Incarnation and prayer as sacred devices used to establish redemption and salvation for mankind are the topics, today. Also, there is more on the chariot of fire and other prophetic demonstrations. A “Yahoo! Answers Australia” writer using ID “Horn of the Unicorn” (Level 1 with 47 points, a member since September 13, 2009) posted the following:
Why was Jesus (as God) always praying to himself?
THE BATTLE AXE: Prophetic Demonstrations (09/06/2013)—(4.) There are multiple levels of meaning and truth for any prophetic demonstration. Focus for the chariot of fire account is not merely the death of the prophet Elijah or the anointing and empowerment of his successor, Elisha; and is seen to embrace the glory and sufferings of GOD as well as the final judgment of all mankind. By faith and not as eyewitnesses who we present with him there, the sons of the prophets (see 2nd Kings 2: 1-7, KJV) were to witness Elijah’s separation. Burning, flaming horses, and the open vehicle serve as images for the lowliness of mankind and the exalted person of GOD as well as for the swiftness and thoroughness of judgment. The contrasts of meekness and power are also to be seen in the humiliation of Moses and glorification of Elijah that prefigure both the transfiguration of Jesus, and the ascension of the Savior before the apostolic witnesses (see Matthew 17: 1-13, Mark 9: 1-13, Luke 9: 28-36 and Acts 1: 1-11, KJV).
THE GOLDEN ARROW: God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high: Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. (Hebrews 1: 1-6, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Prayer not Enough? (07/12/2013); A Tree Falls To The South (07/13/2013); A Relationship not Just Knowledge? (06/25/2013); Lost Without GOD? (06/26/2013); Accomplished in Christ? (01/16/2013); The Need to Purify Heaven (01/17/2013)
Horn of the Unicorn, most people ask that question (or one very like it) when they first begin examining the many levels of new truth that are important to Christian belief. Here are a few useful points you may find helpful that usually are discovered in the course of careful Bible study and prayer:
(1.) GOD is a spirit, and exists in a fullness revealed to mankind through peculiar sacred operations. Included are birth, death, praise, resurrection, baptism, rebirth, repentance, and sanctification. GOD is not a fog, a mist, or a smoke having physical being without person. Nor is Almighty GOD to be thought of as an energy, a force, or a brain/mind having no body. Incarnation is the sacred event wherein GOD appeared in material form as the person of Jesus Christ.
(2.) Through Jesus, GOD has demonstrated a broad range of divine purposes, sacred laws, and eternal operations that further establish Almighty GOD as set apart, as exalted, as sanctified, and as sovereign. Included are forbearance, forgiveness, longsuffering, judgment, love, and resurrection.
(3.) Jesus has instructed mankind in how to rebuild right relationship with GOD through spiritual practices that continually acknowledge divine grace, and that obey directions from the imparted, indwelling Spirit from GOD (called the Holy Ghost, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Prophecy, and the Spirit of Truth). Through the ministry of Jesus, believers obtain fresh endowments of divinity that replenish the measure provided in Creation to Adam (and that has been steadily declining through sin). Included are such aspects of sacred content from the person of GOD as faith, holiness, humility, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin.
(4.) Through the intercession and mediation of Jesus Christ, human prayer and worship have been made consecrated and intimate before GOD despite the continuance of sin among mankind. The weight of obedience to law as a factor in judgment is broadened to include examination for the absence and presence of spirit content from GOD. The righteousness of the law may be established through faith in addition to the mechanism of ones behavior and conduct obeying the law.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood. For example, (5.) As a man among men, and before men, Jesus prays to GOD as an outreach to impress the hearts, minds, and spirits of men like me and you. In addition to prayer, the life examples shared with believers through Jesus Christ include comforting the bereaved, confession, giving, fasting and restraint of appetite, feeding the hungry, and faithful service.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Divine use of a chariot of fire and other prophetic demonstrations are the topic, today. Also, there is more on hope and certainty. A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Carl” (Level 1 with 131 points, a member since July 14, 2013) posted the following:
Christians why was Elijah taken up in a Chariot of Fire and never tasted death?
THE BATTLE AXE: Of Sure Hope and Certainty (09/05/2013)—(4.) In contrast to having goals (planned actions with their desired outcomes and results), to have hope is to be aware that possibilities exist that are not yet present, or visible. Hope may be understood as an emotional, fanciful and informal awareness of potential and possibility. What we are hoping for as Christian believers should not contradict or undermine our spiritual beliefs and convictions. Like those who label strong ambition, covetousness, or desire for goods and social recognition as godliness, those rebelling against GOD are those pursuing vain hope. In general, vain hope centers upon acquiring things made through human effort, and attaining selfish goals. Vain hope does not provide spiritual comfort, does not edify, further or reinforce spiritual belief and understanding, and does not move and urge others to fruitful spiritual action. Believers experience hope as a product of the interaction among the inseparable aspects of their own divine content such as faith, holiness, love, truth and wisdom as well as through well-defined sacred operations that include forgiveness, judgment, holy matrimony, rebirth, and repentance. Because the hopes of a Christian believer are communal, detailed, hallowed and specific, hope is indispensable to Christian belief. Hope is a duty, an obligation, and a seal upon the believer that further sanctifies and sets the believer apart for sacred service. See Proverbs 16: 25, Numbers 23: 19, Psalms 127: 1-2 and Hebrews 11: 1-6, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down, that the mountains might flow down at thy presence, As when the melting fire burneth, the fire causeth the waters to boil, to make thy name known to thine adversaries, that the nations may tremble at thy presence! When thou didst terrible things which we looked not for, thou camest down, the mountains flowed down at thy presence. For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him. Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, those that remember thee in thy ways: behold, thou art wroth; for we have sinned: in those is continuance, and we shall be saved. But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities. But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand. Be not wroth very sore, O LORD, neither remember iniquity for ever: behold, see, we beseech thee, we are all thy people. (Isaiah 64: 1-9, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Recognizing True Prophets (05/02/2013); Jesus, A Party Animal? (05/03/2013); Why A “Spokesperson”? (01/14/2013); No Contradictions? (01/15/2013); Life and Death (09/26/2012); Mob Rule and Violence (09/27/2012); Nostradamus (09/10/2012); Unanswered Prayers? (09/11/2012)
Carl, here are a few points I may share as a Christian believer:
(1.) Elijah taken up by a chariot of fire is a prophetic demonstration, a peculiar event or set of actions that depict alternative paths for outcomes among the people of GOD (i.e., supply warning), and that proclaim divine intent using visual cues instead of words. The prophet who was challenged to publicly eat cow dung is often identified as the greatest example of this device used by GOD (see Ezekiel 4: 1-17, KJV). However, along with spoken declarations, instructions, proclamations and promises, most of the prophets are seen employing and relying upon some form of demonstration. Included are the baptism of John the Baptist, and Agabus giving caution to the Apostle Paul in the New Testament (see John 1: 6-34, and Acts 21: 10-11, KJV).
(2.) Like Moses called to the top of Mt. Sinai (Deuteronomy 4: 5-20, KJV), Jesus cursing the fig tree (Mark 11: 12-26, KJV), and the accounts of fire being called from heaven (2 Kings 1: 1-18 and Luke 9: 51-56, KJV), the chariot of fire depicts final judgment. Mature believers are not depressed or frightened by these prophesies for they correctly receive them as evidence that there absolutely will be divine mercy and righteousness in judgment.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood. For example, (3.) Enoch in the Book of Genesis was the first reported mortal who did not die after living under the sentence of death that had been passed upon Adam and all his descendants. Enoch was translated (see Hebrews 11: 5, KJV). Final judgment also signals the end of death and mortality; mankind will be transformed to exist as immortal and incorruptible.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Hope as an aspect of Christian belief is considered, today, along with more on experiences of Jesus appearing to believers after his resurrection. The “Yahoo! Answers United Kingdom” writer using ID “i § seals” (Level 4 with 4,381 points, a member since June 3, 2012) posted the following:
How can hope be certainty?
hope
/hop/
Noun
A feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.
Verb
Want something to happen or be the case: "he's hoping for compensation"; "I hope that the kids are OK".
Synonyms
noun. expectation - expectancy - expectance - trust - promiseverb. trust - expect - anticipate
cer·tain·ty
/'s?rtnte/
Noun
Firm conviction that something is the case.
The quality of being reliably true: "a bewildering lack of certainty in the law".Synonyms
certitude - assurance - sureness - surety - assuredness
It seems that hope cannot be certainty, no matter how good one thinks it sounds. If I "hope" for a free car tomorrow, it is not "certain" that I'll get it. In fact, if one is "certain", "hope" becomes redundant.
Zen your way out of that one.
Additional Details
It's not an "attack", Richard, it's just a question.
THE BATTLE AXE: A Need to Know? (09/04/2013)—(5.) There are experiences of GOD granted among mankind on what seems to be a “need to know” basis. Experiences of seeing Jesus as Risen Lord seem not to be for everyone, everywhere. On the one hand, where one believer has a peculiar anointing, gift or experience of truth, the full body of believers are understood as having that anointing, that gift, and that truth. On the other hand, those who receive special visitations often must also endure vicious opposition, great suffering, persecution, and death: To whom much is given from him, much is required. Apparitions and visitations that are to reinforce faith can also to be regarded as “put downs” for pride, and “extra strength” rebuke to establish a believer in humility. They are not so much answers, rewards and conclusions of spiritual growth as they are beginnings. See Luke 12: 42-48 and 1st Corinthians 12: 18-23, King James Version. (6.) In Christ, preparation for ministry of the gospel may begin in both positive and negative life experiences that seem entirely secular and irrelevant to Christian belief. Included may be the challenges and trials endured in bereavement and loss of family and friends, childbearing and homemaking, combat and military service, manual labor in construction, farming and raising livestock, or marriage, divorce and sexual relationships. The continuous operation of GOD through ones life experiences supplies growth and material that result in the special instances of holy encounter, insight, spiritual benefit, and sacred vision. Often, it is the broad mosaic of life experience that must appear before one embraces church attendance, regular prayer, and daily study of the holy writings. (7.) Believers are wise to examine and review their own experience for life lessons from GOD. However, the choice to make “baggage” of experience from the past is unrighteous and unwise. It is more correct to acknowledge GOD as cause and source, and not to attribute all to personal failure, sin and wretchedness. Again, see Psalms 119: 1-17, John 9: 1-3, Luke 9: 51-62 and Ephesians 2: 1-9, King James Version.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: A voice was heard upon the high places, weeping and supplications of the children of Israel: for they have perverted their way, and they have forgotten the LORD their God. Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art the LORD our God. Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains: truly in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel. For shame hath devoured the labour of our fathers from our youth; their flocks and their herds, their sons and their daughters. We lie down in our shame, and our confusion covereth us: for we have sinned against the LORD our God, we and our fathers, from our youth even unto this day, and have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God. (Jeremiah 3: 21-25, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Our Present Comfort? (06/28/2013); Come As You Are (06/29/2013); The Ascension of Christ? (12/19/2012); GOD in Schools? (12/20/2012)
Here are a few points you may find helpful that are commonly shared among those anchored in Christian belief:
(1.) Certain hope cannot be based upon ideas that are generated from animal instinct, fantasy, imagination, or lies. Thus, hope may not be carnal, material, social and temporal in its nature. Believers are correct to hope only for the completion and fulfillment of ongoing divine operations, promises recorded in the holy writings, and the events described as sacred prophecy. Hope is always certain when grounded in truth that proceeds from GOD.
(2.) To hope is to have expectation, and to quietly wait for things anticipated. Thus, to hope is to “tarry”, and to display a content of being that derives from the imparted, indwelling spirit of GOD. Included are aspects of divinity obtained through baptism and being “born again” such as faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, love, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Saying this another way: A believer must only hope for what they are commanded and instructed to expect. All else would be “vain” hope, hope void of divine substance, that even when fulfilled cannot provide lasting contentment.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood. For example, (3.) hope operates as persistence and spiritual tenacity that provide strength against forces and influences promoting arbitrary change, despair, giving up, letting go, and quitting. In this sense, the believer is like the professional gambler who never depends upon chance, avoids the “sucker bet,” and only bets “the sure thing.” The hope of believers in Jesus Christ, go beyond healing, daily nourishment or shelter, and cleansing from sin. The Christian hopes for increasing measures of the ongoing revelation of GOD, and the intimate place as sons and daughters within the celestial presence.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Whether sanctification always requires that Jesus must appear to all that serve in apostleship and discipleship are considered, today. Als0, there is more on law in Christian belief. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Joe C Momma” (Level 3 with 2,332 points, a member since March 31, 2013) posted the following:
If Paul needed a personal visit from Jesus to know that Jesus was resurrected, then why wouldn’t you?
THE BATTLE AXE: Law in Christian Belief? (09/03/2013)—(5.) The identity of GOD as Sovereign, as Judge and as Creator is inseparable from the fixed, immutable will of GOD that we speak of as being divine law. Many ignorantly oppose the existence of heavenly law as a device to escape divine wrath. To such, no law means no judgment, and no judgment means no punishment. No punishment means “free will” and license to indulge every imaginable desire and lust. More than this, no law means no duty, no labor and necessary work as believers. It remains that, because the law is the expressed will of GOD—conveys the being, intent and sacred purposes of GOD—to oppose divine law is sin that opposes the continued existence of GOD and of all that has been put forth as divine Creation. While the law does not save one from sin, or eliminate and erase sin, the law does provide direction, order and structure that are needed to fully apprehend eternal life. See Psalms 119: 1-176 and Galatians 2: 15-21, King James Version.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed. (1st Corinthians 15: 1-11, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Jesus and the Pharisees (07/14/2013); How Could Angels Fall? (07/15/2013); GOD Intervenes? (07/01/2013); Jericho Justified? (07/02/2013); A Relationship not Just Knowledge? (06/25/2013); Lost Without GOD? (06/26/2013); Bible Authors and Truth (06/19/2013); On Testing GOD (06/20/2013)
Joe, here are some points to consider that many mature Christian believers acquire through their prayerful studies of the Bible:
(1.) From Genesis to Revelation, the holy writings document the multiple changes and perfecting of the divine inheritance upon the earth that was patterned after the priesthood of Christ in heaven. Many of the sacred events recorded occur to signal transformation of fellowship, service, worship, and the covenant relationships of mankind and GOD. Examples include the priesthood as seen through Abel, Moses, Job, Jonah, Eli, David and Jesus.
(2.) As with incarnation (the appearance of GOD in and through human flesh), manifestations, miracles and angelic visitations are sacred events to fulfill divine promises, establish prophecy, clarify hallowed purpose, and continue divine law. These things derive from divinity and grace, the person of GOD, rather than from human needs for experience or information.
(3.) The Apostle Paul (like believers today) had to experience new birth and re-creation wherein he was taken to new levels of what Adam had received as a son of GOD. Paul’s awareness and intelligence continued to be limited because he remained grounded in many errors associated with GOD’s chosen instrument: Jewish culture, law and tradition. On the one hand, all Paul had ever believed was affirmed and certified. On the other hand, all things became new.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. For example, (4.) My personal testimony is that I have seen Jesus face-to-face. However, Jesus has said, blessed are they that have not seen, yet have believed. Our conviction should not go forward on the basis of human actions and sense experiences of seeing, hearing, etc. Salvation is through discernment and realization of truth within ourselves regarding things that are entirely spirit in their being, content and substance. Included are faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, love, wisdom and wrath against sin.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Whether the holy writings show that Christ addressed obeying the law is the topic, today. Also there is more on believing GOD to be a divine trickster. A “Yahoo! Answers United Kingdom” writer using ID “Olly” (Level 6 with 10,907 points, a member since February 23, 2008) posted the following:
Is there any mention in the Bible by Jesus to obey the law?
THE BATTLE AXE: A Divine Trickster? (09/02/2013)—(4.) The processes of GOD for the redemption and salvation of mankind also are to impart, portray and reveal the nature of divine person. As a result, those chosen as disciples, followers, priests, prophets, and spokespersons serve displaying gravity, humility, sobriety and truth (see John 4: 23-24, 1st Timothy 3: 1-13 and James 3: 13-18, KJV). Believers can never obtain the benefits of new life from GOD relying upon craftiness, guile, lies and trickery. See 1st Peter 2: 1-10, 1st Peter 2: 19-25, 1st Peter 3: 10-18 and Revelation 14: 1-5, King James Version.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. (Matthew 5: 16-24, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Science and the Laws of Nature? (03/23/2013); How To Love GOD? (03/24/2013); “Authorized Personnel Only” (03/13/2013); Before Abraham Was… (03/14/2013); What to Take Literally (03/11/2013)
Olly, the holy writings record many instances of conflict and controversy for Jesus that centered upon the traditions of law for Israel, and the authority of Jesus as Christ and Messiah. Many Christian believers find the following points to be helpful:
(1.) Not all Jews believed that the Scriptures contained promises of a Messiah, a divine ruler who would be sent from GOD to reign over the covenant people of GOD in the earth. While Jesus rarely made any public boast or claim to be Messiah, he identified his work as a fulfillment of the word of GOD, and repeatedly proclaimed that he was not sent to alter, destroy or replace the covenants and promises that served as the foundation of Israel as a nation, and as the divine law of GOD among mankind.
(2.) Acknowledging the doctrine and teachings of Jesus, New Testament writers affirm that all the law given to mankind from GOD is “holy, and just, and good.” However, through ceremony, informal practices and traditions that fostered and continued human error, the true nature and spirit of divine law has been warped, and made to appear as flawed. Because the law in and of itself does not eliminate sin, or establish salvation, there are many spiritual disappointments and limitations collectively called “the curse of the law.” The Gospel of Jesus Christ also proclaims, by the blood of the Cross, Christ ended the curse of the law. The Savior has demonstrated that the sacred purposes and righteousness of GOD established and performed through the law is also accomplished through the operations of faith. In the new birth, believers are transformed to display the imparted, indwelling spirit from GOD. Their new divine content includes faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, love, wisdom and wrath against sin. By exalting the spirit of the law, rather than blind obedience, and detailed attention to the letter of the law believers have fellowship with GOD through faith that conveys the righteousness of the law, and establishes the same condition as would absolute and perfect obedience to the law.
(3.) The teachings on divine grace encouraged believers of the early church to declare that “all things are lawful” with the admonition that “all things are not expedient.” Jewish laws intended to cleanse, sanctify, and separate the covenant people from all uncleanness operated as a barrier to the spread of the Gospel. Maintaining such laws defining Jewish culture as the rituals of circumcision were held to be acceptable and reasonable. However, such laws also were to be understood as not directly relevant to the new dispensation.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. For example, (4.) By extension of the saving truth that GOD is establishing hope, life and recovery from sin through the device of mankind upon the earth, all government leaders, those having legitimate authority (e.g., caretakers, parents, spouses), and the civil law are to be obeyed, remembered in prayer, and properly respected. The correct responses to oppression, persecution and tyranny therefore may include cooperation, martyrdom, submission, and suffering.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
The possibility that GOD is unrighteous, and that believers are all being deceived and tricked by GOD is considered, today. Also, there is more on being merciful by ministry to sinners. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Jasmarie Jackson” (Level 1 with 162 points, a member since August 10, 2013) posted the following:
Question for Christians?
What if God made the bible up and hes going to trick us at the end because we thought he was good?? What if were not going to heaven?? what if he wants to laugh at us for thinking hes good?
Her friend by the way...
THE BATTLE AXE: (09/01/2013) On Being Merciful—To the extent believers miss the truth that they are called to Christ as those who must unselfishly give and minister to sinners, there are many who become mired and stuck in religious forms of self promotion and selfish pleasure. Included are enjoying sacred music as entertainment rather than prophecy, church gatherings as ones primary form of amusement and social interaction, and intense arguments and debate regarding belief and Bible doctrine. Through the person of Jesus Christ resurrected to serve as Judge and head of his church, both the great commission and the passage from Jude center upon divine judgment, proclaiming mercy as an aspect of judgment along with divine wrath, and what it is to be dutiful as a believer in the salvation of GOD in Christ. See Zechariah 7: 8-14, Zechariah 8: 16-17, Micah 6: 7-9, Matthew 5: 7 and Luke 6: 27-38, King James Version.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings. And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him? Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind? And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch. (John 10: 14-23, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Jesus and the Pharisees (07/14/2013); How Could Angels Fall? (07/15/2013); A Guilt Trip? (07/11/2013); Prayer not Enough? (07/12/2013)
Jasmarie, here are some points you may find helpful that are often shared among growing Christian believers:
(1.) GOD is a spirit, and does not operate with all the carnal, material, private and social goals of a man or woman in the flesh. GOD is the source of all that has place within existence; and is therefore sovereign over life itself. As a result, believers trust that GOD does not lie; GOD does not introduce contradictions of his own word; and GOD does not promote spiritual confusion. The word from GOD is a putting forth of divine substance. Thus, spiritual truth is only apprehended using spiritual devices and procedures. Therefore, every believer must receive the imparted, indwelling spirit from GOD supplied through the ministry of Jesus Christ, GOD incarnate.
(2.) The challenge to all believers is that they become balanced, consistent, stable and thorough in their response to the claims of GOD in Christ. Born again, and containing the spirit substance of Christ, believers must learn and mature again. Despite having new measures of faith, holiness, love, wisdom, and wrath against sin, the very make-up of GOD, believers must encounter “growing pains” and obstacles from those who disbelieve, enemies, family, friends, strangers, and many who do not yet understand.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. For example, (3.) GOD is not a divine trickster. Believers can only know GOD because GOD makes himself knowable (we say, allows himself to be discovered, reveals himself). Where the “faith” a person expresses repeatedly condemns, criticizes, denies GOD, or displays doubt and unbelief, that faith is not from GOD showing himself, and speaking of himself.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Christian duty and service to sinners are considered, today. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “ignoramus_the_great” (Level 7 with 30,483 points, a member since January 26, 2007) posted the following:
Christians what do you think about Jude 1:22-23 Try to help those who argue against you...?
22 Try to help those who argue against you. Be merciful to those who doubt. 23 Save some by snatching them as from the very flames of hell itself. And as for others, help them to find the Lord by being kind to them, but be careful that you yourselves aren’t pulled along into their sins. Hate every trace of their sin while being merciful to them as sinners.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore into all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28: 19-20, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Bible and Stupid People? (07/17/2013); Destroying Justice (07/18/2013); Loving the Enemy (05/10/2013); Struggling (05/11/2013); A GOD of Love (05/07/2013); Commanding the Storm (05/08/2013)
Many Christian believers respond to the instruction from Jude 1: 21-23 as no less than the “great commission” declared to the apostles granted the role of witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus (see Matthew 28: 19-20, KJV). In general, those who question the authority and reality of the Holy Spirit (also called the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Sprit of Truth) focus upon the specific words of the two passages, and fail to recognize the oneness and sameness of their intent and operation. Similarly, there are many who challenge the spiritual authority and legitimacy of Jude, a sibling of Jesus, and not one widely known as having office in the hierarchy of the early church (e.g., prophet, bishop, deacon, etc.).
As beginners and new believers, a person’s focus may be entirely upon their own salvation. Realization of their own faults, flaws and sins may have come into their awareness with great force and power. As they pray some form of what is called “the sinner’s prayer,” there may be overwhelming guilt and shame. There may be a great humbling of their pride as they confess the terrible damage they may have done to others as well as to themselves. However, the new birth establishes a new self-awareness, and new self-esteem. In addition to aspects of divinity, the content and substance of GOD who is spirit, believers receive new life that is described by holy purpose, obedience to divine law, and sacred work.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. For example, love of GOD and of Christ as Son of the Highest expands and increases only through the growth that comes by regular prayer, study of the holy writings, and service within a community of believers. Born again, one receives such elements of divine DNA as faith, holiness, righteousness, truth, wisdom and wrath against sin. All are not called to be preachers, yet all are given a gospel and a testimony that must be freely shared.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
