(03/17/2016) Forsaken Upon The Cross?

Scripture points are shared, today, on Christ crying out from the cross.  On behalf of the prophets and apostles that were sent, Jesus made a cry to GOD expressing their despair and frustration at having only finite tools for the ministry to mankind.  This uncharacteristic exclamation is found repeatedly throughout the Bible.  Consider the following Scriptures, and the presentation below:

Numbers 11:  11-15, King James Version (KJV):  11 And Moses said unto the LORD, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant? and wherefore have I not found favour in thy sight, that thou layest the burden of all this people upon me?  12 Have I conceived all this people? have I begotten them, that thou shouldest say unto me, Carry them in thy bosom, as a nursing father beareth the sucking child, unto the land which thou swarest unto their fathers?  13 Whence should I have flesh to give unto all this people? for they weep unto me, saying, Give us flesh, that we may eat.  14 I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me.  15 And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness.

Jeremiah 15:  15-18, KJV:  15 O LORD, thou knowest:  remember me, and visit me, and revenge me of my persecutors; take me not away in thy longsuffering:  know that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke.  16 Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart:  for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.  17 I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand:  for thou hast filled me with indignation.  18 Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable, which refuseth to be healed? wilt thou be altogether unto me as a liar, and as waters that fail?

Lamentations 3:  40-45, KJV:  40 Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.  41 Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.  42 We have transgressed and have rebelled:  thou hast not pardoned.  43 Thou hast covered with anger, and persecuted us:  thou hast slain, thou hast not pitied.  44 Thou hast covered thyself with a cloud, that our prayer should not pass through.  45 Thou hast made us as the offscouring and refuse in the midst of the people.

Luke 24:  13-17, KJV:  13 And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.  14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened.  15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.  16 But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.  17 And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?

Galatians 3:  1-3, KJV:  1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?  2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?  3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?

A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “GrowABrainStem” (Level 3 with 2,139 points, a member since April 11, 2013) posted the following:

If jesus chose to die for people, whyd he say *why have u forsaken me lord???!*?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword.  Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time.  And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there.  But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree:  and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.  And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.  And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.  And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.  And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.  And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?  And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts:  for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.  (1st Kings 19:  1-10, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Names From The Cross? (03/03/2016); Focus Upon The Cross? (03/01/2016); The Cross Must Occur? (02/23/2016); The Only One Sent? (02/19/2016); Abandoned by GOD? (06/23/2014); Salvation Before Christ? (06/24/2014); All Sins Are Equal? (06/25/2014)

 

“GrowABrainStem”, the sacred knowledge and practices necessary to answer you are still available, today, because the ministry of life and death shared by Jesus Christ is to exist for eternity.  Mature Christian believers trust that, despite time and space, through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood and truth from the cross are flowing to here and now.  It requires the application of ones own endowment of  inner Spirit from the makeup of GOD to acknowledge and recognize the spirit content within events, messages, and even other persons.  The Father and the Son did not betray or deny one another.  While Jesus declared the work upon the cross to be “complete” and “finished”, his birth, death, resurrection, and ascension are only part of a full work by divinity that was begun before the creation of the earth, and will continue after the present universe has been reconfigured.  The Savior has demonstrated the transition from life to death to life again, that makes possible the elimination of sin as an influence upon the living.  Answering as the Son of Man, Jesus was the divinely provided advocate, spokesperson, and substitute for the heirs of Adam who were to continue a priesthood upon the earth patterned after that in heaven.  In crying out upon the cross, the Redeemer voices the same confession, lament and petition made by many of the prophets.  Consider again how this is stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)  Job 3:  1-5, King James Version (KJV):  1 After this opened Job his mouth, and cursed his day.  2 And Job spake, and said,  3 Let the day perish wherein I was born, and the night in which it was said, There is a man child conceived.  4 Let that day be darkness; let not God regard it from above, neither let the light shine upon it.  5 Let darkness and the shadow of death stain it; let a cloud dwell upon it; let the blackness of the day terrify it.

(2.)  Lamentations 1:  20-22, KJV:  20 Behold, O LORD; for I am in distress: my bowels are troubled; mine heart is turned within me; for I have grievously rebelled:  abroad the sword bereaveth, at home there is as death.  21 They have heard that I sigh:  there is none to comfort me:  all mine enemies have heard of my trouble; they are glad that thou hast done it:  thou wilt bring the day that thou hast called, and they shall be like unto me.  22 Let all their wickedness come before thee; and do unto them, as thou hast done unto me for all my transgressions:  for my sighs are many, and my heart is faint.

(3.)  Daniel 9:  8-12, KJV:  8 O LORD, to us belongeth confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against thee.  9 To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him;  10 Neither have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets.  11 Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him.  12 And he hath confirmed his words, which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil:  for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Jonah 4:  8-11, KJV:  8 And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, It is better for me to die than to live.  9 And God said to Jonah, Doest thou well to be angry for the gourd? And he said, I do well to be angry, even unto death.  10 Then said the LORD, Thou hast had pity on the gourd, for the which thou hast not laboured, neither madest it grow; which came up in a night, and perished in a night:  11 And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

 

(02/16/2016) Iniquity Forgiven?

Scripture points describing the peculiar class of sin called iniquity are shared, today.  Atonement must be made for iniquity just as for sins committed in ignorance.  Iniquity and sin oppose the continued existence of divine law, the continued existence of GOD the Creator and Law Giver as well as the existence of Creation established by divinity through law.  Iniquity contends against truth, and is therefore labeled as “perverse”.  Given sin operates through awareness and self-will within created beings and living creatures, release and restoration from iniquity requires divine operations to replace the inborn spirit, and establish in its place an imparted Spirit from the makeup of Deity.  Consider the following verses from Scripture and the presentation below:

Matthew 24:  11-13, King James Version (KJV):  11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.  12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.  13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

2nd Thessalonians 2:  7-12, KJV:  7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work:  only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.  8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:  9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,  10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.  11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:  12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

2nd Timothy 2:  19, KJV:  19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

Micah 7:  18-19, KJV:  18 Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.  19 He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.

The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Jakub” (Level 1 with no points shown, a member since October 18, 2015) posted the following:

 

Does God forgive repeated willful sin?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:  Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:  But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.  And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD:  for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD:  for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.  Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is his name:  If those ordinances depart from before me, saith the LORD, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever.  Thus saith the LORD; If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, saith the LORD.  (Jeremiah 31:  31-37, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  All Sin Is Willful? (10/20/2015); Penance? (10/09/2015); Repentance, Sin and Willpower (09/08/2015); Guilt and Ignorance? (12/04/2014); Joined To Christ Through Faith (12/05/2014)

 

“Jakub”, mature Christian believers understand “repeated willful sin” to be what is called “iniquity” in the Bible.  As a peculiar appearance of sin, iniquity is no material or spirit thing, and is no living entity.  Addictions (e.g., alcohol, gambling, sexual promiscuity, speeding), various bad habits—even thumb sucking, scratching, and swearing—and incorrigible behavior showing lack of self-discipline and restraint often have been described as appearances of iniquity.  Imbalance, injustice, and lack of equality for commitment and compliance shown by covenant partners are labeled “iniquity”.  Iniquity is also called “cherished sins,” “hidden sins” and “lust”.  Like “premeditated crimes,” iniquitous sin is not the same in judgment as “sins of ignorance.”  Because associated with counterfeit love, deceit, and false professions of belief, iniquity is often confused with betrayal and hypocrisy.  Forgiveness, repentance, and atonement are divine responses to sin that reveal the power of Deity to reconfigure the character and nature of the living.  Iniquity specially opposes and resists divine love, righteousness, and the operations of the Holy Spirit seen as rebirth and regeneration.  Here are some points to consider, made in the language of verses from the Bible:

(1.)  Proverbs 16:  5-7, King James Version (KJV):  5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD:  though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.  6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged:  and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.

(2.)  Romans 6:  16-19, KJV:  16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?  17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.  18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.  19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh:  for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

(3.)  Titus 2:  11-14, KJV:  11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,  12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;  13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;  14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Matthew 7:  21-23, KJV:  21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.  22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?  23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you:  depart from me, ye that work iniquity.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

 

(08/31/2015) That GOD Is Faithful?

Today, Scripture points are shared on betrayal, faithfulness, and divine integrity.  Focused upon their fear, need and pain, those who otherwise would be believers trusting completely in the merits of Jesus Christ are inclined by their own flesh (e.g., appetite, sensation, emotional/mental functions) along with their material and social world to make no offering to GOD, to approach divinity with arrogance and presumption, to repeatedly present themselves as victims not as potential servants, and to seek “something for nothing.”  One of several fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” who use the ID “Anonymous” (required profile information withheld) posted the following:

How I was betrayed by God?

I went through a hard life growing up, a mean, abusive father that I had to forgive and love, and a mother who abandoned her children, who I made a choice to forgive and love. I made a conscious choice to forgive others, to do right, and to live by honesty and truth. I didnt just do these things to be right with myself, I did them because it felt good to help others.

But nothing, for many years changed. I was sabotaged at work over and over again by people who cut corners and did wrong, I had to leave my jobs. I was targeted for bullying and harassment for doing kind, selfless deeds, I was taken advantage of and called naive. I was set up, beaten and broken by those who told me they loved me, friends, family and spouse. No matter how many discretions I overlooked and forgave, there were a thousand more headed my way. After years of abuse by anyone and everyone, I just gave up. I was so lost and still am, wondering how people can be cruel to others who are helping them, giving to them, not just my time and energy, but food, clothes, money, rides, anything that person needed to help themself. But I was being slandered, made fun of, had my personal life destroyed by liars and cheaters, and ganged up by their friends whom they lied to for support and left for dead.

This all happened when I decided to live by Gods laws, be a better person, forgive, help, and love others.

Am I missing something here?

Update:  Or is it just stupid to help and serve others….

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:  But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.  If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you:  on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.  But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.  Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.  For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God:  and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?  And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?  Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.  (1st Peter 4:  12-19, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Justice Not Revenge? (01/15/2015); Asleep Through the Holocaust? (07/14/2014); Abandoned by GOD? (06/23/2014); The Testing of Job? (01/06/2014); Struggling? (05/11/2013); Through Much Tribulation (05/12/2013); Continuously Tested (12/21/2013); Chosen To Serve As Prophets (01/01/2014)

“Anonymous”, there are many Christian believers and non-believers who gladly give testimony of abuse and hardship in their life experience upon the earth.  The animal aspects and carnal nature in created beings and living creatures that center in self-will, often relies upon such accounts to relieve oneself as well as to attract, have advantage over, manipulate, and make hidden attacks (we say, passive aggression) against others.  There are no mature believers in correct relationship with divinity through Jesus Christ that will report their inheritance from GOD has been restricted to such elements as bereavement, depression, despair, desolation, and hopelessness.  Those who speak of personal tragedies and suffering do so to illustrate and testify how GOD became visible, delivered them, and established a continuing support within their own experience.  “Developing believers” (some would say, newbies) often enter the church expressing some devotion while standing upon a platform of feeling and individual insight.  They are created by GOD (as are angels, cats, dogs, lions), however, they are not children of GOD.  Such persons are welcomed to experience covenant and a personal relationship with Deity through acknowledgement, commitment, sacrifice, service and worship.  These must acquire the sacred knowledge and rebirth that will further establish their consciousness of GOD on the basis of a fresh endowment of spirit content from the makeup of Deity.  Expecting only authority, free gifts, happiness, joy, popularity, power and prosperity, these may have entirely missed the many sobering messages that call all into dependence upon divine strength that resides within the Son of GOD:  No cross, no crown.  The new believer must be purged of all selfish desires and vain hopes (i.e., expectations, goals, and purposes contrary to sacred law, divine love and eternal proclamations, promises and prophesies).  Consider again the following Scriptures:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 7:  8-10, King James Version (KJV):  8 But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.  9 Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;  10 And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them:  he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face.

(2.)  Numbers 23:  19, KJV:  23 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent:  hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

(3.)  Ephesians 2:  1-5, KJV:  1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;  2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:  3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.  4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,  5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

(4.)  2nd Corinthians 1:  3-5, KJV:  3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;  4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.  5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

(5.)  Acts 14:  21-23, KJV:  21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,  22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.  23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

(6.)  1st Thessalonians 3:  3-4, KJV:  3 That no man should be moved by these afflictions:  for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.  4 For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.

There is much more that could be said, and that must be correctly understood and spiritually taken into account.  (For example, (7.)  1st Peter 4:  1-5, KJV:  1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind:  for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;  2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.  3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:  4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:  5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.)  Even so, I trust this collection of verses will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(06/21/2015) No Cause For Alarm?

More Scripture points are shared, today, on commitment, persecution, and suffering among Christian believers.  Black and White Americans, believers and non-believers alike may not continue as though we can conduct “business as usual.”  On the one hand, the recent massacre in Charleston, SC is no more a despicable and shocking betrayal than the slaughter of schoolchildren in their classroom, the murder and use of worshippers as hostages in a mosque, or the destruction of a trade center using a passenger jet.  On the other hand, it is in the light of such incidents, we who count ourselves civilized are required to make the needed response whereby no such events will ever be repeated among us.  It never fails that, when religious fervor expressing only bias, hatred and prejudice are unleashed, obedience, respect and love to GOD are replaced by cruelty, malice and murder.  A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Gino Hunter” (Level 4 with 2,772 points, a member since March 21, 2011) posted the following:

 

Christians, what’s the difference between Dylan Roof killing and the Apostle Paul killing?

Dylan killed less Christians did Paul.

Preachers number one books they quote from is from one who had Christians killed.

People are making a big deal because of the killing in South Carolina like this is something new.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.  And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.  And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.  Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead:  but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.  And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.  And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.  (Luke 9:  57-62, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  One Faith, One Lord? (09/26/2014); Healing is By Relationship? (09/26/2014); Why So Much Murder? (01/12/2013); Confusion 2013 (01/13/2013); Remembering the Holocaust?  (12/14/2012); A Slaughter of Innocents (12/15/2012); Escape from Racism (10/24/2012); Christians Who Ignore GOD’s Laws (10/25/2012)

 

“Gino Hunter”, the tone of your question suggests you feel there should be no public outrage, collective repentance, and private introspection (i.e., “soul searching,” self-examination) as a response to the recent massacre in Charleston, SC.  Saul of Tarsus committed atrocities against the early church as a legitimate representative of the High Priest, and in the role of a special prosecutor.  Saul served as an officer of the court in the same way as do all executioners who must perform punishments in judgment.  The acts, goals, intent, and motives of Dylan Roof and Saul of Tarsus emerged from two very different spirits; and we have yet to see what divine and eternal purposes will be accomplished in the recent event.  Here are a few of the admonitions, encouragements and reminders that help Christian believers maintain a correct balance, and avoid spiritual confusion and error:

(1.)  2nd Timothy 3:  12, King James Version (KJV):  12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

(2.)  2nd Corinthians 13:  3-5, KJV:  3 Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.  4 For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.  5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

(3.)  Philippians 3:  8-11, KJV:  8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord:  for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,  9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:  10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;  11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

(4.)  Galatians 2:  20, KJV:  20 I am crucified with Christ:  nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me:  and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually taken into account.  (For example, (5.)  Galatians 5:  19-25, KJV:  19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,  20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,  21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like:  of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.  22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  23 Meekness, temperance:  against such there is no law.  24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.  25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/01/2015) Manifest Only Unto Us?

Today, points are shared responding to speculations and conspiracy-theory thinking about the followers of Jesus Christ.  Like present-day believers, the apostles and disciples of Jesus were challenged to understand that his ministry from GOD was that of a high priest, prophet and king (like David), not merely a rabbi or teacher of doctrine.  Until John the Baptist, no anointed prophet such as Isaiah, Ezekiel, or Jeremiah had appeared for more than 400 years.  Even those who acknowledged Jesus as prophet, were not skilled enough to quickly recognize when his message simply repeated that of earlier prophets recorded within the holy writings, amplified and commented upon the earlier messages, or resulted because he himself was operating in the role as a sacred spokesperson and prophet with messages that were fresh and never-before proclaimed.  The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Bluebootz” (Level 5 with 8,944 points, a member since June 29, 2012) posted the following speculations:

 

The disciples were the inner circle. They were graced with truths that were not given to the masses that Jesus taught.?

It is possible that they were privy to information, not only spiritual truths, but also revelations about the drama that was about to take place.

Judas and Jesus were best friends, does it make sense that Judas would betray his friend? Or does it make more sense that Judas would create a diversion?

Peter denies Jesus and Judas sells him out? What? Jesus wouldn’t choose wimps and betrayers as his inner circle would he?

Maybe Jesus and his disciples were all in, on a hidden secret thing. Like Jesus doesn’t get crucified.
He cries in Gethsemane because he dislikes having to set up another.

It could make sense right?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me:  and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.  Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?  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.  (John 14:  21-23, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Resurrection of Jesus Acknowledged? (04/03/2015); How Many Apostles? (04/30/2014); The Ruler Of the Earth? (05/01/2014); Succession (02/05/2014); On Youth Doing Enough (02/06/2014); Hierarchy (11/14/2013); The Benefit of Law? (11/15/2013); Why Jesus Used Parables (11/03/2013); Denying Baptism to Others (11/04/2013); Jesus and the Pharisees (07/14/2013); How Could Angels Fall? (07/15/2013)

 

“Bluebootz”, your understanding is off in a number of peculiar points.  Consider the following that is shared among Christian believers that shields against spiritual confusion:

(1.)  The most necessary focus is upon the divine operations, the sacred processes, and the eternal purposes of Deity.  All the cultural, emotional, material, political, and social activity may be thought of as “noise” to be ignored.  In addition to fulfilling prophecy, Jesus was establishing the further dimensions (we say, a new testament) for the perpetual covenant and the form of priesthood that had been granted to Israel.  As he approached the time of his crucifixion, Jesus had appointed only 12 apostles, yet, was followed daily by hundreds who were committed disciples.

(2.)  When Jesus began to teach more directly the meaning of his incarnation (i.e., the appearance of divinity using flesh and blood), many of the disciples began to feel disheartened and repelled.  There would be a great “falling away” (we say, apostasy).  Jesus would teach that his followers must consume and take himself into themselves completely.  Like Gideon who went into battle with only 300, Jesus would identify those who truly were prepared by using the language of eating his flesh, and drinking his blood, rather than merely by saying, receive the Comforter, the Holy Spirit.  Jesus shocked and tested the acceptance, commitment and understanding of every one who thereafter would approach him.

(3.)  During their last Passover supper, Jesus announced that he would be betrayed that very night by someone who was also sharing at their table.  Immediately, the men began to ask, Is it I, Lord?  Their expressions of embarrassment and self-doubt were not because Jesus was clairvoyant and had read everyone’s mind.  The apostles understood there were limits upon their ministry that would have to be removed.  While they were able to use power from GOD through the name of Jesus, none had received the gifts from the Holy Spirit, or the imparted, indwelling spirit that would abide among them after his return to the Father.  Thus, in many  ways, their primary focus was still upon themselves, their own possibilities for authority and power as ministers within the new kingdom, their continuing competition and rivalry, their inability to accomplish simple tasks (e.g., forgetting to bring along fresh bread), the stinging challenges made by Jesus to the measure of their faith as well as their own nagging uncertainty whether Jesus truly is Messiah.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4.)  GOD is a spirit.  Thinking and speaking as a Christian requires an apprehension of existence that uses concepts and terms appropriate to a cosmic and divine scale.  The need for salvation by direct interventions of divinity on behalf of all created beings and living creatures is correctly received only where the living identify and unite with divinity through such aspects of relationship as forgiveness, humility, praise, prayer, promise, prophecy, and steadfastness.  The Lord’s resurrection first was announced to many who were in hiding, did not know of his crucifixion, and expected Jesus to be released or that their own arrest would soon occur.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/09/2014) Made in the Image of GOD?

Points are shared on language in the Scriptures that describe the active presence of deity through spiritual and visual events, figures, or persons.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers UK & Ireland” using the ID “Trying Good” (Level 2 with 218 points, a member since February 21, 2006) posted the following:

 

We are created from GOD’s image? GOD who’s unseen what would be that image?

There are many allegorical meanings in Bible perhaps… e.g. we are created from GOD’s image? GOD who’s unseen what would be that image? And if we are image of GOD all should look alike? Do we? ADVAITA: In here in east clearly we all know from Upanishads GOD thyself split to form us?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the LORD spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire:  Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female,  The likeness of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air,  The likeness of any thing that creepeth on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth:  And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven.  (Deuteronomy 4:  15-19, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Jesus in GODhead (04/01/2014); The Image of GOD? (10/10/2013); Embodied Afterlife? (10/11/2013); Evidence of the Unseen Spirit? (04/09/2013); A Guide to Salvation? (04/10/2013); Candles of GOD? (12/26/2012); Hellfire and Brimstone Preaching? (12/27/2012)

 

“Trying Good”, here are a few points to consider that have been constructive among those in covenant with GOD as Christian believers:

(1.)  While the holy writings make use of the specific word “image” in certain verses and passages, its correct application and meaning requires discernment (i.e., the ability to use ones own spirit content from the makeup of divinity—some say, the breath of life, the Holy Spirit—to recognize and respond to spirit matter in such life experience as events, other persons, prophecy, purpose, and holy writ). 

(2.)  Clarification for divine intent when the word “image” is used has been provided within the Scriptures through related terms  (e.g., idols, likeness, manifestation, similitude).  

(3.)  While Jesus Christ is described as a physical appearing of deity having a bodily form (we say, in flesh, an incarnation), his human features were nondescript and ordinary, such that he would not stand out, or be recognized and responded to except on the basis of his words and deeds.  Because of this, someone close to him among his disciples had to be recruited to betray him, and this was done by Judas with a kiss.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  The spirit likeness of GOD also may be recognized in men, women and children, today, on the basis of their words and deeds.  Through the operations of sin, others may be seen continuing to condemn Christ—as deceivers, false witnesses, liars, and those who spread confusion—with a kiss.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(06/23/2014) Abandoned by GOD?

Focus, today, is upon the charge that GOD has abandoned mankind.  A “Yahoo! Answers” fighter using the ID “Ben” (Level 1 with 90 points, a member since June 22, 2014) posted the following:

 

Has god abandoned us?

Why has god abandoned us? Now im not saying i dont believe in god but why doesnt he show himself to us when now of all time we need him most? We cant see touch smell or hear him. So how am i supposed to believe hes there? And if we abandoned him, why doesnt he try again? I mean if he loves us so much yet he doesnt try to communicate with us.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.  And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?  And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold, he calleth Elias.  And one ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down.  And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost.  And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.  And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.  (Mark 15:  33-39, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Jesus Scourged (04/05/2014); Brothers, Not Equals (04/06/2014); A Worthy Miracle? (04/07/2014); GOD Angry With Us? (12/08/2013); So We Could Have Life? (12/09/2013); To See With New Eyes (11/06/2012); A Life Companion? (11/07/2012)

 

“Ben”, here are a few points to consider that are aspects of the full divine panorama that comes into view through the cross.

1)  The idea that creation, mankind, or those in covenant with GOD have been denied and rejected by the Almighty has been revealed as an accusation in judgment (we say, charges, indictment) against divinity made by one who is a betrayer, a deceiver, and a false witness.  The claim that GOD has not fulfilled promise, has not maintained integrity within covenant, and, therefore, is faithless and unrighteous has been “nailed to the cross” in Jesus Christ, and destroyed for all eternity through glorious resurrection.

2)  Created beings and living creatures having their own measure of awareness and self-will (we say, sentient beings) only “know” the existence of GOD by applying and focusing their own content of divinity.  Discernment (ability to use ones own spirit content to recognize and respond to spirit content within such features of life experience as events, messages, persons, promises, purposes, and utterances) must be developed through continual practice.  GOD is a spirit, and the intent, operations, and eternal process of GOD is displayed without interruption through spiritual things.

3)  The cry made by Jesus while yet upon the cross was in the nature of acknowledgment, appeal, and intercessory prayer.  More than simply physical pain, Jesus endured an agonizing transformation wherein he became an embodiment of all non-material, non-spirit sin from the living and the dead throughout Creation—from those among the angels to Adam, to those of the present day, to those who will be on the earth at the Second Coming.  And that’s what’s so serious about it.

Pace yourself.  There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  For example, 4)  The process of GOD for salvation simultaneously employs flesh and Spirit.  Many trust that GOD has appeared using human form (we say, incarnation) as a distinguishing sacred event (we say, miracle).  However, the things of salvation pertain to eternal life, impact the entire universe, and are not limited to the sphere of the earth.  Through baptism (death of ones inborn nature, rebirth from divine DNA so to speak), Christian believers receive a fresh endowment of divinity from the makeup of GOD.  Included are various inseparable (where one appears, all are present) aspects of the Spirit that resided within Christ while he was upon the earth such as faith, holiness, longsuffering, love, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us:  we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.  For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.  (2nd Corinthians 5:  20-21, KJV)

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(04/17/2014) Philosophical Questions?

Sharing spiritual knowledge, and philosophical inquiry among Christian believers are topics, today.  Also, there is more on GOD having a conflict of interest due to the divine roles in judgment.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “The Green Machine” (Level 5 with 5,152 points, a member since November 9, 2013) posted the following:

 

Why do Christians not like it when you challenge or question the Bible? 

The Bible study group doesn’t like it when I ask questions like “Why did God an extra dimensional entity choose a small tribe on a small planet?” ” If God is all knowing then he knew what Satan would do when he created him thus allowed the fall to happen?” ” Why did the Garden have such terrible security from Satan?” ” Isnt it selfish for God to punish those who don’t believe for all eternity?” or even ” Why does God who you say is spirit experience so many Human emotions?” They get tense and then say we will scrape that for now and come back to it later. Why would they do this/ I thought Christians encourage free thinking and questions. I mean they ask me biblical questions but cant answer my very simple ones.

Update : They just say my questions are philosophical.

Update 2: My questions are genuine, they are to criticize anyone. But they got deeply offended that I wanted to dig deeper into the truth.

 

THE BATTLE AXE:  A Conflict of Interest (04/15/2014)—(6.)  The holy writings record numerous instances where created beings and living creatures requiring GOD to judge divinity, or to submit to ones personal judgment.  Those who commit the errors appearing in the account of Job usually lack spiritual discernment (ability to use the spiritual things given by GOD to correctly recognize other spiritual events, objects, persons, and aspects of sacred process).  As a result, when they accuse GOD, most are unaware their presumption (assuming authority without lawful delegation or permission; taking to oneself authority that belongs to another; stealing) violates divine law.  While a person may commit offenses against GOD unintentionally and through ignorance of divine law, they are no less accountable for their own attitude, behavior, and conduct as well as for consequences and outcomes for what they do.  The divine operations of atonement and repentance must be fulfilled, and can only be completed once sins committed in ignorance are perceived and realized.

(7.)  Divine justice is not always accomplished through punishment.  Many are now guilty and tainted by sin; however, where Jesus Christ is acknowledged as ones Advocate, these may become certified as having their charges dismissed, or “time served.”  The ministry of Christ is held to be complete and thorough as a “settlement out of court” because through the Son of GOD full salvation is provided.  Included are such benefits as atonement, baptism (death of ones inborn spirit, rebirth from divine content), correction, forgiveness, repentance, sacraments that continue ones new spirit, and sanctification.  More than this, divine judgment is held to be righteous because the Son of Man has been appointed to preside in all divine tribunals.  In addition to balance that comes by both his experience within, and distance from the earth, there are benefits that further ensure justice such as compassion, empathy, impartiality, incorruptibility, insight, love, mercy, patience, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

(8.)  Within the totality of divine process, GOD is “indivisible”, yet, may not exist as an outside focus, an independent object distanced from divinity, or a unrelated divine entity.  Even so, for Christian believers, the appearance of GOD in flesh (we say, incarnate) as Jesus Christ to fulfill various eternal purposes does not violate the integrity of the full manifestation for divinity as GODhead, the sovereign majesty of Almighty GOD who is spirit, or the essential unity of divinity.  In the form of a man, divinity becomes an object to aspects of the full GODhead without conflict, damage or loss among the functions, persons, and roles of GODhead.  Divine consciousness and presence may be continued while using finite form, and such frameworks for created beings and living creatures as desire, feeling, sacrifice, self-awareness, self-will, space, and time.  The full expanse of possibilities for purposeful action by GOD in divine fullness are in no way contradicted, diminished, hindered, or narrowed.  See Job 40:  6-14, Deuteronomy 25:  1, Jeremiah 25:  31, Hosea 4:  1-3, Micah 6:  1-3, 1st Timothy 2:  5-6 and 3:  16, 1st John 5:  3 and 7-12, KJV.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,  Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,  Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof:  from such turn away.  For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,  Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.  (2nd Timothy 3:  1-7, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Philosophy of Free Will? (04/08/2014); The Name(?) of GOD (04/09/2014); Arguing Against the Bible in Church? (02/18/2014); Snake Handling? (02/19/2014); Was Jesus Literate? (10/04/2013); Everything a Lie? (10/05/2013); The Bible and Genealogy (09/10/2013); Need for A New Holy Spirit (06/03/2013); Faith for Facing Tragedy? (06/04/2013); Illusion? (04/25/2013); Not of Legal Age? (04/26/2013)

 

“The Green Machine”, here are a few points important to Christian belief that may help you serve your congregation more effectively:

(1.)  The process of spiritual inquiry within the church body is not the same as that for academic research, secular data gathering, and philosophical discourse.  Every baptized believer accepts a duty to share spirit matter through utterance (we say, breath, life essence, speech, spirit, or word).  Many things that we find challenging and interesting (March Madness, marriage equality, the Superbowl) are absolutely useless in our mission to spread the new life in Christ that comes by the Gospel; and we are taught to say, all things are lawful, yet all things do not edify.

(2.)  Knowledge of the holy comes by interactions and operations of ones own sacred content in response to divinity as opposed to the activity of ones emotional, intellectual, and psychological content.  Inseparable (where one appears, all may be found in some measure) spirit content may be exchanged and shared by “hearing” holy utterance.  Also, divinity may bestow and impart spirit matter.

(3.)  Through baptism (death of ones inborn nature, rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak), believers acquire the same substance that is understood as the permanent “makeup” of GOD.  Included are such spirit matter as faith, forgiveness, gratitude, holiness, joy, longsuffering, love, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Born again, a believer must gradually grow up again and mature while facing the same life challenges as all others upon the earth.

There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  It is natural for developing believers to be on guard against betrayal, deception, and false doctrine as well as those elements that draw them away from Christ, back to what they have escaped.  Where someone within the congregation repeatedly displays arrogance, divisiveness, indifference, lack of preparation, pride, and selfishness, that person’s purpose must be determined by careful examination.  Agents of the devil are willing to operate within church groups to generate dissatisfaction, misinformation, and spiritual confusion.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to the measure of divine faith that resides in you.

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge:  because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me:  seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.  (Hosea 4:  6, KJV)

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/21/2014) Beyond Punishment

Divine punishment, justice, betrayal and retribution are in view, today.  Also, there is more on Christianity as a culture of judgment.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Andrew”  (Level 1 with 12 points, a member since January 26, 2014) posted the following:

 

Does God punish people? 

Let’s say a man makes fun of a blind man. Would God make the man who made fun of him blind as a punishment.

 

THE BATTLE AXE:  A Culture of Judgment? (03/20/2014)—Christianity may be spoken of as a culture of judgment, yet, it is not a culture of condemnation.  For Christian believers, peace is to be an inner condition of ones being wherein all the changes and interactions of their divine substance are in agreement, in balance, are complete, and occur smoothly.  Believers are “recruited” (we say, called) to serve as “priests and kings.”  It is the peculiar duty of a king to serve as one of the highest authorities in judgment; just as it is a peculiar duty of a priest to make offerings that secure atonement, propitiation for sin, and divine favor.  Created beings and living creatures endure by divine prerogative (we say, grace), and none may justify themselves on the basis of their deeds, their intentions, or their service.  It is their salvation that they may willingly submit to the Son of the Highest, who is justified by participation in GODhead.  Applying their own measures of faith and divine spirit, believers are established as justified in judgment by the Savior’s faithfulness, gratitude, humility, love, obedience, righteousness, and unselfish sacrifice—not their own.  There are now those in existence (we say, sinners, unbelievers) who oppose divine law, judgment, and the continuing sovereignty of GOD.  Where these can not be altered and saved, demands for universal peace and divine perfection require they absolutely must be destroyed.  See Genesis 6:  3, Isaiah 30:  8-15, Jeremiah 29:  19, Galatians 5:  15-26 and Romans 14:  16-18, KJV.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:  Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?  For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord.  And again, The Lord shall judge his people.  (Hebrews 10:  28-30, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  GOD Enjoys Judgment? (12/19/2013); Miracles are Sacred Events (12/20/2013); Of War and Judgment (10/08/2013); Heart, Brain or Spirit? (10/09/2013); A GOD of Love? (05/07/2013); Commanding the Storm? (05/08/2013); Why So Much Murder? (01/12/2013); Confusion 2013 (01/13/2013); Justice Comes by Love? (10/01/2012); A Daily Revelation? (10/02/2012)

 

“Andrew”, the best answers for speaking about how GOD operates among mankind all go beyond the simple idea of punishment and reward.  Many times we mislabel what we see from GOD.  Consider the following:

(1.)  Vengeance (we say, justice) is only one goal of divine judgment.  Other objectives include balance, permanent change (we say, correction), perfection, purity, revelation (making the righteousness of GOD known), salvation, and sanctification (cleansing, healing, and setting one apart for divine service).

(2.)  The Bible does report instances where GOD removed affliction from one person, and leveled that same hardship upon another.  When Naaman, a Syrian general, was cured of leprosy, the disease was laid upon Ghazi and all his descendants.  Not only did the much trusted servant of Elisha covet the Syrian’s goods, Gehazi demanded payment for healing and rebirth from GOD, hid the merchandise he had been given, and then lied to the prophet about where he had been, and what he had done (see 2nd Kings 5:  1-27, KJV).

There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, thoroughly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  Divine order for the earth is not separated from divine order for heaven.  Therefore, unopposed, the violations of divine law committed among created beings and living creatures have power at a cosmic level to damage unseen features of the universe.  The operations of GOD are not to express human anger, emotion, and indignation so much as to affirm divinity that is made of spirit substance.  Included are such eternal, inseparable, and unchanging aspects of GOD as faith, forbearance, forgiveness, holiness, joy, longsuffering, love, wisdom, and wrath against sin.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?  And he answered, Fear not:  for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.  And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw:  and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.  (2nd Kings 6:  15-17, KJV)

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(02/21/2014) “Prayer Death”?

Today, I share some points (below) on faith healing, and recent media reports on what is being called a second “prayer death.”  (A Pennsylvania couple worshiping as Pentecostal believers, who are the parents of seven remaining children, were already serving out their sentence in a 10-year probation for the death of their two-year old.  They now have been sentenced as guilty of third degree murder regarding the death from treatable pneumonia in their eight-month old child.)  Additionally, there is more on doing GOD’s plan.  As my regular readers should now know, I operate in no formal role as clergy, have no ambition to start a new church, no desire to be a “religious celebrity,” or any intention of exercising authority over other believers.  Christ is sufficient for all; and it is the force of truth that establishes all sovereignty.  In the conviction of a disciple and an ordinary believer, then, I minister from the truths acquired from my own experiences of healing, continuous study, and duty as a joint-heir with Christ—as all other responsible believers are challenged to do.

 

THE BATTLE AXE:  Doing GOD’s Plan (02/20/2014)—Believers are all given a new and better way to “think about it,” where judgment against Judas is the natural consequence of sin within his makeup, and the love, power and eternal purposes of GOD are clarified, and revealed to be righteousness.  Foreknowledge and intellect within created beings and living creatures may derive from operations of their appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, craving for sexual contact), their senses (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching), and their mental functions (e.g. fantasy, imagination, recall).  The many events in nature appear as predictable, because they regularly occur as part of a familiar cycle or series.  Awareness and information on sacred events and divine operations all come as aspects of divinity, life essence (we say, Spirit) and utterance (we say, the word).  Included are praise, prayer, proclamations, promises, and prophecy.  Judas did not obey (i.e., put aside ones own will to carry out the will of another, the will of the community expressed in law, or the will of GOD incarnate as Jesus Christ); nor did he make an unselfish sacrifice of himself for others.  At best, Judas offered himself to an idol, a human tradition of covetousness, error, and presumption.  See again Matthew 15:  1-14, Colossians 2:  6-9 and Acts 1:  12-26, KJV.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.  And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me.  And many charged him that he should hold his peace:  but he cried the more a great deal, Thou son of David, have mercy on me.  And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called.  And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.  And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.  And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?  The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.  And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.  (Mark 10:  47-52, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Why Christians Pray for Others (01/12/2014); GOD is Jesus? (01/13/2014); Miracles are Sacred Events (12/20/2013); Resisting Sin (12/21/2013); Naaman the Leper (12/21/2012); Did Jesus Know? (12/22/2012)

 

(1.)  Nothing is Impossible.  For GOD, nothing is impossible; yet all things are in accordance with sacred law, in agreement with eternal purpose, in keeping of divine order, and upon condition.  For created beings and living creatures, all things of their existence are in accordance with divine imperatives, finite limits, and the operations of spiritual truth. See Matthew 19:  23-30 and Mark 14:  32-39, KJV.

(2.)  Defiance of Civil Law.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ does not instruct believers to behave as a “law unto themselves”; to be hostile toward, ignore, or neglect the demands of civil government, the bond and entity whereby an aggregate of people may operate as a legal corporation and commonwealth.  In fact, government is upheld as a mechanism from GOD for the benefit of all who must be comforted, corrected, instructed, nourished and protected.  Included are children, spouses, the members within congregations and communities of faith.  See Romans 13:  1-10, KJV.

(3.)  Intercession by the Body.  Even where everyone assembled in the crowds who came to Jesus did not offer prayers for healing while Jesus was ministering, we may assume all the disciples and apostles did so.  Following the example of the world, believers often hold that decisions about, diet, foods and health are personal, and private.  As a result, they deny their obligation to the body, the community of faith, and the community at large.  They do not properly apply the truth that blessings and divine interventions are supplied to address the needs of all in covenant; to continue and complete divine operations; and to fulfill divine promise, establish prophecy, and implement eternal purpose.  Members are not to be cut off, or isolated as though their need is merely one of me-myself-and-I.  Therefore, the Scriptures command that, believers request anointing, intercessory prayers, laying on of hands, and other support that comes from the elders and leaders of their assembly.  Accountability is to be corporate.  See James 5:  13-16, KJV.

(4.)  Knowledge of the Right Way.  Healings and miracles appeared as operations of divinity (the Scriptures say, virtue, and we say, the Holy Spirit) that resided within Jesus.  Many, who in fact have received gifts from the Holy Spirit, mistakenly assume they have all the same virtue that was in the Lord.  However, like the disciples and apostles, they may still be ignorant of divine operations.  Saying this another way:  Childlike and simple faith is not the same as collective, experienced, mature faith, and the faith that results by long practice and repeated confirmation.  Many believers are unaware of the sacramental practices associated with healing, and have been provided little formal instruction on how to obtain relief by prayer.  There is no fixed formula, or single prayer that may be relied upon to always result in immediate healing.  In this sense, each case is unique; and, alone, every believer goes about to “reinvent the wheel.”  There can be no certainty or confidence in what believers are able to do; the certainty is primarily that GOD is able to hear, and answer.  See Numbers 15:  30, Psalms 19:  12-13 and Mark 9:  14-29, KJV.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  Outcomes of Sin.  Healing is not provided to continue and fortify sin.  Focused upon the flesh, many miss the connections and subtleties (barely visible differences; hidden truths) of judgment that also appear with sickness.  The Scriptures report that King David—who wore the ephod offering sacrifice as a priest, and uttered proclamations and prophecy as a spokesperson for GOD—fasted and prayed that the life of his sick child be spared.  The best doctors within the household of the king were most likely consulted.  However, the child would have been an offspring from David’s adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite.  Despite David’s personal fasting, tears, and humiliation by sackcloth and ashes, the child was taken away; and the house of David would endure the wrath of GOD against sin for many generations.  See 2nd Samuel 12:  1-23, KJV.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.  But there is a spirit in man:  and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.  Great men are not always wise:  neither do the aged understand judgment.  Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will shew mine opinion.  (Job 32:  7-10, KJV)

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC