(05/29/2017) ...Gathered In My Name

Today, focus is on differences in the character, purpose, and substance of sacred gatherings of believers as distinct from contacts that occur by chance.  While enthusiasm, joy, and zeal are to be seen in the life of a believer on a continuing basis there also should be accountability, balance, circumspection, and restraint.  Attitudes, behavior and speech appropriate in the place of worship is often disruptive and divisive in the classroom, the public forum, the workplace, or the home.  Believers are commanded to love, avoid meddling, and to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”  Even long-time members within the congregations may lose sight of their own place regarding the core issues and divine operations of the church such as revelation, completing judgment, serving as joint-heirs, unselfish ministry to others, and preparing for the coming of Jesus Christ to harvest the earth of those who belong to him and who are ripe (mature).  With this in view, the church may only be made up of those who willingly submit themselves to the Lord, and freely give just as they have been given to.  There can be no communion through coercion, deceit and indifference, or lies, slander, threats, and violence.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers (India)” using the ID “BRIAN” (Level 6 with 20,686 points, a member since August 02, 2015) posted the following:


Why are Christians so different outside church?

I've been exploring church for a few months and on Sunday my Christian "friends" are so nice to me.
They explain about the service and after it ends, they make sure I get some coffee and biscuits. Then they hug me tightly and say "God bless"
However, when I see the same people through the week, they ignore me, even though I know they see me.
One guy nearly broke his leg, as he jumped over paint tins in a hardware shop!! Yet 2 days later he gave me a hearty handshake and said "good to see you in church today"
Why?
WHY???
Is this a Belfast Metropolitan church thing only???


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.  For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.  (Matthew 18:  19-20, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Answer From GOD (05/19/2017); The Quality of Life? (03/29/2017); ...Because GOD Loves You (03/05/2017); Become Like Jesus Christ? (10/27/2016); Good Christians and Church? (10/19/2016); A Fool of the Church? (01/26/2016); Any Way For Men To Behave? (09/06/2015); Jesus, A Party Animal? (05/03/2013); Jesus Lives! (05/04/2013)


“BRIAN”, Christian believers will encounter one another  regularly as a community of faith within a sanctuary cleansed and set apart by their prayers, reverence, sacrifices (we also say, giving), and sacred truth.  Called “the body of Christ” the church seeks and creates a setting very different from that offered by the world.  The active presence who is GOD is invoked and welcomed.  There are shared purposes for spirit growth, service to others, and acceptable worship.  The shared life of the church is not one of rejoicing only; there also are times of fear, humiliation, isolation, persecution, and uncertainty.  Becoming emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually mature as a Christian believer is a lifetime work accomplished by completing such tasks as acquiring sacred knowledge; maintaining specific shared practices (we say, sacraments) meanings, and values; enduring bereavement, loss, and strained relationships along with pursuing readiness to receive Jesus Christ at his coming in spite of opposition, sin and suffering.  All within the body of believers must undergo operations of the Holy Spirit whereby they become “born again.”  More than this, all must “grow up again” and become mature as living vessels of spirit substance from the makeup of GOD.  By receiving deposits of holy seed (we also say, divine DNA), sinners become the offspring of GOD through Jesus Christ.  Included are faith, forbearance, forgiveness, gratitude, holiness, hope, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, meekness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Just as the fullness of divinity (we say, the GODhead) appears presenting oneness without sameness among three divine persons (Father, Son and Holy Spirit), the members of the church are diverse, and will display different levels of commitment, discernment, maturity and understanding as well as different spiritual abilities and gifts.  Where believers encounter one another on the street and “in the world” they often must operate with a different sense of alertness, focus, spiritual freedom, and clarity of process.  Consider again the following from the Bible:

(1.)  Romans 8:  5-9, King James Version (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.

(2.)  1st  John 2:  15-17, KJV:  15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.  17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof:  but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

(3.)  John 17:  14-19, KJV:  14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.  15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.  16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.  17 Sanctify them through thy truth:  thy word is truth.  18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.  19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Malachi 3:  16-18, KJV:  16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another:  and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.  17 And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.  18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/07/2016) Instruments in His Ministry?

Today, points are shared on the believer’s duty to love one’s neighbor by alerting them to the wrath of GOD against sin.  Those who take up the work of spreading the Gospel express a personal care for others, the love of GOD the Father as well as the same Holy Spirit and love that resided within the Son, Jesus Christ.  Anointed believers are accountable as judges, priests, and kings in service to GOD who are to demonstrate and share divine cleansing, healing, humility, and sacred knowledge through a lifestyle and sacraments that continue the ministry and works of the Lord.  Included are delivering cautions; comfort; exposing cherished, disguised, and hidden sin; giving; instruction; and reinforcing the faith of others.  Thus, it is written:  Leviticus 19:  16-18, King James Version (KJV):  16 Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people:  neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour; I am the LORD.  17 Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart:  thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.  18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself:  I am the LORD.  Also, Ezekiel 33:  8-9, KJV:  8 When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.  9 Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.  One of the many fighters at “Yahoo! Answers (Canada)” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:

Where is the contradiction except in your saying that we should never call a sin a sin. That is how you love your neighbor?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us:  for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;  Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:  Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.  For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.  For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.  Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.  But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.  And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.  Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.  Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.   (2nd Thessalonians 3:  7-16, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:   Must GOD Hate Sinners? (09/01/2016); Why Are Works Required? (07/18/2016); About Other People’s Beliefs (06/22/2016); Called Slaves by GOD? (02/10/2016);  On Doing Good Deeds (02/02/2016); On Being Merciful (09/01/2013); A Divine Trickster? (09/02/2013)

“Anonymous”, we are to “call sin by its proper name,” conscience is to be awakened and stirred, and the “exceeding sinfulness of sin” is to be made clear, however, not by self-promotion, coercion, and assuming authority over others that has not been granted by GOD.  Believers are not to be “busybodies” who impose their mind and will upon others, for the proper names given to uninvited and unasked for advice, assistance, and help are “interfering” and “meddling”.  Among Christian believers, all the counsel of GOD is to be applied with balance, circumspection, modesty, and respect.  The expression of love is to be more than the display of our own individual affection and feeling.  Where Christ is alive within the believer through the Holy Spirit, the ministry of our Risen Lord continues through our lifestyle and daily routines.  We are instruments in his ministry to the earth from the heaven.  Divine love is shown through genuine care for the redemption and salvation of others; by acts of kindness, intercession, and sharing; by admonition, consistency, forgiveness, humility, longsuffering, meekness, patience, and restraint; by prophesying (comforting, edifying, and exhorting the church) as well as by speaking the truth and using spiritual gifts with discernment, discretion, and tact.  Consider again how some of this is stated using language from the holy writings:

(1.)  Psalms 131:  1-2, King James Version (KJV):  1 LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty:  neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.  2 Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother:  my soul is even as a weaned child.

(2.)  Proverbs 26:  17, KJV:  17 He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.

(3.)  Philippians 2:  12-15, KJV:  12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.  13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.  14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:  15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

(4.)  James 4:  10-15, KJV:  10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.  11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law:  but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.  12 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy:  who art thou that judgest another?

(5.)  1st Peter 4:  14-16, KJV:  14 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.  15 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.  16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

There is far more to be said, carefully examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (6.)  1st Peter 5:  2-4, KJV:  2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;  3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock.  4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/23/2016) Presumption Is Never Helping

Distinctions among meddling, obedience, presumption, and pride are in view, today.  Ignorance of divine law is not a justification for wrongdoing.  “Good intentions” do not erase disregard for blessing from GOD that can include inheritance, law, prosperity, a role in service, and privilege to worship.  The death upon the cross and living ministry of Jesus Christ was no more a condemnation and denial of governing law, than the reign of David from the tribe of Judah as King and Prophet to Israel.  In addition to becoming an example of those who forget GOD, deny the sanctions in place against sin through divine law, and show no heartfelt respect to Deity, the death of Uzzah, who reached out to steady the Ark of Covenant when he thought it would fall from a cart, prefigures the death of Jesus upon the cross, the second death through final judgment against the wicked, and the full range of consequences for failure to trust GOD to maintain the things that manifest divinity including his law, the express will of GOD.  A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Henry” (Level 1 with 161 points, a member since May 13, 2016) posted the following:

If God killed someone for trying to help, does that mean we are supposed to kill missionaires?

(2 Samuel 6:6-7) And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.

All this guy wanted to do was help The Lord, and God ended his life. Does that mean the next time a Christian knocks on my door trying to "Help The Lord" that I get to end their life. Isn't Christianity great?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men:  And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown:  And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them:  wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD?  And when Moses heard it, he fell upon his face:  And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the LORD will shew who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him:  even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him.  This do; Take you censers, Korah, and all his company;  And put fire therein, and put incense in them before the LORD to morrow:  and it shall be that the man whom the LORD doth choose, he shall be holy:  ye take too much upon you, ye sons of Levi.  And Moses said unto Korah, Hear, I pray you, ye sons of Levi:  Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?  And he hath brought thee near to him, and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee:  and seek ye the priesthood also?  For which cause both thou and all thy company are gathered together against the LORD: and what is Aaron, that ye murmur against him?  (Numbers 16:  1-11, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Cross and Mankind (05/13/2016); More On Divine Justification (02/08/2016); Presumption, Pride and Sin? (11/24/2015); All Sin Is Willful? (10/20/2015); Correct in Only Your Mind? (05/04/2015); Resurrection from the Dead? (04/23/2014); Not A Matter Of Opinion? (04/24/2014)

“Henry”, the GOD we serve is a Deity who practices vengeance (we say, judgment, justice).  That divinity would have to appear in human form (we say, Incarnation) to embody sin, and be destroyed upon the cross is taken to be a stern warning by many Christian believers to approach the things of GOD with balance, caution, and sobriety.  While many followers of Christ trust that, through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood, correction, and truth from the cross are flowing to here and now, they also seek to be careful not to rely upon secular assumptions about divine teachings, or “jump to conclusions” that are not anchored in sacred knowledge and practice (we say, sacraments).

In the same way the expulsion of Adam (the pair) from Eden and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ both must be acknowledged as demonstrations of divine wrath against sin, the “breach” upon Uzzah is to be understood as a revelation of the character, nature and substance of Deity expressed as law, covenant relationship, trust, and divine love.  In his anointing by the prophet Samuel, David appropriated to himself more than simply authorization to serve as king over Israel.  David, who calls GOD “father” in the holy writings, also understood his appointment to include that of Judge, High Priest, and Prophet who had authority to command the Levitical priests, schedule their service, and establish liturgy for the tabernacle and temple that would follow.

The Ark of the Covenant was not to be touched by human hands.  A death penalty was in place from the time of the wandering of Israel in the wilderness.  The Ark was to be lifted and carried only by using poles.  When the sons of the High Priest Eli came under the curse of GOD, as did King Saul, the Ark was captured by the Philistines.  When David saw an opportunity to bring the counsel of GOD to himself at Zion as represented through the Ark and the regalia of the High Priest (the ephod, Urim and Thummim), the Ark was placed upon a new cart pulled by oxen that had never been yoked. 

Believers often commit the sins of presumption and pride that may appear as “harmless”, “innocent”, and their way of being themselves.  It is partly for this reason that divine forgiveness, mercy in judgment, and the ministry of reconciliation are provided to mankind through the cross.  Consider how some of this appears stated in the language of the Bible:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 17:  11-13, King James Version (KJV):  11 According to the sentence of the law which they shall teach thee, and according to the judgment which they shall tell thee, thou shalt do:  thou shalt not decline from the sentence which they shall shew thee, to the right hand, nor to the left.  12 And the man that will do presumptuously, and will not hearken unto the priest that standeth to minister there before the LORD thy God, or unto the judge, even that man shall die: and thou shalt put away the evil from Israel.  13 And all the people shall hear, and fear, and do no more presumptuously.

(2.)  Psalms 19:  12-14, KJV:  12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.  13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me:  then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.  14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

(3.)  2nd Corinthians 5:  17-21, KJV:  17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:  old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;  19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.  20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us:  we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.  21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

There is far more that could be said, must be carefully examined, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4.)  Hebrews 10:  28-30, KJV:  28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:  29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?  30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC