The eternal person of Christ, false doctrine, and the universe are in view, today, along with more on how the Decalogue was received. Again, I could not share my response (below) with the “Yahoo! Answers” writer who posted the question. The person using ID “Sincity” (Level 2 with 273 points, a member since September 27, 2012) posted the following:
Does "before abraham I am" show jesus says he was god?
Or is it just a false doctrine invented by men?
THE BATTLE AXE: “Authorized Personnel Only”? (03/13/2013)—The more than 400 year sojourn for the twelve tribes of Jacob within Egypt not only resulted in their acculturation and assimilation into Egyptian society, many aspects of their sacred inheritance had become suppressed and forgotten. Included were circumcision, expiatory sacrifice, the ministrations of priesthood, tithing, sacred promises and prophesies. While Hebrews were segregated and lived mostly within the area of Goshen restricted to despised occupations as herders and keepers of livestock, many aspired to full citizenship, and copied secular Egyptian customs, dress and manners. Arriving at Mount Sinai, many remained essentially unchanged in their attitudes and desires despite having witnessed (1) the wrath of GOD against sin displayed as plagues against Egypt, (2) miraculous deliverances through the parting of the sea and the Passover (3) as well as the provision of water in the wilderness for men, women, children and cattle. The followers of Moses had been chosen to become a nation, however, genuine commitment, faith and unity were not yet as widespread that they could all enter into the divine presence to receive the law graven in stone by the finger of GOD.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. (1st Peter 1: 18-25, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Need to Sanctify Heaven (01/17/2013); The Price of Humanity? (12/13/2012); Spirit Matter (10/21/2012); How Was GOD Known Before Jesus (10/06/2012); Jesus, King of Earth (10/07/2012); Divine Self-Sacrifice? (09/30/2012); Binder 7: The GODhead (10/04/2011); GOD’s Favorite (02/19/2011); Confess? Yes! (02/20/2011)
In describing the operations of GOD that pertain to the establishment of a Creation that would continue as eternal, and that also includes the transformation of mankind to be incorruptible and immortal, it is correct for mature Christian believers to accept that the ministry of Jesus was established before the foundation of the earth.
The eternal being of Christ (some say “Messiah”) and the existence of divinity in multiple persons (for example, see Genesis 1: 1-3; John 1: 1-4 and 17: 4; and Ephesians 1: 3-6 KJV) are teachings that agree with, and further endorse what mankind has received as knowledge about divine intent, sacred process, and sanctified purpose.
While a major focus of the Bible is the creation of mankind and life upon the earth, the scope of divine action and presence extends to a universe of GOD. The teachings from Scripture also promote our understanding that, at the time Adam was put forth, (1) Heaven was already filled with angels, sacred beasts and other created beings; (2) behavior and beliefs were expressed among the angels that later are called “sin” and “rebellion” (Ezekiel 28: 11-17, KJV); (3) cleansing for sin and sacrificial worship was introduced in heaven through the Temple and Sanctuary; (4) sin was initiated upon the earth by a celestial being disguised as a serpent (Genesis 3); and (5) mankind became fixed as mortal and temporal.
Divine action to recover the earth must address the fullness of Creation. As a result, such features as rebirth, redemption, repentance, judgment and salvation are being applied throughout the living system that is our universe, and are more than simply mechanisms to favor mankind. Hidden connections, dependence and unseen relationships are now in place, and make it that destruction of sinners, and elimination of sin must be accomplished in a manner that will preserve divine order, undo spiritual confusion, and make permanent those creations that, in fact, fulfill divine will.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, for the earth, flesh and spirit must be unified by transformation of inner content and sacred substance from the person of GOD. GOD is a non-material spirit; and may be understood as consisting of peculiar elements such as faith, grace, holiness, joy, longsuffering, love, wisdom and wrath against sin. GOD has used birth, carnal form, death, resurrection and ascension to appear among mankind through Jesus Christ; and, mature Christians believe, continues incarnate.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
(03/13/2013) “Authorized Personnel Only”
Topics, today, are Moses as a prophet of GOD, and the conditions among the people that had to be met when Israel received the law at Mount Sinai. Also there is more on GOD as a “man of war.” A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “none” (Level 1 with 95 points, a member March 12, 2013) posted the following:
Why were the Israelites not allowed to go with Moses on top of Mt. Sainai to get the ten commandments?
THE BATTLE AXE: A GOD of War? (03/12/2013)—Because it is colorful, graphic, memorable and easily understood, language associated with war is used throughout the holy writings. War is often regarded as a display of divine authority and power. However, war is always only a human enterprise that entails armed conflict, widespread death and costly destruction. As such, the impact of war may be crippling, global, and enduring. Despite its promotion of violence, many advocate war as having great benefit. Just as many believe there cannot be life without death also, many hold that there cannot be life without war. War is regarded as “good” where war fuels such necessary aspects of social living as consumerism; economic, industrial and technological development of nations; employment; medical research; and population control. GOD does not use war in any of the primary expressions of divine process, and sacred purpose (e.g., Creation, forgiveness, judgment, repentance, revelation, salvation, sanctification). Until rebirth and growth through the Holy Spirit, many Christian believers also continue the many conventions, habits and traditions using language that speaks of spiritual warfare, friction, oppression, persecution, rebellion, and struggle. See Isaiah 2: 4, Micah 4: 3, Ephesians 6: 10-17 and 2nd Corinthians 3: 5, King James Version.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth. And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name. (Exodus 33: 16-17, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why A “Spokesperson” (01/14/2013); No Contradictions? (01/15/2013); Put Every Man His Sword By His Side (01/01/2013); The Meek Will Inherit (10/16/2012); About False Witness (09/09/2012); The Prophets (02/24/2012); Bad Luck (02/25/2012); The Cause Of Unrest (01/30/2012); Dispatch 30: Servants of the Lord (09/09/2011); A House of gods (08/31/2012); Heaven For Muhammad? (09/01/2012); (08/15/2011) Dispatch 7: Weapons (Language)
Every man, woman and child among the tribes of Jacob and the mixed multitudes that journeyed with Moses to Mount Sinai themselves heard (and felt) the voice of GOD proclaim the divine law for covenant. Terrified, they pleaded that GOD would not appear to them or manifest himself by such a display and voice ever again. It became a permanent feature of all covenant relationship with mankind that GOD will only “speak” to those on the earth by operating through anointed spokespersons. Since that time, priesthood and prophecy have been amplified to include intercession and mediation. See Exodus 20: 1-21, King James Version.
As a prophet of GOD, Moses was elect, and had direct connection to and responses from the Divine Person. Moses was chosen to carry out and fulfill upon the earth pre-set tasks pertaining to the divine priesthood in heaven as well as to proclamations, promises, and prophecies granted mankind through the Patriarchs. Moses was given peculiar life experiences that served as his anointing and separation for holy service. Included were authority to demonstrate judgments against sin (i.e., plagues); compassion; courage; deliverance from death at birth; deliverance from capital punishment for the crime of murder; repentance; peculiar “sightings” and visions of GOD; and wrath against sin.
Moses is a type and figure representing sacred law, divine rule, and the sovereignty of GOD over all Creation. While the human character of Moses included the flaws of curiosity and poor anger management (Numbers 20: 1-12, KJV), Moses stood out before GOD in humility and meekness. Moses was one teachable; one responsive to guidance and instruction from the Spirit of GOD. Like Abraham, Moses was blessed to be in intimate personal relationship with GOD (Numbers 12: 3, Isaiah 11: 4, Exodus 33: 11 and Deuteronomy 34: 10, KJV).
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, Moses also served as a herald who proclaimed the coming of a Christ and Messiah whereby GOD would rule mankind in the earth through divinity in the flesh (see Deuteronomy 18: 15-18, Acts 3: 13-24 and Acts 7: 37, KJV.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Why were the Israelites not allowed to go with Moses on top of Mt. Sainai to get the ten commandments?
THE BATTLE AXE: A GOD of War? (03/12/2013)—Because it is colorful, graphic, memorable and easily understood, language associated with war is used throughout the holy writings. War is often regarded as a display of divine authority and power. However, war is always only a human enterprise that entails armed conflict, widespread death and costly destruction. As such, the impact of war may be crippling, global, and enduring. Despite its promotion of violence, many advocate war as having great benefit. Just as many believe there cannot be life without death also, many hold that there cannot be life without war. War is regarded as “good” where war fuels such necessary aspects of social living as consumerism; economic, industrial and technological development of nations; employment; medical research; and population control. GOD does not use war in any of the primary expressions of divine process, and sacred purpose (e.g., Creation, forgiveness, judgment, repentance, revelation, salvation, sanctification). Until rebirth and growth through the Holy Spirit, many Christian believers also continue the many conventions, habits and traditions using language that speaks of spiritual warfare, friction, oppression, persecution, rebellion, and struggle. See Isaiah 2: 4, Micah 4: 3, Ephesians 6: 10-17 and 2nd Corinthians 3: 5, King James Version.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth. And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name. (Exodus 33: 16-17, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why A “Spokesperson” (01/14/2013); No Contradictions? (01/15/2013); Put Every Man His Sword By His Side (01/01/2013); The Meek Will Inherit (10/16/2012); About False Witness (09/09/2012); The Prophets (02/24/2012); Bad Luck (02/25/2012); The Cause Of Unrest (01/30/2012); Dispatch 30: Servants of the Lord (09/09/2011); A House of gods (08/31/2012); Heaven For Muhammad? (09/01/2012); (08/15/2011) Dispatch 7: Weapons (Language)
Every man, woman and child among the tribes of Jacob and the mixed multitudes that journeyed with Moses to Mount Sinai themselves heard (and felt) the voice of GOD proclaim the divine law for covenant. Terrified, they pleaded that GOD would not appear to them or manifest himself by such a display and voice ever again. It became a permanent feature of all covenant relationship with mankind that GOD will only “speak” to those on the earth by operating through anointed spokespersons. Since that time, priesthood and prophecy have been amplified to include intercession and mediation. See Exodus 20: 1-21, King James Version.
As a prophet of GOD, Moses was elect, and had direct connection to and responses from the Divine Person. Moses was chosen to carry out and fulfill upon the earth pre-set tasks pertaining to the divine priesthood in heaven as well as to proclamations, promises, and prophecies granted mankind through the Patriarchs. Moses was given peculiar life experiences that served as his anointing and separation for holy service. Included were authority to demonstrate judgments against sin (i.e., plagues); compassion; courage; deliverance from death at birth; deliverance from capital punishment for the crime of murder; repentance; peculiar “sightings” and visions of GOD; and wrath against sin.
Moses is a type and figure representing sacred law, divine rule, and the sovereignty of GOD over all Creation. While the human character of Moses included the flaws of curiosity and poor anger management (Numbers 20: 1-12, KJV), Moses stood out before GOD in humility and meekness. Moses was one teachable; one responsive to guidance and instruction from the Spirit of GOD. Like Abraham, Moses was blessed to be in intimate personal relationship with GOD (Numbers 12: 3, Isaiah 11: 4, Exodus 33: 11 and Deuteronomy 34: 10, KJV).
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, Moses also served as a herald who proclaimed the coming of a Christ and Messiah whereby GOD would rule mankind in the earth through divinity in the flesh (see Deuteronomy 18: 15-18, Acts 3: 13-24 and Acts 7: 37, KJV.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
(03/12/2013) A GOD of War?
That GOD is spoken of as “a man of war” is the topic, today, with more on reading the scriptures as literal. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Denny” (Level 1 with 9 points, a member since February 9, 2013) posted the following:
Is God really a man of war? Why does the Bible say he is?
THE BATTLE AXE: What to Take Literally (03/11/2013)—Because an important purpose of the Bible is to establish inarguable, spiritual truth through focus upon human events, moral principles, and accounts of intimate relationship with GOD, the holy writings are held to exacting standards for accuracy, clarity, completeness, simplicity and transparency. Trust that the Scriptures are truly provided by GOD is promoted by the absence of contradictions, distortions, exaggerations, lies and superfluous matter (we say “clutter”). To the extent the Scriptures present the very same devices and techniques found in literary writing such as essays, novels and poetry, many insist the Bible contains no sacred material, and should be subject to the “scientific” scrutiny of such academic disciplines as Archeology, Cultural Anthropology, Literary Criticism, Logic, and Philology. It remains, the “sacred material” is to exist both within the writings and within the reader as an imparted, indwelling Spirit from GOD; and the two are to interact as living agents from GOD. By the operation of GOD through rebirth and regeneration, believers receive divine substance from the person of Jesus Christ, and thereafter are directed from within themselves by the same precepts, principles, and propositions described in the pages of Scripture. Thus, the Holy Spirit establishes correct knowledge, discernment, and understanding of the holy writings; and the holy writings function to amplify, convey, nourish, prompt, and refresh the Holy Spirit.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea. The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt him. The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name. Pharaoh’s chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea. The depths have covered them: they sank into the bottom as a stone. Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy. (Exodus 15: 1-6, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Will GOD Bless My Team? (12/31/2012); Put Every Man His Sword By His Side (01/01/2013); The Common Danger (01/02/2013); Why did The Judges Fight? (10/19/2012); The Spirit is Willing (10/20/2012); Violence In The Bible (02/26/2012); Why Confess Before Priest (02/27/2012); Jealous, Not Crazy (08/10/2012); The Divine Tool of Death (08/11/2012); Binder 10: Commitment To Perfection (10/07/2011); Dispatch 35: My Defense (09/14/2011); Dispatch 34: The Servant Must Not Strive (09/15/2011); Dispatch 32: Now Will I Rise (09/11/2011)
Because men have celebrated victory in battle ascribing their success to personal guidance and interventions by GOD (and not to such mechanical and unfeeling elements as chance, destiny, fate and luck), there are various traditions that exalt our Creator as a “man of war,” and that promote the ideals of purity, holy warriors and holy war. (See for example, Exodus 15: 3, 1st Samuel 17: 33-47 and 1st Timothy 6: 12, King James Version.)
Many mature Christian believers agree that the Almighty is spoken of as a GOD of War in order to communicate in a simple way the profound differences existing due to the divergence of divine will and self-will residing within created beings and living creatures. GOD is a spirit, and absolutely may not be known, acknowledged and embraced without spiritual truth (see John 4: 23-24, Revelation 12: 7 and 19: 11, KJV). While the armies of Israel were created by GOD to accomplish the occupation of the Promised Land, rightly understood, they were instruments of divine judgment (like the plagues of Egypt), and not tools for conquest.
The holy writings necessarily use many human language devices that are in line with patterns relied upon by mankind for their carnal, emotional, physical and social existence. Together these elements are called “the World”, a man-made system for exchanging resources and continuing survival. The World supplies a person with definitions, meanings, practices and standards that are used to determine the quality of life experiences as good/bad, illogical/logical, real/unreal, right/wrong, scientific/unscientific and even true or false. Christian believers are “called out” from the World; and are trained to live in the World as new creatures fashioned by Christ.
Just as the World, the Flesh (i.e., appetite such as hunger, thirst, sexual craving; sense such as hearing, seeing, touching; and mind such as fantasy, imagination, recall) and the Devil (i.e., created beings that oppose the will of GOD, demons, unclean spirits), GOD puts forth order and standards to describe the substance and value of objects in human experience. Together, the provisions of GOD comprise the revelation of divinity.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, war perpetuates war; and peace is only the outcome of truth-finding and judgment, for judgment is the resolution of conflict and the settlement of dispute through law. For this reason, judgment is always to be received as blessing, rather than widespread death and punishment.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Is God really a man of war? Why does the Bible say he is?
THE BATTLE AXE: What to Take Literally (03/11/2013)—Because an important purpose of the Bible is to establish inarguable, spiritual truth through focus upon human events, moral principles, and accounts of intimate relationship with GOD, the holy writings are held to exacting standards for accuracy, clarity, completeness, simplicity and transparency. Trust that the Scriptures are truly provided by GOD is promoted by the absence of contradictions, distortions, exaggerations, lies and superfluous matter (we say “clutter”). To the extent the Scriptures present the very same devices and techniques found in literary writing such as essays, novels and poetry, many insist the Bible contains no sacred material, and should be subject to the “scientific” scrutiny of such academic disciplines as Archeology, Cultural Anthropology, Literary Criticism, Logic, and Philology. It remains, the “sacred material” is to exist both within the writings and within the reader as an imparted, indwelling Spirit from GOD; and the two are to interact as living agents from GOD. By the operation of GOD through rebirth and regeneration, believers receive divine substance from the person of Jesus Christ, and thereafter are directed from within themselves by the same precepts, principles, and propositions described in the pages of Scripture. Thus, the Holy Spirit establishes correct knowledge, discernment, and understanding of the holy writings; and the holy writings function to amplify, convey, nourish, prompt, and refresh the Holy Spirit.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea. The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt him. The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name. Pharaoh’s chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea. The depths have covered them: they sank into the bottom as a stone. Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy. (Exodus 15: 1-6, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Will GOD Bless My Team? (12/31/2012); Put Every Man His Sword By His Side (01/01/2013); The Common Danger (01/02/2013); Why did The Judges Fight? (10/19/2012); The Spirit is Willing (10/20/2012); Violence In The Bible (02/26/2012); Why Confess Before Priest (02/27/2012); Jealous, Not Crazy (08/10/2012); The Divine Tool of Death (08/11/2012); Binder 10: Commitment To Perfection (10/07/2011); Dispatch 35: My Defense (09/14/2011); Dispatch 34: The Servant Must Not Strive (09/15/2011); Dispatch 32: Now Will I Rise (09/11/2011)
Because men have celebrated victory in battle ascribing their success to personal guidance and interventions by GOD (and not to such mechanical and unfeeling elements as chance, destiny, fate and luck), there are various traditions that exalt our Creator as a “man of war,” and that promote the ideals of purity, holy warriors and holy war. (See for example, Exodus 15: 3, 1st Samuel 17: 33-47 and 1st Timothy 6: 12, King James Version.)
Many mature Christian believers agree that the Almighty is spoken of as a GOD of War in order to communicate in a simple way the profound differences existing due to the divergence of divine will and self-will residing within created beings and living creatures. GOD is a spirit, and absolutely may not be known, acknowledged and embraced without spiritual truth (see John 4: 23-24, Revelation 12: 7 and 19: 11, KJV). While the armies of Israel were created by GOD to accomplish the occupation of the Promised Land, rightly understood, they were instruments of divine judgment (like the plagues of Egypt), and not tools for conquest.
The holy writings necessarily use many human language devices that are in line with patterns relied upon by mankind for their carnal, emotional, physical and social existence. Together these elements are called “the World”, a man-made system for exchanging resources and continuing survival. The World supplies a person with definitions, meanings, practices and standards that are used to determine the quality of life experiences as good/bad, illogical/logical, real/unreal, right/wrong, scientific/unscientific and even true or false. Christian believers are “called out” from the World; and are trained to live in the World as new creatures fashioned by Christ.
Just as the World, the Flesh (i.e., appetite such as hunger, thirst, sexual craving; sense such as hearing, seeing, touching; and mind such as fantasy, imagination, recall) and the Devil (i.e., created beings that oppose the will of GOD, demons, unclean spirits), GOD puts forth order and standards to describe the substance and value of objects in human experience. Together, the provisions of GOD comprise the revelation of divinity.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, war perpetuates war; and peace is only the outcome of truth-finding and judgment, for judgment is the resolution of conflict and the settlement of dispute through law. For this reason, judgment is always to be received as blessing, rather than widespread death and punishment.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Monday, March 11, 2013
(03/11/2013) What to Take Literally
The Bible and human awareness are topics today with more on forgiveness. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Secular Thinker - I’m back.” (Level 1 with 186 points, a member since February 28, 2013) posted the following:
Christians - Which parts of the Bible should I take literally?
I love how the Christians constantly state that all of the verses I attack as evidence for God being an evil tyrant, or making no sense whatsoever aren't to be taken literally, yet at the same time tell me to take the ones stating him to be a "loving and merciful" god as literal fact. Funny.
THE BATTLE AXE: Not Even Sorry? (03/10/2013)—For all Christians, to bestow forgiveness is a duty (i.e., a necessary spiritual task that must be completed without regard to ones likes and dislikes, cost and personal sacrifice required, or the earning of payment and rewards). Because forgiveness is always granted as a freely given gift, no one must abase themselves, beg, or endure disgrace to receive forgiveness. For many salvation begins in acknowledging and confessing ones need for forgiveness. The rage for a justice filled with human anger, darkness, “pay back”, venom and revenge must become a desire for godly charity, forbearance, pardon, peace, light and restoration. For many salvation begins in acknowledging and confessing ones need for forgiveness. The completion of ones mortality should also include calling forth and extending forgiveness to those who remain as survivors. Forgiveness pertains to the ministry of salvation, therefore, higher issues than continuing and restoring trust within personal relationships are involved. Aspects of righteous judgment must come into view, including balance, guilt, impartiality, mercy and thoroughness. Yet, forgiveness is not to be regarded as a tool to alter and manipulate others so much as a sacred mechanism for further experience and revelation of Divine Person and Spirit. The transformation of created beings from mortal and temporal to immortal and incorruptible demands longsuffering, repentance, sorrow for sins, and wrath against sin as well as forgiveness of others.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. (1st Peter 3: 10-16, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Wanting to Have Our Way (03/09/2013); Not Even Sorry? (03/10/2013); No Contradictions? (01/15/2013); Accomplished in Christ? (01/16/2013); Translation, Please… (01/11/2013); Why So Much Murder? (01/12/2013); Confusion 2013 (01/13/2013)
The challenge of the holy writings cannot be successfully met by relying solely upon academic logic, human reason and “secular thinking.” The Bible is intended to impart divine content to created beings and living creatures, and all Scriptures use the gateways of awareness and consciousness to deposit spirit content from the person of GOD. Included are faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, wisdom and wrath against sin. GOD is a spirit, and may only be known through spirit and actuality that we typically refer to as “truth.”
The processes of human mind go beyond thought, just as they go beyond “truth.” Such mental operations as desire, doubt, fantasy, forgetting, imagination, lying, premonition, projection, recall and unbelief are aspects of mind, also. The primary aspects of human spirit center neither upon thought, nor feeling (i.e., emotion). Being and existence proceed from the action and presence of Divine Person and Spirit. Because the flesh and form also determines consciousness in the created, many respond only to appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, craving for sexual contact), sense (e.g., hearing, seeing, touching), and the continuous changes we call “mind”. Sin easily dominates self-will despite that sin is “no-thing” having carnal, material or spirit substance. Like “anti-matter”, sin does not exist, and cannot be detected without devices provided by GOD. Yet sin has direction, effect and presence opposing divine law, sacred order, and the continued existence of all that is created as well as the Creator.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, the Bible is a record of divine actions, performed among and through men. A divine point of view is given us so that we see thousands of lives, shown over the course of thousands of years. The Bible is a record detailing divine covenants, laws, priesthood, acceptable praises and prayers, promises, proclamations and prophesies. The profound change in understanding required by readers of the Bible is so sweeping, we say, “You must be born again,” and “grow up” again (i.e., be established in a new spiritual consciousness). To correctly grasp the simplest points does require a mindset supplied by GOD through the Holy Spirit.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Christians - Which parts of the Bible should I take literally?
I love how the Christians constantly state that all of the verses I attack as evidence for God being an evil tyrant, or making no sense whatsoever aren't to be taken literally, yet at the same time tell me to take the ones stating him to be a "loving and merciful" god as literal fact. Funny.
THE BATTLE AXE: Not Even Sorry? (03/10/2013)—For all Christians, to bestow forgiveness is a duty (i.e., a necessary spiritual task that must be completed without regard to ones likes and dislikes, cost and personal sacrifice required, or the earning of payment and rewards). Because forgiveness is always granted as a freely given gift, no one must abase themselves, beg, or endure disgrace to receive forgiveness. For many salvation begins in acknowledging and confessing ones need for forgiveness. The rage for a justice filled with human anger, darkness, “pay back”, venom and revenge must become a desire for godly charity, forbearance, pardon, peace, light and restoration. For many salvation begins in acknowledging and confessing ones need for forgiveness. The completion of ones mortality should also include calling forth and extending forgiveness to those who remain as survivors. Forgiveness pertains to the ministry of salvation, therefore, higher issues than continuing and restoring trust within personal relationships are involved. Aspects of righteous judgment must come into view, including balance, guilt, impartiality, mercy and thoroughness. Yet, forgiveness is not to be regarded as a tool to alter and manipulate others so much as a sacred mechanism for further experience and revelation of Divine Person and Spirit. The transformation of created beings from mortal and temporal to immortal and incorruptible demands longsuffering, repentance, sorrow for sins, and wrath against sin as well as forgiveness of others.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. (1st Peter 3: 10-16, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Wanting to Have Our Way (03/09/2013); Not Even Sorry? (03/10/2013); No Contradictions? (01/15/2013); Accomplished in Christ? (01/16/2013); Translation, Please… (01/11/2013); Why So Much Murder? (01/12/2013); Confusion 2013 (01/13/2013)
The challenge of the holy writings cannot be successfully met by relying solely upon academic logic, human reason and “secular thinking.” The Bible is intended to impart divine content to created beings and living creatures, and all Scriptures use the gateways of awareness and consciousness to deposit spirit content from the person of GOD. Included are faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, wisdom and wrath against sin. GOD is a spirit, and may only be known through spirit and actuality that we typically refer to as “truth.”
The processes of human mind go beyond thought, just as they go beyond “truth.” Such mental operations as desire, doubt, fantasy, forgetting, imagination, lying, premonition, projection, recall and unbelief are aspects of mind, also. The primary aspects of human spirit center neither upon thought, nor feeling (i.e., emotion). Being and existence proceed from the action and presence of Divine Person and Spirit. Because the flesh and form also determines consciousness in the created, many respond only to appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, craving for sexual contact), sense (e.g., hearing, seeing, touching), and the continuous changes we call “mind”. Sin easily dominates self-will despite that sin is “no-thing” having carnal, material or spirit substance. Like “anti-matter”, sin does not exist, and cannot be detected without devices provided by GOD. Yet sin has direction, effect and presence opposing divine law, sacred order, and the continued existence of all that is created as well as the Creator.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, the Bible is a record of divine actions, performed among and through men. A divine point of view is given us so that we see thousands of lives, shown over the course of thousands of years. The Bible is a record detailing divine covenants, laws, priesthood, acceptable praises and prayers, promises, proclamations and prophesies. The profound change in understanding required by readers of the Bible is so sweeping, we say, “You must be born again,” and “grow up” again (i.e., be established in a new spiritual consciousness). To correctly grasp the simplest points does require a mindset supplied by GOD through the Holy Spirit.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Sunday, March 10, 2013
(03/10/2013) Not Even Sorry?
My older brother Howard’s birthday is today, my older sister Barbara’s birthday, tomorrow, while my younger sister Cheryl celebrated another year toward the first part of March. Forgiveness and grace are in view, today, along with more on accepting limits set by GOD. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “K” (Level 4 with 4,422 points, a member since June 12, 2010) posted the following:
How can you forgive someone who is not even sorry?
And not only that, but blames you for what they did?
I feel it is best just to separate myself from such people.
What is your view on this?
Additional Details
No actually, it's very right. The Bible talks a lot on forgiveness.
THE BATTLE AXE: Wanting to Have Our Way (03/09/2013)—As children we often enjoy stories of heroes that have “super powers” allowing them to do fantastic deeds. We wish that we ourselves could see through walls, run as fast as the speed of light, or fly without the aide of machinery. Even so, most children accept that having such skills are not truly part of human reality; and we are not discouraged from doing the best we can to fulfill our own human potential for becoming a respected adult. Similarly, Christian believers must acknowledge limitations of both divine and human reality whereby created beings and living creatures have a continuing place in the presence of Eternal GOD. All human beings are not in the same peculiar relationship to the Creator as sons and daughters, and children of GOD. Standing and status as those adopted, reborn, redeemed or saved is granted only to those containing and embracing Jesus Christ within their own awareness and spirit person.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: But ye are they that forsake the LORD, that forget my holy mountain, that prepare a table for that troop, and that furnish the drink offering unto that number. Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose that wherein I delighted not. Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed: Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit. And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto my chosen: for the Lord GOD shall slay thee, and call his servants by another name: That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes. (Isaiah 65: 11-16, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Unless You Repent (03/05/2013); The Childhood of Jesus? (03/06/2013); Does Everyone Go To Heaven? (10/28/2012); Magick and Prayer? (10/29/2012); Father Forgive (09/06/2012); By Grace (09/04/2012); Apostasy Forgiven? (08/15/2012); Scriptures To Reassure (03/05/2012); To Save Jesus? (03/12/2011); Having Life? (03/13/2011); Forgiveness? (12/07/2010); Conspiracy? (12/08/2010)
Mature Christians understand that bestowing and expressing forgiveness are operations from the Spirit of GOD, and are not motivated by (1) feelings of affection, compassion, fear and guilt; (2) close relationship with or detailed knowledge of another person’s motives, their past, or their future; (3) determinations and outcomes of truth-finding (i.e., judgment). Forgiveness proceeds as an operation of grace through faith and may appear because one is in obedience, sympathy, or spiritual understanding. Those who seek forgiveness must also practice forgiveness. (See Ephesians 2: 8-9, Mark 11: 26, KJV.)
As a spirit substance that resides within Almighty GOD, forgiveness is inseparable from such aspects of Divine Person as faith, holiness, humility, joy, longsuffering, love, wisdom and wrath against sin. Forgiveness does not itself eliminate sin; however, forgiveness can be regarded as a peculiar sacred seed that, once planted, encourages spiritual awareness, change, growth and learning in accordance with divinity and righteousness. Forgiveness has power by operating along with such supports as rebirth, repentance, and sanctification that result from the presence of the Holy Spirit.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, upon the cross—before anyone made apology, petitioned, or prayed for forgiveness—Jesus asked that forgiveness be shown to those who had opposed him calling for his death. Following this example, Stephen (one of the first seven deacons of the early church) became the first Christian martyr, and further sealed this practice along with confession as an aspect of the last rites for believers, and the way Christians go to their deaths (see Luke 23: 34 and Acts 7: 60, KJV). Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
How can you forgive someone who is not even sorry?
And not only that, but blames you for what they did?
I feel it is best just to separate myself from such people.
What is your view on this?
Additional Details
No actually, it's very right. The Bible talks a lot on forgiveness.
THE BATTLE AXE: Wanting to Have Our Way (03/09/2013)—As children we often enjoy stories of heroes that have “super powers” allowing them to do fantastic deeds. We wish that we ourselves could see through walls, run as fast as the speed of light, or fly without the aide of machinery. Even so, most children accept that having such skills are not truly part of human reality; and we are not discouraged from doing the best we can to fulfill our own human potential for becoming a respected adult. Similarly, Christian believers must acknowledge limitations of both divine and human reality whereby created beings and living creatures have a continuing place in the presence of Eternal GOD. All human beings are not in the same peculiar relationship to the Creator as sons and daughters, and children of GOD. Standing and status as those adopted, reborn, redeemed or saved is granted only to those containing and embracing Jesus Christ within their own awareness and spirit person.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: But ye are they that forsake the LORD, that forget my holy mountain, that prepare a table for that troop, and that furnish the drink offering unto that number. Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose that wherein I delighted not. Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed: Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit. And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto my chosen: for the Lord GOD shall slay thee, and call his servants by another name: That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes. (Isaiah 65: 11-16, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Unless You Repent (03/05/2013); The Childhood of Jesus? (03/06/2013); Does Everyone Go To Heaven? (10/28/2012); Magick and Prayer? (10/29/2012); Father Forgive (09/06/2012); By Grace (09/04/2012); Apostasy Forgiven? (08/15/2012); Scriptures To Reassure (03/05/2012); To Save Jesus? (03/12/2011); Having Life? (03/13/2011); Forgiveness? (12/07/2010); Conspiracy? (12/08/2010)
Mature Christians understand that bestowing and expressing forgiveness are operations from the Spirit of GOD, and are not motivated by (1) feelings of affection, compassion, fear and guilt; (2) close relationship with or detailed knowledge of another person’s motives, their past, or their future; (3) determinations and outcomes of truth-finding (i.e., judgment). Forgiveness proceeds as an operation of grace through faith and may appear because one is in obedience, sympathy, or spiritual understanding. Those who seek forgiveness must also practice forgiveness. (See Ephesians 2: 8-9, Mark 11: 26, KJV.)
As a spirit substance that resides within Almighty GOD, forgiveness is inseparable from such aspects of Divine Person as faith, holiness, humility, joy, longsuffering, love, wisdom and wrath against sin. Forgiveness does not itself eliminate sin; however, forgiveness can be regarded as a peculiar sacred seed that, once planted, encourages spiritual awareness, change, growth and learning in accordance with divinity and righteousness. Forgiveness has power by operating along with such supports as rebirth, repentance, and sanctification that result from the presence of the Holy Spirit.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, upon the cross—before anyone made apology, petitioned, or prayed for forgiveness—Jesus asked that forgiveness be shown to those who had opposed him calling for his death. Following this example, Stephen (one of the first seven deacons of the early church) became the first Christian martyr, and further sealed this practice along with confession as an aspect of the last rites for believers, and the way Christians go to their deaths (see Luke 23: 34 and Acts 7: 60, KJV). Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Saturday, March 9, 2013
(03/09/2013) Wanting To Have Our Way
Accepting the human condition while embracing divine provisions for judgment and eternal life are topics, today, along with more on complaining against leaders and those who serve as spiritual guides. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Anonimus” (Level 1 with 182 points, a member since August 21, 2011) posted the following:
Christians, I'm confused about this, can you help me?
These two bible passages seem to contradict each other. I'm also having a hard time with only Christians going to heaven.:
Romans 2:9-16
9 There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; 10 but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 11 For God does not show favoritism.
12 All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. 14 (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.) 16 This will take place on the day when God judges people’s secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.
Hebrews 11:6
6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
THE BATTLE AXE: My Sheep Hear My Voice (03/08/2013)—While the men and women of the church must proclaim truths that do not change, they themselves must change. All must learn, grow and be continually replenished until the final completion of their mortality. Both maturation in emotional, intellectual, mental, physical, and social aspects, and spiritual perfection must be completed within the framework of experience over time. Given all employ such human tools as discovery, imitation, practice, risk-taking, trial and error learning, until his appearing, clergy and laity will come short of the high standard in Christ (see Romans 3: 19-27 and Ephesians 4: 1-32, KJV). The legitimate processes for censure of elders and officers within the church body are marked by continuing pursuit of the sacred mission to provide spiritual benefits such as certainty, faith, growth, healing, instruction, nourishment, and strength. The spirit for censure is never self-justification, self-righteousness, or self-promotion. The chastisement, correction and humbling of those within the church hierarchy should come naturally as every single member shows the Lord to be present in power through their own lives as believers. Where there is a genuine desire to provide correction and supply missing spiritual guidance, errors and dissatisfaction with the performance of church leaders must be expressed displaying balance, dutifulness, humility, respect, and thoroughness. The duty of the believer is not to talk about another churchman; it is to talk to him sharing from ones own endowment of the holy. Those in rebellion against divine authority and seeking to corrupt the legitimate sacred process of the church typically do so making diabolical and unholy attacks characterized by envy, exaggeration, insults, levity, malice, prejudice, racism, sexism, tasteless humor, presumption, profanity, sarcasm, selfishness, slander, and spite. Extreme, final and irreversible action may be urged on the basis of bias, false witness, fear, gossip, half-truths, lies, rumors, speculations, and undocumented charges. To advocate carefully hearing and reflecting upon the defense and explanations of those accused usually result in others also being berated, condemned and slandered as accessories, dupes, as those in complicity and consenting to conspiracy, or even as those who are criminal, weak, unbelieving, unmanly, and ungodly. Even so, subversive agents, counterfeit believers, and instruments of the Adversary are easily recognized because they do not seek agreement, closure, consensus, resolutions of problems, or the production of godly fruit. Their efforts center upon venting anger, confrontation, denying power to others, destruction, and revenge. The ministry of Jesus demonstrated that challenging the clergy and leadership of the worship community can be even more delicate than correcting parental authority and those committed as loved ones and caretakers. Believers are cautioned to discern those sent by GOD whom to challenge is to challenge GOD himself. Apply again the counsel from Scripture: Matthew 18: 15-17, 2nd Thessalonians 3: 11-15, 1st Timothy 5: 17-22, Jude 8-23, King James Version.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts. (Malachi 4: 1-3, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: No Contradictions? (01/15/2013); Why A “Spokesperson?” (01/14/2013); Confusion 2013 (01/13/2013); And This Was Good News (12/01/2012); Contradictions? (09/21/2012); Reading Only The Red Part (11/19/2012); How to Have Conviction (11/24/2012); A Text for Our Lives Today (11/25/2012); Believing Everything? (11/23/2012); According to the Eternal Purpose (11/20/2012)
All who come to Christ for salvation “have a hard time”, until they come into full maturity and acceptance of GOD. Apart from Christ, human self-will is not correctly directed to acknowledge divinity, denies authority to the will of GOD, and repeatedly opposes the multitude of spiritual laws that generate divine order. There are a myriad of fixed, non-negotiable, and unalterable conditions for human existence, for covenant with GOD, for divine judgment, for redemption, sanctification and salvation. Saying this another way, “We can’t separate the wet from the water! It’s not that we don’t like the rain, we just hate that it gets us soaked. Eventually, all our efforts to deny, ignore and change the established aspects of sacred reality result in damnation, disappointment, embarrassment, humiliation, loss, and pain.”
Self-will in created beings and living creatures respond to sin—an influence opposing the existence of divine law, of divine person, and of all that has been created by GOD. Sin first became known among the holy angels who challenged the need for divine law. Awareness in the created cannot detect sin apart from the law, for sin does not exist as any carnal, material or spirit substance. Because human consciousness is dominated by the flesh (i.e., appetite such as hunger, thirst, cravings for sexual contact; sensation such as hearing, seeing, touching, and mental functions such as fantasy, imagination and thought) divine truth and sacred content again must be imparted to those in the earth that will enable resistance to sin, and prepare mankind for the full transformation demanded by eternal life. The very aspects of GOD must exist within those who will continue as companions to GOD, and as a permanent part of divine experience. Included are incorruptibility, faith, holiness, love and immortality.
The contradictions found within the holy writings usually appear as a product of our own human error, and spiritual immaturity. The scriptures are suitable as a precise human tool for revealing things that are totally divine in the same way that bananas may be used in place of watermelons: ignoring their differences in size, shape, thickness and weight, they are exactly the same! Both are green (at least, at first), both are fruit, and both taste pretty good as snack items. More to the point: these fruit function to convey life by distributing and protecting nourishment, refreshment and seed.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, judgment is imperative and non-negotiable because judgment pertains to divine existence, not merely to likes, dislikes, preferences and whims. More than simply a relationship with GOD (wherein men could be his equal) must come into view. All will be examined for the content of GOD as an aspect of their being. Thus, there are many peculiar expressions and ideas for Christian belief. Included are “born again,” “raised from the dead,” “dead to sin, yet alive to God,” “the imparted, indwelling spirit,” “the Comforter,” “the Spirit of Truth” and “filled with the Holy Ghost.”) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Christians, I'm confused about this, can you help me?
These two bible passages seem to contradict each other. I'm also having a hard time with only Christians going to heaven.:
Romans 2:9-16
9 There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; 10 but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 11 For God does not show favoritism.
12 All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. 14 (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.) 16 This will take place on the day when God judges people’s secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.
Hebrews 11:6
6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
THE BATTLE AXE: My Sheep Hear My Voice (03/08/2013)—While the men and women of the church must proclaim truths that do not change, they themselves must change. All must learn, grow and be continually replenished until the final completion of their mortality. Both maturation in emotional, intellectual, mental, physical, and social aspects, and spiritual perfection must be completed within the framework of experience over time. Given all employ such human tools as discovery, imitation, practice, risk-taking, trial and error learning, until his appearing, clergy and laity will come short of the high standard in Christ (see Romans 3: 19-27 and Ephesians 4: 1-32, KJV). The legitimate processes for censure of elders and officers within the church body are marked by continuing pursuit of the sacred mission to provide spiritual benefits such as certainty, faith, growth, healing, instruction, nourishment, and strength. The spirit for censure is never self-justification, self-righteousness, or self-promotion. The chastisement, correction and humbling of those within the church hierarchy should come naturally as every single member shows the Lord to be present in power through their own lives as believers. Where there is a genuine desire to provide correction and supply missing spiritual guidance, errors and dissatisfaction with the performance of church leaders must be expressed displaying balance, dutifulness, humility, respect, and thoroughness. The duty of the believer is not to talk about another churchman; it is to talk to him sharing from ones own endowment of the holy. Those in rebellion against divine authority and seeking to corrupt the legitimate sacred process of the church typically do so making diabolical and unholy attacks characterized by envy, exaggeration, insults, levity, malice, prejudice, racism, sexism, tasteless humor, presumption, profanity, sarcasm, selfishness, slander, and spite. Extreme, final and irreversible action may be urged on the basis of bias, false witness, fear, gossip, half-truths, lies, rumors, speculations, and undocumented charges. To advocate carefully hearing and reflecting upon the defense and explanations of those accused usually result in others also being berated, condemned and slandered as accessories, dupes, as those in complicity and consenting to conspiracy, or even as those who are criminal, weak, unbelieving, unmanly, and ungodly. Even so, subversive agents, counterfeit believers, and instruments of the Adversary are easily recognized because they do not seek agreement, closure, consensus, resolutions of problems, or the production of godly fruit. Their efforts center upon venting anger, confrontation, denying power to others, destruction, and revenge. The ministry of Jesus demonstrated that challenging the clergy and leadership of the worship community can be even more delicate than correcting parental authority and those committed as loved ones and caretakers. Believers are cautioned to discern those sent by GOD whom to challenge is to challenge GOD himself. Apply again the counsel from Scripture: Matthew 18: 15-17, 2nd Thessalonians 3: 11-15, 1st Timothy 5: 17-22, Jude 8-23, King James Version.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts. (Malachi 4: 1-3, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: No Contradictions? (01/15/2013); Why A “Spokesperson?” (01/14/2013); Confusion 2013 (01/13/2013); And This Was Good News (12/01/2012); Contradictions? (09/21/2012); Reading Only The Red Part (11/19/2012); How to Have Conviction (11/24/2012); A Text for Our Lives Today (11/25/2012); Believing Everything? (11/23/2012); According to the Eternal Purpose (11/20/2012)
All who come to Christ for salvation “have a hard time”, until they come into full maturity and acceptance of GOD. Apart from Christ, human self-will is not correctly directed to acknowledge divinity, denies authority to the will of GOD, and repeatedly opposes the multitude of spiritual laws that generate divine order. There are a myriad of fixed, non-negotiable, and unalterable conditions for human existence, for covenant with GOD, for divine judgment, for redemption, sanctification and salvation. Saying this another way, “We can’t separate the wet from the water! It’s not that we don’t like the rain, we just hate that it gets us soaked. Eventually, all our efforts to deny, ignore and change the established aspects of sacred reality result in damnation, disappointment, embarrassment, humiliation, loss, and pain.”
Self-will in created beings and living creatures respond to sin—an influence opposing the existence of divine law, of divine person, and of all that has been created by GOD. Sin first became known among the holy angels who challenged the need for divine law. Awareness in the created cannot detect sin apart from the law, for sin does not exist as any carnal, material or spirit substance. Because human consciousness is dominated by the flesh (i.e., appetite such as hunger, thirst, cravings for sexual contact; sensation such as hearing, seeing, touching, and mental functions such as fantasy, imagination and thought) divine truth and sacred content again must be imparted to those in the earth that will enable resistance to sin, and prepare mankind for the full transformation demanded by eternal life. The very aspects of GOD must exist within those who will continue as companions to GOD, and as a permanent part of divine experience. Included are incorruptibility, faith, holiness, love and immortality.
The contradictions found within the holy writings usually appear as a product of our own human error, and spiritual immaturity. The scriptures are suitable as a precise human tool for revealing things that are totally divine in the same way that bananas may be used in place of watermelons: ignoring their differences in size, shape, thickness and weight, they are exactly the same! Both are green (at least, at first), both are fruit, and both taste pretty good as snack items. More to the point: these fruit function to convey life by distributing and protecting nourishment, refreshment and seed.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, judgment is imperative and non-negotiable because judgment pertains to divine existence, not merely to likes, dislikes, preferences and whims. More than simply a relationship with GOD (wherein men could be his equal) must come into view. All will be examined for the content of GOD as an aspect of their being. Thus, there are many peculiar expressions and ideas for Christian belief. Included are “born again,” “raised from the dead,” “dead to sin, yet alive to God,” “the imparted, indwelling spirit,” “the Comforter,” “the Spirit of Truth” and “filled with the Holy Ghost.”) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Friday, March 8, 2013
(03/08/2013) My Sheep Hear My Voice
Complaining against clergy and leadership within the church, hypocrisy, truth, and more on the language and process of the Scriptures are shared, today. A BATTLE CRY acknowledges the new status of Pope Benedict XVI as emeritus and the music ministries of singer Joe Ligon and composer/arranger Dr. James Cleveland. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Badwolf” (Level 2 with 434 points, a member since June 7, 2012) posted the following:
Does the fact that you are spiritually guided by hypocrites like Cardinal O'Brien and such not scare you?
if the cant be true to themselves ,how the hell do you know if the can even tell you the truth of religion
Additional Details
haha ..like all the non catholics in here ..its not like the Evangelists and pastors up and down the land act any better
say what ..you have hit the nail on the head ..this could have easily been a question about political leaders
THE BATTLE AXE: Non-existent Debt? (03/06/2013)—Created beings and living creatures owe no debt to Almighty GOD for the endowments of divine substance, eternal life, repentance and wisdom that are bestowed upon them through Jesus Christ, nor must they make payment for the sacred operations to nourish, console and maintain existence such as creation, judgment, redemption, resurrection and sanctification. Even so, because humans presently rely almost entirely upon language and tools for communication that emerge from a “common ground” of carnal, material and social experience, appeals and explanations regarding need for change in the makeup of existence must go forth. Awareness, behavior, belief, expectation and myriad processes of self-will are built up, corrected and restored through the holy writings; and this is to prepare mankind to become permanently incorruptible and immortal. The systems and traditions that were introduced to crystallize acknowledgment of the Invisible included animal sacrifices, free-will offerings, a tabernacle/temple tax and tithing to support the earthly priesthood. However, these are all completed through the atonement by Jesus Christ; and the Scripture proclaims that following judgment of the wicked, mankind will no longer be mortal. GOD will dwell with men, and there never again will be a temple or worship to counteract and remove the effects of sin.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. (James 3: 12-18, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Attending Church? (11/12/2012); A Holy Kiss? (11/13/2012); Double Standard? (10/12/2012); Family and Romance (10/13/2012); A Sanctuary? (08/21/2012); Shaken Once More (08/22/2012); Why Confess Before Priest (02/27/2012); GOD Was Sorry? (02/28/2012); Binder 28: Purity (10/25/2011); Binder 27: Confession (10/24/2011); Binder 26: The Priest’s Lips (10/23/2011); Dispatch 43: Mercy (09/22/2011); Dispatch 41: Victory (09/20/2011); Lip Service? (03/01/2011); To Give a Life? (03/02/2011); Church a Duty? (01/11/2011); A Good Name? (01/12/2011); Two Wisdoms? (10/12/2010); Why Sacrifice? (10/13/2010)
THE BATTLE CRY: Readers are encouraged to hear “I’ve Been in the Storm Too Long” rendered by Joe Ligon, a music minister for many years with the vocal group, The Mighty Clouds Of Joy. When it was announced that Pope Benedict XVI would be leaving office as leader of the Catholic Church to become the first emeritus since the year 1415, this gospel lament that demonstrates fervent prayer and importunity immediately came to mind. While the lyrics, music and vocal styling draw upon the rich treasury of “sorrow songs” found in African American culture, this piece composed by the Reverend James Cleveland, is held to be a matchless classic of modern, Southern gospel music, and one of the most memorable and thought-provoking captures of Black gospel tradition. Cleveland has been called the “King of Gospel,” and is credited with having been the driving force behind the creation of the modern gospel sound that brings the daring of hard gospel, jazz and pop music influences to arrangements for mass choirs. In 1967, along with Albertina Walker, called the “Queen of Gospel,” Cleveland founded the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA). MP3 files are available from the 1979 Mighty Clouds album “Changing Times” as well as the 2003 Aretha Franklin album, “One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism.”
Rightly understood, the church does not focus upon communities, families, isolated individuals, nations, and the animal aspects of our human condition. The church established upon the earth by Jesus Christ is a divine tool to (1) make known and visible the action, person and presence of GOD in the earth; (2) complete various ongoing sacred processes including creation, judgment, repentance, revelation, salvation and sanctification; (3) impart divinity and sacred truth that emanate from the Divine Person. Through the church, human nature and mankind are to be altered, changed and transformed. Thus, many mature Christian believers agree that ones assurance and security as a member of a local congregation derives from their personal experience of continuous spiritual discovery and growth, rather than upon the beliefs, opinions, service and works from clergy, and other individuals.
The church as a social institution is a mechanism to ensure that specific practices and sacraments are maintained. Included are baptism, confession, contemplation, prayer, preaching of the Gospel, public worship, and sharing the Lord’s Supper. While donations to comfort the poor may be distributed by those who regularly assemble, the church is not to be a primary provider of burial, clothing, food, health care, housing, or protection and psychiatric services that address sexual violence.
Those who acquire identity as new creatures in Christ acknowledge that the church must respond to realities of the earth, yet can never be simply another product of the flesh (i.e., appetite such as hunger, thirst, sexual craving; sensation such as hearing seeing, touching; and mind such as desire, fantasy and imagination). Only when grounded in the Holy Spirit may believers achieve the self-discipline that allows embracing others of the church without conflict, criticism, gossip and slander, because their continuing activity, consciousness and focus are then by, through, and upon spirit substance (such as faith, forgiveness, hope, humility, joy, longsuffering, love, sanctification, wisdom).
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, since you mention “truth”…Pontius Pilate asked Jesus the question, What is truth? Those who wanted assurance that the doctrine and teaching from Jesus was truly sent by GOD were told their own conformity, obedience and performance of divine will would establish the certainty of their origin. Similarly, Jesus alerted the church that there would be wolves in sheep’s clothing—those seeking to have influence within the body who would use deceit and disguise their destructive motives. See John 18: 33-38, John 7: 14-18, Matthew 7: 1-5 and Matthew 7: 15-20, King James Version.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Does the fact that you are spiritually guided by hypocrites like Cardinal O'Brien and such not scare you?
if the cant be true to themselves ,how the hell do you know if the can even tell you the truth of religion
Additional Details
haha ..like all the non catholics in here ..its not like the Evangelists and pastors up and down the land act any better
say what ..you have hit the nail on the head ..this could have easily been a question about political leaders
THE BATTLE AXE: Non-existent Debt? (03/06/2013)—Created beings and living creatures owe no debt to Almighty GOD for the endowments of divine substance, eternal life, repentance and wisdom that are bestowed upon them through Jesus Christ, nor must they make payment for the sacred operations to nourish, console and maintain existence such as creation, judgment, redemption, resurrection and sanctification. Even so, because humans presently rely almost entirely upon language and tools for communication that emerge from a “common ground” of carnal, material and social experience, appeals and explanations regarding need for change in the makeup of existence must go forth. Awareness, behavior, belief, expectation and myriad processes of self-will are built up, corrected and restored through the holy writings; and this is to prepare mankind to become permanently incorruptible and immortal. The systems and traditions that were introduced to crystallize acknowledgment of the Invisible included animal sacrifices, free-will offerings, a tabernacle/temple tax and tithing to support the earthly priesthood. However, these are all completed through the atonement by Jesus Christ; and the Scripture proclaims that following judgment of the wicked, mankind will no longer be mortal. GOD will dwell with men, and there never again will be a temple or worship to counteract and remove the effects of sin.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. (James 3: 12-18, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Attending Church? (11/12/2012); A Holy Kiss? (11/13/2012); Double Standard? (10/12/2012); Family and Romance (10/13/2012); A Sanctuary? (08/21/2012); Shaken Once More (08/22/2012); Why Confess Before Priest (02/27/2012); GOD Was Sorry? (02/28/2012); Binder 28: Purity (10/25/2011); Binder 27: Confession (10/24/2011); Binder 26: The Priest’s Lips (10/23/2011); Dispatch 43: Mercy (09/22/2011); Dispatch 41: Victory (09/20/2011); Lip Service? (03/01/2011); To Give a Life? (03/02/2011); Church a Duty? (01/11/2011); A Good Name? (01/12/2011); Two Wisdoms? (10/12/2010); Why Sacrifice? (10/13/2010)
THE BATTLE CRY: Readers are encouraged to hear “I’ve Been in the Storm Too Long” rendered by Joe Ligon, a music minister for many years with the vocal group, The Mighty Clouds Of Joy. When it was announced that Pope Benedict XVI would be leaving office as leader of the Catholic Church to become the first emeritus since the year 1415, this gospel lament that demonstrates fervent prayer and importunity immediately came to mind. While the lyrics, music and vocal styling draw upon the rich treasury of “sorrow songs” found in African American culture, this piece composed by the Reverend James Cleveland, is held to be a matchless classic of modern, Southern gospel music, and one of the most memorable and thought-provoking captures of Black gospel tradition. Cleveland has been called the “King of Gospel,” and is credited with having been the driving force behind the creation of the modern gospel sound that brings the daring of hard gospel, jazz and pop music influences to arrangements for mass choirs. In 1967, along with Albertina Walker, called the “Queen of Gospel,” Cleveland founded the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA). MP3 files are available from the 1979 Mighty Clouds album “Changing Times” as well as the 2003 Aretha Franklin album, “One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism.”
Rightly understood, the church does not focus upon communities, families, isolated individuals, nations, and the animal aspects of our human condition. The church established upon the earth by Jesus Christ is a divine tool to (1) make known and visible the action, person and presence of GOD in the earth; (2) complete various ongoing sacred processes including creation, judgment, repentance, revelation, salvation and sanctification; (3) impart divinity and sacred truth that emanate from the Divine Person. Through the church, human nature and mankind are to be altered, changed and transformed. Thus, many mature Christian believers agree that ones assurance and security as a member of a local congregation derives from their personal experience of continuous spiritual discovery and growth, rather than upon the beliefs, opinions, service and works from clergy, and other individuals.
The church as a social institution is a mechanism to ensure that specific practices and sacraments are maintained. Included are baptism, confession, contemplation, prayer, preaching of the Gospel, public worship, and sharing the Lord’s Supper. While donations to comfort the poor may be distributed by those who regularly assemble, the church is not to be a primary provider of burial, clothing, food, health care, housing, or protection and psychiatric services that address sexual violence.
Those who acquire identity as new creatures in Christ acknowledge that the church must respond to realities of the earth, yet can never be simply another product of the flesh (i.e., appetite such as hunger, thirst, sexual craving; sensation such as hearing seeing, touching; and mind such as desire, fantasy and imagination). Only when grounded in the Holy Spirit may believers achieve the self-discipline that allows embracing others of the church without conflict, criticism, gossip and slander, because their continuing activity, consciousness and focus are then by, through, and upon spirit substance (such as faith, forgiveness, hope, humility, joy, longsuffering, love, sanctification, wisdom).
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, since you mention “truth”…Pontius Pilate asked Jesus the question, What is truth? Those who wanted assurance that the doctrine and teaching from Jesus was truly sent by GOD were told their own conformity, obedience and performance of divine will would establish the certainty of their origin. Similarly, Jesus alerted the church that there would be wolves in sheep’s clothing—those seeking to have influence within the body who would use deceit and disguise their destructive motives. See John 18: 33-38, John 7: 14-18, Matthew 7: 1-5 and Matthew 7: 15-20, King James Version.) 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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