The importance of courage to ones Christian walk, and more on family and romance are topics, today. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Ryan M” (Level 1 with 125 points, a member since January 30, 2007) posted the following:
Why is courage so important in a Christ-follower’s life?
THE BATTLE AXE: Family and Romance? (10/13/2012)—Family as a social institution used by men is not the same as family when used as a divine spiritual tool. Issues we now know as incest, property rights, and sibling rivalry were not known during Adam’s lifetime. Thus, the account of Abel slain by his brother Cain actually centers on the acceptable models of priesthood and sacrifice provided from heaven for the earth, and to all mankind. Today, in the United States, most communities provide children and family courts to resolve the many conflicts, and disputes that occur among those bound together through blood and law. Earlier, order and structure within families as well as among and between families was on the basis of individual skills, animal instinct, and personal power, rather than mechanisms for impartiality such as courts and law. Many continue to practice the “old ways,” however they encounter increasing opposition. Among Christian believers, such scriptural and unwritten rules continue to be observed, including (1) all must encourage, and nourish the integrity and soundness of body, mind and spirit for every member of the family as for themselves; (2) just as sexual intimacy is forbidden, and the “privacy” of others are to be protected, violence against ones parents, brothers, sisters and other family is outlawed; (3) none will hinder, meddle with or oppress other family members to block their success, deny their faith, suppress their spiritual growth, or cut off fulfillment of their chosen duties; and (4) one may become distanced from family through time and space, however, the bond is to be respected by all as unbreakable even by death. The spirit content of blood is being and life. The spirit content of law is divine will and truth. The spirit content of marriage is union. Just as all are made free from sin by death, all are made free from marriage, law, family and commitment. Through the mechanisms of duty and inheritance, the bond of family continues in effect, transcending blood and law, and is anchored in shared truth.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation. When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up. Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty. I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. (Psalms 27: 9-14, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Spirit by Measure (09/22/2012); On Being Careful (02/13/2012); Grounded In Love (12/13/2011); About Zeal (02/17/2011); Awesomeness? (12/19/2010); Born With Sin? (12/20/2010)
Here are some thoughts shared among mature Christian believers:
For many “courage” means a state of emotion where one does not feel anxiety, fear, nervousness or worry. Apprehension is not present, where one anticipates damage, disgrace, loss, or pain; and so, one feels free and uninhibited when approaching duty, or life challenges and problems. As an emotion, courage is temporal; it only lasts for a time; and it comes and goes. For those just beginning to investigate and learn the things of GOD through Christ, courage is necessary as a form of strength that fosters dialogue, learning and reflection. Many questions must be posed, and one must be willing to expose the depth of their own beliefs and understandings.
For the believer who has been reborn through baptism, the need is not for courage and emotion; instead, there must be “holy boldness,” balance, and “fear of the Lord.” Like faith, joy, humility and wrath against sin, holy boldness is a content of divine being (sometimes we say “divine DNA”), and is inseparable from other sacred substance such as holiness, righteousness, truth and wisdom. The imparted, indwelling Spirit from GOD must be present that makes possible a believers approach and entrance into the Divine Presence.
“Fear of the Lord” is reverence, right respect, and the correct awareness of GOD called “awe”. Access to GOD begins with things that are impersonal and remote such as doctrine, law, proclamation and Scripture. Needed strength to approach sovereign truths that are invisible and otherwise unknown are supplied through the ministry of Jesus, that equip and prepare believers for personal experiences of GOD, including healing, prayer, and prophetic visions.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, “the fearful” (also called “cowards”) are classed with idolaters, murderers, sorcerers, whoremongers, the unbelieving, and all liars (see Revelation 21: 7-8, KJV). Christian belief is not a matter of “gambling” or foolish risk-taking; however, there are many unseen attackers and unexpected enemies, a darkness that opposes spiritual growth, that may be described as “facing the unknown”.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Saturday, October 13, 2012
(10/13/2012) Family and Romance
Ones duty concerning the romantic relationships of family members are the topic, today, along with more on whether Christians live by a “double standard.” The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “justwondering” (Level 2 with 806 points, a member since July 12, 2010) posted the following:
Should I show interest in the romantic life of family members?
I have two older relative (a mother and aunt) who are terrible at staying in a relationship. So every year it’s like they have a new man. I don’t know how to respond. I REALLY don’t care and don’t want to know details, but I don’t want to seem cold, so I usually ask for details about who they are dating and such. But it always feels so uncomfortable. How do you think they want me to respond. Just mind my own business or act interested in their personal life?
Additional Details
I also have a gay brother. I especially am not interested in the details of his life. But I know that creates a wall between us.
THE BATTLE AXE: Double Standard? (10/12/2012)—The Christian believer is to be “in the world,” and not “of the world.” This means, believers acknowledge common needs, interdependence and shared conditions with those who are not believers. Yet, believers stand out as spiritual persons and not products of the circumstances, environment, influences and pressures that exist around, and outside of themselves. The believer is not self-centered, self-serving or unfeeling toward others. A re-born believer holds to and applies doctrine and teachings provided by GOD through the holy writings. As a result, their behavior and conduct often is characterized as strange and unfriendly to those who do not know Christ. It remains, while in the world, believers serve Jesus who is in heaven by faith, practice, sacraments, service and studies that make the Divine Person known, and present through living deeds. As instruments of sacred purpose and vessels with the imparted, indwelling Spirit from GOD, Christian believers further cleanse and preserve mankind, and function as the “salt of the earth” (see Matthew 5: 10-16, KJV).
THE GOLDEN ARROW: My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck. (Proverbs 1: 8-9, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Wrong To Love? (08/17/2012); The Young Less Religious? (08/18/2012); Birth Control and Sexism? (03/16/2012); Binder 23: We Cry, Abba (10/20/2011); Monogamy? (11/29/2010); Appetite (10/14/2010)
Be encouraged. Here are some thoughts that have been shared with Christian believers that may help:
As family members, we have various levels of duty to one another that include expanding and extending the family as a unit through the relationships we may enter as individuals. Included here are adoption, marriage, and participation in fraternity and sorority commitments. Outside of the blood whereby they are bound in relationship, two structures of divine law (adoption and marriage) are the primary permanent and “unbreakable” relationships from GOD intended to provide continuous life companionship. Inheritance is made secure through blood and law. Both marriage and divorce serve as “badges” and emblems of divine authority (the two are one flesh; what GOD has joined together, let no man put asunder…). Where family members are immature, selfish or deny and are unaware of their duties, the Christian believer must be prepared to teach through example, distance, and in silence that will reduce conflict and dysfunction.
Rightly carried out, the family itself is an endowment and wealth that serves as foundation for a child’s growth and life accomplishment. Children are all accounted as being in poverty because they control no goods, income, real property or savings. With the nourishment, protection and support of ones family shared resources are available to all minor and adult members as well that should include dignity, faith, honor, loyalty, reputation, respect, and unity. Christian believers are made sons and daughters of GOD through operations of the Holy Spirit spoken of as “adoption.” The continuing ministry of Jesus Christ as Risen Lord is the believer’s embrace into the family of GOD.
Many having reached an age of accountability for emotional, sexual and spiritual choices do not acknowledge the authority of parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, or the authority of older siblings as when younger. Correction of problems in attitude, behavior and conduct cannot be accomplished by simply angry displays, avoidance, commanding change, threatening punishment, or withholding affection. Even so, counsel may be shared as expression of genuine concerns, ones own needs in relationship, and personal truth. A believer may make frequent prayer requests for balance, clarity, and self-control to continue in family relationships without bias, condemnation and prejudice. However, commitment to Christ demands one be prepared to accept that, where family members insist upon opposing their faith, salvation and sacred service to GOD, there also must be a conditional separation from those who do not believe.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, unlike the goals for courtship that leads to marriage, the goals for romantic relationships often center upon fantasy and the answering of ones sexual appetite. As with hunger and thirst, sexual appetite cannot be reduced and removed completely through imagination, logic, reason and other operations of the mind. Even in marriage, where ones spirit is joined to a single spirit, a conflict for inner control occurs. By fornication, the joining of ones spirit through sexual activity (as simple as holding hands, or a kiss on the cheek) one puts at risk their capacity to maintain their own identity and independence in all their relationships, including those within the family structure.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Should I show interest in the romantic life of family members?
I have two older relative (a mother and aunt) who are terrible at staying in a relationship. So every year it’s like they have a new man. I don’t know how to respond. I REALLY don’t care and don’t want to know details, but I don’t want to seem cold, so I usually ask for details about who they are dating and such. But it always feels so uncomfortable. How do you think they want me to respond. Just mind my own business or act interested in their personal life?
Additional Details
I also have a gay brother. I especially am not interested in the details of his life. But I know that creates a wall between us.
THE BATTLE AXE: Double Standard? (10/12/2012)—The Christian believer is to be “in the world,” and not “of the world.” This means, believers acknowledge common needs, interdependence and shared conditions with those who are not believers. Yet, believers stand out as spiritual persons and not products of the circumstances, environment, influences and pressures that exist around, and outside of themselves. The believer is not self-centered, self-serving or unfeeling toward others. A re-born believer holds to and applies doctrine and teachings provided by GOD through the holy writings. As a result, their behavior and conduct often is characterized as strange and unfriendly to those who do not know Christ. It remains, while in the world, believers serve Jesus who is in heaven by faith, practice, sacraments, service and studies that make the Divine Person known, and present through living deeds. As instruments of sacred purpose and vessels with the imparted, indwelling Spirit from GOD, Christian believers further cleanse and preserve mankind, and function as the “salt of the earth” (see Matthew 5: 10-16, KJV).
THE GOLDEN ARROW: My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck. (Proverbs 1: 8-9, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Wrong To Love? (08/17/2012); The Young Less Religious? (08/18/2012); Birth Control and Sexism? (03/16/2012); Binder 23: We Cry, Abba (10/20/2011); Monogamy? (11/29/2010); Appetite (10/14/2010)
Be encouraged. Here are some thoughts that have been shared with Christian believers that may help:
As family members, we have various levels of duty to one another that include expanding and extending the family as a unit through the relationships we may enter as individuals. Included here are adoption, marriage, and participation in fraternity and sorority commitments. Outside of the blood whereby they are bound in relationship, two structures of divine law (adoption and marriage) are the primary permanent and “unbreakable” relationships from GOD intended to provide continuous life companionship. Inheritance is made secure through blood and law. Both marriage and divorce serve as “badges” and emblems of divine authority (the two are one flesh; what GOD has joined together, let no man put asunder…). Where family members are immature, selfish or deny and are unaware of their duties, the Christian believer must be prepared to teach through example, distance, and in silence that will reduce conflict and dysfunction.
Rightly carried out, the family itself is an endowment and wealth that serves as foundation for a child’s growth and life accomplishment. Children are all accounted as being in poverty because they control no goods, income, real property or savings. With the nourishment, protection and support of ones family shared resources are available to all minor and adult members as well that should include dignity, faith, honor, loyalty, reputation, respect, and unity. Christian believers are made sons and daughters of GOD through operations of the Holy Spirit spoken of as “adoption.” The continuing ministry of Jesus Christ as Risen Lord is the believer’s embrace into the family of GOD.
Many having reached an age of accountability for emotional, sexual and spiritual choices do not acknowledge the authority of parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, or the authority of older siblings as when younger. Correction of problems in attitude, behavior and conduct cannot be accomplished by simply angry displays, avoidance, commanding change, threatening punishment, or withholding affection. Even so, counsel may be shared as expression of genuine concerns, ones own needs in relationship, and personal truth. A believer may make frequent prayer requests for balance, clarity, and self-control to continue in family relationships without bias, condemnation and prejudice. However, commitment to Christ demands one be prepared to accept that, where family members insist upon opposing their faith, salvation and sacred service to GOD, there also must be a conditional separation from those who do not believe.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, unlike the goals for courtship that leads to marriage, the goals for romantic relationships often center upon fantasy and the answering of ones sexual appetite. As with hunger and thirst, sexual appetite cannot be reduced and removed completely through imagination, logic, reason and other operations of the mind. Even in marriage, where ones spirit is joined to a single spirit, a conflict for inner control occurs. By fornication, the joining of ones spirit through sexual activity (as simple as holding hands, or a kiss on the cheek) one puts at risk their capacity to maintain their own identity and independence in all their relationships, including those within the family structure.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Friday, October 12, 2012
(10/12/2012) Double Standard?
Condemnation for attacks
by Christians, Christian growth, hypocrisy, and portrayals on TV are topics,
today, along with more on when prayer works. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using
the ID “Emma” (Level 2 with 426 points, a member since August 5, 2012) posted
the following:
Aren't christians a bit double standard?
I saw a TV-show where a christian thought someone was doing a bad thing (in relation to God/religion) but to stop him from doing the bad thing, she did a bad thing too. But it was alright for her to do it, but not alright for him to do it? Now I know it's just a tv-show, but isn't it pretty realistic of what a christian would do? and isn't it extremely double standard?
Why do they think it's okay to do something bad to other people, as long as it's for their God they are doing it!! that's the worst thing about people being religious..
Additional Details
If he was doing a play with homosexuality in it, and she was going to stop it by sabotaging it..
And I know every body is a little double standard sometimes, but some christians just act like they are saints, when they are actually really mean themselves..
THE BATTLE AXE: When Prayer Works (10/11/2012)—All prayers are not the same before GOD. Yet, many Christian believers mistakenly think that every follower of Jesus, everywhere, automatically has the same access to GOD through their own prayers as when Jesus, an assembly of believers, or the Holy Spirit prays on their behalf. Ones access to GOD varies in accordance with many factors, including the authority of their office, the specific spiritual gift(s) wherewith they are endowed, their peculiar anointing, the maturity of their ministry, and details of the work they must perform. (For example, see 1st Corinthians 12: 28-30, KJV). Hindsight reveals that often prayer may be answered, however, (1) the divine answer may not be accepted as correct and fitting; and (2) the answer may not be understood. Here, the prophets Jonah and Daniel come into view; particularly Daniel. Although an angel appeared to explain in detail his visions, recorded prophesies from others, and troubling questions about the future, Daniel was overwhelmed by the breadth, depth and scale of GOD’s response. The prophet was given an answer for multitudes of believers in ages to come, rather than a simple statement to satisfy a single man.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (2nd Peter 1: 1-11, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: To Be or Not To Be? (08/26/2012); Why No Answer? (08/25/2012); Girdle 48: Be Ye Doers (01/04/2012); Girdle 44: The Good Seed (12/31/2011); TV Shows? (02/02/2011); Lip Service? (03/01/2011); Useful Movies? (02/28/2011); Two Wisdoms? (10/12/2010)
Living under conditions generated by both the natural world and social world, Christians must respond to secular standards that have been created and established entirely by mankind that do not acknowledge sacred truth. Included are customs, oral and written history, language, popular culture, science and tradition. Skill to apply and maintain spiritual standards consistently must be developed over time as part of acquiring discipline, insight, and maturity.
For those continuing to develop as Christian believers, their errors or shortcomings never result from the doctrine and teachings of Christ, the sacred lifestyle of those reborn, or obedience to divine law. Every person choosing Christ undergoes change, and a divine process of transformation. In the course of becoming perfected, the believer experiences “growing pains,” must make many choices and decisions, and must arrive at increasingly higher levels of spiritual functioning. Just as the errors of children are not always from lack of intelligence or ability to reason, so with believers. In place of the Holy Spirit, their behavior and conduct will continue to display and express deeply rooted emotional, material, psychological and other concerns for an undetermined period.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, while TV programs often are carefully prepared by teams of educated, experienced and talented persons, there are many limitations to how effectively they can present sacred issues. The skill of their performers and writers are only surface. Amusement, entertainment, fantasy and imagination are vital; and even elements that are absurd, repulsive and shocking are presented as though they have equal validity, because they will attract an audience. Thus, viewers may see a comedy broadcast offering a new vision of the American family, and highlighting a marriage proposal as romantic, where a same sex couple appear pledging their love for one another and their unborn adopted child, and the birth-mother (ignored as a woman) is in the background sharing a sonogram of the fetus. In addition to other, perhaps, unintended messages influencing young people are the notions that all gays are celebrities (and all celebrities may be gay); unwanted babies can always be bought, sold and given away; we should work for our dreams and fantasies rather than duties and goals; and life is whatever you can afford and pay for.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Aren't christians a bit double standard?
I saw a TV-show where a christian thought someone was doing a bad thing (in relation to God/religion) but to stop him from doing the bad thing, she did a bad thing too. But it was alright for her to do it, but not alright for him to do it? Now I know it's just a tv-show, but isn't it pretty realistic of what a christian would do? and isn't it extremely double standard?
Why do they think it's okay to do something bad to other people, as long as it's for their God they are doing it!! that's the worst thing about people being religious..
Additional Details
If he was doing a play with homosexuality in it, and she was going to stop it by sabotaging it..
And I know every body is a little double standard sometimes, but some christians just act like they are saints, when they are actually really mean themselves..
THE BATTLE AXE: When Prayer Works (10/11/2012)—All prayers are not the same before GOD. Yet, many Christian believers mistakenly think that every follower of Jesus, everywhere, automatically has the same access to GOD through their own prayers as when Jesus, an assembly of believers, or the Holy Spirit prays on their behalf. Ones access to GOD varies in accordance with many factors, including the authority of their office, the specific spiritual gift(s) wherewith they are endowed, their peculiar anointing, the maturity of their ministry, and details of the work they must perform. (For example, see 1st Corinthians 12: 28-30, KJV). Hindsight reveals that often prayer may be answered, however, (1) the divine answer may not be accepted as correct and fitting; and (2) the answer may not be understood. Here, the prophets Jonah and Daniel come into view; particularly Daniel. Although an angel appeared to explain in detail his visions, recorded prophesies from others, and troubling questions about the future, Daniel was overwhelmed by the breadth, depth and scale of GOD’s response. The prophet was given an answer for multitudes of believers in ages to come, rather than a simple statement to satisfy a single man.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (2nd Peter 1: 1-11, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: To Be or Not To Be? (08/26/2012); Why No Answer? (08/25/2012); Girdle 48: Be Ye Doers (01/04/2012); Girdle 44: The Good Seed (12/31/2011); TV Shows? (02/02/2011); Lip Service? (03/01/2011); Useful Movies? (02/28/2011); Two Wisdoms? (10/12/2010)
Living under conditions generated by both the natural world and social world, Christians must respond to secular standards that have been created and established entirely by mankind that do not acknowledge sacred truth. Included are customs, oral and written history, language, popular culture, science and tradition. Skill to apply and maintain spiritual standards consistently must be developed over time as part of acquiring discipline, insight, and maturity.
For those continuing to develop as Christian believers, their errors or shortcomings never result from the doctrine and teachings of Christ, the sacred lifestyle of those reborn, or obedience to divine law. Every person choosing Christ undergoes change, and a divine process of transformation. In the course of becoming perfected, the believer experiences “growing pains,” must make many choices and decisions, and must arrive at increasingly higher levels of spiritual functioning. Just as the errors of children are not always from lack of intelligence or ability to reason, so with believers. In place of the Holy Spirit, their behavior and conduct will continue to display and express deeply rooted emotional, material, psychological and other concerns for an undetermined period.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, while TV programs often are carefully prepared by teams of educated, experienced and talented persons, there are many limitations to how effectively they can present sacred issues. The skill of their performers and writers are only surface. Amusement, entertainment, fantasy and imagination are vital; and even elements that are absurd, repulsive and shocking are presented as though they have equal validity, because they will attract an audience. Thus, viewers may see a comedy broadcast offering a new vision of the American family, and highlighting a marriage proposal as romantic, where a same sex couple appear pledging their love for one another and their unborn adopted child, and the birth-mother (ignored as a woman) is in the background sharing a sonogram of the fetus. In addition to other, perhaps, unintended messages influencing young people are the notions that all gays are celebrities (and all celebrities may be gay); unwanted babies can always be bought, sold and given away; we should work for our dreams and fantasies rather than duties and goals; and life is whatever you can afford and pay for.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Thursday, October 11, 2012
(10/11/2012) When Prayer Works
Whether prayer is truly
effective, faith, and sin among the angels are topics, today. The “Yahoo!
Answers” writer using the ID “Realist!” (Level 3 with 1,696 points, a member
since January 17, 2012) posted the following:
Christians, a question on prayer, does it work?
Some people really believe in prayer but I've noticed that only about half of the things I've prayed for actually happened. Now I'm not talking about praying for material things but for friends health or help to those I know in morning, stuff like that. I once prayed for a friends baby who was sick to get better and the baby died! I asked many of my Christians friends why this happened since I and many others prayed so hard for that child and they said it must have been gods will. Well if it's gods will and he is going to do what he wants anyway, then why bother with prayer at all? I mean praying just seems to be no better than flipping a coin and guessing whether it's going to be heads or tails, half the time it's head, and half it's tails. That's why I have fallen away from the church. The dogma of religion just doesn't make sense and for the most part is just not believable. There is just too much hypocrisy in religion and in the churches for my taste. Is there a God, I don't know but if there is, I don't think it's what the bible says it is!
THE BATTLE AXE: Sin Unknown? (10/10/2012)—By the revelation of GOD through the creation of mankind, the earth, and the church of Jesus Christ, the hosts of heaven have been shown that defiance, fear, rebellion and sin are expressions of insecurity, weakness and uncertainty. Devotion, obedience and understanding are expressions of balance, clarity, completeness, stability and strength. Sin has no mind, will or attributes of person; and does not carryout, express or respond to the will of GOD. Sin appears as a by-product of divine creation; however, sin is more akin to chaos, the condition of flux without order and process prior to the acts of divinity that produced creation. Where the process of knowing is primarily one of recognizing convergence and divergence or disparity and sameness, barely visible differences and changes carry great power to give the illusion of new order, even within fixed hierarchies. While Lucifer’s goals and motives at first appeared natural and strictly in line with angelic being, he introduced features that provided no godly benefit, including accusation, deception, division, lies, presumption, pride, self-promotion, slander, and severance from GOD.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. 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. 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. 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. (Romans 8: 22-28, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: When You Pray (09/12/2012); Unanswered Prayers? (09/11/2012); Bad Knowledge? (02/05/2011); A Prayer ID? (02/04/2011); Loved Anyhow? (10/27/2010); The Right Way? (10/26/2010; Prayer futile? (10/25/2010); Awesomeness? (12/19/2010); The Lord’s Prayer (12/18/2010)
Here is some truth shared among the sons and daughters of GOD:
At some point in their spiritual growth, most mature Christian believers ask various questions on the usefulness and value of prayer. Most of their best answers are through the mechanism of their own faith. For many, prayer is primarily understood as a process to fulfill desires, and obtain things they lack and want from GOD (be they carnal, material, psychological or spirit in nature). This may include human companionship, divine favor (called “blessing”), forgiveness, and healing as well as spiritual fruit and spiritual gifts. With growth, prayer is understood as a process within sacred relationship that provides discernment of divinity. There may be speaking words intended for GOD; however, outside of sacred relationship the words spoken are not prayer. Realization of divine presence, and supplication (bending, yielding) to the purposes of GOD are the primary objectives of prayer. Therefore, the work of prayer is to change the person who prays not the world he lives in or the conditions of human existence.
Faith is imparted to created beings and living creatures as the actual substance of GOD along with such divine content as being, holiness, humility, joy, longsuffering, and wrath against sin. Because prayer can be an act of self-expression or self-will, what humans experience and see as prayer does not automatically go forth as an aspect of divine being and existence that connects us to Almighty GOD. In the same way our confidence to ask for help, and our expectation of assistance from family and friends varies on the basis of our experiences together within relationship, such that we dare ask them what we would not confidently expect from a stranger; our access to GOD varies on the basis of our experience together. Consider again David’s actions when the child of Bathsheba was ill (2nd Samuel 12: 1-23, King James Version).
As the “evidence of things unseen,” it is faith that provides certainty that prayer is heard and answered; and prayer that is answered may yet be hindered. One of the most powerful illustrations of this is seen with the prophet Daniel, who fasted and prayed continually for three weeks before an angelic messenger arrived, who explained he had been dispatched the very moment of Daniel’s decision to pray, and that he had been hindered for 21 days (see Daniel 9, KJV). A broad set of conditions exist that determine whether prayer is answered. When praying about others, prayer is no longer a “one on one” or a “heart to heart” with GOD. The person who prays may be in good standing with GOD, answering GOD unselfishly, and as one obedient, while those being prayed about are not in harmony with GOD, or ready for what GOD will do. Thus, mature believers keep in mind, Scripture also cautions that a wife may hinder the prayers of her husband (see 1st Peter 3: 7).
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, miracles (divine intervention through acts that overturn the natural order) also must conform to divine law—the laws for miracles, so to speak—and otherwise unseen divine intent. Typically, mankind petitions GOD with a very narrow view to alternatives, consequences, costs, duty, and the part we ourselves must perform. In general, when asking for miracles that overturn divine order, humans are meddling with things that are too high for them.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Christians, a question on prayer, does it work?
Some people really believe in prayer but I've noticed that only about half of the things I've prayed for actually happened. Now I'm not talking about praying for material things but for friends health or help to those I know in morning, stuff like that. I once prayed for a friends baby who was sick to get better and the baby died! I asked many of my Christians friends why this happened since I and many others prayed so hard for that child and they said it must have been gods will. Well if it's gods will and he is going to do what he wants anyway, then why bother with prayer at all? I mean praying just seems to be no better than flipping a coin and guessing whether it's going to be heads or tails, half the time it's head, and half it's tails. That's why I have fallen away from the church. The dogma of religion just doesn't make sense and for the most part is just not believable. There is just too much hypocrisy in religion and in the churches for my taste. Is there a God, I don't know but if there is, I don't think it's what the bible says it is!
THE BATTLE AXE: Sin Unknown? (10/10/2012)—By the revelation of GOD through the creation of mankind, the earth, and the church of Jesus Christ, the hosts of heaven have been shown that defiance, fear, rebellion and sin are expressions of insecurity, weakness and uncertainty. Devotion, obedience and understanding are expressions of balance, clarity, completeness, stability and strength. Sin has no mind, will or attributes of person; and does not carryout, express or respond to the will of GOD. Sin appears as a by-product of divine creation; however, sin is more akin to chaos, the condition of flux without order and process prior to the acts of divinity that produced creation. Where the process of knowing is primarily one of recognizing convergence and divergence or disparity and sameness, barely visible differences and changes carry great power to give the illusion of new order, even within fixed hierarchies. While Lucifer’s goals and motives at first appeared natural and strictly in line with angelic being, he introduced features that provided no godly benefit, including accusation, deception, division, lies, presumption, pride, self-promotion, slander, and severance from GOD.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. 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. 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. 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. (Romans 8: 22-28, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: When You Pray (09/12/2012); Unanswered Prayers? (09/11/2012); Bad Knowledge? (02/05/2011); A Prayer ID? (02/04/2011); Loved Anyhow? (10/27/2010); The Right Way? (10/26/2010; Prayer futile? (10/25/2010); Awesomeness? (12/19/2010); The Lord’s Prayer (12/18/2010)
Here is some truth shared among the sons and daughters of GOD:
At some point in their spiritual growth, most mature Christian believers ask various questions on the usefulness and value of prayer. Most of their best answers are through the mechanism of their own faith. For many, prayer is primarily understood as a process to fulfill desires, and obtain things they lack and want from GOD (be they carnal, material, psychological or spirit in nature). This may include human companionship, divine favor (called “blessing”), forgiveness, and healing as well as spiritual fruit and spiritual gifts. With growth, prayer is understood as a process within sacred relationship that provides discernment of divinity. There may be speaking words intended for GOD; however, outside of sacred relationship the words spoken are not prayer. Realization of divine presence, and supplication (bending, yielding) to the purposes of GOD are the primary objectives of prayer. Therefore, the work of prayer is to change the person who prays not the world he lives in or the conditions of human existence.
Faith is imparted to created beings and living creatures as the actual substance of GOD along with such divine content as being, holiness, humility, joy, longsuffering, and wrath against sin. Because prayer can be an act of self-expression or self-will, what humans experience and see as prayer does not automatically go forth as an aspect of divine being and existence that connects us to Almighty GOD. In the same way our confidence to ask for help, and our expectation of assistance from family and friends varies on the basis of our experiences together within relationship, such that we dare ask them what we would not confidently expect from a stranger; our access to GOD varies on the basis of our experience together. Consider again David’s actions when the child of Bathsheba was ill (2nd Samuel 12: 1-23, King James Version).
As the “evidence of things unseen,” it is faith that provides certainty that prayer is heard and answered; and prayer that is answered may yet be hindered. One of the most powerful illustrations of this is seen with the prophet Daniel, who fasted and prayed continually for three weeks before an angelic messenger arrived, who explained he had been dispatched the very moment of Daniel’s decision to pray, and that he had been hindered for 21 days (see Daniel 9, KJV). A broad set of conditions exist that determine whether prayer is answered. When praying about others, prayer is no longer a “one on one” or a “heart to heart” with GOD. The person who prays may be in good standing with GOD, answering GOD unselfishly, and as one obedient, while those being prayed about are not in harmony with GOD, or ready for what GOD will do. Thus, mature believers keep in mind, Scripture also cautions that a wife may hinder the prayers of her husband (see 1st Peter 3: 7).
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, miracles (divine intervention through acts that overturn the natural order) also must conform to divine law—the laws for miracles, so to speak—and otherwise unseen divine intent. Typically, mankind petitions GOD with a very narrow view to alternatives, consequences, costs, duty, and the part we ourselves must perform. In general, when asking for miracles that overturn divine order, humans are meddling with things that are too high for them.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
(10/10/2012) Sin Unknown?
Angels, foreknowledge, Lucifer and sin are topics, today. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “mermaid” (Level 7 with 41,005 points, a member since July 2, 2010) posted the following:
If God is omniscient, then wouldn’t he have already have known that satan would disobey him?
THE BATTLE AXE: The Gender of Angels? (10/09/2012)—While angels are portrayed in popular culture (movies, television, etc.) as the souls or living spirits of dead humans, the Scriptures only describe angels as unique beings different from animals, men and sacred beasts. Secular media produced for amusement and entertainment often presents the idea of romantic and sexual encounters between humans and angels. This, in turn, encourages the idea that there have been children in the earth that were the offspring of mankind and angels. There is no sacred teaching to that effect; and the Gospel of Jesus Christ does not include any such doctrine. At their creation the angels received the full endowment of knowledge they would use throughout their lifetime. Also, the numberless count of angels has been constant from the time of their creation; they do not multiply or reproduce. The knowledge of angels is finite, and does not expand or grow by reflection and new experience. Free from mortality, and the frameworks of time and space, for angels the depth, tone, and texture of self-awareness is different from that seen for mankind. Unlike “ghosts” and shades of the dead, that are immaterial and may walk through walls, angels are believed to be substantial. Sin was first found among the angels, and did not originate with mankind. Angels are understood as serving at different levels and ranks (e.g., powers, dominions, thrones) fixed as divine order. However, there is no indication of movement or promotions within the hierarchy. As departures from divine will, such elements as ambition, defiance, envy, and willfulness among the holy angels are seen as corruption, rebellion and uncleanness.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. (Ezekiel 28: 13-17, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Mob Rule and Violence (09/27/2012); Life and Death (09/26/2012); Unwelcome Gifts? (09/17/2012); The Gospel not Logical? (09/16/2012); Coveting The Throne (03/07/2012); Girdle 32: Worship GOD (12/17/2011)
Many mature Christian believers are willing to carefully consider the following:
The issues of sin are to be understood as distinct from the issues of divine knowledge. Foreknowledge, omniscience, self-awareness, truth, and wisdom are in the nature of sacred substance, not data, facts and information. As aspects of hallowed person, these sacred substances are inseparable from other divine content; and where you find one, you find them all, so to speak. Included are faith, joy, holiness, humility, love, righteousness, and wrath against sin. Saying this another way: the ingredients that fit together and make existence are very different from those that segment and sequence ones awareness of temporal events. Sin is a mystery (i.e., hidden or secret knowledge shared only with those who are initiated; unknown) for created beings and living creatures; and this is very likely due to sin having no substance to establish its independent existence.
Sin is not a “thing” made from elements of carnal, material, or spirit reality. Sin has not been created by GOD. Sin is not made of divine and living spirit; yet, sin is an influence having direction, effect and presence. Sin may dominate the awareness and will of the created, however, sin has no control or power over the will that resides in Almighty GOD.
All the holy angels were endowed with consciousness, knowledge and sentience at the time of their creation. The entire provision that they would use throughout their timeless functioning was supplied in their very beginning. Unlike mankind, angels do not change and grow by acquiring knowledge, and learning from experience. Sin was not known within GOD, and was not to be known within the angels as a truth deposited by GOD. When sin was discovered to be among them (through the arguments of Lucifer against divine law and judgment), the angels could not comprehend an end or outcome to the foreign and invisible “non-thing” among themselves.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, Lucifer, a prince and ruler in the heavens, did not think in terms of disobeying or rebelling against authority. Rather, he presumed, that is, claimed authority in a peculiar way that communicated no respect, and reverence. Sin opposes the existence of GOD, of divine law, and of all that GOD has created; and, therefore, GOD cannot tolerate sin.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
If God is omniscient, then wouldn’t he have already have known that satan would disobey him?
THE BATTLE AXE: The Gender of Angels? (10/09/2012)—While angels are portrayed in popular culture (movies, television, etc.) as the souls or living spirits of dead humans, the Scriptures only describe angels as unique beings different from animals, men and sacred beasts. Secular media produced for amusement and entertainment often presents the idea of romantic and sexual encounters between humans and angels. This, in turn, encourages the idea that there have been children in the earth that were the offspring of mankind and angels. There is no sacred teaching to that effect; and the Gospel of Jesus Christ does not include any such doctrine. At their creation the angels received the full endowment of knowledge they would use throughout their lifetime. Also, the numberless count of angels has been constant from the time of their creation; they do not multiply or reproduce. The knowledge of angels is finite, and does not expand or grow by reflection and new experience. Free from mortality, and the frameworks of time and space, for angels the depth, tone, and texture of self-awareness is different from that seen for mankind. Unlike “ghosts” and shades of the dead, that are immaterial and may walk through walls, angels are believed to be substantial. Sin was first found among the angels, and did not originate with mankind. Angels are understood as serving at different levels and ranks (e.g., powers, dominions, thrones) fixed as divine order. However, there is no indication of movement or promotions within the hierarchy. As departures from divine will, such elements as ambition, defiance, envy, and willfulness among the holy angels are seen as corruption, rebellion and uncleanness.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. (Ezekiel 28: 13-17, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Mob Rule and Violence (09/27/2012); Life and Death (09/26/2012); Unwelcome Gifts? (09/17/2012); The Gospel not Logical? (09/16/2012); Coveting The Throne (03/07/2012); Girdle 32: Worship GOD (12/17/2011)
Many mature Christian believers are willing to carefully consider the following:
The issues of sin are to be understood as distinct from the issues of divine knowledge. Foreknowledge, omniscience, self-awareness, truth, and wisdom are in the nature of sacred substance, not data, facts and information. As aspects of hallowed person, these sacred substances are inseparable from other divine content; and where you find one, you find them all, so to speak. Included are faith, joy, holiness, humility, love, righteousness, and wrath against sin. Saying this another way: the ingredients that fit together and make existence are very different from those that segment and sequence ones awareness of temporal events. Sin is a mystery (i.e., hidden or secret knowledge shared only with those who are initiated; unknown) for created beings and living creatures; and this is very likely due to sin having no substance to establish its independent existence.
Sin is not a “thing” made from elements of carnal, material, or spirit reality. Sin has not been created by GOD. Sin is not made of divine and living spirit; yet, sin is an influence having direction, effect and presence. Sin may dominate the awareness and will of the created, however, sin has no control or power over the will that resides in Almighty GOD.
All the holy angels were endowed with consciousness, knowledge and sentience at the time of their creation. The entire provision that they would use throughout their timeless functioning was supplied in their very beginning. Unlike mankind, angels do not change and grow by acquiring knowledge, and learning from experience. Sin was not known within GOD, and was not to be known within the angels as a truth deposited by GOD. When sin was discovered to be among them (through the arguments of Lucifer against divine law and judgment), the angels could not comprehend an end or outcome to the foreign and invisible “non-thing” among themselves.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, Lucifer, a prince and ruler in the heavens, did not think in terms of disobeying or rebelling against authority. Rather, he presumed, that is, claimed authority in a peculiar way that communicated no respect, and reverence. Sin opposes the existence of GOD, of divine law, and of all that GOD has created; and, therefore, GOD cannot tolerate sin.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
(10/09/2012) The Gender of Angels?
Angels are the primary topic, today, and there is more on the duty of parents to require church attendance by their own children. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Jimmy Walters” (Level 1 with 73 points, a member since October 28, 2010) posted the following:
Are angels both male and female?
Additional Details
ty all for your input really i beg that any of you are true believers in the christ almighty ..iam looking into the facts of angels around us sent by god almighty …well…i am lkooking for the servents of god lost to our/mine human eyes
THE BATTLE AXE: Parental Duty? (10/08/2012)—The duty of ones parents to nourish and supervise the course of their child’s spiritual growth is no less vital than the parental duty to recover ones child from a pool of acid by changing their baby’s diaper. Parents are to exercise authority over their minor children in such a way that the heart and mind of GOD is immediately made known and visible to their offspring. Children cannot be nourished through deception, fear, lies, and ungodliness. The age for a child’s accountability varies from 8 to 18 year’s old. Certainly, once a child becomes a young adult (20-25), they are correctly held to be accountable for their own spiritual choices, knowledge, and practice. When children disobey their parents they also unintentionally destroy communication and parental trust, and they dishonor and disrespect their parents. Thus, the person, teachings and values of ones parents must be internalized, that is, made a continuing and permanent part of the child’s awareness. Similarly, by grounding their children in the holy writings, parents provide a tool that supplies answers, comfort, encouragement and guidance whenever the parents are not physically present. As adults, the spiritual inheritance from ones parents is no less important than the features imparted through DNA. Routinely, adults must function when surrounded by others who disbelieve, and who share no divine comfort, or counsel that provides balance and strength to endure. Moreover, to fulfill their roles as spiritual guides and mentors to their own children, parents cannot rely on the natural processes of physical and social growth. Parents must educate themselves as thoroughly as possible in all the things from GOD available to themselves. Even so, their child’s growth in the spirit does not depend so much upon a parent’s scholastic achievements, precise knowledge of the Scriptures, or their strict practice of ceremony and ritual as upon their faith, obedience and trust in GOD through Jesus Christ. In the same way the sins of the parents are in effect as challenges and consequence unto the third and fourth generations, the righteous instruction of ones parents may continue for 160 years (see Exodus 20: 5, Exodus 34: 7, and Numbers 14: 18, King James Version).
THE GOLDEN ARROW: For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels. (Luke 9: 26, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Coveting The Throne (03/07/2012); On Going to Heaven (01/13/2012); Girdle 17: Try The Spirits (12/02/2011); Girdle 16: A Drawn Sword (12/01/2011)
Here are some thoughts you may find helpful:
Most of us depend upon the Bible and other holy writings for sacred knowledge about the angels. Some have spiritual testimonies of experiences where angels appeared. In general, we understand angels to be created beings and living creatures that abide in heaven, the place of GOD. As such, angels are not mortal, and do not possess the same features and characteristics of mankind, including flesh, gender, and the need to acquire knowledge. GOD is a spirit, and while angels are spoken of as “spirits” and “flames of fire” (see Hebrews 1: 6-8, KJV), angels are very different from Almighty GOD. Angels have authority, curiosity, dimension, eminence, form, power, and spirit-person, however, angels are not incorruptible and immortal.
The King James Version of the Bible first speaks of “the angel of the Lord” as an emissary and spokesperson from GOD to Hagar (the second wife to Abram), and uses the pronoun “he”. Here, the angel (i.e., messenger) appears in the role of prophet, one who comforts, edifies, and exhorts (see Genesis 16: 7-13). The device of personification where angels, and even GOD, is described as if a human person is used throughout the Scriptures. Many times angels are referred to using “he” and “him”; yet, “she” does not seem to appear. Examples also include Judges 6: 11-23, Judges 13: 20-22 , Acts 12: 7-10 and Revelation 14: 19.
Angels are variously described in the Scriptures as having faces, feet, hands, wheels, and wings, and are physically portrayed as akin to humankind. Angels are spoken of as having emotions and feelings of anger, joy, and sorrow. Where angels appear in their splendor this is to identify them as sent from GOD as well as to admonish, alert and caution the person to whom they are sent. Angels have assumed human form when appearing to judges, prophets, kings, and apostles; and this is understood as a device to avoid confusion and human error. While compared and contrasted to the Son of GOD (as in Hebrews 2: 5-16), angels are never compared to Almighty GOD; and stern warnings have been issued against the worship of angels (see Revelation 19: 9-10 and Revelation 22: 7-9). Angelic glory is distinct from the glory of GOD the Father, and from the glory of the Son. Jesus commands the armies of heaven as Captain of the Host, and is named Faithful and True. Only Christ is hailed as Regis Angelorum, King of Angels.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, many depictions and descriptions of angels can be found in secular art and literature where angels are portrayed as androgynous and as hermaphrodite (having both male and female sexual parts). This is primarily to convey such attributes as ageless beauty, balance, gentleness, innocence, fullness, lightness, mystery, purity, and sweetness, rather than gender or status as LGBT.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Are angels both male and female?
Additional Details
ty all for your input really i beg that any of you are true believers in the christ almighty ..iam looking into the facts of angels around us sent by god almighty …well…i am lkooking for the servents of god lost to our/mine human eyes
THE BATTLE AXE: Parental Duty? (10/08/2012)—The duty of ones parents to nourish and supervise the course of their child’s spiritual growth is no less vital than the parental duty to recover ones child from a pool of acid by changing their baby’s diaper. Parents are to exercise authority over their minor children in such a way that the heart and mind of GOD is immediately made known and visible to their offspring. Children cannot be nourished through deception, fear, lies, and ungodliness. The age for a child’s accountability varies from 8 to 18 year’s old. Certainly, once a child becomes a young adult (20-25), they are correctly held to be accountable for their own spiritual choices, knowledge, and practice. When children disobey their parents they also unintentionally destroy communication and parental trust, and they dishonor and disrespect their parents. Thus, the person, teachings and values of ones parents must be internalized, that is, made a continuing and permanent part of the child’s awareness. Similarly, by grounding their children in the holy writings, parents provide a tool that supplies answers, comfort, encouragement and guidance whenever the parents are not physically present. As adults, the spiritual inheritance from ones parents is no less important than the features imparted through DNA. Routinely, adults must function when surrounded by others who disbelieve, and who share no divine comfort, or counsel that provides balance and strength to endure. Moreover, to fulfill their roles as spiritual guides and mentors to their own children, parents cannot rely on the natural processes of physical and social growth. Parents must educate themselves as thoroughly as possible in all the things from GOD available to themselves. Even so, their child’s growth in the spirit does not depend so much upon a parent’s scholastic achievements, precise knowledge of the Scriptures, or their strict practice of ceremony and ritual as upon their faith, obedience and trust in GOD through Jesus Christ. In the same way the sins of the parents are in effect as challenges and consequence unto the third and fourth generations, the righteous instruction of ones parents may continue for 160 years (see Exodus 20: 5, Exodus 34: 7, and Numbers 14: 18, King James Version).
THE GOLDEN ARROW: For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels. (Luke 9: 26, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Coveting The Throne (03/07/2012); On Going to Heaven (01/13/2012); Girdle 17: Try The Spirits (12/02/2011); Girdle 16: A Drawn Sword (12/01/2011)
Here are some thoughts you may find helpful:
Most of us depend upon the Bible and other holy writings for sacred knowledge about the angels. Some have spiritual testimonies of experiences where angels appeared. In general, we understand angels to be created beings and living creatures that abide in heaven, the place of GOD. As such, angels are not mortal, and do not possess the same features and characteristics of mankind, including flesh, gender, and the need to acquire knowledge. GOD is a spirit, and while angels are spoken of as “spirits” and “flames of fire” (see Hebrews 1: 6-8, KJV), angels are very different from Almighty GOD. Angels have authority, curiosity, dimension, eminence, form, power, and spirit-person, however, angels are not incorruptible and immortal.
The King James Version of the Bible first speaks of “the angel of the Lord” as an emissary and spokesperson from GOD to Hagar (the second wife to Abram), and uses the pronoun “he”. Here, the angel (i.e., messenger) appears in the role of prophet, one who comforts, edifies, and exhorts (see Genesis 16: 7-13). The device of personification where angels, and even GOD, is described as if a human person is used throughout the Scriptures. Many times angels are referred to using “he” and “him”; yet, “she” does not seem to appear. Examples also include Judges 6: 11-23, Judges 13: 20-22 , Acts 12: 7-10 and Revelation 14: 19.
Angels are variously described in the Scriptures as having faces, feet, hands, wheels, and wings, and are physically portrayed as akin to humankind. Angels are spoken of as having emotions and feelings of anger, joy, and sorrow. Where angels appear in their splendor this is to identify them as sent from GOD as well as to admonish, alert and caution the person to whom they are sent. Angels have assumed human form when appearing to judges, prophets, kings, and apostles; and this is understood as a device to avoid confusion and human error. While compared and contrasted to the Son of GOD (as in Hebrews 2: 5-16), angels are never compared to Almighty GOD; and stern warnings have been issued against the worship of angels (see Revelation 19: 9-10 and Revelation 22: 7-9). Angelic glory is distinct from the glory of GOD the Father, and from the glory of the Son. Jesus commands the armies of heaven as Captain of the Host, and is named Faithful and True. Only Christ is hailed as Regis Angelorum, King of Angels.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, many depictions and descriptions of angels can be found in secular art and literature where angels are portrayed as androgynous and as hermaphrodite (having both male and female sexual parts). This is primarily to convey such attributes as ageless beauty, balance, gentleness, innocence, fullness, lightness, mystery, purity, and sweetness, rather than gender or status as LGBT.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Monday, October 8, 2012
(10/08/2012) Parental Duty?
Parental demands for church attendance, and more on Jesus as king are topics, today. The 15-year-old “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Keenan” (Level 1 with 91 points, a member since October 6, 2012) posted the following:
How can i get my dad to not make me go to church?
I’m LDS(mormon), and i don’t want to be, but my dad makes me attend evry church event he finds out about, which i hate. i’m 15 and i’ve told him i hate when he does this but nothing helps. any ideas?
THE BATTLE AXE: Jesus, King of Earth? (10/07/2012)—For those who are simple (i.e., in the early development of spiritual awareness), GOD is introduced, and most easily known and understood through demonstrations and depictions of divine authority, power and supremacy. Reports of healings, law, miracles and visitations by GOD give form and focus to sacred truth and wisdom. In agreement with such fundamental revelations are the proclamations, promises, and prophecies that come to mankind from GOD declaring divine governance through a being who is anointed with holy substance, and is consecrated to serve as priest, prophet, king, and judge.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: (2nd Timothy 1: 1-10, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why Jesus Prayed (08/19/2012); The Young Less Religious? (08/18/2012); Responsibility? (01/25/2011); For The Young (01/24/2011); Foiled Again (10/08/2010); Teen Believers? (10/07/2010)
Here’s some information that is often shared among the children of GOD that you may have missed:
It is the duty (i.e., assigned task one absolutely must do despite cost, difficulty or unpleasantness) of every Christian parent to share with their own offspring the many things from GOD that have been entrusted to them, and that they are to minister to others as “spreading the Gospel.” All are not needed as preachers or singers in the choir. Even so, as sons and daughters of GOD through the adoption of the Holy Spirit, ones parents receive inheritance with Jesus Christ that includes a lifestyle that is to minister divine presence, and sacred truth. Church attendance is important, because, apart from ones immediate family and companions, it is only by the mechanism of assembling with other believers that the spirit from GOD is properly acknowledged, encouraged, nourished, refreshed, and reinforced.
It is part of the divine process for spiritual growth of both the parent and the child that duty for making decisions respecting GOD, and participating in regular prayer and worship are transferred from the parents to the child. In a silent “rite of passage,” the parents must yield to the authority of GOD residing within the faith and maturity of their children. Unfortunately, for many young people, this means the parent must accept that their child will drop out of church to experiment and explore attractions of the flesh: appetite (such as hunger, thirst, cravings for sexual contact); sensations (such as hearing, seeing, tasting, touching); and mind (such as desires, dreams, fantasies, imagination, memories). (See 2nd Corinthians 1: 24, King James Version.) With this in view, parents insist on providing maximum exposure to their children for learning and growth in the things of GOD.
As children develop, church attendance crystallizes the many issues of freedom, integrity, growing self-awareness, legitimacy of ones person, peer acceptance, and genuine righteousness. Many young people respond with bitterness, combativeness, resentment, and resistance. From the age of 16 to 22, the choice is made to “quit”; however, the counsel from GOD (parents notwithstanding) is do not leave the church until you are supplied with everything needed to meet the spiritual challenges, disappointments hardships, and reversals that always come as part of adult life. Saying this another way: Do not leave until you receive the imparted, indwelling spirit of GOD, the Holy Spirit.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, parents often use what appears as “force” to proceed in relationship with their children, because as minors they are immature and underdeveloped. Children are not equipped to respond to appeals founded solely in intelligence, logic and reason; and they lean to emotion and feeling to authenticate truth. Sin that may dominate the will of created beings and living creatures does not operate in agreement with order and structure. Sin opposes the existence of Almighty GOD, of divine law, and of all things created. Sin has not been put forth as a creation of divine being, is not made of material or spirit substance (e.g., holiness, humility, joy, love, truth, wisdom, wrath against sin), and has no power to influence the will of GOD.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
How can i get my dad to not make me go to church?
I’m LDS(mormon), and i don’t want to be, but my dad makes me attend evry church event he finds out about, which i hate. i’m 15 and i’ve told him i hate when he does this but nothing helps. any ideas?
THE BATTLE AXE: Jesus, King of Earth? (10/07/2012)—For those who are simple (i.e., in the early development of spiritual awareness), GOD is introduced, and most easily known and understood through demonstrations and depictions of divine authority, power and supremacy. Reports of healings, law, miracles and visitations by GOD give form and focus to sacred truth and wisdom. In agreement with such fundamental revelations are the proclamations, promises, and prophecies that come to mankind from GOD declaring divine governance through a being who is anointed with holy substance, and is consecrated to serve as priest, prophet, king, and judge.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: (2nd Timothy 1: 1-10, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why Jesus Prayed (08/19/2012); The Young Less Religious? (08/18/2012); Responsibility? (01/25/2011); For The Young (01/24/2011); Foiled Again (10/08/2010); Teen Believers? (10/07/2010)
Here’s some information that is often shared among the children of GOD that you may have missed:
It is the duty (i.e., assigned task one absolutely must do despite cost, difficulty or unpleasantness) of every Christian parent to share with their own offspring the many things from GOD that have been entrusted to them, and that they are to minister to others as “spreading the Gospel.” All are not needed as preachers or singers in the choir. Even so, as sons and daughters of GOD through the adoption of the Holy Spirit, ones parents receive inheritance with Jesus Christ that includes a lifestyle that is to minister divine presence, and sacred truth. Church attendance is important, because, apart from ones immediate family and companions, it is only by the mechanism of assembling with other believers that the spirit from GOD is properly acknowledged, encouraged, nourished, refreshed, and reinforced.
It is part of the divine process for spiritual growth of both the parent and the child that duty for making decisions respecting GOD, and participating in regular prayer and worship are transferred from the parents to the child. In a silent “rite of passage,” the parents must yield to the authority of GOD residing within the faith and maturity of their children. Unfortunately, for many young people, this means the parent must accept that their child will drop out of church to experiment and explore attractions of the flesh: appetite (such as hunger, thirst, cravings for sexual contact); sensations (such as hearing, seeing, tasting, touching); and mind (such as desires, dreams, fantasies, imagination, memories). (See 2nd Corinthians 1: 24, King James Version.) With this in view, parents insist on providing maximum exposure to their children for learning and growth in the things of GOD.
As children develop, church attendance crystallizes the many issues of freedom, integrity, growing self-awareness, legitimacy of ones person, peer acceptance, and genuine righteousness. Many young people respond with bitterness, combativeness, resentment, and resistance. From the age of 16 to 22, the choice is made to “quit”; however, the counsel from GOD (parents notwithstanding) is do not leave the church until you are supplied with everything needed to meet the spiritual challenges, disappointments hardships, and reversals that always come as part of adult life. Saying this another way: Do not leave until you receive the imparted, indwelling spirit of GOD, the Holy Spirit.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, parents often use what appears as “force” to proceed in relationship with their children, because as minors they are immature and underdeveloped. Children are not equipped to respond to appeals founded solely in intelligence, logic and reason; and they lean to emotion and feeling to authenticate truth. Sin that may dominate the will of created beings and living creatures does not operate in agreement with order and structure. Sin opposes the existence of Almighty GOD, of divine law, and of all things created. Sin has not been put forth as a creation of divine being, is not made of material or spirit substance (e.g., holiness, humility, joy, love, truth, wisdom, wrath against sin), and has no power to influence the will of GOD.) 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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