Today, Scriptures are shared on the diversity seen among the responses by Christian believers to the recent massacre in Charleston, SC. Christianity is a promise one makes to GOD, a commitment, and an agreement one shares with others devoted to Deity through Jesus Christ. Multiple streams of acknowledgment, covenant, practice and worship come together for those who embrace the teachings about and from Christ. While intimate and personal relationship to divinity may not be bought and sold as merchandise, Deity must be approached through the humility, respect, and unselfishness that appear in giving, offering, sacrifice, and suffering in innocence. All born again believers are growing, learning, and preparing for the coming of Christ to harvest the earth and receive those of his kingdom unto himself. The body (we say, church) is diverse, and has many different members, who differ in such aspects as their abilities, accomplishments, commitments, spiritual gifts, perseverance, service, skill, and talents. A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Robert” (Level 6 with 14,116 points, a member since May 25, 2009) posted the following:
What a contrast between the black people of Charleston SC and people like Al Sharpton. Could there be anything more different?
I have never in my life been so moved by an expression of forgiveness, kindness and goodness. Most people I know who claim to be Christians, I don't think would have reacted that way.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. (Matthew 24: 5-14, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: To Live As a Sacrifice (03/08/2014); A Perfected Body (03/09/2014); On Judging Preachers as “Fake” (12/23/2013); Jesus Arose Bodily (12/24/2013); Putting GOD First? (06/02/2013); Need for A New Holy Spirit? (06/03/2013); On Titles and Respect (03/15/2013); On Producing Atheists (03/16/2013); Mockers in the Last Days (11/14/2012); Thoughts Upon A Warrior’s Fall (11/15/2012)
“Robert”, there will always be different responses to the same event among Christians, because believers vary in terms of their maturity, practice, preparation, sacred knowledge, and sanctification. Al Sharpton, and those like him who often endure the accusations, arrogance, presumption, and unkind words from others intended to disrupt and further division, are not one-dimensional as spiritual figures; and must be engaged and understood on the basis of multiple duties, privileges, and responsibilities. More than simply comfort (i.e., showing affection, compassion, empathy) the work of clergy, prophets, and spokespersons from GOD goes beyond self-expression and may include edification (i.e., providing counsel, guidance and instruction), exhortation (i.e., urging believers to act immediately in obedience to divine prompting, and to perform godly action), and displaying the wrath of GOD against sin. Various eternal priorities and purposes are in operation. Therefore, much of a believer’s service is “invisible” to those who are carnal, and is unseen to those lacking discernment that comes by the Holy Spirit. Please, consider again the following:
(1.) 1st Corinthians 2: 11-14, King James Version (KJV): 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
(2.) Ecclesiastes 5: 1-3, KJV: 5 Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. 2 Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few. 3 For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool’s voice is known by multitude of words.
(3.) Ecclesiastes 5: 8-9, KJV: 8 If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they. 9 Moreover the profit of the earth is for all: the king himself is served by the field.
(4.) Philippians 1: 27-28, KJV: 27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually taken into account. (For example, (5.) Ephesians 4: 4-7, KJV: 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. 7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Showing posts with label massacre. Show all posts
Showing posts with label massacre. Show all posts
Monday, June 22, 2015
Sunday, June 21, 2015
(06/21/2015) No Cause For Alarm?
More Scripture points are shared, today, on commitment, persecution, and suffering among Christian believers. Black and White Americans, believers and non-believers alike may not continue as though we can conduct “business as usual.” On the one hand, the recent massacre in Charleston, SC is no more a despicable and shocking betrayal than the slaughter of schoolchildren in their classroom, the murder and use of worshippers as hostages in a mosque, or the destruction of a trade center using a passenger jet. On the other hand, it is in the light of such incidents, we who count ourselves civilized are required to make the needed response whereby no such events will ever be repeated among us. It never fails that, when religious fervor expressing only bias, hatred and prejudice are unleashed, obedience, respect and love to GOD are replaced by cruelty, malice and murder. A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Gino Hunter” (Level 4 with 2,772 points, a member since March 21, 2011) posted the following:
Christians, what's the difference between Dylan Roof killing and the Apostle Paul killing?
Dylan killed less Christians did Paul.
Preachers number one books they quote from is from one who had Christians killed.
People are making a big deal because of the killing in South Carolina like this is something new.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. (Luke 9: 57-62, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: One Faith, One Lord? (09/26/2014); Healing is By Relationship? (09/26/2014); Why So Much Murder? (01/12/2013); Confusion 2013 (01/13/2013); Remembering the Holocaust? (12/14/2012); A Slaughter of Innocents (12/15/2012); Escape from Racism (10/24/2012); Christians Who Ignore GOD’s Laws (10/25/2012)
“Gino Hunter”, the tone of your question suggests you feel there should be no public outrage, collective repentance, and private introspection (i.e., “soul searching,” self-examination) as a response to the recent massacre in Charleston, SC. Saul of Tarsus committed atrocities against the early church as a legitimate representative of the High Priest, and in the role of a special prosecutor. Saul served as an officer of the court in the same way as do all executioners who must perform punishments in judgment. The acts, goals, intent, and motives of Dylan Roof and Saul of Tarsus emerged from two very different spirits; and we have yet to see what divine and eternal purposes will be accomplished in the recent event. Here are a few of the admonitions, encouragements and reminders that help Christian believers maintain a correct balance, and avoid spiritual confusion and error:
(1.) 2nd Timothy 3: 12, King James Version (KJV): 12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
(2.) 2nd Corinthians 13: 3-5, KJV: 3 Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. 4 For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you. 5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
(3.) Philippians 3: 8-11, KJV: 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
(4.) Galatians 2: 20, KJV: 20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually taken into account. (For example, (5.) Galatians 5: 19-25, KJV: 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. 24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Christians, what's the difference between Dylan Roof killing and the Apostle Paul killing?
Dylan killed less Christians did Paul.
Preachers number one books they quote from is from one who had Christians killed.
People are making a big deal because of the killing in South Carolina like this is something new.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. (Luke 9: 57-62, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: One Faith, One Lord? (09/26/2014); Healing is By Relationship? (09/26/2014); Why So Much Murder? (01/12/2013); Confusion 2013 (01/13/2013); Remembering the Holocaust? (12/14/2012); A Slaughter of Innocents (12/15/2012); Escape from Racism (10/24/2012); Christians Who Ignore GOD’s Laws (10/25/2012)
“Gino Hunter”, the tone of your question suggests you feel there should be no public outrage, collective repentance, and private introspection (i.e., “soul searching,” self-examination) as a response to the recent massacre in Charleston, SC. Saul of Tarsus committed atrocities against the early church as a legitimate representative of the High Priest, and in the role of a special prosecutor. Saul served as an officer of the court in the same way as do all executioners who must perform punishments in judgment. The acts, goals, intent, and motives of Dylan Roof and Saul of Tarsus emerged from two very different spirits; and we have yet to see what divine and eternal purposes will be accomplished in the recent event. Here are a few of the admonitions, encouragements and reminders that help Christian believers maintain a correct balance, and avoid spiritual confusion and error:
(1.) 2nd Timothy 3: 12, King James Version (KJV): 12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
(2.) 2nd Corinthians 13: 3-5, KJV: 3 Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. 4 For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you. 5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
(3.) Philippians 3: 8-11, KJV: 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
(4.) Galatians 2: 20, KJV: 20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually taken into account. (For example, (5.) Galatians 5: 19-25, KJV: 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. 24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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