The account of Jesus rebuking a storm is considered, today, along with more on how one truth (that GOD uses hell to destroy sin and sinners) does not cancel another (that GOD is a God of love). A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Trace” (Level 1 with 89 points, a member since December 10, 2012) posted the following:
What is the main point of Mark 4:35-41 talking about jesus in the storm?
THE BATTLE AXE: A GOD of Love? (05/07/2013)—(5.) For many the highest expression of human love is sexual joining where being is experienced as emotional, physical, psychological and spiritual all at the same time, and where a new life or lives may be begun. For mature Christian believers the highest expressions of love are accounted to be forgiveness, giving, obedience, sacrifice, service and suffering where ones own desire and will are put aside to unselfishly carry out and fulfill the will of another. (6.) Hatred, malice and sin do not change or respond to affection, logic, persuasion, trust, reason, or any operation by the Spirit of Christ. The imparted, indwelling Spirit is the primary divine mechanism that allows created beings and living creatures to recognize, and resist sin that may be present as an unseen influence upon ones self-will. In agreement with the divine purposes of Creation, sin is not to be an eternal presence; and the sacred process that will permanently eliminate sin can not be carnal, material, social, and venal. The necessary divine actions for the final removal of all the vessels of sin, and the bestowing of eternal life upon the vessels of divinity are correctly understood only as duty, judgment, love, righteousness, sanctification, and truth.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done. For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed. And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4: 18-31, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why Jesus Authored No Books (05/01/2013); Recognizing True Prophets (05/02/2013); Jesus, A Party Animal? (05/03/2013); The True Miracle (12/23/2012); About the Star? (12/24/2012); Given the Cloud of Witnesses (11/29/2012); A Golden Ticket? (11/30/2012)
Trace, here are some ideas that many mature Christian believers regularly consider in order to eliminate spiritual confusion:
(1.) We all continue to be physical beings in a natural and temporal world. When our beliefs and thoughts are not grounded and rooted in the Holy Spirit, the demonstration of divinity, god-likeness, sacred person and supreme power must also include visible displays of control and will-power that can alter being and existence, life and death. (See John 4: 46-54, KJV).
(2.) Through the holy writings and prophesies, Jesus was aware his ministry would have to use materials and techniques for immediate and enduring impact. The window of opportunity was brief, being only three and one-half years. While miracles do not automatically produce faith—confusion, doubt and fear may result—faith and hunger for further truth can be aroused and focused by miracles.
(3.) Most correctly understood, faith is an aspect of divine substance, and is inseparable from such other sacred content as holiness, humility, righteousness, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin. The endowment of divine breath and spirit provided to mankind at Creation has been reduced and weakened through sin. The ministry of Jesus Christ now permits renewal of ones divine essence through operations of the Holy Spirit that include baptism (i.e., death, rebirth, repentance, and sanctification).
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Ordinarily, crossing the lake was a simple journey requiring no more than hours. The storm that hindered the disciples and threatened to destroy the ministry of Jesus, was not sent by GOD. Their efforts were all carnal, material and physical, and came down to rowing, and casting water out from the ship. As co-laborers with Christ, the disciples were to realize the true nature of the storm, and correctly apply their own spirit power from the Father. Command, judgment, operating in the lawful authority from GOD, and prayer apparently had been completely overlooked.) 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 