(09/09/2019) Likened Unto 10 Virgins

A depiction of the parable of the wise and foolish virgins

Today, reply is on how believers who are now on the earth may bring on and end our waiting for the Apocalypse (i.e., the end of the world). In the holy writings, all are exhorted to quickly make their decisions and establish their commitment to the Lord; displaying panic and rushing about in fear are discouraged. Those who pray for annihilation and sudden destruction do so under the influence of sin that promotes non-existence, and a return to the conditions of chaos, flux, and erratic streams of motion that were in place before the Creation. Such persons often mock the tarrying and orderly waiting practiced among the followers of Jesus Christ. In contrast, many Christians seek to use the power of fervent prayer, and they importune that waiting for the Second Coming may be reduced. The counsel on his appearing (we also say, the day of the Lord; the harvest; the Rapture) shared by Jesus Christ is that the church should serve remaining alert, vigilant, and filled with zeal until he returns. It is written: Luke 21: 33-36, King James Version (KJV): 33 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. 34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Violation Nation!!” (Level 4 with 2,690 points, a member since January 15, 2019) posted the following:

How can we as loving Christians bring about the apocalypse asap and end the world?

We must fulfill the prophecy, just as our God wills!!?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. (Matthew 25: 1-13, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why Jesus Comes Back (06/20/2019); Recognizing The End Times (04/16/2019); His Words About Returning (12/02/2018); Preparing For The Rapture (11/09/2018); A Short Time Left (10/30/2018); Mysteries Of The Kingdom? (09/28/2018); Given A Divine Invitation (01/20/2016)

“Violation Nation!!”, those who are wise do not challenge divinity or complain against GOD regarding divine delays for the day of the Lord. While developing and mature Christian believers are instructed that mankind can not influence, manipulate, or operate upon divinity to alter and determine divine prerogative, sacred events, eternal purpose and expressions of sovereign will, our conduct as vessels containing divine spirit substance, and our practices that fulfill end time prophecy do establish and maintain conditions that invite and welcome the return of Jesus Christ. Believers are to live having the expectation (we say, hope) that multiple proclamations, promises and prophecies will be made actual, complete, and fulfilled. By our responses as the church founded by Jesus Christ, we may demonstrate that we are mature/ripe for harvest as those who will be taken from the earth at the coming of the Lord. No exact day or hour for the Savior’s return to reap the earth has been revealed. Believers are to prepare themselves and continue in constant readiness as though it might be today, and in this very hour. The human mechanical and natural conduct for the spiritual acts of GOD are to be addressed through our ongoing disciplines, lifestyles, and daily routines. Until the time of his coming, believers should display the inseparable aspects of spirit essence from GOD that include balance, consistency, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, restraint, stability, and the patience of the saints. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Isaiah 5: 18-21, King James Version (KJV): 18 Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope: 19 That say, Let him make speed, and hasten his work, that we may see it: and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh and come, that we may know it! 20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! 21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!

2. 2^nd Peter 3: 8-14, KJV: 8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 3. Colossians 3: 12-17, KJV: 12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 11:34 AM, September 08, 2019 @ https://www.cagnz.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/second-coming-of-Jesus-Christ-Matthew-2442-wise-virgins.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(08/21/2015) About Praying to Mary

The sacred duty, privilege and divine work of intercession given to all Christian believers come into view, today.  While followers of Christ may seek comfort, courage, guidance and support through Mary, the mother of Jesus, atonement, propitiation for sin and salvation remain strictly the peculiar operations of GOD that appear through the person of her son as the promised Messiah, Redeemer and Savior.  Mary was at the cross as well as with those in the Upper Room who received the Holy Ghost at Pentecost.  In the holy writings, there is no prohibition by Jesus against believers seeking the favor, fellowship and prayers of others who are committed and born again (we say, co-laborers, saints).  Prayer to Mary in particular is not specifically condemned, nor are devotions, Mariology, and worship of the Lord’s mother specifically required.  The glory, majesty and sovereignty of the GODhead are not diminished, threatened, or made less exalted by believers acknowledging Mary, the martyrs, and other members of the church as the body of Christ, who make special contributions through their life and faith.  Mary is exalted because of her humility, not because of her sexual purity, or parenting skills.  Similarly, many others are to be held in memorial such as the widow who gave her last two mites, and the woman caught in adultery who was released from the death sentence when no one was fit to “cast the first stone.”  Linjo Eveline, who participates with me in THE BIBLE STUDY GROUP (a Public Group on Facebook presently having 19,049 members), posted the following on August 10, 2015 at 12:31pm:


BRETHREN PLEASE I WISH TO KNOW WHTER WE SHOULD ALSO PRAY TO HOLY MARY MOTHER OF CHRIST?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,  And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.  For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden:  for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.  For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.  And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.  He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.  He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.  He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.  He hath helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;  As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.  (Luke 1:  46-55, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Mary (06/13/2014); The Estate of His Handmaiden (06/14/2014); A Worthy Miracle? (04/07/2014); The Philosophy of Free Will? (04/08/2014); Belief, Faith, and Proof (03/02/2014); Miracles and Visitations? (03/03/2014); A Kindness to Mary? (04/21/2013); When GOD Controls? (04/22/2013)


Linjo Eveline, be encouraged!  The acknowledgments of Mary as the mother of Jesus are all upon the basis of faith, and not on the basis of sacred law.  The holy writings depended on by Protestant believers record no commandment or divine law requiring followers of Jesus to regularly pray to his mother, Mary.  Even so, there are a number of precepts, principles, and teachings that encourage believers to appeal to Mary for intercession.  Mary serves as a mediator between believers and her son.  While some call her the “Mother of GOD,” Mary  does not compete against, or appear as a substitute to fill the role of her son or of the Holy Spirit who both intercede with the Father.  Mary is understood by many Catholic believers as already having been glorified, justified and perfected (we say, made a Perpetual Virgin) through divine prerogative, and sacred operations of resurrection and ascension.  Mary becomes a person whom we honor, respect, venerate, and turn to for support because we know without doubt that she is one eternally joined to Jesus through love, and that the Savior is pleased to grant her favor and faithful service.  Mary should be received no less as a prophet/prophetess (we say, spokesperson from GOD) than Miriam the sister to Moses, John the Baptist, or John the Revelator.  At the request of his mother (who expressed more confidence in his anointing and readiness to minister at that time than he expressed in himself), Jesus was moved to perform the first sacred event (we say, miracle) of his ministry at a wedding in Cana of Galilee.  Neither the governor of the feast (we would say, Master of Ceremonies), the father of the bride, the groom, the bride herself, nor any of the household servants spoke directly to Jesus regarding their need for more wine to complete the hospitality, humility and refreshing to their many guests.  Please consider the following points from the Bible:

(1.)  John 2:  1-5, King James Version (KJV):  1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:  2 And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.  3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.  4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.  5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

(2.)  John 2:  7-11, KJV:  7 Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.  8 And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.  9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was:  (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,  10 And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse:  but thou hast kept the good wine until now.  11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

(3.)  1st Timothy 2:  1-5 , KJV:  1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;  2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.  3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;  4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.  5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

(4.)  Romans 8:  26-27, KJV:  26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities:  for we know not what we should pray for as we ought:  but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

(5.)  James 5:  13-16, KJV:  13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.  14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:  15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.  16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

(6.)  Romans 16:  1-2, KJV:  1 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:  2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you:  for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.

There is far more that could be said, and that must be correctly understood and spiritually taken into account.  (For example (7.)  James 5:  19-20, KJV:  19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;  20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC