Fraud and giving among, and by members in communities of faith are the topic, today. The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “James” (Level 5 with 6,700 points, a member since August 18, 2012) posted the following:
Religion is legalized fraud?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3: 7-14, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A $1,000 Dollar Seed? (11/02/2015); More On Sacrificial Giving (11/03/2015); Respect to Our Religious Beliefs? (04/21/2015); Conflict Because of Religious Belief? (01/30/2015); When People Covet (12/22/2013); On Judging Preachers as “Fake” (12/23/2013); Jesus Arose Bodily (12/24/2013)
“James”, for those who are members of organized faith communities, acknowledging sacred duties and taking up responsibilities to express their love and respect for divinity are in agreement with their personal goals and understandings. Enslavement, oppression and robbery do not come into view. For Christian believers, this also means that the tasks they perform as followers of the Lord are not contrary to the new nature they receive from the makeup of Deity (we say, rebirth; the Holy Spirit). For those who think like thieves, condemning others, covetousness, deceit, envy, fear, and possessiveness are more in line with their character than the dutifulness, respect and unselfishness disciples of Christ are to display. While there is a formal contract among believers to be in mutual support, all they give and share is directed to GOD. Consider again these points from the holy writings:
(1.) Titus 1: 15-16, King James Version (KJV): 15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. 16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
(2.) Psalms 116: 12-14, KJV: 12 What shall I render to the LORD for all his benefits toward me? 13 I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. 14 I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.
(3.) Proverbs 3: 9-10, KJV: 9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
(4.) 1st Peter 5: 2-4, KJV: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) Malachi 3: 8-11, KJV: 8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. 9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. 10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if he will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. 11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Today, additional points are shared (below) on Christ accepting death on the cross, and refusing gall mixed with wine. Through the ministry of Jesus Christ, mankind is no longer challenged to accomplish salvation with victory over death, pride, and sin having only the finite tools of emotion, muscle, and thought. A fighter at thoughts.com using the ID “GoldenPig2012” commented on (03/20/2015) Gall Refused on the Cross? posing the following question:
So, what are you saying? We humans should or should not refuse pain relieving medicine?
THE BATTLE AXE: Gall Refused on the Cross? (03/20/2015)—(5.) The death of Jesus of Nazareth by crucifixion has to be understood as both a natural (we say, human, in the flesh, physical) and sacred event (we say, divine, in the spirit, miraculous, spiritual).
(6.) Christians also acknowledge divine diversity revealed through various devices for managing and ending physical pain. Included are acupuncture, amputation, cold and heat, drugs (that block and force change in regular body functions), exercise, faith, herbs (that assist and unblock regular body functions), meditation, rest, and death.
(7.) In the same way human use of anesthesia and pain-killers in surgery and medicine is different by purpose from use of the noose, electric chair and lethal injections, the suffering of Christ upon the cross is different by sacred operations, eternal purpose, and divine substance from that of the two thieves executed at that same time and place.
(8.) All carnal creatures upon the earth now must complete or “pass through” the condition of mortality—we say, must die, or be made immortal and incorruptible (transformed) at the Second Coming of Christ in glory. While angels are not immortal, they are not mortal, and do not “die”. For humans, the agony of death is experienced on multiple levels all at the same time. For death is emotional, material, mental, physical, psychological, and spiritual. In addition to pain there may be anger,anxiety, bereavement (loss, separation), bitterness, condemnation, despair, disgrace, doubt, fear (we say, torment), feeling betrayed, grief, humiliation (we say, shame), impotence, regret and sorrow.
(9.) The sting (we might say, barb or hook) of death is sin. The barb enters a person smoothly, without effort, and attaches to establish a fixed bond. When attempts are made to reject and retract the connection to death, the hook grips and holds more tenaciously; and the more one struggles against it, the more their flesh is damaged and torn. So to speak, the more violently the victim thrashes about and resists the pull of death, the more they lose strength, and are drained of their life’s blood. Consider again 1st Corinthians 15: 54-56 King James Version (KJV): 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
There is far more to be plainly said, correctly understood, and to get a proper grip upon. (For example, (10.) Jesus Christ demonstrated the higher possibilities (e.g., cleansing, forgiveness, healing, inheritance) for human life upon the earth through covenant with divinity. Because the Lord endured the agony of death on behalf of all mankind, the completion of mortality for his chosen now signals new access to Deity through resurrection that will seal the righteous in eternal life, and allow completion of divine judgment against the wicked. Men are to live in continuous acknowledgment of GOD, not to exist in permanent darkness, then die.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
The Apostle Peter, the couple Ananias and Sapphira, and the Holy Spirit are in view, today. In the same way Adam and Eve began having an endowment of the Holy Spirit (we say, the breath of life) and later lost their gifts, Ananias and Sapphira also were gifted from Christ, and failed to maintain their blessing. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Ian” (Level 1 with 43 points, a member since June 12, 2014) posted the following:
Help with Acts 5:1-11 Ananias' Embezzlement?
I understand that Ananias was accused of lying to the Holy Spirit, but what is the context or where does it say that Ananias had to give all the money from the land sale to the Church? I don't get that. I understand that you are supposed to tithe 10% of all your earnings so the Church has some money to function (like most non-profit organizations have to pay a membership fee). Is that what he did? The Bible doesn't really clarify and this is something I have found a lot in the Bible. It is very cloudy, at least in the English translations I have read. I mean, I am a poor college student and I seriously just can't afford to tithe, and feed myself and have books for class but I haven't been struck dead yet lol. Some help interpreting this would be great. I just don't understand what the heck is going on. I've heard this story in church a million times as justification to tithe but never understood WHY Ananias had to give ALL the money when he only supposed to give 10%. Also it's a story connected to Peter and in ever story connected with Peter I feel like some shady deal is going down... Maybe it's just me but sometimes I wonder why Jesus chose that guy. Since he is God incarnate shouldn't he have known Peter May not have been the BEST choice. John the Beloved or James seemed to me a much better choice. But who am I to argue with God, I guess.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. (Acts 19: 1-6, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Help Thou Mine Unbelief (12/31/2014); Sacrificial Relationships? (10/23/2013); Relationship by Unselfish Giving? (10/24/2013); Separated and Sealed? (03/29/2013); Acknowledging Divinity? (03/30/2013); Caesarea Philippi (10/22/2012); Love in Christ (10/23/2012); The Spirit by Measure (09/22/2012); A Man in Heaven? (09/23/2012)
“Ian”, here are some points for consideration that are important for all mature Christian believers:
(1.) Our reading of the holy writings requires discernment (comparing spiritual things to spiritual things), for the Scriptures document the operations of divinity among created beings and living creatures (we say, thousands of lives over the course of thousands of years); and are more than a mere account of human behaviors, conduct, and interaction. Spiritually, the offense of Ananias and his wife Sapphira is no different than that of Adam and his spouse Eve. Money and ownership of property are not at issue, rather, acknowledgement (we say, worship), commitment, respect, reverence, and trust.
(2.) The sacred process of rebirth through water baptism signifies death of ones inborn spirit, burial of their former nature, and new birth from a fresh deposit of the same divine content that is the makeup of Deity. Included are inseparable aspects of divinity such as faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, love, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Fire baptism (we say, receiving divine gifts, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth) signifies the empowerment and ordination authorizing a believer to serve as an agent and spokesperson (we say, prophet) of GOD through Jesus Christ.
(3.) Beginning ones new life in Christ requires no payment of worldly goods and material belongings. However, born again, one must “grow up again” experiencing change through life challenges and “growing pains” upon the earth. One expects to receive the Gospel and water baptism before receiving fire baptism; yet, as with Cornelius and his household, believers receive the Pentecost experience on divine terms, and by divine prerogative (we say, grace). Peter and the other apostles appointed by Christ to be witnesses of his resurrection were also to authenticate appearances of the Holy Spirit falling upon believers. Thus, there was no quarrel between Peter and Ananias, and the impartial judgment that came upon the false couple was directed at the violation of faith, not a law for tithing.
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) That believers agree and understand that they themselves must provide resources to support the life and work of the body of believers (we say, our assembly, our church, our congregation) is a “common sense” conclusion that derives from our social awareness. The issues of how much and when to give derive from individual and personal concerns. The realization that ones life is completely intertwined with that of other believers—that GOD is active and present within us and others; that we are interdependent and must continue together for survival; that “freewill” and independence are “sacrificed” for something higher, holier—must come from GOD through operations of the Holy Spirit.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Identifying frauds who promote themselves as preachers, judging others, and the believer’s work in judgment are topics, today, along with more on what happens when people covet. A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Christine” (Level 1 with 13 points, a member since July 04, 2012) posted the following:
Is calling a preacher fake blasphemy against the holy spirit?
Me and my friend are arguing over it....
THE BATTLE AXE: When People Covet (12/22/2013)—(5.) While the excuse is often offered that violating the law (we say, transgression, sin) was justified and necessary for survival, every crime of fraud and theft begins with covetousness. This is also true for deceptions and practices by angelic beings against mankind to deprive humanity of sacred dominion and divine inheritance. Thus, Christ has declared: I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep (John 10: 9-11, KJV). (6.) Covetousness pertains to the exalting of money and property as a false god, and relates to the worship of idols. The person who covets becomes enmeshed within the flesh and the world as belief systems. More than this, covetousness fosters disruptive competition and emulation among men as well as presumption, rebellion, and usurpation against GOD (see Galatians 5: 19-21 and 25-26, 1st Corinthians 4: 6-7, 2nd Corinthians 10: 12, Isaiah 42: 8 and Isaiah 48: 11, KJV). Just as Christian believers come to understand they cannot exercise authority and expect or demand any good thing from the wicked, neither can believers covet, and expect or demand any thing from other believers. All believers should seek to arrive at a point where they joyfully can say: “No man on earth has any goods or property more valuable to me than my salvation. No man has any object or thing I would kill him to get, or even lie to make it mine. That specially means his wife, his car, his house, his dog, his family.” (See Romans 13: 7-9 and 1st Timothy 6: 7-9, KJV.) Once we are correctly aware of our value to GOD, we may say as the Apostle Paul: Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 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. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Philippians 4: 11-13, KJV).
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? even against the Holy One of Israel. (2nd Kings 19: 22, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Kindness to Mary? (04/21/2013); When GOD Controls? (04/22/2013); Separated and Sealed? (03/29/2013); Acknowledging Divinity? (03/30/2013); Confusion 2013 (01/13/2013); Why A “Spokesperson”? (01/14/2013); When Does Gossip Become Sin? (01/08/2013); Understanding Hell (01/09/2013); Beer In My Milk? (09/07/2012); Begotten not Made (09/08/2012)
“Christine”, for Christian believers there are a number of divine warnings recorded in the holy writings that should be remembered and applied when speaking against those who are set apart as “full-time” servants to GOD. Included are some of the following points:
(1.) Who art thou that judgest another’s servant? (Romans 14: 4, KJV) Authority to judge those in the clergy may exist through the hierarchy that governs an assembly or community of faith by virtue of voluntary oaths and pledges. However, the church is not a “democracy” where every man has a voice by vote. Strict lines of accountability and oversight are likely to be in place that are not immediately visible to, and do not directly include members of the congregation.
(2.) The work of GOD is to believe whom he has sent (John 6: 29, KJV). The acceptance of the message is the first priority, rather than acceptance of the messenger. The message is to be carefully examined using divine discernment (i.e., comparing spiritual things to other spiritual things to determine their authenticity; their fit with acknowledged truth; their prophetic nature as comfort, edification or exhortation; their likely eternal effects; their sacred intent; their source; and their spirit content).
(3.) Judge nothing before the time (1st Corinthians 4: 5, KJV). Before the time that we ourselves are perfected, before the time we are thoroughly instructed, prepared and appointed to judge, believers must exercise caution. There are many subtleties (barely visible points of difference; hidden, unseen elements) that must be taken into account to correctly manifest the divine love that is judgment. Where Creation and Salvation display the sovereign majesty and power of Almighty GOD, Judgment must display eternal righteousness.
(4.) Whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost (Matthew 12: 32, KJV). When one does not correctly discern and recognize the Holy Spirit, and the divine gifts that are present through the ministry of Jesus Christ, that person is at risk of losing intended blessings and indispensable sacred provisions. To condemn or oppose a leader in the church, a prophet, or spiritual teacher is also to condemn the Spirit that operates through and within him. Spiritual blindness, darkness, denial, and lack of discernment are aligned with blasphemy of the Holy Spirit who is the specific person within the GODhead that carries out and establishes new birth, repentance, and sanctification.
There is far more to be said, properly shared, and spiritually understood. (For example, (5.) We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ (Romans 14: 10, KJV). Many who take up judgment do so as presumption (i.e., taking authority unto oneself without permission; stealing). It is a peculiar form of defiance, rebellion and usurpation (i.e., overthrowing existing government). In the coming judgment there will be no one who operates as an accuser or attacker. Each one who appears must answer the record of their own living deeds documented within the divine books of life.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.
And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him? (Proverbs 19: 21-22, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
