Today, reply is made on why leading by the Holy Spirit results in many understandings of Scripture. Using spirit substance that is diffuse, and may move unhindered across the many barriers of time and space, allows divinity to access and reside within the full expanse of living consciousness. Also, speaking and thinking of the church as a single body with Jesus Christ as its head allows us to use the idea that believers are those who become joined to GOD as regenerated limbs and members. In the same way, the fullness of truth has required many covenants, divine laws, sacred proclamations, and statements of prophecy, a broad range of understandings are demanded for there to be a complete, correct revelation of GOD. Salvation requires a broad spectrum of abilities, disciplines, skills, talents, and ways of saying the same thing be brought together; and a vast array of sanctified laborers and workers must be assembled to recruit, instruct, and guide those who will be the new creation. One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:
Why does the Holy Spirit lead people to different understandings of the same Bible?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (Ephesians 4: 4-15, King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Creator is Different (10/31/2017); Will There Be Diversity? (10/22/2017); An Incarnation of Divinity? (10/12/2017); In Spirit and Truth? (10/02/2017); Growth Is Through Edification (06/20/2017); Redemption Through Ordinary Flesh? (04/20/2017); Becoming A Full Person (02/12/2017); GOD Appearing As Word (01/14/2016)
“Anonymous”, salvation may be understood as a divine process to transform sinners to exist as immortal, incorruptible companions of the invisible, unseen GOD, who appeared as Jesus Christ upon the earth, and can be acknowledged as visible through the followers of Christ who are developing believers. The diversity we now see among Christian believers speaks to the fullness of GOD that is being revealed to all created beings and living creatures. While believers are to bear the image of divinity and display inseparable spirit content (e.g., faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, wrath against sin), we also must complete and fulfill a broad range of duties, offices, sacred practices (we say, sacraments), divine purposes, and priestly tasks. Included are preaching, prophesying, teaching, and witnessing. In addition to differences in age, attitudes, gender, and physical traits (e.g., hair color, height, size, weight), there are important differences in level of humility, insight, readiness to accept and apply instruction by the Holy Spirit (we say, meekness), sanctification, spiritual growth and maturity as well as fervor, willingness to serve, and zeal.
Intellectual understanding is more a function and outcome of operations by the flesh (e.g., emotions, logic, carnal reason, and secular knowledge) than of operations by the Holy Spirit. Sinners must experience baptism (death, burial and the resurrection of their inborn spirit) and be “born again” having divine DNA, so to speak. It is the Spirit they receive that allows them to exist and comprehend as divine offspring, the children of GOD on the earth. All receive the One Seed and Comforter sent by Christ and the Father (we also say, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth); and become set apart (sanctified) to display the same oneness without sameness that exists among the persons of the GODhead. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:
(1.) 1st Corinthians 12: 3-10, King James Version (KJV): 3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. 4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
(2.) 1st Corinthians 12: 27-30, KJV: 27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
(3.) Romans 8: 13-15, KJV: 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Romans 8: 5-9, 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.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Points and Scriptures are shared, today, on prophecy and spiritual gifts bestowed upon the church of Jesus Christ. While Jesus fulfilled prophecy by his actions and words, defined divine love and peace for all who would follow him, performed as a spokesperson sent from GOD (we say, prophet), and was the agent of heaven to govern as king and Messiah, his official title among those at the Temple in Jerusalem was merely that of rabbi. At his first coming, the holy writings once spoken of as “the law and the prophets” were being interpreted to be “the law without the prophets.” Given the politics of the times, and increasingly to please the Romans, the Pharisees and Sadducees both were pressured to eliminate the notion that prophecy would be filled on the basis of conditions (blessing and cursing). This implied the covenant of Moses was provided on condition (i.e., strictly upon the basis of obedience); and that the nation’s law was provided only as a loose system for guidance made up of instruction, principles and recommendations that could be applied in commerce and exchange. Jewish “law” and rule could not be seen on the level of one-world government, with codes and systems for legislation imposed upon them by Rome. Law was to be an instrument for assimilation and control, where prophecy was an instrument for faith, relationship, trust, and worship. The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Ahsan” (Level 2 with 520 points, a member since January 23, 2015) posted the following:
When Jesus isn't the last prophet?
When Jesus isn't the last prophet then what Christianity says about who will be the last prophet? How many prophets are alive, and where they are?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (Ephesians 2: 14-22, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Jesus Given A Divine Ministry? (08/18/2015); Christ Brought A New Nature? (07/15/2015); Fulfilling Divine Law? (07/14/2015); The Decalogue A Moral Guide? (04/15/2015); The Spirit of Truth? (02/11/2015)
“Ahsan”, far from being the last prophet, Jesus Christ may be spoken of as a “father of prophets,” and the one who restored the “school of the prophets” described in the Old Testament. The revelation given to Christ by the Father is to be received, understood and passed on by every member of the church to others. Here are a few points and Bible verses to consider that may be useful as you continue your study:
(1.) Prophecy is a process and spiritual gift being used by divinity for communication, instilling hope (i.e., sacred expectations), responding to consciousness of GOD within the living (we say, adding certainty), and revealing the character and nature of Deity. While both secular and sacred events (we also say, miracles) may be described and made known (e.g., that a virgin would be with child), the function of prophecy is not predicting human history and detailing the future before it occurs. Prophecy declares the will and intent of GOD, and, therefore simultaneously embraces the past along with the future and the present. 1st Corinthians 14: 1-4, King James Version (KJV): 1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. 2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. 3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
(2.) Prophecy as a sacred gift was first bestowed upon Adam and continued to appear among those serving as priests and Patriarchs. The prayer that all the people in covenant with GOD might have the same gift of prophecy is recorded as coming from Moses at what may be taken as the founding of the Sanhedrin court. Numbers 11: 24-29, KJV: 24 And Moses went out, and told the people the words of the LORD, and gathered the seventy men of the elders of the people, and set them round about the tabernacle. 25 And the LORD came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, that, when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease. 26 But there remained two of the men in the camp, the name of the one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad: and the spirit rested upon them; and they were of them that were written, but went not out unto the tabernacle: and they prophesied in the camp. 27 And there ran a young man, and told Moses, and said, Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp. 28 And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them. 29 And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the LORD’S people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!
(3.) The gifts from GOD to mankind through the new testament in his blood founded by Jesus Christ upon the earth are described being in hierarchy and rank that suggests differences in authority for various offices within the body (e.g., bishops, deacons, disciples). However, within the church status is determined on the basis of humility, meekness (readiness to be directed and learn through the Holy Spirit), and willingness to serve the collective. (2) 1st Corinthians 12: 27-29, KJV: 27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
(4.) All the spiritual gifts that are bestowed at no cost to the receivers within the church have been purchased through the suffering, death, obedience, and service of the resurrected Christ as a high priest in the temple of heaven. 1st Corinthians 12: 1-3, KJV: 1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. 2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. 3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
(5.) The gifts of GOD through Christ and the Holy Ghost are not to divide and separate believers on the basis of sacred knowledge, sacred practices (we say, ceremonies, rites, rituals, sacraments), or church organization and policy. Prophecy is to establish unity in the same way as shared praise and prayer, divine proclamation, and sacred promise. 1st Corinthians 12: 7-11, KJV: 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
(6.) There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, The gifts for the church are not provided for the pleasure and satisfaction of the clergy, particular individuals, or of a peculiar class of believer. Prophecy is an evidence of things unseen, and accomplishes multiple works that pertain to creation, judgment, and salvation as well as the transformation of mankind to exist as immortal and incorruptible at the coming of Christ to harvesting his church from the earth. Ephesians 4: 10-14, KJV: 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Points are shared on the denial of legitimacy for the apostleship through Saul of Tarsus within the early church. It is written: 27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? (1st Corinthians 12: 27-30, King James Version (KJV) ) While the Scriptures record a special election among the surviving apostles and disciples of Jesus to maintain their number as twelve, and to fill the office of bishop that had been vacated by Judas through his suicide, the office of apostle is no less by the appointment of divinity than the offices of High Priest and Head of the Church that are being filled by Jesus Christ. The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Jonny” (Level 1 with no points shown, a member since June 17, 2015) posted the following:
Why do some believe the apostle Paul wasn't a true apostle?
Believe it or not there are some who claim to be christians but they reject the apostle Paul. That means rejecting all his epistle letters
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. 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. 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? But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates. Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection. Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction. Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. (2nd Corinthians 13: 3-11, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Ruling With Christ? (02/12/2015); How Many Apostles? (04/30/2014); The Ruler Of the Earth? (05/01/2014); Saul of Tarsus (03/26/2014); The Nature of Scripture (03/27/2014); Succession (02/05/2014); On Youth Doing Enough (02/06/2014); The Benefit of Grace (03/19/2013); Magical Resurrection? (03/20/2013); The Slave to Law and Sin Made Free (11/16/2012); Lawful Divorce (11/17/2012)
“Jonny”, here are some points I would like to share:
(1.) Many Christian believers discount the apostleship of Saul of Tarsus (we say, Paul) because he never walked with Jesus as a disciple, sat at his feet to receive instruction, or was publicly chosen during the Savior’s living ministry. In their view, personal contact with Jesus, friendship with the Lord, and a long-standing intimate relationship are necessary before a person may have the authority and status as apostles in the church founded by Jesus. While the twelve were chosen to represent somewhat the tribes of Israel, and will serve as Judges over the tribes of the New Jerusalem, the apostles were not selected on the basis of one from each of the tribes. The common thread among the twelve is that they were chosen for the role of apostle to serve as “eyewitnesses” to the resurrection of Jesus.
(2.) Additionally, apostles are to authenticate the appearance and manifestations of the Holy Spirit (also called the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth). For the early church, the sacred events of Pentecost that had occurred within the upper room were to be repeated for those making commitment to Christ. Accounts in the Bible show that, both before and following water baptism, believers were anointed, endowed, and equipped with the same spiritual gifts granted the 120 men and women that had tarried at Jerusalem in obedience to Jesus.
(3.) Many reject the apostleship of Paul because his claims to having seen Jesus were made long after the Savior’s crucifixion, and after the public witness by the other apostles.
(4.) Saul of Tarsus was a Pharisee at a time when the rulers of the Sanhedrin and Temple community were Sadducees—the very ones who denied Jesus as Messiah, and condemned the Son of the Highest to die upon the cross for blasphemy. Prophecy after the model of such men as Moses, Samuel, Ezekiel, Isaiah and Malachi had ceased to appear for more than 400 years; John the Baptist (in the line of Levitical priests) and Jesus were the first of the “new prophets.” Insisting upon the “law and the prophets” without the prophets, the Sadducees opposed doctrine and teachings that endorse angels, miracles, spirits, and resurrection from the dead.
(5.) Before committing himself to Christ, Paul served as the “Lord High Executioner” commissioned to destroy the early church “by any means necessary.” In that office, Paul practiced bribery, deceit, slander, spying, torture, turning husbands against wives, setting wives against husbands as well as encouraging children to betray their own parents. Unlike the others chosen directly by Jesus, Paul had formal education, and, like John the Baptist, was part of the elite within the Temple community.
There is much more that could be said, and that must be correctly understood and spiritually taken into account. (For example, (6.) Many are offended by the appearance of Paul as a second Moses, generating doctrines, explanations and judgments for the early church that seem to go beyond the record of the Gospels. The bottom line, however, has to be discernment and recognition that the Holy Spirit is active and present as the “field agent” for the Lord through the apostles. The sacred process must be uppermost, not the peculiar actors and players.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
