(06/15/2016) GOD Knowing the Price?

The confidence, optimism, pleasure and satisfaction of GOD when putting forth the Creation comes into view, today.  It is written:  Remember this, and shew yourselves men:  bring it again to mind, O ye transgressors.  Remember the former things of old:  for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,  Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: (Isaiah 46:  8-11, King James Version (KJV)).  Christian believers are to rejoice in their election, justification, redemption and salvation, and all the handiwork of GOD as the experience of the same eternal goodness and joy within divinity.  Neither judgment nor sacrifice may be overlooked as necessary aspects of the full work to establish life that is to be diverse, enduring, flexible, and resilient.  A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Brandon” (Level 1 with 1 point, a member since February 24, 2016) posted the following:

Why would God create the human race knowing the price would be his son? Also knowing we would sin and that would cost his son?

Update: Also, creating the tree that Satan would use to tempt Adam and Eve

Update 2: Does God love us as much as Christ?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.  Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called:  and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.  What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?  He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?  Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.  Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,  Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  (Romans 8:  28-39, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  In The Image of Man (05/04/2016); Products of The Cross? (04/27/2016); The Cross and Creation (03/24/2016); Justified Through Christ? (08/26/2015); Justifying GOD? (03/15/2015); A Creator No Longer Needed? (02/19/2015); Evil is not Sin? (09/22/2013)

“Brandon”, we need to see things more from GOD’s point of view.  Consider this:  GOD embraced creation as a divine imperative (something that must be done in accord with the existence of divinity).  The Maker knew his own intent; the eternal benefit, good, and joy that would ultimately result; and the value that would become established and endure as an aspect of divine being and expression.  Christian believers are encouraged to “get to know GOD” by carefully considering the many things that have been provided and put upon display as “revelation” to make divinity knowable and known.  Included are covenant relationships with the living, divine law, Incarnation, prophecy, the death of Jesus upon the cross, the Savior’s  resurrection, the Lord’s ascension, and the falling of the Holy Ghost as the imparted Spirit from GOD.  In addition to continuing sacred practices (we say, sacraments such as baptism, marriage and penance), believers must acquire sacred (rather than secular) knowledge by study of the holy writings that use thousands of events occurring in thousands of lives, over the course of thousands of years to show the “active presence,” sacred operations, and eternal purposes of GOD.  Assignment of value and fitness to exist as an eternal companion of Deity (we say, blessing, favor, judgment) is granted created beings and living creatures as grace and divine prerogative, yet, requires response by the living expressed as dutifulness, faithfulness, obedience, and spiritual growth as well as overcoming challenge, obstacles, suffering and trials.  Hear how this is stated in the language of the Bible:

(1.)  Romans 1:  18-22, King James Version (KJV):  18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;  19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.  20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:  21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.  22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

(2.)  Isaiah 55:  7-9, KJV:  7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.  8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.  9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

(3.)  Jeremiah 29:  11-13, KJV:  11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.  12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.  13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

There is far more that should be carefully said, thoughtfully examined, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4.)  Revelation 21:  7-8, KJV:  7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.  8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone:  which is the second death.)  Even so, I am sure this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(06/30/2015) A Price for Religious Liberty?

Points are shared on government, religious liberty, and the price believers must pay to have a presence as a community of faith.  The work of any government is the making and keeping of agreements (we say, contracts, covenants, treaties).  Every legitimate government acknowledges that its population requires the full spectrum of human needs be met, including those that are carnal, emotional, financial, intellectual, psychological, sexual, social, and spiritual.  Throughout human history, government as a tool of the World has been used both to support and to suppress religious expression.  A necessary goal for every community is the continuation of its own existence; and some tasks unselfishly undertaken now are intended to benefit later generations, and their offspring they will never live to see.  In addition to providing money and human resources for things concrete, mundane and pedestrian, there must be a focus upon things that are conceptual, speculative, and unseen.  Included are benefits for minorities (e.g., children, ethnic groups, veterans, women) that will not be delivered directly to everyone; normative conditions and services we acknowledge as having benefit, therefore, ought and should be available within the community (e.g., hospitals, libraries, preschool); unmet needs; possibilities; and a controlled process that will carry all into the diverse experiences of life.  An angry writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “nepaliasianman”, (Level 3 with 1,667 points, a member since June 03, 2015) posted the following:


Why don't the government demolish all the churches since their not paying taxes?

If churches are not a bussiness than don't donate your money to Preachers and Pastors?
If you don't large amount of money to these people and make them rich than it is a bussiness organisation and should immediately start paying taxes or fined. If not demolish the damn Church?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul:  neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.  And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus:  and great grace was upon them all.  Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,  And laid them down at the apostles’ feet:  and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.  (Acts 4:  32-35, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Separation of Church and State (07/04/2014); On Being Good Stewards (12/17/2013); Traditional Marriage? (12/18/2013); Sacrificial Relationship? (10/23/2013); Relationship by Unselfish Giving?(10/24/2013); A Spirit Church? (04/04/2013); My Brother’s Keeper (04/05/2013); Attending Church? (11/12/2012); Attending Church? (11/13/2012)


“nepaliasianman”, you have a friend in high places who is willing to tell you that, those who are angry against the church usually do not have sacred knowledge that comes from divinity, and are strangers to the true nature and work of believers.  Struggling with the hostile view that comes from such sources as academics, complainers, disbelievers, gossips, neighbors, and public media, the church is taken to be an excuse, or explanation (we say, scapegoat) for serious failures, losses, and problems within a community.  Seen “up close, and personal,” the day-to-day life within the church is seen to operate strictly upon the basis of loving acceptance, godliness, sacrifice, and suffering.  Please consider the following:

(1.)  The shared commitment to permanently live together as a sovereign collective to be known as a commonwealth, municipality, state or nation is one to combine and equitably distribute goods, merchandise, real property, and other resources to ensure communication, exchange, growth, health, prosperity, security, and survival.

(2.)  The many goals expressed by government as the establishment of personal freedom also correctly include allowing and encouraging the full development, maturation and participation of all its citizens.  Thus, included are provisions for individual expressions of conscience, faith, “peace of mind,” and spiritual development (we say, religious liberty).

(3.)  Funding of operations for churches and their programs that address the quality of life as they serve the community include the full range of expenses seen with every institution within the state.  Money must be privately raised for such recurring expenses as mortgages, rents, insurance, property taxes, cooling/heating, indoor plumbing, lights, sanitation, and repairs to say nothing of food, clothing, water, rectory, books, informational handouts (we say, programs), instruments, sheet music, advertising, or media broadcasts.  As with many businesses, the church and its members also come under the attack of deceivers, false brethren, liars, plunderers, robbers, thieves, thugs, and vandals.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and patiently taken into account.  (For example, (4.)  The service provided by religious communities often are called intangibles, for they pertain to immeasurable and irreplaceable aspects of a community’s life and value.  Included are its reputation (we say, name, track record) for compassion, discipline, farsightedness, honor, integrity, intelligence, maturity, stability, soundness, strength, and trustworthiness.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith, sacred knowledge, and spiritual maturity.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/13/2012) The Price of Humanity?

     Echoes of the often posed question from Scripture (what is man…?), and the value of human life are in view today.  Also, there is more on the condition of one who commits suicide.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “pepito” (Level 2 with 838 points, a member since January 2, 2011) posted the following:


If God is at the core of a person, what does that say about the price of humanity?

Seemingly so tiny, just a speck in all creation, that's what we are... but isn't god Himself eternally simple? Does one have to be grandiose and assuming to carry God within his heart? Or does God prefer the humble and sincere? What is the value of human life compared in terms of Christianity versus Atheism that only sees life as chain of material events?

"J'me pelle Rouge" : where you see nothing, I see eve erything.


THE BATTLE AXE:  Suffering for Suicide? (12/12/2012)—Suffering is a temporary condition that exists only among beings that have not completed their mortality.  In the same way suffering in the flesh is ended by death, suffering in judgment is ended by the second death.  Suffering is not “permanent” or “unending”; and there is no eternal suffering that will exist among (or be continually witnessed by) immortal beings.  In divine judgment, the actions, attitudes, behavior and life events for created beings and living creatures serve like letters of the alphabet that are fitted together and pattered to spell out words.  Ones spiritual condition, divine content and sacred substance are “spoken,” heard, and read as a kind of spirit language from their actual deeds, choices, and interpersonal exchanges.  Relationship for, through and with GOD generates living experience that is incorporated within the Word in the same way air from the lungs and vibrations of the vocal cords produce the phonemes and syllables that comprise speech and utterance.  Focus is not upon the noise or sound that is made; focus is on the meaning and value signified.  The time, place and manner of a person’s death have their weight in ones individual judgment only when properly fitted with all the many details of their birth, life, service, suffering, and worship.  More than simply narratives and sequences of carnal, material and social life are produced; an image and its name, like a photograph, that mirrors the spirit-being then emerges (see Revelation 3:  5 and 20:  12, KJV).  Elements we as humans might quickly describe as “suffering” may repeatedly be regarded as merely growth or service; and much of what we take to be reverence and worship, may be shown as void, and having no value at all.  (See Ezekiel 33:  30-33 and Matthew 7:  21-23, KJV.)  Divine forgiveness and the death of Jesus upon the cross do not dismiss sin, justify how a person may die, or give license for wrongdoing.  Rather, they promote the growth of divine spirit, repentance, and taking accountability for ones choices.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;  God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?  For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.  But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man that thou visitest him?  Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:  (Hebrews 2:  3-7, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  On Seeing Jesus Serve the Poor (12/03/2012); Hero or Zero? (12/04/2012); Son of Man (11/28/2012); More Than Salvation (11/27/2012); Mankind’s World (11/20/2010); Filthy Rags? (11/19/2010); For Our Sin’s? (11/21/2010)


     With their eyes fixed upon Jesus as their redeemer and savior, the mature Christian believer sees both a duty and a privilege to place high value upon human life.  Almighty GOD is understood to be spirit; and he has appeared in flesh (we say, Incarnation) to further establish godly awareness and intention throughout the aspects of human experience.  The presence of mankind is essential to the full revelation of divine being, sacred process, eternal purpose, and sovereign truth.  How believers esteem, honor, respect and serve one another derives from (1) what GOD has bestowed as our endowment through creation, (2) the added supply of divine substance provided through the earthly and heavenly ministrations by Jesus Christ, and (3) from sacred knowledge of the human predicament, and the documented history of human makeup being transformed following Creation.

     Just as our experience of the natural world would be incomplete without the many created beings, living creatures, planets, stars and waters, the universe is incomplete and unbalanced without mankind.  Those dwelling in heaven are neither mortal nor immortal.  Included are angels, sacred beasts, and other spirit-beings.  The Eternal GODhead (the Father, Son and Holy Spirit) is immortal and incorruptible, and continues to appear in varying forms that display spirit-person.  It is the excellence of mankind that humans acquire knowledge by life experience, may be edified, and may grow in accordance with divine law and godly presence.

     There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, the “simple” things of GOD are also always profound—that is, they have widespread application, consequences, depth, detail, and divine aspects that cannot be known except as revealed by GOD.  To those lacking insight, the birth, suffering, death, and burial of Jesus will appear as only another obscure and wretched life.  Through operation of the imparted, indwelling spirit (we say, the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth), treasures of everlasting glory are properly discerned and recognized.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC