Water baptism, church attendance, commitment and relationships are topics, today. Believers do not enter baptism because they “know it all” already, rather, because they are willing to learn and become perfected through the operations of GOD. The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “grace” (Level 1 with 95 points, a member since May 5, 2015) posted the following:
Do you have to go to church every Sunday before you can be baptised?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. (Romans 6: 1-10, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Forced To Attend Church? (02/22/2015); GOD Lives Inside Us? (07/11/2014); Can the Word of GOD Be Altered? (07/12/2014); Before Getting Baptized? (11/28/2013); The Rich in Divine Relationship? (11/29/2013); Church is Good? (06/15/2013); Feeling Loved By GOD? (06/16/2013)
“grace”, most Christian believers would agree that church attendance is an irreplaceable aspect of preparing for baptism. Consider the following:
(1.) The candidate for baptism is making a permanent commitment to acknowledge divinity through their awareness and self-will by conforming to sacred law and standards made visible through such behavior as giving, learning, offering, praise, prayer, serving, sharing and worshiping within a community of dedicated believers.
(2.) The person choosing to be baptized is developing a personal relationship with Deity by inviting GOD to alter their inner makeup and the nature of their spirit content. In addition to acquiring godly knowledge and carrying out sacred practices (we say, duties, sacraments) that explain and introduce aspects of the new life, a believer is encouraged to receive Jesus Christ engaging the Savior by such elements as confession, gratitude, hope, humility, repentance, respect, speaking the truth, and trust.
(3.) Correctly understood, the church itself is an appearance of divinity and Spirit. Thus, a person’s understanding must be transformed to use the holy writings along with aspects of their own spirit makeup as their only standard to discern, recognize, and respond to spirit matter in events, messages, other persons, etc. The church, then, is not merely a building, an institution, a political organization, or a social center. It is a place set apart (we say, sanctified) for the abiding presence of divinity, where believers may experience communion and direct encounters with GOD.
(4.) Before baptism, believers should become aware of the ongoing operation of sin within their own lives as well as through the world. Sin has not been created by GOD, and contains no divine spirit, yet, sin may dominate awareness and self-will in created beings and living creatures. Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, of Deity, and of all divine order. Correct knowledge of the “exceeding sinfulness of sin” further allows comprehending the fullness of Grace and divine love.
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) Given that baptism is more than simply a cleansing or washing by water of ones outside performed by other human beings, and represents the death, burial, and rebirth to new life, baptism must be understood as elimination of sin and inward purification performed by the same exalted Spirit that established heaven and earth, and was breathed into Adam at Creation.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith and spiritual maturity.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Showing posts with label purification. Show all posts
Showing posts with label purification. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Sunday, June 22, 2014
(06/22/2014) The Fire From GOD?
Atonement, cleansing, fire as a divine tool, judgment, and separation are topics, today. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using as his ID “child progeny” (Level 6 with 17,953 points, a member since May 11, 2011) posted the following:
Is the fire God used for the burning bush the same fire that burns souls in Hell?
So they can burn and burn and burn without being consumed?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: In that day shall the branch of the LORD be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel. And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem: When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning. And the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence. (Isaiah 4: 2-5, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Body of Moses (05/11/2014); GOD Permits Evil? (05/12/2014); The Need to Purify Heaven (11/17/2013); Salted with Fire? (09/24/2013); A Halo Upon Jesus? (09/25/2013); On Marketing Church, and Speaking by Occasion (09/26/2013); Prophetic Demonstrations (09/06/2013); Why GOD Prayed to GOD (09/07/2013); The “Lake of Mercy” (11/03/2012); Seeking and Being Sought (11/04/2012)
“child progeny”, here are a few points to carefully consider that agree with the teachings of Scripture. In the boldness granted me through Jesus Christ, I have dared to utter the following:
1. Fire is a manifesting of divinity. GOD is a spirit whose makeup is entirely of spirit matter. Inseparable (where one is found, all appear), and pure aspects of divinity interact having no measurable dimensions such as quantity, shape and size. Included are faith, forbearance, holiness, joy, longsuffering, love, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Thus, we say, GOD as a discrete being having attributes of awareness, life essence (we say, breath, utterance, word), person, presence, purpose and sovereign will is without concrete boundaries, form, or limit. Similarly, the authority and power of GOD is unlimited, even where divinity appears incarnate (in flesh and blood) as Jesus Christ.
2. Fire is a divine tool. Where water is used to wash and carry away uncleanness that is surface and that appears on the outside, fire is used as a tool to cleanse inwardly, and to purify within. Therefore, holy fire pertains to sanctification, rather than destruction and elimination. Consider again the fire that fell at Pentecost.
3. Fire is a signal (we say, sign) of judgment. GOD revealed divinity to Moses as continuously expressed through divine law, governance and judgment. Throughout the Scriptures, burning and fire signify judgment, and are used to provide familiar forms of admonition, cautions, prohibitions, reminders, and warnings.
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. For example, (4.) Fire establishes separation. We see this clearly in the account where a pillar of cloud by day, and fire by night stood, between Pharaoh and Moses. This truth also comes to us as a major key for understanding judgment. Atonement is a divine operation wherein holy blood conveys sacred spirit that separates created beings and living creatures from sin. Also, the process for offerings and sacrifices laid upon the holy altar is one of separation: Sin is destroyed while heartfelt gifts such as gratitude, humility, praise, and righteousness are released and carried up to GOD.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. (Psalm 121: 6-8, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Is the fire God used for the burning bush the same fire that burns souls in Hell?
So they can burn and burn and burn without being consumed?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: In that day shall the branch of the LORD be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel. And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem: When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning. And the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence. (Isaiah 4: 2-5, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Body of Moses (05/11/2014); GOD Permits Evil? (05/12/2014); The Need to Purify Heaven (11/17/2013); Salted with Fire? (09/24/2013); A Halo Upon Jesus? (09/25/2013); On Marketing Church, and Speaking by Occasion (09/26/2013); Prophetic Demonstrations (09/06/2013); Why GOD Prayed to GOD (09/07/2013); The “Lake of Mercy” (11/03/2012); Seeking and Being Sought (11/04/2012)
“child progeny”, here are a few points to carefully consider that agree with the teachings of Scripture. In the boldness granted me through Jesus Christ, I have dared to utter the following:
1. Fire is a manifesting of divinity. GOD is a spirit whose makeup is entirely of spirit matter. Inseparable (where one is found, all appear), and pure aspects of divinity interact having no measurable dimensions such as quantity, shape and size. Included are faith, forbearance, holiness, joy, longsuffering, love, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Thus, we say, GOD as a discrete being having attributes of awareness, life essence (we say, breath, utterance, word), person, presence, purpose and sovereign will is without concrete boundaries, form, or limit. Similarly, the authority and power of GOD is unlimited, even where divinity appears incarnate (in flesh and blood) as Jesus Christ.
2. Fire is a divine tool. Where water is used to wash and carry away uncleanness that is surface and that appears on the outside, fire is used as a tool to cleanse inwardly, and to purify within. Therefore, holy fire pertains to sanctification, rather than destruction and elimination. Consider again the fire that fell at Pentecost.
3. Fire is a signal (we say, sign) of judgment. GOD revealed divinity to Moses as continuously expressed through divine law, governance and judgment. Throughout the Scriptures, burning and fire signify judgment, and are used to provide familiar forms of admonition, cautions, prohibitions, reminders, and warnings.
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. For example, (4.) Fire establishes separation. We see this clearly in the account where a pillar of cloud by day, and fire by night stood, between Pharaoh and Moses. This truth also comes to us as a major key for understanding judgment. Atonement is a divine operation wherein holy blood conveys sacred spirit that separates created beings and living creatures from sin. Also, the process for offerings and sacrifices laid upon the holy altar is one of separation: Sin is destroyed while heartfelt gifts such as gratitude, humility, praise, and righteousness are released and carried up to GOD.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. (Psalm 121: 6-8, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Friday, May 10, 2013
(05/10/2013) Loving the Enemy?
Focus today is on the divine command to love, and more on whether all Christian believers must die on the cross. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Harold” (Level 3 with 1,511 points, a member since June 24, 2009) posted the following:
Jesus said to love your enemies; how come no one follow his commandment?
THE BATTLE AXE: Death Has Been Transformed (05/09/2013)—(6.) The life and work of Christ also has established knowledge of death as a divine tool used in support of holiness, law, faith, eternal life, immortality, incorruption, and righteousness. Rather than the end of ones being, death through baptism signifies the beginning of new life. While the ministry on earth of Jesus Christ did include his raising the dead, Jesus did not alter the effect and physical process of death. Where life process (e.g., circulation, elimination, respiration) that must go on as continuous and cyclic is interrupted or shut down, damage to organs and tissue may become irreversible, and poisons may accumulate that block further functioning, recovery and regeneration. Once emotional, mental and spiritual function all cease, ones mortality is completed. Jesus has demonstrated resurrection, and clarified the divine processes and sacred purposes of judgment, including the second death. See 2nd Timothy 1: 7-10 and Romans 6: 1-23, King James Version. (7.) The death of Jesus upon the cross was to portray sacred operations that included atonement, obedience, offering, purification, and redemption. Jesus served as a living sacrifice that was holy, sinless, and filled with the divine instrument of blood that conveyed the substance of human life and spirit. Because the need of mankind has been met by a single, eternal act of GOD, there is no need that all believers die upon the cross. However, every believer is to identify with Jesus, and understand his life, ministry, death, resurrection, purpose, and Second Coming. See Romans 6: 10-12, Galatians 2: 16-21, 2nd Timothy 2: 11-13 and 2nd Timothy 4: 1-5, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5: 38-48, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A GOD of Love? (05/07/2013); Commanding the Storm? (05/08/2013); Evidence of the Unseen Spirit? (04/09/2013); A Guide to Salvation (04/10/2013); My Brother’s Keeper? (04/05/2013); Issues for Children’s Church? (04/06/2013); The Love of GOD (03/03/2013); Our Need for a Son (03/04/2013)
Harold, here are some thoughts you might find useful as you complete your understanding of how created beings and living creatures may experience and show divine love:
(1.) As an aspect of divinity, love consists in more than affection, attraction, and carnal feelings. Sacred content from the person of GOD (such as faith, humility, love, joy, wisdom and wrath against sin) is invisible to those who lack the imparted, indwelling Spirit of Christ. For many our human concepts of love center upon association, exchange and various material, sexual and social themes. Christian believers are not required to lust after, or have sex with their every enemy, nor are believers always required to behave as if brain dead whenever they are insulted or attacked with violence. (To respond as a martyr, and quietly surrender ones spouse and children to bears or lions in the arena is only one of many possibilities for Christians.)
(2.) There are many obedient to Christ, however, we are not to wear a flashing neon sign to draw attention to ourselves. Self-justification, self-promotion, and showing-off are rarely useful when sharing the Gospel. Every believer should experience GOD’s revelation of himself by discovery, discernment and direct recognition (we say, without being told) because human affirmation of the truth is by realization of what is inarguable and self-evident.
(3.) In the same way a person knows the unseen force of wind is present by its action upon the tree tops, a kite, a piece of trash, a cloud, divine substance must be realized through operations of the Holy Spirit upon the lives and understanding of created beings and living creatures as well as upon material and physical objects. Where you can see the effects and results of spirit presence (like my writing this response to a stranger), you can begin to know the love of GOD in the terms of a fellow believer.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Among Christians destroying enemies may be called “killing them with kindness” or purification (i.e., heaping hot coals upon their heads). Enemies are to be eliminated by converting them into friends through courtesy, forgiveness, generosity, godliness, humble service, and respect. See Proverbs 25: 21-22 and Romans 12: 19-21, KJV.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Jesus said to love your enemies; how come no one follow his commandment?
THE BATTLE AXE: Death Has Been Transformed (05/09/2013)—(6.) The life and work of Christ also has established knowledge of death as a divine tool used in support of holiness, law, faith, eternal life, immortality, incorruption, and righteousness. Rather than the end of ones being, death through baptism signifies the beginning of new life. While the ministry on earth of Jesus Christ did include his raising the dead, Jesus did not alter the effect and physical process of death. Where life process (e.g., circulation, elimination, respiration) that must go on as continuous and cyclic is interrupted or shut down, damage to organs and tissue may become irreversible, and poisons may accumulate that block further functioning, recovery and regeneration. Once emotional, mental and spiritual function all cease, ones mortality is completed. Jesus has demonstrated resurrection, and clarified the divine processes and sacred purposes of judgment, including the second death. See 2nd Timothy 1: 7-10 and Romans 6: 1-23, King James Version. (7.) The death of Jesus upon the cross was to portray sacred operations that included atonement, obedience, offering, purification, and redemption. Jesus served as a living sacrifice that was holy, sinless, and filled with the divine instrument of blood that conveyed the substance of human life and spirit. Because the need of mankind has been met by a single, eternal act of GOD, there is no need that all believers die upon the cross. However, every believer is to identify with Jesus, and understand his life, ministry, death, resurrection, purpose, and Second Coming. See Romans 6: 10-12, Galatians 2: 16-21, 2nd Timothy 2: 11-13 and 2nd Timothy 4: 1-5, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5: 38-48, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A GOD of Love? (05/07/2013); Commanding the Storm? (05/08/2013); Evidence of the Unseen Spirit? (04/09/2013); A Guide to Salvation (04/10/2013); My Brother’s Keeper? (04/05/2013); Issues for Children’s Church? (04/06/2013); The Love of GOD (03/03/2013); Our Need for a Son (03/04/2013)
Harold, here are some thoughts you might find useful as you complete your understanding of how created beings and living creatures may experience and show divine love:
(1.) As an aspect of divinity, love consists in more than affection, attraction, and carnal feelings. Sacred content from the person of GOD (such as faith, humility, love, joy, wisdom and wrath against sin) is invisible to those who lack the imparted, indwelling Spirit of Christ. For many our human concepts of love center upon association, exchange and various material, sexual and social themes. Christian believers are not required to lust after, or have sex with their every enemy, nor are believers always required to behave as if brain dead whenever they are insulted or attacked with violence. (To respond as a martyr, and quietly surrender ones spouse and children to bears or lions in the arena is only one of many possibilities for Christians.)
(2.) There are many obedient to Christ, however, we are not to wear a flashing neon sign to draw attention to ourselves. Self-justification, self-promotion, and showing-off are rarely useful when sharing the Gospel. Every believer should experience GOD’s revelation of himself by discovery, discernment and direct recognition (we say, without being told) because human affirmation of the truth is by realization of what is inarguable and self-evident.
(3.) In the same way a person knows the unseen force of wind is present by its action upon the tree tops, a kite, a piece of trash, a cloud, divine substance must be realized through operations of the Holy Spirit upon the lives and understanding of created beings and living creatures as well as upon material and physical objects. Where you can see the effects and results of spirit presence (like my writing this response to a stranger), you can begin to know the love of GOD in the terms of a fellow believer.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Among Christians destroying enemies may be called “killing them with kindness” or purification (i.e., heaping hot coals upon their heads). Enemies are to be eliminated by converting them into friends through courtesy, forgiveness, generosity, godliness, humble service, and respect. See Proverbs 25: 21-22 and Romans 12: 19-21, KJV.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Friday, May 3, 2013
(05/03/2013) Jesus, A Party Animal?
How Jesus behaved at parties and social gatherings is the topic, today. Also, there is more on recognizing true prophets. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Sally” (Level 2 with 367 points, a member since March 4, 2013) posted the following:
Did Jesus know how to enjoying himself at parties?
THE BATTLE AXE: Recognizing True Prophets (05/02/2013)—(5.) In addition to the spirit substance of their message, apostles, prophets and teachers sent from GOD are distinct and set apart by their display of humility, lowliness and obedience more than by their apparel, appearance, authority, eccentricity, formality, healings, miracles, rhetoric or ritual. See Romans 8: 8-10, Ephesians 4: 1-32 and James 3: 13-18, King James Version.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat. And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. (Luke 7: 36-47, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: How Was GOD Known Before Jesus? (10/06/2012); Jesus, King of Earth (10/07/2012); The Work of Jesus (03/13/2012); Signs of a Prophet (03/14/2012); Mistaken Identity (02/04/2012); The Accursed Thing (02/05/2012); Trouble For The Good (01/15/2012); Chain Of Command (01/16/2012); All Righteousness (01/11/2012); Reason to Believe (01/12/2012); Binder 23: We Cry, Abba (10/20/2011); Adulterers? (01/15/2011); Sunday? (01/16/2011)
Sally, here are some points for consideration that many mature Christians agree with:
(1.) The record provided by the holy writings is intended to describe (yet, not detail) the life, ministry and service of Jesus as Son of Man, and Son of GOD upon the earth. More important than his social identity through relationships (e.g., family, followers, friends, students) are his appearance as the glory and image of GOD in human flesh; his carrying out and performing sacred events previously proclaimed, promised and prophesied; and the closure he provided for specific eternal operations including creation, judgment, redemption, salvation and sanctification.
(2.) What Jesus “knew how to do” (and demonstrated for us today) in social gatherings includes showing balance, humility, respect to ones host and their guests, and sobriety. Jesus used every dinner and feast reported in Scripture as an opportunity to clarify the doctrines, and teach regarding the Kingdom. Jesus would have had no “fun” indulging the drunkenness, “getting high” and lewd behavior some want to call a “party”, now days. We are told, Jesus loved Mary, Martha and Lazarus, and enjoyed his time in their home as a welcome guest, time that also was spent in teaching. See Luke 14: 7-27 and Luke 10: 38-42, KJV.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (3.) As a respected rabbi, Jesus was expected to maintain a peculiar separation from others. Uncleanness that would disqualify one from communal worship and service before the altar of GOD could be transferred from person to person simply by a touch from ones garment. To recover their status within the congregation, a person would have to endure a week of isolation, fasting, prayer and washing. Given so many of his healing miracles involved touching those accounted unclean, the social conduct of Jesus astonished many of the people, and the clergy of his day.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Did Jesus know how to enjoying himself at parties?
THE BATTLE AXE: Recognizing True Prophets (05/02/2013)—(5.) In addition to the spirit substance of their message, apostles, prophets and teachers sent from GOD are distinct and set apart by their display of humility, lowliness and obedience more than by their apparel, appearance, authority, eccentricity, formality, healings, miracles, rhetoric or ritual. See Romans 8: 8-10, Ephesians 4: 1-32 and James 3: 13-18, King James Version.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat. And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. (Luke 7: 36-47, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: How Was GOD Known Before Jesus? (10/06/2012); Jesus, King of Earth (10/07/2012); The Work of Jesus (03/13/2012); Signs of a Prophet (03/14/2012); Mistaken Identity (02/04/2012); The Accursed Thing (02/05/2012); Trouble For The Good (01/15/2012); Chain Of Command (01/16/2012); All Righteousness (01/11/2012); Reason to Believe (01/12/2012); Binder 23: We Cry, Abba (10/20/2011); Adulterers? (01/15/2011); Sunday? (01/16/2011)
Sally, here are some points for consideration that many mature Christians agree with:
(1.) The record provided by the holy writings is intended to describe (yet, not detail) the life, ministry and service of Jesus as Son of Man, and Son of GOD upon the earth. More important than his social identity through relationships (e.g., family, followers, friends, students) are his appearance as the glory and image of GOD in human flesh; his carrying out and performing sacred events previously proclaimed, promised and prophesied; and the closure he provided for specific eternal operations including creation, judgment, redemption, salvation and sanctification.
(2.) What Jesus “knew how to do” (and demonstrated for us today) in social gatherings includes showing balance, humility, respect to ones host and their guests, and sobriety. Jesus used every dinner and feast reported in Scripture as an opportunity to clarify the doctrines, and teach regarding the Kingdom. Jesus would have had no “fun” indulging the drunkenness, “getting high” and lewd behavior some want to call a “party”, now days. We are told, Jesus loved Mary, Martha and Lazarus, and enjoyed his time in their home as a welcome guest, time that also was spent in teaching. See Luke 14: 7-27 and Luke 10: 38-42, KJV.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (3.) As a respected rabbi, Jesus was expected to maintain a peculiar separation from others. Uncleanness that would disqualify one from communal worship and service before the altar of GOD could be transferred from person to person simply by a touch from ones garment. To recover their status within the congregation, a person would have to endure a week of isolation, fasting, prayer and washing. Given so many of his healing miracles involved touching those accounted unclean, the social conduct of Jesus astonished many of the people, and the clergy of his day.) 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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