A parable is used, today, to share points on the fall of Adam and Eve. Also, there is more on knowledge of GOD among the holy angels. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “william” (Level 2 with 354 points, a member since September 30, 2013) posted the following originally asked at Yahoo Answers United Kingdom:
Why did god get so cross when adam and eve ate an apple?
I mean seriously it's not like the raped or murdered anybody
if he didn't want them to eat it he shouldn't have put the tree of knowledge in the garden of eden
THE BATTLE AXE: Does Satan Know? (11/06/2013)—The holy angels appear as divine instruments and spokespersons in prophecy; and may appear in forms that exhibit animal features, geometric polygons, or beings that fly using wings (see Ezekiel 10: 6-22, Genesis 28: 10-17 and Revelation 14: 6-12, KJV). Confronting Jesus in the wilderness, Satan could not recognize the Son of GOD as someone he had seen before in the celestial presence, and so challenged Jesus to “appear” in his form as Son of the Highest. Similarly, Satan came into the presence of Jesus, however, not in celestial form. With this in view, believers are always wise to “try the spirits” (see Matthew 4: 1-11, Hebrews 1: 1-14, 2nd Corinthians 11: 13-15, 1st John 4: 1-6 and Revelation 22: 8-9, KJV).
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. (Hebrews 12: 1-11, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why Jesus Used Parables (11/03/2013); Denying Baptism to Others (11/04/2013); Balaam (10/15/2013); About Sabbath (10/16/2013); Freewill is Finite (06/30/2013); GOD Intervenes? (07/01/2013); Words Spoken By GOD? (06/05/2013); Teachings on Judgment (06/06/2013); Those Who Never Heard? (06/07/2013); A Second Adam (03/25/2013); GOD Hiding in Plain Sight (03/26/2013)
“william”, here is a parable making a few points that help Christian believers understand the account of Adam (the single name given by GOD to both the male and female who existed before the Almighty as a single person):
Dad brought home a lovely box of assorted chocolate candies for mom on Valentine’s Day. In celebration, she allowed each of her three little charges to choose from the assortment. The next day, while she was out shopping, one of her boys decided he would have a sweet; so he went into mom’s room looking for the candies. He reasoned that, she loved him so much she would want him to take freely of what dad had provided. Besides, there were so many, she would still have plenty left. He would only sniff out the mints; she probably would not miss one (or two); and, should she become angry, no one would ever trace the deed to himself were he careful to leave no trace of his having been there, and wash any residue from his hands. After some searching, he found where the candies were “hidden” (i.e., stored to keep from melting, spoiling, etc.), carefully lifted the lid of the box, removed two stunners, and tried to carefully replace the tissues and wrapping paper as though they had not been disturbed.
Later, upon her return, mom went to her chocolates and found the box had been rifled. She called the children to her, and asked what had gone on. After several minutes of awkward denials and protestations of innocence, the matriarch “arbitrarily” declared that all would be on punishment (we say, lock down) until she would be told the truth concerning the “harmless” prank. The children were sent to their room, where a pair of them insisted the culprit surrender himself. As they heard their mother crying from her room, the innocents tried to explain why the game was up; that mom could see the stain of chocolate on his tongue, like they had done, and could smell the mint on his breath.
The mother could have taken the chocolates with her, or eaten them all; and could have avoided leaving the candies as if bait or something to deliberately entrap her children. Surely she knew, even from her own experience as a child, what could happen to luscious chocolates left unguarded. Knowing her own children, she should have realized whether they all (or who would be the lone suspect that) might yield to appetite, and seek to gobble a treat from her treasure trove. Had the offense remained only a simple filching of chocolates (i.e., taking what belongs to someone else without authority and permission—we say, stealing), the outcome might not have been a personal breakdown, maternal heartache and weeping. No less important than a theft of unguarded chocolates, there also had been covetousness, deception, disrespect, dissembling, greed, impatience, lying, passive aggression, presumption, pretext, separation, trespassing into ones private space, and violation of trust. A “hate crime” had been committed in the home.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood. I trust this fragment will be useful. Even so, be it unto you according to your faith. Jesus is coming. Grow in grace.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Intimate knowledge of GOD among the angels is a topic, today, along with more on relating to GOD, instead of “believing.” A “Yahoo! Answers UK & Ireland” writer using the ID “Fruit of Life” (Level 4 with 4,973 points, a member since 03 January 2010) posted the following originally asked at Yahoo Answers Canada:
Doesn't Satan know God better than all of us since they've had direct conversations?
Satan also knows exactly what heaven looks like and how to get there (he visited in Job 1:6-12).
What are the implications of this?
THE BATTLE AXE: Relating to GOD? (11/05/2013)—(5.) Being certain of salvation comes only by being in right relationship with GOD. Through operations of the Spirit of GOD, seeds of truth are implanted within followers of Christ that eventually bear fruit as awareness of full acceptance with GOD, confidence that past sins are atoned for and forgiven, conviction that future sins will be removed once confessed and repented of, and a joyful expectation (we say, a sure hope) of glory that is guaranteed of fulfillment. GOD may now be acknowledged as having human attributes in the person of Jesus Christ. In addition to capability, essence, presence and inseparable sacred content (e.g., forgiveness, holiness, longsuffering, wisdom, wrath against sin), the make-up of GODhead includes person whereby divinity is approachable for created beings and living creatures. Love to GOD expressed in acts of faith, obedience, praise, prayer, service and worship are divinely endorsed as acceptable, lawful, and justified. By operations of human self-will, choices and decisions must be made, goals and standards must be pursued, that are to become consistent, firm, and permanent as the living process of those embracing GOD as Christians. (See Romans 8: 15-17, 1st Corinthians 14: 20, Hebrews 10: 19-27 and 1st John 3: 9-11, KJV.)
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him. But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men. And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. (Mark 8: 31-34, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Visit from an Angel? (10/20/2013); The Head Not The Tail? (10/21/2013); Angels, Law and Sin (10/18/2013); The Power of Death? (10/01/2013); Divine Love Revealed? (10/02/2013); How Could Angels Fall? (07/15/2013); Circumcision and Promise? (07/16/2013); An Earth to Fix A Heaven? (05/18/2013)
“Fruit of Life”, here are a few points often overlooked until one makes careful study of the Bible:
(1.) The holy angels were created as spirit beings, and do not have a make-up that is carnal (we say, flesh). While they are not mortal, they are not immortal either, and their duration is at divine discretion. While Satan has walked in Eden, the Garden of GOD, has walked “to and fro” throughout the earth, and has appeared before the throne of GOD, he will never set foot within the New Jerusalem (we say, the Holy City, the Bride of Christ).
(2.) The angels were created as “finished” beings who possessed from their beginnings the entire endowment of capability, knowledge, and skill that they would be called upon to employ throughout their full existence. Angels do not acquire and internalize fragmented and partial knowledge through experience as do mortals, however, they can apprehend change through patterns of feeling and truth. Much of what is done that seems to spring from envy or malice against mankind, in fact, is from “blindness,” ignorance and lack of understanding.
(3.) While they are characterized by endurance and prolonged existence, angels do not have foreknowledge, cannot “tell the future,” and are not omniscient (we say, all-knowing). Just as mankind, angels, sacred beasts, and other finite creatures that abide in the celestial presence (we say, heaven) also must know GOD through faith, and the limited operations of their own awareness and content.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood. (For example, (4.) While sin was first realized among the angels through the one known as Satan, sin is not a spirit substance, and was not “created” by GOD. Sin opposes the continued existence of divinity, lacks dimension and sacred substance, yet, has direction, effect and presence, and may dominate self-will in created beings and living creatures. For mankind, without such provisions of GOD as divine law and added endowments of spirit from GOD, sin cannot be detected and resisted as contrary to ones own nature.) I trust this fragment will be useful. Even so, be it unto you according to your faith. Jesus is coming. Grow in grace.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Focus, today, is upon salvation as a matter of relationship with GOD through Jesus Christ, rather than by believing special creeds, doctrines, and teachings. Also, there is more on rejecting clergy who deny salvation to others. A “Yahoo! Answers Canada” writer using the ID “Devante Davis” (Level 1 with 281 points, a member since July 29, 2013) posted the following originally asked on Yahoo Answers United States:
Is it true that if i dont believe in god enough, i will still go to hell- as if i am a sinner,?
Is it true that if i dont believe in god enough, i will still go to hell- as if i am a sinner. My family are christians and i dont know if i believe or not, honestly.
Additional Details
(NOTE: im adding more details to talk to you guys, just edit your answer to talk back) If i get saved, will i have to not sin forever? Like what if i sin....will i be unsaved?
Im editing this to ask that you guys to Please follow me, because i rarely get answered questions on here...and sometimes im alone, and i think about christianity and other things and would just like to be heard. Thanks much :)
THE BATTLE AXE: Denying Baptism to Others (11/04/2013)— (5.) Choosing to leave ones church, and choosing to remove members of the clergy should be understood as choices to alter divine order; therefore, these are choices that may not be made frivolously or with presumption. There first should be careful deliberation, consulting of the Scriptures, and much prayer. Final decisions must be made with an eye to cementing and preserving unity. For many, participation in the church of Jesus Christ goes forward by commitment to a community of believers (we say, assembly, congregation, household of faith). Ones church home should be carefully chosen on the basis of such factors as mutual respect, openness of communication, trust, and availability of support from others experiencing the new life relationship with Christ. As a newly received member of the group, a believer has a peculiar dependence upon those who may provide guidance and insight into their desired spiritual growth, such as the clergy, yet, not exclusive to the clergy. All members are supplied by GOD, and are called to encourage, protect, rejoice, share with, serve and teach one another. Just as the pastor must minister to the flock, the congregation is to minister to the pastor. This is particularly so, when the clergy depart from the standard revealed in Jesus. To properly address the spectrum of both social and spiritual issues that will come against the church family, clergy must have the full support of one another, and the lay membership. As if one person, the full church body must meet challenges that range from anxieties about donations and gifts to concerns about racism and sexuality. The clergy must be armed and shielded with the balance, compassion, and prudence of Christ that resides within committed, stable believers. See 1st Timothy 5: 1-3, Philippians 2: 1-3 and 1st Peter 5: 2-4, King James Version.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion: And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. (Jeremiah 3: 14-15, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Sacrificial Relationships (10/23/2013); Relationship by Unselfish Giving? (10/24/2013); A Relationship not Just Knowledge? (06/25/2013); Lost Without GOD? (06/26/2013); The Church as a Bride? (05/15/2013); How Do I Repent? (05/16/2013); Believing Everything? (11/23/2012); How To Have Conviction (11/24/2012)
“Devante Davis”, here are a few points many Christian believers have found useful in continuing to build up their knowledge and understanding of divinity:
(1.) GOD is a spirit being; and for carnal persons (those in bodies of flesh and bone) the process of correctly dealing with, knowing, and serving GOD is one of correctly discerning (we say, perceiving, recognizing) the spirit content of persons, situations, and things that appear as having existence.
(2.) Apart from the holy writings and language used by those in regular fellowship as believers, there is no single, clear and precise way to speak of GOD. (For example, GOD is not a cloud, a fog, a mist, smoke, vapor, or any material and physical object.) Our human process is to “personify” GOD, and to speak of the Almighty as though he is another created being or living creature. This also permits us to speak of GOD as capable of intimate relationships. In the Scriptures, believers speak of GOD using language from social realities of family and marriage as if GOD can be a husband, or a father to those living in the earth.
(3.) GOD reveals himself—that is, shows himself to be active and present—through various sacred events that display divine intent, cosmic purpose, and sacred substance. Included are birth, death, forbearance, forgiveness, healing, judgment, love, rebirth, resurrection, and sanctification. Becoming aware of GOD, and conforming to the truth of Divine Being is a gradual process accomplished through the Holy Spirit, that results in permanent change, and total transformation of awareness and self-will in created beings and living creatures.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood. (For example, (4.) Sin opposes the continued existence of GOD, of divine law, of divine Creation, and of all the patterns and principles that maintain and uphold life. The living are to experience GOD as the fundamental awareness of being and existence, and acknowledge GOD through humility, maturity and respect. Through the operations of GOD in baptism (we say, rebirth from divine DNA), believers in Jesus Christ receive the same spirit content that is the make-up of GOD. Included are faith, holiness, longsuffering, truthfulness, wisdom and wrath against sin. Once born again, believers must grow and mature by meeting various life challenges in order to be in the most full and correct relationship to the Creator.) I trust this fragment will be useful. Even so, be it unto you according to your faith. The time of our Savior’s coming is nearer than before. Grow in grace.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Correcting church leaders, judging others, racism, and refusing to extend salvation to others are topics, today, along with more on law and prophecy in the earthly ministry of Jesus. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using an ID “Peter” (Level 1 with 109 points, a member since June 23, 2013) posted the following originally asked on Yahoo Answers Canada:
Christians, what if a White Pastor refuses to Baptize a Black Man because he wants him to go to hell?
Would you leave that Church?
THE BATTLE AXE: Why Jesus Used Parables (11/03/2013)— (5.) Parables were a device used by seers, one of the ancient forms of prophetic ministry established following the priesthood bestowed upon Adam, and long before the model for prophets demonstrated in Moses. Appearing as the Messiah, Jesus was to manifest eternal person, divine sovereignty, and answer as a living accumulation (we say, adding all in one, a summation) for all the singular and unchanging purposes of GOD displayed through varying streams of prophecy. In the same way Jesus was not sent to end the covenants or annul divine law, Jesus would fulfill and perform things proclaimed, promised, and recorded in the Scriptures as prophecy, and was not sent to discredit or end prophecy. Jesus nourished believers using “the law and the prophets,” not “law or the prophets,” not “law without the prophets.” Jesus exalted and revealed sacred law as eternal and unchanging, yet, prophetic in function and nature—that is, fully capable of being completed and fulfilled through operations of GOD, and like promise and prophecy subject to being closed, concluded, and satisfied (see Psalms 19: 7-14, Matthew 5: 18, Luke 21: 33-34, Psalms 119: 137-144 and Habakkuk 2: 1-4, KJV.)
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. (Matthew 18: 15-17, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Confessing Only to GOD? (04/08/2013); Evidence of the Unseen Spirit? (04/09/2013); On Titles and Respect (03/15/2013); On Producing Atheists (03/16/2013); My Sheep Hear My Voice (03/08/2013); Wanting To Have Our Way (03/09/2013); Escape from Racism (10/24/2012); Christians Who Ignore GOD’s Laws (10/25/2012); The Spirit by Measure (09/22/2012); A Man in Heaven? (09/23/2012)
“Peter”, here are a few points that mature Christian believers are careful to consider when challenged by the various issues from judgment of clergy that may arise within the body of Christ:
(1.) In the same way believers are not to “jump to conclusions”, none are to “jump to condemnation.” A pastor’s behavior and duty as leader within the body of believers must respond to many layers that are in place to maintain continuity, divine order, predictability, and stability. Included are the holy Scriptures; conviction through the Holy Spirit that appears as ones personal commitment; and affiliation and response to other institutions (e.g., other congregations of similar believers (we say, same denomination); oversight agencies of the denomination; parochial schools and seminaries). The pastorate must be understood as alive, dynamic, and organic responding even to familiar, old and recurring challenges and circumstances with newness, and vision that may at first appear as contradiction, heresy, hypocrisy, partiality, and rejection of fundamental truth.
(2.) Instead of walking away, seeking a new home church, the faithful and steadfast behavior of a congregation is its major tool for correcting pastoral errors. The church is a gathering of believers at various levels of spiritual growth, knowledge, maturity, power, skill, and understanding. All must submit to operations of the imparted, indwelling Spirit. Conformity to Jesus Christ (we say, perfection) only comes through change and growth that can be instantaneous and miraculous, however, also entails movement that is gradual, and subtle (i.e., barely detectable). Rather than condemn, the duty of believers include encouraging change, practicing forbearance, forgiving, and patiently waiting for the outworking of divinity.
(3.) The many reasons why a person (e.g., females, gays, lesbians, ethnic minorities, transgender persons) might be denied baptism, ordination, and other privileges of the church pertain to their content of spirit substance from GOD. Indicators of readiness for baptism should appear that include enthusiasm; humility; willingness to have ones character, personality, relationships and reputation permanently changed by GOD; and willingness to perform necessary efforts to acquire new knowledge through fellowship with believers, meditation, prayer, unselfish service, and study of the holy writings.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood. (For example, (4.) Error and sin appear in ones life like the back of their head—always present, a part of their person, often visible to others, yet, unseen to oneself. No one fully escapes the bondage and consequences from error and sin without the operations of divine love shown through others like themselves. We are our brothers keeper; and members of the clergy are no less our brothers.) I trust this fragment will be useful. Even so, be it unto you according to your faith. Jesus is coming soon. Grow in grace.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
The earthly ministry of Jesus and his use of parables are in focus, today, with more on why there are multiple versions of the Bible. A writer at “Yahoo! Answers Malaysia” using the ID “Raphael” (Level 2 with 621 points, a member since April 17, 2011) posted the following originally asked on Yahoo Answers Canada:
How come jesus talked in parables?
He said himself somewhere that he talked in parables, does that mean his whole teaching is a parable? Well, except the 10 commandments?
THE BATTLE AXE: Why Not One Bible? (11/02/2013)—(5.) Throughout all time, what believers have possessed as holy writings have been only a fragment of the sacred information revealed by GOD to created beings and living creatures. Even so, salvation is to be by faith, not by educational attainments, knowledge and intellect. Faith is spirit matter found in the make-up and person of GOD, and may be imparted to the living. Faith is inseparable from other divine substance such as forgiveness, gratitude, holiness, love, truthfulness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. As a result, unity within the body of Christ appears through the person and presence of Christ, and is not merely by records, reports, and written testimonies. (6.) Individual accountability; unity among those separated by arbitrary differences and diversity that may include levels of development, academic knowledge, maturity, and social skills; justification through faith; salvation by grace (i.e., the operation of GOD) rather than by human works such as donating funds to charities, obedience to law, and observing religious rituals and traditions; and the believers liberty of conscience are crucial aspects of belief for all who accept death and rebirth through Jesus Christ. As a result, many forms of emphasis, expression, sacred practice and worship are pursued that spring from a common base, and that (before detailed examination) may appear as equally legitimate (see 2nd Corinthians 1: 4, Isaiah 61: 1-3, John 8: 31-34, Romans 6: 1-23, Romans 8: 1-18, Galatians 5: 13 and 2nd Corinthians 5: 10, KJV).
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly. The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he. (John 4: 16-26, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Jesus and the Pharisees (07/14/2013); How Could Angels Fall? (07/15/2013); Money-changers in The Temple? (06/23/2013); Believers and the Cross (06/24/2013); Why Jesus Authored No Books (05/01/2013); Recognizing True Prophets (05/02/2013); Faith, Language and “Mystery” (04/11/2013); GOD Knows Tomorrow? (04/12/2013)
“Raphael”, here are a few points often shared among Christian believers:
(1.) In the same way the ground must be cleared of brush, rocks, and tree stumps before it may be plowed, and furrows must be opened before seeds may be planted, parables (we say, object lessons, or narratives to explain and illustrate sacred doctrine) are used in operations performed by the Holy Spirit to arouse interest, introduce sacred themes from Scripture, and prepare the spirit to receive prophecy wherein a speaker communicates comfort, edification and exhortation.
(2.) The ministry of Jesus was that of a Rabbi and a prophet, and did not conform to all the customs, practices and traditions endorsed by those of the synagogues and the Temple. Until the appearance of John the Baptist, who had been a member of the priesthood, there had been no anointed prophet for more than 400 years. In addition to the anointed priests, the Temple community determining belief and standards throughout the nation included beggars, lawyers, money changers, politicians, and even tradesmen selling animals for sacrifice. The holy writings, their proclamations, promises from GOD and unfilled prophesies were less important and less well understood as a result of those at Jerusalem.
(3.) Jesus spoke and behaved with humility giving less attention to confrontations and issues centering in authority, specially the insistence upon obedience to the letter of the law from GOD without having insight and wisdom concerning the spirit of the law. Using parables, Jesus directed the people to focus upon comprehension, doctrine, and truth. They were to recognize that even miracles were in the nature of righteousness through faith.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood. (For example, (4.) The process of GOD for revelation, and for permanently implanting Christian belief has always been one of discovery and growth. There is no one who can tell another person everything they need to know in order to have full knowledge of the things from GOD. Yet, there are many who can share some parts of the full truth. Today, through fellowship with other followers of Jesus Christ, prayer, and study of the holy writings, it is for each believer to seek, recognize, confirm, harmonize, and fit together the many separate sacred things that have been provided from GOD. This is called exercising discernment, growing in grace, and walking in the spirit.) I trust this fragment will be useful. Even so, be it unto you according to your faith. Jesus is coming soon. Grow in grace.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
The existence of multiple versions of the Bible are topic, today, along with more on GOD speaking through music and song. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “orchidmg” (Level 7 with 92,112 points, a member since January 19, 2006) posted the following:
Why don't all Christians use the same Bible as Muslims use the same Koran over all these years?
I'm Catholic and have a Douey Rheims, that uses 'thy', 'thou' and the NAB (New American Bible). But Protestants and Lutherans and others use the KJV and NIV that had 6 books removed. Shouldn't all Christians be reading from the same Bible, the original English text from over 1000 yrs ago? Muslims don't have a dozen different versions of the Koran. Same with the Jews, they have one Torah.
THE BATTLE AXE: GOD Speaking Through Song? (11/01/2013)— (5.) In addition to meetings that are devoted entirely to prayer, or study of the Bible, many congregations hold “song service” meetings where church members all join in singing selected hymns. Full participation in singing is required during group worship, for it represents humility, offering, sacrifice, sanctification (i.e., cleansing, being set apart for service to GOD) as well as rejoicing and thanksgiving. While dance and movement pertain to prophetic demonstrations, songs allow use of devices such as lyrics and rhymes that are easily committed to memory, repetition, rhythm, simple melodies, and story-telling. Thereby, songs become major tools for teaching even difficult theological principles and doctrine, establishing a shared vocabulary of experience, and promoting genuine unity within the community of believers. (6.) All music does not embody or convey the Holy Spirit. Where GOD speaks using human agents, sacred song, and anointed music it is called “prophecy,” and the changes that appear among those who are listeners are not simply the result of sensations such as hearing, seeing and touching. The changes that occur appear through operations of the living divine spirit. In addition to celebration and up tempo music that dispels depression, fear and sorrow, the music ministry from GOD gives expression to a broad range of celestial purposes, and sacred utterance. Included are prophesies that serve as admonitions and warnings, adoration, calling the Holy Spirit into presence, comfort, commandments and divine law, confession, endorsement of sacred hopes, giving thanks, igniting zeal, intercession, lamentations and bereavement, meditations, memorial, petitions, praise, prayer, proclamation, promise, repentance, submission, and urging immediate action (exhortation). (See 1st Corinthians 14: 3, Ephesians 5: 17-21 and Colossians 3: 16-17, KJV.)
THE GOLDEN ARROW: There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. (Ephesians 4: 4-7, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why Bother to Read? (10/31/2013); GOD Speaks Through Songs? (11/01/2013); By Inspiration of GOD (10/27/2013); Never Taught It? (10/13/2013); Without Pointing A Finger? (10/14/2013)
“orchidmg”, to the praise of GOD and Christ, here are a few points many Christian believers have been encouraged by:
(1.) The holy writings are not the “font of all knowledge” for the believer. While the Scriptures provide many necessary assurances, examples and explanations important for spiritual growth, the imparted, indwelling Spirit from GOD (we say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Truth, the Spirit of Prophecy) must have place within the person of each believer. Through the Holy Spirit, all who seek GOD have experience of divinity revealed within, to, and through their own inner person.
(2.) In the same way the diversity of the rose, the many trees, the numberless ripples of water, or the many stars and cloud formations are pleasing to the Almighty, the body of believers continues to display multiple levels of knowledge, maturity, strength, and zeal. Diversity, distinct being, and imbalance generate spiritual exchange, growth, and movement that otherwise would not occur.
(3.) The importance and value of the holy writings are not by a strict sameness of their letter (we say, precise statement, literal wording) so much as by a sameness of intent, purpose, and spirit. Thus, where the 14 apocryphal books written after the Book of Malachi are missing from a peculiar collection, it should be understood there is a change in ministry and priesthood to mankind. John the Baptist is the next prophet to appear after the earlier tradition; and the ministry of Jesus is more clearly understood as establishing a covenant of divine indwelling through intimate interaction with the divine person.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood. (For example, (4.) While various communities of believers (we say, denominations) may endorse a peculiar presentation of the Scriptures, there is only one salvation from GOD through Jesus Christ. Men are to acknowledge, cooperate with, and yield to operations of GOD on behalf of created beings and living creatures. For, in the same way, they had no say in Creation, and may not boast and brag concerning the establishment of their own existence, they have no say in the necessary atonement and salvation that comes forth as the grace of GOD.) I trust this fragment will be useful. Even so, be it unto you according to your faith. Jesus is coming soon. Grow in grace.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Music ministry and prophecy are topics, today. Also, there is more on why we should read the Bible. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “MY” (Level 1 with 5 points, a member since August 26, 2013) posted the following:
Does God speak through songs?
When I was in the car, I decided to listen to music through my ipod since the radio is crap these days, then suddenly the music channel to listen to my iPod changed to a christian channel, and there was a song telling me not to give up, I will get to where I want to be, God loves me, etc. I feel God was talking to me because when I went back to the channel for my iPod, it was working. The song really spoke to my heart. Whenever I feel doubtful, I listen to that song. Does God speak through songs?
Additional Details
because now I feel like I will achieve my dreams in the future [with God's help] as it is God's desire for me as well.
THE BATTLE AXE: Why Bother to Read? (10/31/2013)— (4.) In the same way the character and personality of a man named John Jones is not changed when we call him JJ, Jones, Jonesie, or Jay, the spirit essence of the Bible is not changed by translation, or its presentation through the use of different languages. By means of multiple operations of the Holy Spirit, what would otherwise be defilement, or making the holy writings profane, is absolutely impossible. Those who foolishly burn or shred the physical pages that contain the holy writings are filled with the confusion, errors, ignorance and malice that come by idolatry. They can not understand there is nothing they can do to destroy the Bible, for the collection does not exist as an idol or thing to be worshiped. Mature Christian believers acknowledge that the Scriptures are more than products of human imagination, intellect, logic, and reason. The Scriptures are a divine tool recording truths in human experience and sacred events that make divinity known. As an appearance or incarnation of GOD, the Scriptures continue to reveal aspects of the GODhead by imparting and nourishing spirit content from Divine Person. Believers receive inseparable substance that includes faith, forbearance, forgiveness, gratitude, holiness, joy, longsuffering, meekness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. (See Acts 2: 4-18, Acts 8: 26-35, Revelation 7: 9-10, KJV.)
THE GOLDEN ARROW: The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. (Zephaniah 3: 17, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Moses Killed? (09/23/2013); A Divine Trickster? (09/02/2013); Recognizing True Prophets (05/02/2013); Jesus, A Party Animal? (05/03/2013); My Sheep Hear My Voice (03/08/2013); A Slaughter of Innocents (12/15/2012); Unexceptional Beginnings (11/22/2012); Believing Everything? (11/23/2012); The Priesthood of Kings? (10/17/2012); Childlike Faith (10/18/2012)
“MY”, here are a few points shared among many Christian believers that convince us GOD does use music and songs to speak to mankind:
(1.) In general, music and song appeal to our flesh through melody and rhythm as a form of sensation. Because we direct our hearing (we say, listen), and shift the focus in our thinking, music and song also may encourage shifts in our attitude and immediate disposition.
(2.) In the Bible, one of the earliest and most important records of music and song being used as prophecy (where GOD appears and speaks to mankind through human representatives) is the celebration by Miriam, the sister of Moses, and the women who had left Egypt. They encouraged all to acknowledge divine deliverance from Pharaoh and his chariots. Not only did they praise GOD with music and singing, they praised GOD through dance and movement. (See Exodus 15, KJV.)
(3.) Most congregations and assemblies of believers now include choirs and other forms of music ministry. In addition to traditional anthems, gospel music, hymns, and spirituals that have been handed down across generations, there are now expressions of faith and praise that include Christian rock, hip hop, jazz, Reggae, and other forms that are popular today.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood. (For example, (4.) When the ark of testimony was separated from the Tabernacle under King Saul, David, who followed as King of Israel, and who was also anointed by Samuel to prophesy, instituted reforms that included courses (we say, schedules) for service by the priests and Levites, and a continuing music ministry (we say, liturgy) that would prophesy as an aspect of worship.) I trust this fragment will be useful. Even so, be it unto you according to your faith. Jesus is coming soon. Grow in grace.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
