincidence, and a matter of ones “luck”. Consider again how some of this is stated in the language of the Bible:
(1.) Hebrews 4: 1-3, King James Version (KJV): 1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. 2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. 3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
(2.) Matthew 5: 43-48, KJV: 43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? 48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
(3.) Ezekiel 33: 30-33, KJV: 30 Also, thou son of man, the children of thy people still are talking against thee by the walls and in the doors of the houses, and speak one to another, every one to his brother, saying, Come, I pray you, and hear what is the word that cometh forth from the LORD. 31 And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness. 32 And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not. 33 And when this cometh to pass, (lo, it will come,) then shall they know that a prophet hath been among them.
(4.) Isaiah 5: 18-21, KJV: 18 Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope: 19 That say, Let him make speed, and hasten his work, that we may see it: and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh and come, that we may know it! 20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! 21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
There is far more to be said, carefully examined, and spiritually understood. (For example, (5.) 2nd Corinthians 4: 1-7, KJV: 1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 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.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
