(08/07/2020) Pure Religion And Undefiled

 

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. James 1: 27, King James Version (KJV)

Today, reply is on the nature and process of Christian belief and practice appearing as overly conservative, self-centered, and asocial. Properly discerned and acknowledged, the goals of Christian belief do not include manipulating our family members and neighbors, oppressing and persecuting others, self-promotion, or seeking vainglory for oneself. Believers become sanctified (i.e., set apart for sacred service on the basis of their divine content) through the operations of divinity within their awareness, desire, intent, and self-will (willpower). Christians are those who were sinners that entered into new lives of repentance, rebirth, and the resurrection life provided by divinity in Jesus Christ. Often asking oneself, Am I worthy?, developing and mature Christian believers pursue lives of balance, consistency, and stability that will resemble, reflect, and reveal the character, likeness, and nature of Jesus Christ while also accomplishing the goal of providing unselfish service to others. In addition to contemplation, confession, listening, praise, prayer and prophecy, believers are to provide demonstrations, evangelism, guidance, sacred practice, testimonies, and witness in ongoing judgment. Focusing always on Jesus, his followers are to impart godliness, lovingkindness, wisdom and wrath against sin. It is written: John 6: 63-69, King James Version (KJV): 63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. 64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. 65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. 66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? 68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. 69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. The fighter at the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “shoeshopper3” (Level 3 with 1,850 points) posted the following:

Why does Christianity say that Christians are not supposed to do anything but stay at home, work, read the bible, and go to church?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD? Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward. Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day: And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. (Isaiah 58: 5-11, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Living Your Best Life? (07/05/2020); The Ones Called “Sheep” (05/29/2020); Spiritual Integrity and Maturity (05/12/2020); Demonstrating Dependence on GOD (04/20/2020); A Habitation of Spirit (04/05/2020); On Behalf Of Others (03/26/2020); Displaying A “Christian Personality”? (04/19/2019); Purity For Sacred Truth (12/17/2018)

“shoeshopper3”, among Christian believers preparing to receive Jesus Christ at his appearing to harvest the earth of those belonging to his kingdom the teachings on sanctification and separation from the world continue to be expressed in the lifestyles and daily routines of those acknowledging divinity. As spirit, GOD may exist within the consciousness and will (willpower) of created beings and living creatures. Thus, how Christians think of others and of themselves are influenced by powerful ideas that speak to the presence of GOD in the life. Included are the understanding that Christians receive the life of Jesus Christ within their own makeup through both his baptism and his resurrection. The Christian is the new creation that is to labor on the earth as part of the divine transformation of mankind to exist as immortal and incorruptible. Aspects of the full divine operation are admonition, atonement, forgiveness, rebirth, reconciliation, redemption, repentance, and salvation. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Chris Tomlin:

(1.) Proverbs 4: 7, King James Version (KJV): 7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

(2.) John 17: 13-21, KJV: 13 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 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. 20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:

(3.) 1^st John 2: 15-16, 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.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, Is He Worthy? (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkRiYsTN7KY.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(12/22/2017) The First To Help?

Today, thoughts are shared on almsgiving, charity, compassion, and unselfish service among Christian believers and the poor.  For most modern-day problems and troubles, money frequently turns out  to be a primary need; however, where careful and godly assessment are made, we also discover there should be humility, intercessory prayer, laying ones petitions before GOD, and displaying gratitude with giving of thanks.  Born again and developing Christian believers will be endowed with spirit substance from the makeup of GOD to enable their endurance of challenges, opposition, persecution, and suffering.  Even so, those living in distress and enduring hardship often practice bestowing respect, celebrating abundance and plenty, lending without interest or usury, sacrifice and demanding from oneself along with personal sharing as obligatory, precious, and indispensable.  Similarly, as those in covenant relationship with GOD through Jesus Christ and those joined to divinity as his sacred body on the earth, the church acknowledges a duty from GOD to supply its own members who are less fortunate.  Those having no income or savings generally include babies, minor children, the clergy, orphans, teenagers, the elderly, and widows, who in turn, make commitment to minister and serve others around them—even those outside the church—through personal outreach and sharing.  Creating, improvising, and finding new applications for old solutions become important, and further establish oneness without sameness.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:


Spiritually why do those less fortunate become the first ones to help in times of troubles?

Hoping those who have the ability wake up and help those less fortunate in the world and stop being so selfish.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.  Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.  Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do:  and the God of peace shall be with you.  (Philippians 4:  4-9, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Not All Are Welcome (11/28/2017); Giving, A Divine Discipline? (10/09/2017); GOD Within Christian Believers (07/31/2016); GOD’s Way Not Equal? (07/17/2016); Put On Charity? (11/16/2015); A Christmas Message, 2014 (12/25/2014); Giving Forgiveness? (03/15/2014); Cleansing the Temple, and the Body (03/16/2014); Struggling? (05/11/2013); Through Much Tribulation (05/12/2013)


“Anonymous”, here are some points of explanation that came to my mind that might have to be examined by careful research and study before we could agree that they truly apply:

(1.)  Many among those less fortunate are quick to support others because their principles and values for survival tend to emphasize cooperation, protecting and sharing with one another, and unselfish giving.  By contrast, survival among the wealthy and well-to-do often demands and legitimizes aggression, competition, discipline, and self-promotion.

(2.)  The focus of those less successful tends to be present conditions, and any crisis at hand; while successful people have been described as those who focus on goals, what is possible, where they want to be, and what they actually want to achieve within a set time frame.

(3.)  The lifestyle and daily routines of Christian believers often generate less anxiety over carnal, material, secular, and social issues.  Those who maintain a healthy, regular prayer life, can express great freedom from anxiety and other emotional, psychological, and spiritual conditions that generate stress and worry

(4.)  Among the poor and less fortunate, strength and wisdom also are accepting what comes, and timely surrender without abandoning faith or hope.  Focus on need is used as a defense by those less fortunate to limit ambition, distraction, greed, and exaggerated pride.

Of course, there is far more that could be said.  (For example, consider again the testimony of the Apostle Paul who describes the lifestyle and mindset for those helping to prepare the harvest for Jesus at his Advent (we also say, his appearing, the Rapture, the Second Coming):  (5.)    Philippians 4:  11-13, King James Version (KJV):  11 Not that I speak in respect of want:  for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.  12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound:  every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.  13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(06/19/2017) Fed From The Altar?

Today, focus is on the provisions of GOD to nourish and sustain Moses and the generation forced to wander in the wilderness.  While animals from the flocks and herds carried out of Egypt were used when making offerings and sacrifices, in general, they were regarded as “seed” that would be planted in the new homeland, and could not be used for regular meals to feed the people.  Moses, the tribes of Jacob, and the mixed multitude (Gentiles) did not wander within a “desert”(an arid region covered by sand); yet, the area was barren, with sparse vegetation, uncultivated, and uninhabited.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “STEVAN” (Level 4 with 3,374 points, a member since October 17, 2007) posted the following:

What did Moses and his gang eat in the desert when they were wandering about in it?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Egypt was glad when they departed:  for the fear of them fell upon them.  He spread a cloud for a covering; and fire to give light in the night.  The people asked, and he brought quails, and satisfied them with the bread of heaven.  He opened the rock, and the waters gushed out; they ran in the dry places like a river.  For he remembered his holy promise, and Abraham his servant.  (Psalms 105:  38-42, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Generation That Wandered (06/14/2017); Acknowledging the Divine Presence (02/22/2017); Material Things in Heaven? (11/10/2016); The Loaves and Fishes (08/09/2016); Christ Brought A New Nature? (07/15/2015); My Soul Shall Be Satisfied (10/08/2014); Salvation Before Christ? (06/24/2014); All Sins Are Equal? (06/25/2014)


“STEVAN”, the account of those fed in the desert foreshadows the Incarnation and coming of Jesus Christ.  Correctly understood, all those who would become the covenant people of GOD carried out of Egypt would eat food from the holy altar, and the “table of GOD” in heaven.  In addition to receiving a portion of the burnt offerings and other sacrifices using their own livestock, there was the annual Passover meal, the falling of manna (called the “bread of heaven” and “angel’s food”) each morning except the Sabbath as well as a miraculous provision of millions of quail.  This was in line with the tribes of Jacob being sanctified and exalted as special to GOD above all people on the earth.  Those who expressed lack of faith would be condemned to all wander and die in the wilderness; however, their children and heirs (left behind as orphans) would be granted the privilege to receive adoption by GOD, and enjoy the fulfillment of the divine promises.  Consider again the following from the Bible:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 14:  1-3, King James Version (KJV):  1 Ye are the children of the LORD your God:  ye shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead.  2 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.  3 Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing.

(2.)  Numbers 14:  1-4, KJV:  1 And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night.  2 And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron:  and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness!  3 And wherefore hath the LORD brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt?  4 And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt.

(3.)  Numbers 11:  18-23, KJV:  18 And say thou unto the people, Sanctify yourselves against to morrow, and ye shall eat flesh: for ye have wept in the ears of the LORD, saying, Who shall give us flesh to eat? for it was well with us in Egypt:  therefore the LORD will give you flesh, and ye shall eat.  19 Ye shall not eat one day, nor two days, nor five days, neither ten days, nor twenty days;  20 But even a whole month, until it come out at your nostrils, and it be loathsome unto you:  because that ye have despised the LORD which is among you, and have wept before him, saying, Why came we forth out of Egypt?  21 And Moses said, The people, among whom I am, are six hundred thousand footmen; and thou hast said, I will give them flesh, that they may eat a whole month.  22 Shall the flocks and the herds be slain for them, to suffice them? or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, to suffice them?  23 And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD’s hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not.

(4.)  Deuteronomy 1:  34-40, KJV:  34 And the LORD heard the voice of your words, and was wroth, and sware, saying,  35 Surely there shall not one of these men of this evil generation see that good land, which I sware to give unto your fathers.  36 Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh; he shall see it, and to him will I give the land that he hath trodden upon, and to his children, because he hath wholly followed the LORD.  37 Also the LORD was angry with me for your sakes, saying, Thou also shalt not go in thither.  38 But Joshua the son of Nun, which standeth before thee, he shall go in thither:  encourage him:  for he shall cause Israel to inherit it.  39 Moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day had no knowledge between good and evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it, and they shall possess it.  40 But as for you, turn you, and take your journey into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  John 6:  26-33, KJV:  26 Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.  27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you:  for him hath God the Father sealed.  28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?  29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.  30 They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?  31 Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.  32 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.  33 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC