For our first time in 2014, we take up the Scriptures on Scripture format to acknowledge that Christian believers often do not speak and think in accordance with their own carnal, material and social experience, because all are to respond to guidance and instruction from GOD that comes by the imparted, indwelling Spirit.
SOME THOUGHTS ON
12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1st Corinthians 2: 12-14, KJV)
Exodus 4: 11-13 (KJV) 11 And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD? 12 Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say. 13 And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send.
Deuteronomy 4: 5-10 (KJV) 5 Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. 6 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. 7 For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for? 8 And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? 9 Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons; 10 Specially the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children.
Psalms 25: 8-9 (KJV) 8 Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way. 9 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.
Proverbs 9: 8-10 (KJV) 8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. 9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. 10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
Isaiah 2: 2-4 (KJV) 2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. 3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. 4 And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
Isaiah 28: 24-29 (KJV) 24 Doth the plowman plow all day to sow? doth he open and break the clods of his ground? 25 When he hath made plain the face thereof, doth he not cast abroad the fitches, and scatter the cummin, and cast in the principal wheat and the appointed barley and the rie in their place? 26 For his God doth instruct him to discretion, and doth teach him. 27 For the fitches are not threshed with a threshing instrument, neither is a cart wheel turned about upon the cummin; but the fitches are beaten out with a staff, and the cumin with a rod. 28 Bread corn is bruised; because he will not ever be threshing it, nor break it with the wheel of his cart, nor bruise it with his horsemen. 29 This also cometh forth from the LORD of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working.
Matthew 5: 18-20 (KJV) 18 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. 19 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. 20 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.
Matthew 28: 19-20 (KJV) 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 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.
1st Timothy 6: 3-5 (KJV) 3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
John 14: 22-27 (KJV) 22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me. 25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Job 36: 7-12 (KJV) 7 He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous: but with kings are they on the throne; yea, he doth establish them for ever, and they are exalted. 8 And if they be bound in fetters, and be holden in cords of affliction; 9 Then he sheweth them their work, and their transgressions that they have exceeded. 10 He openeth also their ear to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity. 11 If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures. 12 But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge.
1st Peter 1: 13 (KJV) 13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually understood. I ask readers to share Scriptures they feel should be added in the Comments area (see example, below). I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Whether we commit sin just by thinking certain thoughts is the topic, today. Also, there is more on how life and salvation are through contributions both divine and human. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “to be or not to be” (Level 5 with 5,482 points, a member since May 03, 2012) posted the following:
Can something that happens only in your mind constitute a sin?
You don’t do it. Its not actually happening. You’re just thinking.
THE BATTLE AXE: GOD Does the Divine Part (01/05/2014)—While the divine intent is that mortal man be permanently changed and transformed to exist as immortal and incorruptible, none are automatically condemned or destroyed for merely being human and having to face the many challenges and weaknesses that come by life in the flesh. Correctly acknowledging the grace of GOD (some say, divine love), and embracing the provisions through Jesus Christ, believers receive additional spirit content that allows sinners and those falling short of divine standards to overcome many trials, and willingly prepare themselves for the further operation of GOD through the Holy Spirit. New knowledge must be acquired, new relationships must be explored and experienced, new habits and practices must be taken up and continued as ones own personal intent and sacred goals. Jesus Christ has demonstrated that flesh and Spirit combine to form a “new creature” and a new Creation within the universe of GOD. Salvation itself is completely prepared and completed as the act of GOD; and it is completely up to the believer when, where, with what words of praise and thanksgiving, or how they will submit themselves to be sealed, or acknowledge and express gratitude to GOD for their deliverance. See 2nd Corinthians 5: 17, 2nd Corinthians 9: 15, Romans 6: 1-14, Romans 7: 18-25 and Revelation 21: 5, King James Version.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: 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. Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing. Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. (Matthew 5: 20-28, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Discerner of the Thoughts and Intents (10/28/2013); We Shall Behold Him (10/17/2013); Angels, Law and Sin (10/18/2013); Jesus and the Pharisees (07/14/2013); Heart, Brain or Spirit? (10/09/2013); How Could Angels Fall? (07/15/2013)
“to be or not to be”, things that happen in the mind may constitute pleasure, and may become habit, idols, and obstacles to praising GOD (see Ephesians 2: 1-8, KJV). Here are a few points Christian believers are encouraged to keep in mind:
(1.) Like the heart (we say, feelings, imagination) the mind is a peculiar opening where things from outside a person may enter, and become a continuing aspect of their character and personality. More than this, the content of ones heart and mind may alter and influence the content of their spirit. Many cautions and warnings are therefore provided in the Scriptures to the sons of the king and future rulers that acknowledge the unseen connections that produce behavior and conduct. Consider again, As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he; and evil things come from within and defile a man (Proverbs 23: 6-7; Mark 7: 14-23, KJV.)
(2.) Jesus did not introduce a new commandment condemning adultery; however, he taught that believers should practice keeping that and other laws with a greater commitment to, and understanding of righteousness. When a man deliberately focuses upon a woman as an expression of lust and passion, this is that form of sin called “iniquity”. Furthermore, sexual joining is not simply a physical act, it is also emotional, psychological and spiritual. Thus, just as true love may be expressed, fornication may occur with an act as simple as holding hands. (Matthew 5: 28, KJV)
(3.) In the same way we are held accountable for the expression of anger and other feelings displayed as products of self-will, all must answer in judgment to other aspects of their inner content as created beings and living creatures. A defining endowment of breath from GOD (we say, spirit that makes us what we are; the breath of life) absolutely must remain recognizable and visible to GOD. (See Proverbs 16: 32; Proverbs 25: 28 and Psalms 19: 12-14, KJV.)
There is far more to be said, properly shared, and spiritually understood. (For example (4.) Divine judgment does center upon behavior and conduct recorded in the books of life, yet, the actual focus is ones spirit content. There is no need that the devil or any other figure appear to accuse the sinner; all are judged by the record of their own deeds. In the same way blood is a container that carries and transfers life essence (we say, sprit) and is not itself the “spark of life,” actions are the vessels that convey consciousness of divinity, sacred intent, and eternal purpose.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties. (Psalms 141: 3-4, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
The cooperation of flesh and Spirit to establish life and salvation are considered; and there is no BATTLE AXE, today. A “Yahoo! Answers (New Zealand)” writer using the ID “steve” (Level 1 with 232 points, a member since 26 November 2013) posted the following originally asked at Yahoo Answers United States:
I'm not going to do anything; god will do all the work?
Rational?
I'm a theist. I really have no other way. God explains all, besides himself.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. (1st Corinthians 1: 26-31, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Place of GOD (06/01/2013); The Divine Use of a Human Life (04/23/2013); Quoting Scripture to GOD? (04/24/2013); Acknowledging Divinity? (03/30/2013); The Benefit of Grace (03/19/2013); Magical Resurrection? (03/20/2013); Our Need for a Son (03/04/2013); Spirit Matter (10/21/2012)
“steve”, here are a few points that agree with Bible teachings, and that have made a difference in the understanding of many Christian believers:
(1.) In the same way created beings and living creatures had no say in their own creation or that of the environment provided by GOD for their existence, there are many other divine operations where only GOD has full authority, and input. Included are damnation, incarnation, judgment, prophecy, re-birth, redemption, resurrection, salvation, and sanctification.
(2.) In the same way, the intellect, logic, reason, and science of finite beings does not eliminate crime, sin, and wickedness; full release and recovery from the consequences and effects of error can not be achieved without the action and presence of GOD.
(3.) GOD is a spirit who has generated carnal, material and spirit matter. Sin is no thing created or put forth by GOD, and has no spirit content. Yet, sin has direction, effect and presence, and may dominate awareness and self-will in created beings and living creatures as an artifact of their existence as distant and separate from the Almighty.
There is far more to be said, properly shared, and spiritually understood. (For example (4.) Sin can not be eliminated without widespread destruction and upheaval throughout the universe of GOD. The appearance of GOD in flesh as Jesus Christ has not eliminated sin; however, the books of life and records of sin that must be used in judgment now can be altered and amended through the atoning blood of Jesus. Both Spirit and flesh must act in concert, and the frameworks of time, space and relationship must all be correctly acknowledged and employed to accomplish life. On the one hand, the potential for spiritual confusion is increased; on the other hand, divine person and purpose are revealed with greater clarity and completeness.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. (1st Corinthians 1: 25, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Apostasy, atheists, repentance and divine love are all topics, today. The writer at “Yahoo! Answers Malaysia” using the ID “Philipp” (Level 1 with 87 points, a member since December 01, 2013) posted the following originally asked at Yahoo Answers United States:
Am I an apostate? Christians only!?
Hi,
Im a Christian, i believe Jesus Christ is the son of god and I really love him. There's just one thing that bothers me: My friend and I had fun saying things like "Allah akbar". Of course I DID believe in Jesus that time, but that is driving me crazy. Just take a look at hebrews 6:4..... And yes, i have already been to the preacher, He just meant that I did not commit apostasy as God, the maker of heaven and earth, knows that I never left him. Please tell me your opinion!
THE BATTLE AXE: As GOD Loves Us? (01/03/2013)—As the creation of GOD, the life of the atheist is precious. However, the message of the atheist has absolutely no benefit or value to the Spirit of those in Christ either in heaven, or anywhere upon the entire earth. On the one hand, no one loves the way GOD loves, yet, all who believe love as incarnations of the Holy One. Thus, those who deny the existence of GOD, also fail to recognize the outpouring of divine love from GOD through the actions and presence of Christian believers. The Gospel of Jesus Christ only goes forward through holy boldness, faithfulness, kindness, and unselfishness. Many frameworks and mechanisms are already in place as expressions of divine love for strangers from Christ, and for those who are unbelievers, long before they make any decision to become committed followers. Included are atonement, forbearance, forgiveness, proclamations, promises, and prophecy. To do the work of unselfishly carrying divine love and proclaiming the word of GOD to atheists and others, Christian believers must continually acknowledge as did Jesus, that the doctrine and works are not their own, and that every aspect of the ministry that appears (in word or deed) is through the operations of GOD. With this in view, an atheist may be shown the love of GOD from the new divine content within a committed believer; and necessary transfers of virtue may occur. At the very same moment, the believer may experience such feelings as disgust, distrust, doubt, fear, godly sorrow, suspicion, and uncertainty, for that minister is still a material being upon the earth. Just as believers rely upon the love and righteousness of Jesus for their own justification in judgment, believers can not justify those to whom they are sent, and must rely upon GOD to appear through themselves as instruments of divine love as well as to shield themselves against bitterness, defilement, hate and malice toward Christ (see John 14: 10, Mark 5: 30, Luke 8: 46, Hebrews 12: 14-17 and Jude 1: 21-23; KJV). Because those who label themselves “atheist” often behave as blasphemers, destroyers, mockers, scorners, wasters, and those who lack the necessary meekness that invites the operations of the Holy Spirit, believers are to avoid unnecessary association and contact with them. While human need for salvation is a common ground, believers are not to invite conflict and quarrels. Similarly, the love of many believers will appear to be cold as they dutifully practice sacred disciplines, and properly apply divine cautions against antichrist and false prophets to all their interactions and personal relationships (see Luke 14: 25-27 and 1st John 4: 1-3, KJV).
THE GOLDEN ARROW: My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. (1st John 2: 1-6, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Resisting Sin (12/21/2013);When People Covet (12/22/2013); How Could Angels Fall? (07/15/2013); The Love of GOD (03/03/2013); Our Need for a Son (03/04/2013); The Backslider (09/13/2012); What He Died For (09/14/2012)
“Philipp”, you have put many of us on the spot who want to respond to you, because you have called for other “opinions”, rather than instruction from the word of GOD, or the understanding of fellow believers. As a result, the points I share, below, may be correct only for young Christian believers who are actively looking to continue their walk with the Lord:
(1.) The advantage and great gift we have through Jesus Christ is one of an intimate, personal relationship with GOD wherein we are no longer objects before a remote Creator, we are sons, daughters, children, and friends. Born again, we must develop, encounter growing pains, and learn all over again while continuing to exist in the earth as mortals. GOD accepts, understands, and has provided for our gradual change and responses to divine love and eternal salvation (see 1st John 2: 1-6, KJV).
(2.) To many, the prodigal son in the parable was arrogant, greedy, foolish, and immature. The boy was not ready for the responsibilities of money and an independent life (some would say, college and campus life). When he awakened to the desperate situation he had put himself in, he also condemned himself as unworthy of the further love, respect, and trust he knew his father would give to his sons. He resolved to go home hoping to beg for employment, not for forgiveness (see Luke 15: 10-32, KJV).
There is far more to be said, properly shared, and spiritually understood. For example, instead of looking back in fear, look ahead in expectation of promise. Begin to declare where your Christian walk is going, and what you will actually do to serve, share, and be more fruitful in commitment. Most of us would greatly benefit by increased efforts in any and all the areas of sacred practice. Included are fasting, giving, meditation, prayer, study of the holy writings, and visiting those sick or shut out (see Proverbs 24: 16 and Psalms 37: 5-11, KJV). Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. (1st Corinthians 12: 3, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Atheists, divine love, and the love of Christian believers are in view, today. Also, there is more on justice and lawful revenge. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Madyson” (Level 1 with 135 points, a member since December 24, 2013) posted the following:
Christians, do you love us Atheists like God loves us?
THE BATTLE AXE: Lawful Revenge? (01/02/2014)—Many confuse justice with retribution (we say, get back and pay back). Such persons understand equity and fairness as a matter of “sameness” (those who attack or hurt me should suffer the exact same way that I suffer). However, to correctly establish justice is not always a matter of parity. Often imbalance may be removed by a 60/40 or 70/30 solution in place of the 50/50. The violence of a community against transgressors is usually accounted as acceptable given that, where individuals seek to exalt their own will against consensus and law, patterns of extreme and unbalanced emotional and mental functioning tend to appear that cancel productive communication, logic, reason, and interpersonal exchange. Saying this another way: Offenders call forth violence upon themselves by displaying arrogance, lack of remorse, persistence, pride, selfishness and unwillingness to cooperate with, or submit to the law. In divine judgment, grace and mercy come into view as eternal aspects of divinity, divine prerogative, and expressions of the sovereign will of GOD. Thus, those who despise mercy are denied mercy, and those who do not at first submit to GOD willingly must do so by the force of truth revealed as Jesus Christ (see Romans 9: 15-17, James 2: 13 and Revelation 1: 7, KJV).
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; (Hebrews 3: 12-14, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Kicked Out By Parents? (11/27/2013); Before Getting Baptized? (11/28/2013); Salvation for Atheists (06/14/2013); Church is Good (06/15/2013); Foolish For Not Believing? (03/22/2013); Science and the Laws of Nature? (03/23/2013); On Producing Atheists (03/16/2013); The Children, not the Dogs (03/17/2013)
“Madyson”, few Christians achieve their goals for divine love and perfection while still caught up in the many life conflicts and struggles that are part of continuing as carnal, material and social beings upon the earth. Even so, believers are commanded to love as the Father loves, and are endowed with divine spirit that makes possible their godly responses to enemies as well as to intimate dear ones.
The Bible also includes strong warnings against those who are not part of the life and work for Christian believers (see 2nd Corinthians 2: 16 and 2nd Timothy 3: 1-5, KJV). Atheists are not a part of the priesthood in Christ. Therefore, few atheists contain the same divine spirit substance provided by GOD to Christians; and so atheists often frustrate the godly efforts from followers of Jesus. This is true even for acts to show kindness, love, prayer, reflection, sharing, and worship. Many Christians, whose development may be in early stages, become sick in spirit as they deal with daily attacks, indifference and insults made by those promoting themselves as atheists. Where a believer’s proper care for the salvation of others (many say, a burden for souls) is belittled and despised, he or she may feel a great anguish, despair, and sense of loss knowing the darkness a sinner will face without the divine provisions in Christ. Other believers may react with what seems to be anger, or bitterness that, in fact, is the Spirit of GOD appearing as wrath against sin.
There is far more to be said, properly shared, and understood as true spirit content from GOD. For example, every person’s salvation is from divine grace, not from their own desire, passion, and finite will. New relationship to GOD at first comes only by multiple operations and sacred events carried out by the Spirit of GOD. A sinner or unbeliever must experience many sweeping and permanent changes. They must be born again from divine DNA, so to speak, and to receive the divine nature. Once born again and endowed with content from the person of GOD, the believer must “grow up” again, and mature having new knowledge, and new aspects of self-will. Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Grow in grace.
He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? (Micah 6: 8, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Justice through law is the topic, today. Also, there is more on all believers being chosen to serve as prophets. A “Yahoo! Answers India” writer using the ID “Gody” (Level 1 with 183 points, a member since 25 September 2013) posted the following first asked at Yahoo Answers United States:
Revenge: Vengeance has been rapid since Cain killed Abel: Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.?
Will God fogegive all those that have done it?
THE BATTLE AXE: Chosen To Serve As Prophets (01/01/2013)—(4.) Because all Christian believers are endowed with special knowledge of divine operations, sacred promises, and eternal purposes there is also a great risk of conflict, disagreement, pride and spiritual confusion within a congregation of believers (some say, the leaven of the Pharisees). False prophets, heretics and liars may present themselves; however, they are easily detected as showing a different nature and having goals and objectives that do not edify, or nourish the full body. In addition, then, to balance, humility, longsuffering, patience, and stability, believers acquire a love for decorum and order as well as discernment, flexibility, self-discipline, and restraint. Specific commandments are recorded to ensure that sacred practice may continue as fragrant and fruitful. For those in the church, today, proper application, comprehension and skill employing sacred gifts must be developed through gradual and repeated operations of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, none should immediately assume that their gifts are mature and perfected, or account themselves “holier” than others. To contain a gift only indicates that one is fit to be used by GOD, not that they independently possess authority, power and sovereign majesty. (See Luke 12: 1-3, James 1: 16-18, 1st Corinthians 12: 27-29, 1st Corinthians 14: 29-33 and 37-40, 1st Timothy 3: 14-16 and 1st John 4: 5-7, KJV.)
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him: But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God. (Ecclesiastes 8: 11-13, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: What’s The Way Out? (04/20/2013); A Kindness to Mary? (04/21/2013); Why So Much Murder? (01/12/2013); Confusion 2013 (01/13/2013); Put Every Man His Sword By His Side (01/01/2013); The Common Danger (01/02/2013); Justice Comes by Love? (10/01/2012); A Daily Revelation? (10/02/2012)
“Gody”, many Christian believers now hold a peculiar idea of what is meant by “revenge” and “vengeance”. Here are a few points that might help make it clearer for your readers:
(1.) Carried out through the mechanism of the law, revenge and vengeance are called “justice”. The many sacred provisions for godly justice include warning and admonition; atonement; correction and demonstration (i.e., instruction as to what one should do to avoid repeating errors they have already committed); death; forbearance; forgiveness; judgment (we say, truth-finding); healing; mercy; penance; perdition; punishment; and rebirth in baptism.
(2.) Divine judgment is best understood as a further aspect of revelation, and the various sacred operations used to make the action and presence of divinity known to created beings and living creatures. As such, judgment is always, only a blessing, for judgment resolves all conflicts, settles every dispute, and restores peace through law. Even more than Creation or Salvation, judgment provides the clearest view of divine righteousness, and dispels spiritual confusion.
There is far more to be said, properly shared, and understood as true spirit content from GOD. (For example, (3.) Peace is never the outcome of war; peace only comes by genuine judgment. Just as war cannot destroy all life; imbalance, imperfection, injustice, and sin are not sufficient to destroy divine existence. These elements clearly generate arbitrary and undirected change of divine order (we say, disaster, evil, upheaval). Because many think to establish justice as a personal expression apart from law, these same elements support presumption (taking authority to oneself without permission), rebellion, and violence. Elimination of sin cannot be accomplished relying only upon finite intellect, logic, reason, and science among mortal men, nor among angels—those neither mortal nor immortal.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Grow in grace.
GOD has said: If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2nd Chronicles 7: 14, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Happy New Year, everyone! Today, focus is upon the duty and privilege of prophecy. Also, there is more on being tested. A writer at “Yahoo! Answers India” using the ID “King” (Level 2 with 430 points, a member since 09 October 2013) posted the following:
What are the qualities one should possess so that god choose him as prophet?
Or prophets are self declared?
THE BATTLE AXE: Continuously Tested (12/31/2013)—(5.) Christian believers must encounter the same difficulty or success as all others alive upon the earth. However, by applying spirit substance, and continuously focusing upon the spirit content and value for things, believers transform their awareness, and all things are experienced in terms of their divine purpose, and eternal benefit. Saying this another way: A believer’s certainty of divine love and the holy presence of GOD becomes completely understood and visible for them as they use their own power from GOD to endure, overcome, persevere, and triumph. Making life choices for ourselves, on behalf of loved ones, and in devotion to the Almighty transforms affliction (we say, hardship). Obstacles become stepping stones; burdens become tools for achieving strength; and the things we once cursed and swore about using profanity become the cause and source for gratitude, joy, praise, and giving of thanks. Indispensable spiritual focus and insights are acquired. See John 16: 33, Psalms 119: 67, 71, and 75; Colossians 3: 12-13, Galatians 5: 13-26, 1st Peter 4: 14-16, 1st Peter 5: 6-11 and 1st John 5: 1-6, King James Version.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And Moses went out, and told the people the words of the LORD, and gathered the seventy men of the elders of the people, and set them round about the tabernacle. And the LORD came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, that, when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease. But there remained two of the men in the camp, the name of the one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad: and the spirit rested upon them; and they were of them that were written, but went not out unto the tabernacle: and they prophesied in the camp. And there ran a young man, and told Moses, and said, Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp. And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them. And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the LORD’S people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them! (Numbers 11: 24-29, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why Jesus Used Parables (11/03/2013); Denying Baptism to Others (11/04/2013); GOD Speaking Through Song? (11/01/2013); Why Not One Bible? (11/02/2013); Moses Killed? (09/23/2013); Salted with Fire? (09/24/2013); Jesus and the Pharisees (07/14/2013); How Could Angels Fall? (07/15/2013); Recognizing True Prophets (05/02/2013); Jesus, A Party Animal? (05/03/2013)
“King”, here are a few points shared among Christian believers you should also consider:
(1.) The role of “prophet” (an appointed individual who serves as a spokesperson for GOD) began with Adam, was continued through the Patriarchs such as Enoch, Noah and Abraham, and was powerfully demonstrated through Moses, Samuel, Huldah (a woman), Elijah, and many others. Their life experience as carnal, material, and social beings did not prepare them for their sacred work so much as their experience of, and participation in sacred events initiated and started by GOD, or divine responses to displays of extreme need (we say, cries for deliverance, despair and desperation) as well as human actions that revealed humility, love and unselfishness. Included, then, were such events as fasting, meditation, miraculous birth, offerings and sacrifices, prayer, and angelic visitations.
(2.) To submit to GOD is to allow and embrace permanent changes in ones inner makeup that then continuously appear in their consciousness, their routine functioning (e.g., attitudes, behavior, conduct), and their sense of purpose (goals, intent, motives, objectives). Through baptism, a believer is “born again” as if having divine DNA. Substance from GOD is imparted, and operates within the awareness and self-will of the believer. Rebirth is instantaneous, however, the believer must learn, grow and mature over time, and by continuing to meet life challenges and “growing pains.”
There is far more to be said, properly shared, and spiritually understood. (For example, (3.) All who receive the Holy Spirit through the ministries of Jesus Christ, and become anchored in the holy writings, are endowed with knowledge and power that equips them to serve as spokespersons of GOD. The Spirit of Prophecy (also called the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Truth) works throughout the full body of believers, and does not reside only in church officials, clergy, and special officers.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Grow in grace.
If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. (John 7: 17, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
