THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD (06/19/2013) Bible Authors and Truth?

The possibility that Bible authors were pressured by Old Testament prophecy to fabricate accounts of Jesus as Messiah is challenged, today.  Also, there is more on the Tower of Babel, and unseen sin.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Edward” (Level 4 with 3,058 points, a member since February 13, 2013) posted the following:

 

Because the Jewish OT prophesied about the messiah, was it envitable that later Bible authors…?

would write about Jesus, having never met him, believing that they were being guided by the Holy Spirit in what they were writing was the truth?

 

THE BATTLE AXE:  Unseen Sin? (06/18/2013)—The Tower of Babel continues to be an important caution and warning for modern-day Christian believers.  A subtle and understated human principle comes into view that is widely embraced within democratic nations, the rule that there is strength in numbers:  Where enough people accept, agree upon, or perform a behavior, it may be accounted as “harmless”, “normal”, no longer a threat to society, and, therefore, no longer “sin” or an obstacle to right relationship with GOD.  In keeping with such thinking, Americans have seen Sabbath (Friday nights, Saturdays, and Sundays) become the time for exalting athletes and football rather than church attendance with praise to GOD; and holy matrimony with obligation to maintain heritage and priesthood from GOD through maintenance of traditional family is increasingly confounded by demands that same-sex  (homosexual and lesbian) relationships must be respected as lawful marriage.  Right relationship with GOD may not be founded upon temporal events or the ever-changing truth of human experience.  Affection, dreams, fantasy and imagination may color and add excitement, however, such vanities cannot be trusted as foundations for eternity.  The overriding principle from the holy writings must continue to come into view, the rule of judgment according to privilege:  Atonement also must be made for sins committed by an entire community that have been performed in ignorance of the divine law, of sacred process, and of the consecrated purposes of GOD (see Leviticus 4:  13-21, Luke 12:  47-48, Acts 3:  13-21, and 1st Timothy 1:  5-14, KJV).  On behalf of believers, Christ has completed all the necessary work for atonement, redemption, and salvation through his death on the cross.  It remains that each Christian believer must personally confess participation in the collective error, repent, and appropriate the holy provisions from Christ.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.  But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.  Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,  Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?  Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.  Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.  And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;  As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.  Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.  But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.  (2nd Peter 3:  9-18, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Words Spoken By GOD? (06/05/2013); Teachings on Judgment (06/06/2013); Why Jesus Authored No Books (05/01/2013); Recognizing True Prophets (05/02/2013); False Witness? (10/31/2010); Bible Complete? (11/01/2010); Holy Writings? (11/02/2010)

 

Edward, there are many points a person must consider, here, to avoid folly, presumption, and spiritual confusion.  Included are these:

(1)  The holy writings were carefully collected, fitted together and preserved as a tool for continuing a priesthood upon the earth that completes and finishes a sacred pattern in heaven. 

(2)  Men who have no sacred knowledge or part in the priesthood, yet seek to handle and manipulate the Scriptures, may do so without fear of the Lord (i.e., humility and reverence; correct awareness of divine awe), or expectation of divine judgment and punishment.  However, these also are established in a self-awareness as attackers, blasphemers, mockers, and destroyers of faith and right knowing for others.  More than this, in addition to violating aspects of their own conscience and personal integrity, those who continue in such error must realize a decay and decomposition of their own sense of commitment, dutifulness, faithfulness, honor, righteousness, self-respect, and will power to embrace the things from GOD.

(3)  The divine endowments, knowledge, and motives of men are made visible and transparent through the holy writings.  Antichrists, charlatans, deceivers, false prophets, hypocrites, impostors and unclean spirits all are exposed by the Scriptures.

(4)  The operation of GOD and sacred process within created beings and living creatures may be communicated among men by their questions, responses to one another as well as their routine conduct, and is not only displayed and revealed through formal religious ceremony and ritual.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5)  The experience of knowing Jesus is through ones spirit content providing awareness that is shaped entirely by faith, an aspect of full divinity inseparable from such other divine substance as forgiveness, holiness, joy, longsuffering, love, wisdom and wrath against sin.  The mundane elements of human discourse and intellect (we say, brilliance, cleverness, logic, reason) do not reveal the active presence of GOD, and cannot replace the imparted, indwelling Spirit available through the ministry of Jesus Christ that permits one to know GOD as GOD knows himself.)   Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD (06/18/2013) Unseen Sin?

Conspiracy, sin, and the Tower of Babel are topics, today.  Also, there is more on finding a true Christian.  The “Yahoo! Answers” Top Contributor using ID “exs” (Level 5 with 9,932 points, a member since June 4, 2012) posted the following:

 

What is the deal with the tower of babel…god didn’t like people working together so he made it so they?

couldn’t get along, or was it as the bible says, that we would become gods if we worked together. Is god attacking people so we won’t work together. Is world peace against god’s plan

 

THE BATTLE AXE:  To Find A True Christian? (06/17/2013)—True Christians are those who continually confess that they are imperfect and incomplete without GOD.   Such believers correctly acknowledge that their love, their obedience, their reverence, their prayers, their service, their understanding, their worship all miss the mark, and are unacceptable to GOD without the grace divinity supplies.  Many are beset with sin that appears to be no sin, that is, ambition, envy, immaturity, lack of focus, and pride.  All Christian believers are in a process of divine transformation from mortal to immortal and incorruptible.  As such all are in transition, and continue as “works in progress.”  Sincerity and zeal are not acceptable measures for deciding a “true Christian.”  Many are sincere in their belief of false doctrine, errors, heresy, and lies.  (See Isaiah 66:  1-5, Philippians 3:  7-14 and Matthew 9:  10-13, KJV.)

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.  All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.  Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.  The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.  Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD:  though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.  By mercy and truth iniquity is purged:  and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.  (Proverbs 16:  1-6, King James Version)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  A Second Adam? (03/25/2013); GOD Hiding in Plain Sight (03/26/2013); (12/20/2011) Girdle 35:  The Framework Of Unity; (08/19/2011) Dispatch 11:  Peace (Hand in Hand); Bad Company? (02/10/2011); Conspiracy? (12/08/2010); Lost Faith? (12/09/2010)

 

“exs”, here are some important points acknowledged by many mature Christian believers as shared from GOD through Jesus Christ:

1)  Sin cannot be correctly detected and resisted by created beings and living creatures without various spiritual devices and tools provided by Almighty GOD.  Included are anointed leaders, divine law, righteous testimony, holy proclamations, sacred promise, prophecy, the holy writings, and the living examples of those who serve in ministry.

2)  Sin was first detected among the holy angels; however sin has neither being nor substance, and is not made up of any physical or spirit matter.   We say, sin is “no-thing;” yet, sin opposes the existence of divine law (i.e., the expressed will of GOD), the continued being of the Law Giver, and the continued existence of all under the authority and protection of the Law.  Sin may dominate self-will in created beings and living creatures; however, sin cannot alter or influence the will of GOD.

3)  Mankind was created to inhabit and maintain the entire earth.  The sons of Noah were to overspread the earth, and fulfill the first commission (be fruitful, multiply, and replenish).  However, mankind became committed to defiance and rebellion by working together to create a tower upon the earth that would allow access to heaven in case of another destroying flood.  Babel became a magnet and center (we say, city) to all.  Multiple offenses against GOD were committed thereby, including conspiracy, disobedience, idolatry, lack of faith, pride, self-promotion, and unbelief.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, 4)  The earth has been created by GOD, while the world has been the creation of mankind.  The world is a necessary human system for communication, exchange of resources, meeting shared challenges, solving shared problems, and survival.  Included in the world are culture, entertainment, history, medicine, politics, science and technology.  Because the world also embraces defilement of spirit, human error, and sin, the world repeatedly generates conflict between mankind and his Maker.  However, peace is not the outcome of conflict and war; peace comes only by restoration of order and the settlement of dispute through law, that is, by judgment.)   Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD (06/17/2013) To Find A True Christian?

Judging others to find a “true Christian” is the topic, today.  Also, there is more on not feeling loved by GOD.  The “Yahoo! Answers Top Contributor” using ID “Forrest Toney” (Level 7 with 26,620 points, a member since February 12, 2011) posted the following:

 

Is it likely I can find a true Christian who is obeying all of Jesus’ sayings?
 
Additional Details

MKE-MKE ……… I STILL LOVE YOU , ANYWAY . I GUESS I GOT YOUR GOAT . WHY CONSIDER YOURSELF A CHRISTIAN IF YOU DO NOT THINK YOU HAVE TO OBEY ALL OF HIS SAYINGS /

 

THE BATTLE AXE:  Feeling Loved By GOD? (06/16/2013)—Believers often fail at first to see the love of GOD that must appear in themselves through gradual change that is growth and transformation.  Like their own chin, their nose, or the back of their head, divine favor and love can be with a believer at all times, however is intended to be visible to others, partially viewed or unseen by themselves, glimpsed infrequently, or seen only as a mirror image and reflection.  The love of GOD is made visible through ministry and unselfish acts to serve and uplift others.  Believers therefore proceed on the basis of divine utterance and their own content of sacred substance such as faith, longsuffering, the promises of GOD, proclamation, prophecy, righteousness and wisdom.  Believers are to increasingly recognize spirit matter interwoven with the routine things of their experience, instead of seeking unusual displays of supreme authority such as exorcism, healing, marvels, miracles, raising the dead, signs, storms, upheavals, and wonders.  See 2nd Corinthians 5:  6-8, Mark 10:  35-45 and Hebrews 6:  10, KJV.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.  Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.  But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment:  yea, I judge not mine own self.  For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified:  but he that judgeth me is the Lord.  Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts:  and then shall every man have praise of God.  (1st Corinthians 4:  1-5, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  About Preaching the Gospel (04/18/2013); When Does Gossip Become Sin? (01/08/2013); Understanding Hell (01/09/2013); Why Is GOD Blamed? (08/23/2012); Fire Baptism (08/24/2012); Jesus Our “Advocate” (08/16/2012); Wrong To Love? (08/17/2012)

 

Forrest, many make the mistake of seeking to assess and evaluate divine presence within created beings and living creatures by using reasoning and standards that only apply to carnal, material and social realities.   Here are some points for understanding important to avoiding spiritual confusion and unbelief:

(1)  Accurate and thorough examination of mankind requires a divine judge who has served as a righteous king, a holy priest, and a suffering savior.  Judgment to determine spiritual righteousness must be balanced, detailed, formal, impartial, and methodical, yet must embrace compassion, empathy, love and respect.

(2)  In divine judgment, attitude, behavior and conduct are “surface” effects that may indicate unseen spirit content, and sacred substance.  However, the same effects also may appear through the flesh (appetite such as hunger, thirst, and sexual cravings; sense such as hearing, seeing, tasting, touching; and operations of mind such as desire, fantasy, imagination, recall).

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3)  Ones own human standard and process to apply the things from GOD that would identify a “true Christian” may be flawed, and may lack the necessary fineness to capture subtlety (barely visible differences) between and among operations of the Holy Spirit within believers.  Members of the body of Christ are to be complementary, diverse, interdependent, and perform at multiple levels of commitment, faith, gifts, knowledge, maturity, skill, and perfection.)   Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD (06/16/2013) Feeling Loved By GOD?

The topic today is how to tell one is loved by GOD, and there is more on how the church is “good.”  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Dawn” (Level 2 with 301 points, a member since April 23, 2013) posted the following:

 

Christians why don’t I feel loved by God?

He sometimes answers my prayers and why does it feel like he really doesn’t care about me

 

THE BATTLE AXE:  Church is Good? (06/15/2013)—While Bible knowledge, information, or academic and intellectual excellence are not needed for one to be saved, full truth and understanding continue to be important for cooperation, interaction, and sharing as a church body.  Members of the church nourish one another by prophesying.  All believers serve GOD as spokespersons who speak his word to comfort, edify (build-up the faith and understanding of others), and exhort (encourage and urge immediate, unselfish action).  Simple acts of ministry include sharing baked bread, providing transportation assistance, showing ones smile, and visiting the sick.  See 1st Corinthians 14:  1-5, KJV.  The truth shared with non-believers, non-members, children and adults is the same, for there is only one truth.  However, given differences among their demands, expectations, and needs, how the truth is shared with minors and outsiders often has to be adjusted.  In the same way parents must respond to the death of adult family, friends and casualties occurring through public events, children must gain strength for the loss of schoolmates, family, and recurring tragedies.  As an association of men, women and children who participate at various levels of commitment, maturity, skill, spiritual power, study, and understanding, the church must also use such tools as acknowledgment, assigning duty, authority, division of labor, goal-setting, praise, and reward.  Even so, the church does not buy, sell, or make merchandise of compassion, forbearance, forgiveness, inclusion, mercy, resurrection, or the imparted, indwelling Spirit.  See Luke 17:  1-10 and Acts 8:  3-25, KJV.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.  We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.  He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.  Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer:  and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.  Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us:  and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.  But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?  My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.  And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.  For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.  Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.  And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.  And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.  And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him.  And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.  (1st John 3:  13-24, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  A GOD of Love? (05/07/2013); Commanding the Storm? (05/08/2013); Wanting To Have Our Way (03/09/2013); The Love of GOD (03/03/2013); Our Need for a Son (03/04/2013); Therefore There Was Trust (01/07/2013); When Does Gossip Become Sin? (01/08/2013)

 

Dawn, for believers in Jesus as Savior and Christ, the experience of knowing the love of GOD is not made real within our understanding by changeable emotions and thoughts.  As physical persons, humans often acknowledge love only when displayed through such carnal, material, and social features as affection, attention, attraction, lust, passion, and romance.  The ability to correctly discern and recognize love as an appearance of divine being is acquired only by the operation of GOD through the Holy Spirit.

GOD is a spirit who does not function in the finite, limited manner of created beings and living creatures.  Thus, instead of the frameworks of time and space that characterize human interaction, the lovers of GOD learn to answer within spheres emanated from the inseparable aspects of divine content.  Included are such sacred substance as faith, forbearance, holiness, joy, longsuffering, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

Where any person receives baptism, and enters into death, resurrection, and re-birth of their own spirit substance, we say, they are “born again.”  However, born-again, they must encounter “growing pains,” learn, meet peculiar challenges from the flesh and from the world, and persevere to arrive at spiritual maturity and perfection.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, most believers endure periods of “looking for love (i.e., the love of GOD and Christ) in all the wrong places (i.e., using the wrong indicators as evidence).”  In part they are misdirected because they seek only the pleasure of love without its pain.  Such developing believers fail to grasp that as an aspect of divine make-up and being, love is invisible without unselfish actions to add value and benefit to others, obedience (the putting aside of self-will to carry out the will of another), and suffering that appears through uncomplaining execution of duty¾included here are giving, risk-taking, and sacrifice.)   Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD (06/15/2013) Church is Good?

Excitement and the value of the church are topics, today.  Also, there is more on the possibilities and salvation of atheists.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Ricky” (Level 1 with 163 points, a member since June 5, 2013) posted the following:

 

Church is good right? why is church good?

Lots of people are there right; why is church exciting?
what is your answer’s? thanks

 

THE BATTLE AXE:  Salvation for Atheists? (06/14/2013)—Baptism depicts and shows how one dies to sin, and is re-born having the Holy Spirit (we may say, reproduced from divine DNA).  The believer receives sacred substance from the make-up and person of Almighty GOD that includes faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  The spirit content from GOD that also is in Christ is what qualifies a believer for heaven.  Many will accomplish things that are commendable, important, and memorable by human standards, and will still not be in fellowship with Christ or the Father.  Salvation and eternal life for believers are not provided on the basis of ones knowledge of the doctrines, holy writings, observances, practices, sacraments and teachings of the church.  At the Second Coming, when Christ will harvest the earth to receive all those who are in communion as his redeemed and his saved, the persons lifted and transformed to be immortal and incorruptible will already have been identified as those who contain endowments of divinity that govern operation of their inner being and self-will.  (See Mark 16:  9-16, Romans 6:  3-18, John 3:  6-8 and 1st Peter 1:  18-25, King James Version)

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,  Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,  That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;  That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,  May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;  And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.  Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,  Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end.  Amen.  (Ephesians 3:  14-21, King James Version)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Church as a Bride? (05/15/2013); How Do I Repent? (05/16/2013); Church Mandatory? (05/06/2013); A GOD of Love? (05/07/2013); A Spirit Church? (04/04/2013); My Brother’s Keeper (04/05/2013); GOD in Schools? (12/20/2012); Naaman the Leper (12/21/2012); Unexceptional Beginnings (11/22/2012); Believing Everything? (11/23/2012); Attending Church? (11/12/2012); A Holy Kiss? (11/13/2012)

 

Ricky, here are some points most genuine Christian believers continue to endorse as useful:

(1)  Church attendance and participation in a sacred community are intended to lend order and structure for growth in ones measure of the spirit of Christ that is deposited by GOD upon their receiving the Gospel.  As a human institution that is part of the world (the man-made system for exchange and survival) the church is carnal, material, and social in its nature.  However, as an institution identified through divinity and spirit content the church is correctly described as immortal, incorruptible, and invisible.

(2)  While GOD is described as immutable and unchanging, human awareness is characterized by instability, lapses in focus, and shifts of attention.  Even where there has been careful learning, practice and strict training, many are easily drawn away by curiosity, diversity and novelty.  Mankind may innocently digress or forget; and self-will in created beings and living creatures may still respond to the non-material, non-spirit influence of sin.

(3)  While fellowship within a local congregation does not replace ones individual and private experience with GOD through prayer and worship, assembly and association are necessary for developing discernment of holy substance, and ones ability to recognize the active presence of GOD within others and throughout Creation.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4)  Salvation through Jesus is the sharing of a sacred ministry and priesthood.  Believers are not called simply to enjoy the pleasure of personal blessings and intimate communion with GOD.  There is work to be done.  Included are the various tasks for demonstrating obedience and respect to divine law, fulfilling sacred promises, offering praise, participating in ongoing judgment, performing prophecy, preaching, and publishing divine proclamation.)   Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD (06/14/2013) Salvation for Atheists?

Whether atheists may go to heaven or not is considered, today, along with more on the errors of King Solomon.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Jose” (Level 2 with 283 points, a member since July 12, 2012) posted the following:

Do you agree with the pope on saying that athiest can go to heaven?

Do you think that as long as that person is good, or at least generally good (I can not see no one breaking a couple of sins and especially the very unusual sins in the bible that we brake), despite them not believing in god can go to heaven?

THE BATTLE AXE:  Errors of King Solomon? (06/13/2013)—  (6)  For many, Solomon’s marriage to Pharaoh’s daughter is no different than Joseph’s marriage to an Egyptian, the priestess of On.  While the most important purpose of the holy writings is to manifest a revelation of divine nature, the process of the Scriptures is to detail human nature and the responses of created beings to divine events.  David and Solomon are not examples to Christian believers because of their excellent service as kings, their accomplishments, deeds of the flesh, or fulfillment of the law.  The two are significant because GOD is using their faith and humanity to make sacred truth visible  that would otherwise be hidden (see John 2:  23-25, Romans 4:  1-3, Romans 3:  19-28 and 2nd Corinthians 4:  6-11, KJV).  (7)  In spite of the fact that Solomon received the throne as heir to David, he and “the house of David” were heirs to the curses and troubles that came upon David.  See 2nd Samuel 12:  1-15, 1st Kings 14:  7-11 and 2nd Kings 17:  6-24, KJV.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;  Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious:  but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.  And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.  This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.  Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.  Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.  (1st Timothy 1:  12-17, King James Version)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Those Who Never Heard? (06/07/2013); If You Are Sent…? (06/08/2013); The “Jesus Way”? (05/17/2013); An Earth to Fix A Heaven? (05/18/2013); On Titles and Respect (03/15/2013); On Producing Atheists (03/16/2013); The Children, not the Dogs (03/17/2013); By Grace (09/04/2012); Why No Answer? (08/25/2012); To Be or Not To Be? (08/26/2012); (12/18/2011) Girdle 33:  The Nearness of GOD; (12/19/2011) Girdle 34:  The Life Was The Light

Jose, here are some points that encourage Christian believers to make a cautious response:

(1)  Created beings and living creatures experience various sacred events that occur because of the existence of divinity.  In the same way they had no active role or input regarding Creation, these have no active role and input regarding other divine operations, sacred processes, and eternal purposes.  Included are apocalypse, death, judgment, rebirth, repentance, resurrection, revelation, salvation, and sanctification.

(2)  While it is planned that believers will participate in a broad range of “good works” pre-determined by GOD, one cannot work their way into heaven, or earn a place by behavior, conduct, and speech.  Included here are acts of kindness, donating money, church attendance, fundraising, and practice of sacraments.  See Matthew 5:  16, Ephesians 2:  10 and 1st Corinthians 13:  1-3, King James Version.

(3)  Fellowship with GOD is not achieved through academic, intellectual and mental operations that occur within finite frameworks of human awareness.  To the extent believing is a internal act composed of feeling, thought and self-will (we also say,  choice, decision-making, and volition), believing qualifies as no more than a “good work”.   More necessary than human ambition, desire and hope, being accepted by GOD turns on grace, divine prerogative, and sovereign authority.  See Ephesians 2:  1-9, KJV.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4)  Atheism, idolatry, many other human philosophies, and sin are empty (we also say, vain), and contain no spirit substance that they may influence Almighty GOD.  Of themselves they have no power to please or displease; and they are not amusing, clever or useful.  As crutches and supports maintained by emotion, imagination and pride, they may dominate awareness and self-will in the created.  Believers are encouraged to see how the possibilities for release and recovery of others whom they condemn as non-believers is no different than that provided for themselves; and is therefore a further revelation of exalted love and righteousness.)   Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD (06/13/2013) Errors of King Solomon?

Focus today is upon David and Solomon as flawed leaders who continue to be useful to GOD, and more on wholeness of the Bible despite “missing” information.  The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “pray for the world.” (Level 7 with 69,028 points, a member since April 15, 2011) posted the following:

 

Does it make sense that King Solomon married the Pharaoh’s daughter…..?

considering that he was the King of Israel and should know the law, not to intermarry with the heathen. Not only that he built her a lavish house. So this was the first sign his decisions were leading to trouble it seems?

 

THE BATTLE AXE:  Missing Information (06/12/2013)— (5)  From Genesis through Revelation, a believer’s focus when reading the holy writings must be directed to identifying the purposes, presence and action of Almighty GOD.   The reader is challenged to discern and recognize answers to such questions as how is the Holy Spirit present in this account?  What are the sacred operations demonstrated here (e.g., anointing, atonement, confession, covenant, forbearance, forgiveness, judgment, repentance, revelation, salvation, sanctification)?  How is sacred tradition acknowledged, complained against, continued, depicted, or put right?  The angels, animals (e.g., Balaam’s donkey that spoke), major and minor human actors, aspects of the natural world (e.g., hills, rocks, waters), and sacred beasts of heaven all serve as devices to reveal the exalted person of GOD as the source of all being and existence.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And it came to pass at that time when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, that the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite found him in the way; and he had clad himself with a new garment; and they two were alone in the field:  And Ahijah caught the new garment that was on him, and rent it in twelve pieces:  And he said to Jeroboam, Take thee ten pieces:  for thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, Behold, I will rend the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon, and will give ten tribes to thee:  (But he shall have one tribe for my servant David’s sake, and for Jerusalem’s sake, the city which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel:)  Because that they have forsaken me, and have worshipped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the children of Ammon, and have not walked in my ways, to do that which is right in mine eyes, and to keep my statutes and my judgments, as did David his father.  Howbeit I will not take the whole kingdom out of his hand:  but I will make him prince all the days of his life for David my servant’s sake, whom I chose, because he kept my commandments and my statutes:  But I will take the kingdom out of his son’s hand, and will give it unto thee, even ten tribes.  And unto his son will I give one tribe, that David my servant may have a light alway before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen me to put my name there.  And I will take thee, and thou shalt reign according to all that thy soul desireth, and shalt be king over Israel.  And it shall be, if thou wilt hearken unto all that I command thee, and wilt walk in my ways, and do that is right in my sight, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did; that I will be with thee, and build thee a sure house, as I built for David, and will give Israel unto thee.  And I will for this afflict the seed of David, but not for ever.  Solomon sought therefore to kill Jeroboam.  And Jeroboam arose, and fled into Egypt, unto Shishak king of Egypt, and was in Egypt until the death of Solomon.  (1st Kings 11:  29-40, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Root of Jesse (01/03/2013); Newness of Spirit (01/04/2013); Hero or Zero? (12/04/2012); The Golden Age? (01/10/2013); Translation, Please… (01/11/2013); The Priesthood of Kings (10/17/2012); Childlike Faith (10/18/2012); Contradictions? (09/21/2012); The Spirit by Measure (09/22/2012)

 

“pray for the world.”, here are some points most mature Christian believers share with those who are teachable, and who truly want to learn and understand the Scriptures:

(1)  Accounts, events, the people described, and even the statements quoted in the holy writings are figures and shadows used to suggest peculiar truths surrounding divinity, and are not always accurate, exact, literal, and precise.  More than this, things carnal, material, social and visible are repeatedly used to describe things that are totally spirit in their nature and operation.

(2)  Just as we, today, must experience change and growth in spiritual awareness and understanding, and only arrive at balance, consistency and stability following growing pains, practice, and recovery from errors, figures in the Scriptures all display ambivalence (i.e., being drawn in opposite or multiple directions at the same time), human error, infirmity, and self-contradiction.

(3)  Multiple marriage often appears in the Scriptures as a political device for nations to establish affiliation and treaties for mutual assistance and defense.  Romantic love has little to do with these “practical” arrangements for exchanging, controlling, and securing resources.  (See 1st King 11:  1-4, KJV.)

(4)  The inheritance to Solomon was not simply that of a political ruler.  His spiritual inheritance as leader to Israel included covenants, a role as prophet, and a priesthood that went all the way back to Adam.  In the same way we see David flawed, opposed by sin, yet used by GOD to show divinity as active and present, we see Solomon used to make sin visible in contrast to the righteousness of GOD.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5)  Just as we don’t usually catch our own mistakes until after we have taken the wrong action, and often must be told that we are in error; both David and Solomon held many incorrect ideas.  David believed that Solomon was the offspring from his loins who would maintain an everlasting kingdom in accordance with promises from GOD.  David conceived only an earthly dynasty; and his Unified Kingdom embracing the twelve tribes was dissolved by Rehoboam, the son of Solomon—after only two generations.)   Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC