Today, reply is made on the Old and New Testament being both part of a single divine revelation wherein GOD is Father to all. The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “OkieDevil” (Level 2 with 839 points, a member since January 21, 2017) posted the following:
Why do Christians still worship the Old Testament when Jesus says the God of the OT is the Devil? NOT His God...?
John 8 41-44 "The only Father we have is God himself." 42Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own; God sent me. 43Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. 44You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. (Ephesians 2: 13-18, King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Fellowship With the Father (06/13/2017); The Fullness of GOD? (05/21/2017); Human Nature, Divine Spirit? (05/18/2017); That GOD Is Immutable (05/04/2017); Proclaiming A New Kingdom? (04/13/2017); The Complete Divine Revelation? (03/10/2017); Exalted By The Father? (01/26/2017)
“OkieDevil”, here are some ideas that have helped many avoid spiritual confusion: there is only one complete divine revelation. Because a believer’s focus on the things of GOD must be broad and inclusive, it also must be strictly ordered and structured. Mature Christian believers are called into the understanding that created beings and living creatures must receive from GOD the revelation that makes knowable and known the fullness and totality of divinity (we say, the GODhead—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). The sacred knowledge provided to mankind through promise, prophecy, and the holy writings bring together multiple streams of truth that extend to events before the frameworks of time and space. GOD shares a divine perspective on natural occurrences, sacred operations, and eternal purposes using thousands of events, occurring within thousands of lives, over the course of thousands of years.
Given Deity is immutable, incorruptible, and unchanging, many elements are fixed that display diversity (like the rose or tulips), do not change; and there are continuous, incomplete unfolding (we say, progression), rather than discrete, one-time events. Because relationships with mankind are interrupted by mortality (death, disease, dying), devices and mechanisms have been employed to establish continuity and stability that include covenants, dynasty, family, inheritance, priesthood, and sanctification.
We speak of intimate and personal relationship with GOD to acknowledge that divinity is more than an abstract, academic, and hypothetical construct. Even so, GOD is an invisible, yet, active presence (we also say, breath, life essence, a spirit, word) who must be known and “seen” by his divine fruitage (effects, outcomes, products). Consider again the following:
(1.) Deuteronomy 14: 1-2, King James Version (KJV): 1 Ye are the children of the LORD your God: ye shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead. 2 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.
(2.) Romans 10: 2-4, KJV: 2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
(3.) Romans 11: 28-33, KJV: 28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the father’s sakes. 29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. 30 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: 31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. 32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. 33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Romans 8: 5-9, KJV: 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Today, focus is on teens, and whether or not there are sacred events occurring in a secular world. A sinner becoming a Christian is a developmental process (i.e., an extended series of events that yield gradual growth and learning), and occurs as a transformation completed by GOD. Baptism, confirmation, and other events to acknowledge increased accountability, independence, and legitimacy for ones full membership within the church should not be taken as authority and license to pass judgment on and separate from the congregation. Because of their impatience, presumption, and relying upon academic knowledge, secular reports and modern technology, many children and young adults in the church will become blinded, and robbed of their inheritance won through Jesus Christ. Deceived, these will “drop out” and quit the church before they have been anointed and supplied with the tools for adult faith, and godly service. The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data provided) posted the following:
Why is it that nothing spiritual or religious happens these days?
I mean there are no religious people doing miracles or anything. We don't hear stories of spirits or anything really. It almost seems like religion is becoming obsolete. This is probably why teens like me are moving away from religion more and more. The advancements in science and technology are very appealing and probably boosting this situation.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. (Hebrews 4: 2, King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: What Young People Need? (06/26/2017); Growth Is Through Edification (06/20/2017); On Expecting Quick Results (11/07/2016); Discipline and The Cross (06/16/2016); Waiting For His Appearing (02/09/2016); Growing Up Again? (12/09/2015); Wanting To Know When? (10/18/2015)
“Anonymous”, it is not that “nothing is going on,” or that what’s going on is “top secret” so much as that it’s classified as “for___eyes only.” GOD is a spirit who regularly uses materials and processes that are invisible and unseen to flesh. Christian believers are given several gifts and tools to “keep up with” the ongoing spiritual changes, sacred events (we say, miracles), and proclamations of divine fulfillment for recorded promises and prophecies. Every sinner who turns to GOD through Jesus Christ is to become endowed with spirit content from the makeup of divinity through baptism and rebirth. Included are faith, forbearance, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Selected believers will serve having a “double portion” (so to speak) of such spiritual gifts as discernment, faith, insight, and meekness that are crucial to edifying the full church.
In the same way, one must turn their head to direct their eyes when using the gift of sight, one must concentrate their focus on the things from GOD when using spiritual gifts, rather than focus on things from the world, the flesh, or the occult. The active presence and revelation of GOD can not be apprehended without using the primary tools for acquiring sacred knowledge and performing sacred practices (we say, observing sacraments): there must be focus, discernment and meekness. Discernment is the ability to use ones own spirit content from the makeup of GOD as a standard to recognize and respond to the spirit substance residing within events, other persons, the holy writings, etc. Meekness (often called, humility) is the willingness to be led by and express divine guidance and instruction as well as to undergo multiple permanent changes carried out by the Holy Spirit.
Many of the divine works necessary for sacred operations (such as atonement, resurrection, salvation and sanctification) have already been completed. There is still “unfinished business” such as the conclusion of judgment using the second death, and the allotment of homes upon the new earth as well as within the New Jerusalem. Even so, the divine processes for believers now center in displaying and maintaining revealed truth. Foremost in Christian lives should be elements indicating maturity and sobriety (e.g., balance, consistency, faith, respect, reverence, stability, trust). Believers have been told “what to expect next” (we say, hope for) by a sovereign whose nature, will and word are immutable, incorruptible, and unchanging. There are not likely to be any “surprises”. Consider again the following:
(1.) Psalms 25: 8-10, King James Version (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. 10 All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.
(2.) Psalms 25: 12-14, KJV: 12 What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose. 13 His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth. 14 The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.
(3.) 1st Corinthians 2: 12-14, KJV: 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.
There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) 1st Thessalonians 4: 15-18, KJV: 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Today, focus is on why life expressing Christian belief is described as ministry, unselfish service, and suffering. Christians should be thought of as “sinners in transition,” and not as those who are already flawless and perfect. Believers are to develop obedience, sacred knowledge, and full understanding by meeting life challenges and engaging in sacred experiences while on the earth. They then emerge as a new creation through divine operations of faith, expectation (we say, hope), promise, and prophecy. More important than individual achievement, self-promotion, and the things from our material world, are the shared and vicarious experiences of oneness without sameness, and of the spirit content from GOD deposited within the body of believers. A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “….” (Level 6 with 17,824 points, a member since December 28, 2007) posted the following:
Why do Christians have all the answers for everyone else but none for themselves when trouble comes?
They suffer as much as anyone else and die like anyone else. If God does nothing for us in this life while we have faith in Him to do so how can we know in the next life if he will or not like in this life?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. (Romans 8: 22-25, King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Transformation Not Obedience Alone (07/02/2017); Christianity Is Not Mindless (05/02/2017); Proclaiming A New Kingdom? (04/13/2017); The Gift of Humility (02/19/2017); Servants To The Body? (01/17/2017); The Transfiguration of Christ (11/14/2016); Instruments in His Ministry? (10/07/2016)
“….”, for mature Christian believers, the relationship of Creator and created now is on the basis of faith, promise, and things that are to come. The process that appears as Christian belief is intended to manifest (make known and visible) the active presence who is GOD, and further reveals the fullness of divinity (we say, the GODhead—the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). The transformation of sinners to become immortal, incorruptible companions to Deity is not a sudden, one-time event; what is called “salvation” is accomplished through multiple sacred operations. Included are atonement, death, forgiveness, judgment, priesthood, prophecy, rebirth, regeneration, resurrection, and sanctification. Followers of Jesus Christ all must become “born again,” “grow up again” and mature as offspring of GOD who contain divine DNA, so to speak. Inseparable aspects of the spirit makeup of GOD must be received such as faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, person, wisdom and wrath against sin. While believers may now be spoken of as adopted through the Holy Spirit, sons and daughters of GOD, and joint-heirs with Christ, there has not yet been the full endowment of spirit gifts and substance crucial for eternal life. Believers have been given an earnest or “good-faith payment” by demonstrations of the Spirit within congregations and communities of faith. While all might not be able to display or perform in specific ways, or show themselves equally capable and mature, the gifts and enabling by GOD often may be clearly seen in the lifestyles, living routines, and service of clergy, ordinary believers, men, women, and children. Like our Savior, all Christians are to be seen as ministers, servants and agents carrying out the will of the Father. Consider again the following:
(1.) 2nd Peter 1: 2-4, King James Version (KJV): 2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
(2.) Mark 10: 45, KJV: 45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
(3.) 2nd Corinthians 5: 4-10, KJV: 4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. 5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. 6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
(4.) Romans 8: 5-9, KJV: 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) Romans 8: 14-17, KJV: 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Today, reply is on incest and the divine process for populating the earth. While mankind and other living creatures are evaluated using immutable patterns and regularities we may call divine order, natural law, and sacred law, existence for the three persons of divine fullness does not require measurement against fixed standards. Where the focus for communication, exchange and interaction (we say, relationship) is to be in continual contact as companions to immortal, incorruptible divinity, reproduction may be understood as a mechanical process, rather than one of commitment, exclusive devotion, and obedience to the sovereign will of a Creator. Adam (the first pair), and their offspring that included Noah and those from the ark, did not come under divine condemnation for having to use sexual reproduction among themselves to populate the earth. One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:
How do Bible "literal-ist's" (creationists) reconcile with the rampant incest required between Adam, Eve, and their children?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. (Genesis 1: 27-28, King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Divine Inheritance and Resurrection? (07/06/2016); Incest? (10/29/2015); Asked To Teach On Adam? (10/30/2015); Scandal and Sin Among Believers? (06/05/2015); A Second Adam? (03/25/2013); GOD Hiding in Plain Sight (03/26/2013)
“Anonymous”, I can’t speak for what you call “Bible literal-ists”, however, as a mature Christian believer I can share some points that do not always come into view among atheists, disbelievers, scoffers, and those wanting to be called “scientists”. In order to correctly examine and benefit from the things that describe divinity, a person should employ a system of connected attitudes, beliefs, focus, sacred knowledge and divine spirit content such as Christianity. In the same way, the operations of GOD to establish heaven and earth were not carried out on the basis of existing natural laws, in the Creation divinity did not respond to the episodic and temporal emotions, feelings and thoughts of finite beings, or to what might result as their social conventions, customs, and traditions. Mankind was conceived and emanated as a living creature who would continue in the image and process of GOD. Law was organic, and existed within consciousness and self-will as aspects of the makeup of living creatures, and was not provided as a mechanism to restore lost spirit substance or replace the active presence of Deity. Going further, the demands for divine judgment centered in determining duration, meaning, quality and value. There was no need to resolve conflicts and settle disputes among the living by applying sanctions and standards from a comprehensive legal structure for law.
The definitions, quality of life, and values among mankind that have developed within the frameworks of time, space, and material existence have appeared on the basis of finite secular knowledge and human data management. By contrast, the Bible documents and records commandments, covenants, and instruction from GOD for maintaining priesthood, sacred practices (we say, sacraments), divine promises, and prophecy. Such features as childrearing, family, lifestyles, and marriage come into view as instruments and tools for revelation. Few people would argue that Adam and Eve were poor parents because they did not send their children to good public and parochial schools, and did not save and properly manage the money in their children’s’ college fund. Such elements were nonexistent and irrelevant.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Today, reply is made on Christians celebrating the 4th of July as being “of the world” and, therefore, a sin. Divinity may use families, nations, and even individuals as instruments and tools to demonstrate and fulfill sacred operations, eternal purposes, judgment, and revelation. Throughout the holy writings there are accounts that speak of cities, towns and regions as if they were female (e.g., daughters, mothers, etc.). The principle of “incarnation” is in effect whereby communities and households of faith embody or fail to display spirit content from the makeup of GOD. Through its people chosen by GOD in the person of Jesus Christ, nations receive anointing, deposits, endowments, seed, and unction that are inseparable aspects of the divine makeup. Also included are sacred substance and spirit content such as faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, meekness, wisdom, wrath against sin, and zeal. One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data appears) posted the following:
Christians, isn't it a sin to celebrate 4th of July?
be in the world but not of the world
if you love the world and the things in it the love of The Father is not in you
Also God is disapointed with usa for lgbt and destruction is coming and a tsunami
THE GOLDEN ARROW: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. (John 3: 16-21, King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Fulfillment of His Dream? (04/05/2017); Installing The New President (01/20/2017); Cultural, Political, Spiritual Growth? (07/10/2016); American Culture and Law? (07/13/2015); Jesus As America’s President? (05/20/2015); Holiday Displays? (12/07/2012); An Attack Upon Creation? (12/08/2012)
“Anonymous”, correctly understood, all government is an expression of sacred law and divine order; and GOD is no less divine where men are allowed to exercise authority, discharge duty, and take up responsibility under his sovereign rule. Below are some points of belief that will be found among many of the mature Christians who will be celebrating as American patriots on July 04, 2017. GOD has not forbidden that mankind exist in the form of “nations” that shelter and utilize collectives, groups, institutions, and personal relationships to accomplish increase, prosperity, and survival. The active presence and government of GOD is made visible through organizations, their godly leaders, those who advise and give counsel as well as through sanctified parents, teachers, and caretakers. There are many elements, principles, and points of sacred knowledge that come together in holidays of national celebration. Consider again the following:
1. Proverbs 14: 34, King James Version (KJV): 34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
2. Isaiah 9: 6-7, KJV: 6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
3. Romans 4: 13-18, KJV: 13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: 15 Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. 16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, 17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. 18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.
4. Romans 13: 1-4, KJV: 1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
5. Jeremiah 29: 4-7, KJV: 4 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, unto all that are carried away captives, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem unto Babylon; 5 Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them; 6 Take ye wives, and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; that ye may be increased there, and not diminished. 7 And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 6. 1st Timothy 2: 1-6, KJV: 1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Today, focus is on the reactions to Jesus’ requiring that believers also must receive his blood and body. Jesus did not cancel the earlier meanings of Passover and covenant meals. Rather, heretofore hidden meanings and unseen aspects of Atonement, Redemption and Salvation are being unveiled. The Passover meal speaks to deliverance from condemnation, death, and wrath against sin as well as an entrance into covenant relationship with GOD through conditions of conformity, inheritance, and obedience before a proclamation of continuing sacred law. Both the meal that Esau received from his brother Jacob, and the meal Isaac received from his son Jacob, sealed the disinheritance of Esau and the election of Jacob, who later would be named Israel. The meal at Mizpeh shared by Jacob with Laban established the independence and integrity of Jacob critical to his becoming a nation fulfilling divine promise and covenant through Abraham. The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Bruce” (Level 7 with 108,493 points, a member since August 12, 2007) posted the following:
If Jesus' teaching about eating his body was a metaphor, why didn't he explain it when many disciples were leaving him?
John 6:53-55: “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed."
60 Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, “This is a hard saying; who can understand it?”
66 From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts? And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered. Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. (Malachi 3: 14-18, King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Fed From The Altar? (06/19/2017); GOD’s Peculiar People (12/11/2016); Frequency of The Lord’s Supper? (10/30/2016); The Loaves and Fishes (08/09/2016); To Drink Holy Blood? (02/16/2015); Modern Communion? (08/11/2014); How Can Christians Believe? (08/12/2014)
“Bruce”, here are some points that many mature Christians have found helpful:
1. The ministry on earth of Jesus Christ was not only intended to re-awaken and spark interest in sacred knowledge and practices among the Jews that were being forgotten, supplanted and suppressed by both religious and worldly customs and traditions, an entirely new testament was being introduced capable of establishing a new covenant people.
2. It had been more than 400 years since Malachi, the “last” prophet after the model of Moses and Samuel. There were many immutable and unchanging principles and standards acknowledged as the “law and the prophets,” however, emphasis on interpreting and keeping of the law became a denial of imparted spirit, personal relationship where GOD is the Father, and the possibility of service to both GOD and mankind as sacred spokespersons (we say, prophets), rather than as priests having responsibility for making sacrifices.
3. The process for pubic ministry used by the Savior was not that for exchanging or transmitting secular information. Jesus provided proclamation (broadcasting official decrees), comfort, edification, exhortation, and prophetic demonstrations that used actions in place of words. Those who came to Jesus were led to discover their own commitment and faith on the basis of guidance and things revealed.
4. In the same way parables were used to identify the extent of preparation and understanding among the people within the crowds, Christ provided commandments, judgments, ordinances, and sacred practices (we say, sacraments) that would crystallize and make manifest hidden and unseen faith. Separation of the sheep and the goats are begun on the same platform as the separation from Eden: faith as ones own spirit content along with trust.
There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 5. Jesus did reveal that emblems of bread and wine were to be used by those on the earth to receive him into oneself. The divine triumph over death and sin requires operations of flesh and Spirit at the same time. There must be a complement and matching of Creator and created in oneness without sameness. Jesus is revealed as the divine High Priest during his last Passover supper with his apostles. The new testament with its peculiar gift of fulfilling sacred law through faith and righteousness is sealed through a covenant meal.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Today, sacred law, divine process, and salvation are topics. Obedience to sacred law should be more an expression of divine love and a person’s spirit makeup than an outcome from fear of punishment, or following the herd through custom and tradition. The sinner who becomes a developing Christian believer must undergo multiple operations of divinity to acquire full belief and practice that are balanced, consistent, fruitful, sober, and stable. Often, there will appear to be very great increases (we say, growth by leaps and bounds); at other times, growth will seem painfully slow, with extended periods of inactivity. Fellow believers are to keep in mind, on their journey, the sinner also is to become a new creation who displays the image of a GOD who is immutable and unchanging. A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:
Does Jesus accept hypocrites who say they believe in him,love him,and accept him but don't obey ALL his commandments-?
John 14:15;Matt 28:19,20;Matt 7:21-23;Matt 24:51; Luke 10:1-11
THE GOLDEN ARROW: For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. (2nd Corinthians 10: 3-6, King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Salvation Goes Beyond Forgiveness (06/30/2017); Thoughts On The Commandments (06/27/2017); Growth Is Through Edification (06/20/2017); Atonement, Repentance and More (06/06/2017); Endurance, Humility and Obedience? (06/04/2017); Reconciliation Provided By Christ (05/30/2017); Salvation Takes A Lifetime (04/06/2017); Must GOD Hate Sinners? (09/01/2016)
“Anonymous”, the present process of GOD revealed through Jesus Christ is one of permanent change and transformation for all Creation that goes forward by gradual growth, learning, and prophetic edification. More than simply obedience to “natural” or “religious” law is involved, for mankind must become a new creation that will exist as an immortal, incorruptible companion to divinity within two primary spheres of life (heaven and earth) also made new. There must be movement from condemned sinner to “born again believer,” to one who is ripe for harvest (we say, Advent, the Rapture, the Second Coming of Christ), to one who is finally “perfected” as he leaves the earth to meet the Savior in the air.
Seen from the view of a mature Christian believer, there are only 2 types of people in the world: penitent sinners, sorrowing for sin as a denial and misrepresentation of who they truly are before the Creator, and impenitent sinners, refusing to make required changes, and determined to maintain their sin as the correct expression of who they are before all Creation. The operations of sin may dominate awareness and self-will in created beings and living creatures. Even so, in the same way the divine will is not subject to sin and GOD does not violate divine law when rendering judgment, damnation and rejection because of sin is not the result of there being no divine acceptance, love, forbearance, forgiveness, mercy, and righteousness in judgment.
The provision from GOD through Jesus Christ includes death and burial of ones inborn spirit with resurrection through divine DNA, so to speak. Those “born again” must also “grow up again” and mature as vessels having divine spirit content. Included are faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, meekness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Sinners who receive a fresh endowment of spirit content from the makeup of GOD are to be called children and offspring of GOD, saints, and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ.
As they begin their new life as “babes in Christ,” many believers will still lack important benefits and gifts such as sacred knowledge, practice of sacraments, fellowship with mature believers. Some will display complacency, overconfidence, presumption, exaggerated pride, and stubbornness. Even so, they will continue in divine reconciliation. The developing believer must increasingly rely upon the accomplishments of Jesus as Son of the Highest. That is how we overcome despite being repeatedly attacked and discouraged by the condemnation and influence of others who are dead in spirit, and who have no part as followers of Christ.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
