(04/07/2013) Outgrowing Childhood Prayers?

      Whether we should continue to use childhood prayers in high school and thereafter is the topic, today. Also, there is more on children’s church. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Catroina” (Level 1 with 123 points, a member since March 20, 2013) posted the following:

Am I getting to old for these prayers?

(Before Bed)
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep,
If I shall die before I wake,
I pray the Lord my soul to take. Amen.
God bless everybody in my family and make me a good little girl.
(Before Dinner)
God is Grace and God is Good,
Lord we thank you for our food,
Bow our heads, we must be feed,
Give us Lord, our daily bread. Amen.
I’m a freshman in high school. Am I getting to old for these prayers, or can you keep saying them forever? Just wondering.

THE BATTLE AXE: Issues for Children’s Church (04/06/2013)—(6.) The birth mother is the first teacher (i.e., human agent and spokesperson for GOD) to her own child, and divine instruction within the home is to be under the headship of the father. In addition to guidance that socializes a child to acknowledge others as responsible members of the congregation, young believers must have demonstrations that affirm that what was begun and continued within the home is harmonized with, increased by, and reconciled to gifts and ministries in heaven and upon earth, during time past, present and yet to come, throughout the full congregation as well as for created beings, living creatures, and those unseen throughout the universe of GOD. (7.) All teaching in the church is by the operation of the Holy Spirit. The same truth must go forth to all despite differences in age, ethnicity, gender and social standing; the same divine law and Gospel of salvation are to be imparted to all. Just as at Sinai—where every full grown man, woman, expectant mother and yet unborn child along with minors, teenagers and young adults, shared the experience of feeling and hearing the voice of GOD proclaim the terms of covenant—the sacred process that fosters comfort, edification and prophecy continues as both verbal and visceral. Divine substance must be conveyed including faith, fear of the Lord (i.e., reverence, right respect), holiness, joy, longsuffering, wisdom and wrath against sin. See Deuteronomy 4: 32-40, Isaiah 54: 13-15 and John 6: 45, King James Version. 
 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. (Revelation 5: 1-8, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Spirit Church? (04/04/2013); My Brother’s Keeper (04/05/2013); Eat His Body, Drink His Blood (03/21, 2013); Foolish For Not Believing? (03/22/2013); Grandchildren? (03/23/2011); A To Do List (03/24/2011)

      Catroina, many mature Christian believers trust that every acceptable prayer they have ever offered to GOD continues to be useful as a sincere expression of their innermost feelings and personal understandings, and an eternal link binding us to the Holy. While our practice of prayer as children begins with simple rhymes, and may appear as vain repetition, we quickly grasp that our attitude, our tone, and many other subtle elements infuse our prayers with beauty, power and sacred substance pleasing to GOD. What others may mock because of its simplicity, in fact, is deep and profound; and is usually not said often enough, and can not be spoken too many times, like heartfelt “thank you,” and “I love you.” 
 
      As we grow emotionally, physically, psychologically, and spiritually, the concerns we should share with GOD through our prayer relationship also change. In addition to the embrace of our day-to-day, real-world challenges, crises and emergencies, we should begin to unselfishly address a broad range of life duties, family issues, fears, goals, growing pains, and our sacred work of spreading the Gospel. As a gift and tool from GOD, our prayers should share, and show to GOD, who we really are through our private feelings and thoughts. However, prayer should never be a matter of “me, myself and I;” self promotion, and the demand to “have our own way.”

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, repeating the Lord’s Prayer, or the Rosary should be continued as part of ones prayer life, however, these should not be relied upon as the only communication offered in ones prayer life. Like the sacraments of confession and the Lord’s Supper, the practice of memorized prayers, or even prayers that quote verses from the Bible, should be recognized as works of faith that, of themselves, do not bestow salvation. Believers must accept that their salvation is only through grace, by faith in the work of GOD in the person of Jesus Christ, and through the Holy Spirit.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(04/02/2013) Emotional Appeal?

      Whether Christian belief is primarily by emotions and feelings are the topic, today, along with more on family as a divine tool. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Daniel” (Level 5 with 5,666 points, a member since January 20, 2013) posted the following:

True or False: The only reason Christians accept Jesus’ story is because it appeals to them emotionally?

THE BATTLE AXE: A Family Affair? (04/01/2013)—(8.) The immutable and unchanging aspects of marriage and family derive from operations of the Spirit of GOD that establish spiritual union for couples with one another, and for a sacred bond to GOD. Marriage and family thus pertain to the inner spirit of mankind; and are not merely carnal, material, sexual and social. (9.) As a divine tool, family provides continuity in relationship to the Holy whereby the eternal word of GOD is accomplished despite the temporal existence of individual persons. Thus, birthright, dynasty and inheritance effect proclamation, promise, prophecy and a broad array of sacred purposes. Included are admonition, adoption, confession, judgment, and revelation. (10.) While the human institution of family may be defended, disciplined, encouraged, given instruction and nourished by the divine institution, the church, human family is ineffective as an instrument of GOD because of diversity, secular emphasis, emotionalism, lack of unity, partiality, pride, and spiritual confusion. Answers for family are greater than answers from family. (11.) In a Christian home, the husband is accountable as head of the household, and along with his spouse is the agent and spokesperson of GOD to their children. The children are respected as both a gift from GOD, and an offering to please and serve GOD (See Deuteronomy 6: 4-9, Psalms 127: 1-5, Proverbs 17: 6 and Matthew 19: 14, King James Version).

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season. Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. (2nd Corinthians 7: 8-11, King James Version)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: How To Love GOD? (03/24/2013); A Second Adam? (03/25/2013); Wanting To Have Our Way (03/09/2013); Not Even Sorry? (03/10/2013); What to Take Literally (03/11/2013); The Love of GOD (03/03/2013); Our Need For a Son (03/04/2013); Love in Christ (10/23/2012); Unexceptional Beginnings (11/22/2012); Believing Everything? (11/23/2012); Escape from Racism (10/24/2012)

      Daniel, there are many things that must be carefully understood, here, from a godly point of view. Don’t hesitate to go to GOD in prayer, and ask for assistance as you consider the following:

(1.) Shared feelings and experiences of emotion are a legitimate dimension of fellowship with GOD. Joy, sorrow and wrath against sin bind Christian believers to one another, the holy angels, and all the persons within the GODhead (Father, Son and Holy Ghost).

(2.) Moses was drawn to the burning bush by curiosity, not by ambition to become a spiritual leader, desire to become a prophet, hunger for a spiritual experience, or motivation to have an encounter with GOD (Genesis 3: 1-5, KJVJ). Like appetite (hunger, thirst, craving for sexual contact), sensation (e.g., hearing, tasting, touching), and mental function (e.g., imagination, thought, and memory), the human aspect of feelings can serve as a “starting point” for ones journey of discovery for the things from GOD. However, because feeling is temporal (i.e., endures only for a limited period), feelings cannot be the foundation for identity as a child of GOD. Anger—that resulted in Moses” not being allowed to set foot upon the Promised Land—bitterness, doubt and fear are also very powerful as feelings, and are poor platforms for experience of Christ.

(3.) Feeling is transformed through operations of the Holy Spirit such that their meaning and value appear as if generated from outside of a believer. Thus, a believers “hope” is a matter of what he is commanded to expect (e.g., the coming of Jesus), rather than what he desires (I hope for a car, a house, a better job, a wife, etc.) Many having a “root of bitterness” and anger against GOD, appear calm, quiet, or studious on the surface. Yet, their spirit substance is in turmoil. (See Hebrews 12: 14-16, KJV.)

(4.) While baptism demonstrates the truth that believers die and are re-born from divine DNA, so to speak, many endure “growing pains” and spiritual confusion, because there are so many “unchanged” features in their new life. Those who were right-handed, remain right-handed; those who were left-handed, continue as left-handed. Believers continue with carnal, material and social challenges. The new nature from GOD is to be realized as spiritual awareness, divine content (e.g., faith, holiness, humility, longsuffering, wisdom), and sacred purpose.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) Spiritual maturity and perfection does not come “overnight.” The process of GOD for mankind in the earth requires a full realization of mortality (i.e., death and resurrection) before the bestowal of incorruptibility and immortality.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/18/2013) Why Jesus Must Be A Jew

The importance of Jesus to the salvation of all mankind is topic, today, along with more on how an exorcism is used to further challenge, fulfill and transform the Jews as the “lost sheep” of the Good Shepherd. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Muthusamy” (Level 1 with zero points, a member since March 12, 2013) posted the following:

If Jesus is a Jew then why should I be a Christian?

From now call me Jewthusamy.

THE BATTLE AXE: The Children, not the Dogs (03/17/2013)—As Messiah, Jesus uses Israel to demonstrate the work of resurrection in the completion of Creation, judgment, and divine revelation. Israel, dead in sins, is “raised from the dead,” washed in atoning blood, then established in new covenant and eternal life with GOD. The “history” of Israel contained in the Scriptures is not always one of favor and special privilege that others should envy, or feel condemned by. Those who left Egypt with Moses included a “mixed multitude” (i.e., non-Hebrews and those not of the 12 tribes of Jacob) who wandered for some forty years in the wilderness. At no time were they “lost”, for they were being led by GOD through a pillar of cloud and fire. The very human responses these made to the workings of GOD among us, resulted in only two men from the more than one-half million souls that comprised the armies of Israel actually surviving to enter the Promised Land (Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephuneh). Even the Prophet Moses and Aaron the High Priest were denied through the righteous judgment of GOD.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. (Acts 3: 18-24, King James Version)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Childhood of Jesus? (03/06/2013); Non-existent Debt? (03/07/2013); Our Need for a Son (03/04/2013); Unless You Repent (03/05/2013); The Root of Jesse (01/03/2013); Newness of Spirit? (01/04/2013); Vows and Covenants? (12/17/2012); The Firstborn, Higher than Kings? (12/18/2012); The Ascension of Christ? (12/19/2012); Lion of Judah (01/10/2011); The Ark of GOD? (12/28/2010); Annual Feasts (12/29/2010); The Afterlife? (12/30/2010)

Dear Jewthusamy:

For mature Christian believers—and those everywhere who are above cultural arrogance, ethnic bias, and racial hatred—the fact that Jesus was born among the Jews is a further display of divine righteousness, not human wisdom, cleverness and perfection. For those playing the games of judgment against GOD, the evidence for divine righteousness by the priesthood, promises, prophesies and salvation granted to Adam are not enough. The destruction brought against those of Noah’s day is not convincing; and the extended history of divine presence, proclamations, and judgments through covenant with the Jews are only an empty gesture.

The revelation of GOD to all the created beings and living creatures of the universe require that Jesus must be a Jew. At question is the integrity of the divine word. The Word of GOD was published as a judgment against the serpent, and became a cornerstone of hope for Adam and Eve. The priestly inheritance that was then established as a seed continued bearing fruit in Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and David (and through them to all Israel, and to all mankind); and must yield its harvest in such sacred plantings as eternal life, repentance, redemption, rest, salvation and sanctification. Saying this another way: Jesus must be a Jew to further assist those in spiritual confusion and darkness to see that GOD is not without power against sin, and GOD is not a liar.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, the more correct question, for many of us, is not why should we be a Christian? Rather, what is the complete and correct understanding one must have of divine truth? The doctrines, teachings and opinions of men easily establish a comfort zone for our ignorance and pride. That a man would dare meddle in the things of GOD does not result from his containing the increase of divine substance that is provided through the ministry of Jesus Christ. Christian believers are to be focused upon GOD (not Judaism, Islam, atheism, communism, etc.) through Christ and the operation of the imparted indwelling Spirit (called the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Holy Spirit). Sinners may choose to have a new name through Jesus; however, only after being “born again” are sinners given new reputations (names), and become known as “believers”, “saints” and “children of GOD.”) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/07/2013) Therefore There Was Trust

      Abraham, faith, obedience, and the challenge to sacrifice ones children are a focus, today. Also there is more on where eternal life will be lived. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “ryan” (Level 1 with 160 points, December 29, 2012) posted the following:

If god tells me to kill my kids, should I?

In religion, you believe without reason/evidence. So, you follow rules for no reason. So, would you kill your kids if the invisible man told you too. In a religion based on faith alone, should you follow any crazy thought you have?

THE BATTLE AXE: The Place for Eternal Life? (01/06/2013)—There is no place where Satan will rule eternally.  Hell (the depository where those having completed mortality remain until divine judgment) and the lake of fire (a divine tool to terminate the existence of created beings and living creatures) pertain to death, and not to eternal life. Hell is linked to the first death, and the lake of fire to the second death. Hell is no eternal place; and there will be no eternal life in hell. The lake of fire is no eternal place; and those given to the flames burn until they exist no more, and the fire goes out having used all its fuel. The righteous from the earth will be taken up into heaven. However, mankind’s stay in heaven will be of limited duration. Following the Rapture, where the righteous both dead and living are taken up, those belonging to GOD in Christ will be prepared, and participate in judgment of the wicked. Upon completion of the second death, whereby the wicked are eliminated within the lake of fire, the deeds of all the righteous, who are all now immortal and incorruptible, will be examined. The distribution of the Promised Land (called “the Rest”) was through the sacred casting of lots; for the New Jerusalem, the believers will be rewarded with a portion in the holy city, and upon the new earth, according to their former works.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. (Romans 4: 13-17, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: How To Have Conviction (11/24/2012); A Text for Our Lives Today? (11/25/2012); Girdle 5: Of Trust (11/20/2011); Binder 12: Commitment To Fulfillment (10/09/2011); “Subtle” (02/21/2011); Normal? (02/22/2011); Why Ask? (02/23/2011); Meek Abram (10/17/2010)

      Because they themselves lack mature faith and understanding, every believer in Jesus Christ as redeemer and savior is frightened and shocked when they first hear an account of Abraham being challenged to sacrifice his son Isaac. They fail to see, misapply, and overlook many important truths. Included are: (1) Before being asked to sacrifice his son, Abraham had more than 50 years of experience in a real relationship with GOD, therefore there was trust; (2) GOD repeatedly blessed and prospered Abram to become a wealthy man despite his unstable, nomadic lifestyle, therefore there was trust; (3) GOD had appeared to Abram in a form that could be known through flesh, therefore there was trust; (4) Abraham lived for decades with the truth that his wife would never bare him an heir, and GOD fulfilled his word to the pair that they would have a son, therefore there was trust; (5) Abraham saw that what GOD takes away, GOD is able to restore, return and increase, therefore there was trust; (6) GOD allowed Abraham to rule a household that was the size of a small town having more than 300 men who could bear arms with their women and children, therefore there was trust; (7) GOD allowed Abraham to intercede on behalf of Sodom and Gomorrah, pleading they be spared on condition of their repentance, and gave Abraham his word, therefore there was trust; and (8) Abraham believed it is possible for GOD to bestow eternal life upon created beings and living creatures, and to restore the dead to life in resurrection, therefore there was trust.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, no Christian believer (especially not those having weak, underdeveloped and untried faith) is asked to serve beyond their level of preparation and understanding. What cannot be given freely or shared as an unselfish benefit to others (i.e., an act of perfect love), has no value to Christ, to his church, or to the Father.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/23/2012) The True Miracle

      The proper focus for celebrating Christmas and our “holy” days is considered. Also, there is more on whether Jesus knew he would be resurrected after crucifixion. The “Yahoo Answers” writer using ID “Sheila” (a Level 5 Top Contributor with 6,473 points, and member since April 24, 2009) posted the following:

Will you be seeing the true miracle of Christmas this year as you look into the eyes of your own children?

Will you shed a tear of gratitude?
Are you getting a magic feeling welling up within your heart?
If you don’t have kids … will you feel nostalgic memories about your own childhood?
Don’t you all agree that the true miracle of Christmas is the love that we all share?

THE BATTLE AXE: Did Jesus Know? (12/22/2012)—Jesus was not born with supernatural knowledge of human events, an ability to predict the future, or skill to read the hearts, minds and thoughts of others. He quickly gained knowledge and understanding of what must be the course for his own life through attending synagogue and convocations at the Temple in Jerusalem, the careful instruction of Mary and Joseph, his own study of the holy writings, private prayer, and disciplined reflection. The anointing Jesus received at the Jordan River that was witnessed by John the Baptist, ripened the many seeds of sacred truth that had been planted up to that time; and the forty days and nights of fasting and prayer in the wilderness finished Jesus’ preparation for prophetic ministry. In addition to discernment and insight into human error, human nature, and the human predicament, Jesus received an endowment of divine truth, and assurance of his legitimacy as son of Man, Son of GOD, and the One Sent. Being encouraged by the account of Abraham Isaac, and the deliverance granted at Mount Moriah, Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane that he would not have to endure the crucifixion, or that it could be delayed. When he signaled his consent and reconciliation to the Father saying, thy will be done, he was also appropriating the “sure mercies of David,” that GOD’s holy one would not see corruption (Matthew 26: 42 and Acts 13: 26-39, KJV).

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. (Galatians 4: 3-7, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Slaughter of Innocents (12/15/2012); Signs of Messianic Belief? (12/16/2012); Holiday Displays? (12/07/2012); An Attack Upon Creation? (12/08/2012); The Glory Of The Lord (12/25/2012); Girdle 39: The Foolish Things (12/24/2011); Annual Feasts (12/29/2010); Lord of Sabbath (12/25/2010); The Wise Men? (12/21/2010); Melchizedek? (12/22/2010)

      The appearance of GOD in flesh, dependent, and vulnerable among men is the miracle of Christmas. However, because many only look to carnal and material reality for truth, the holidays are no longer “holy” days. Focus upon almsgiving, charities, children, family, or volunteering service anchor ones concentration in acquisition, self-promotion, and self-satisfaction. As mature Christian believers our eyes are drawn to the many things of “spirit” that make divinity known to us. Included are adoption, birth, death, faith, forgiveness, Incarnation, divine law, longsuffering, rebirth, prophecy, and revelation.

      While our children are precious, and bring great beauty and excitement into our lives in the holiday seasons, our emotions and feelings for one another and for them are not in the nature of miracle. Our emotional changes are continuing elements in daily experience and routines that serve as deep and abiding aspects of our bond to life. Boundless and unchanging divine purpose must come into view, and so, the miracle of Christmas that human awareness should embrace also proclaims Creation, judgment, sanctification, salvation, resurrection, and eternal life.
 
      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, miraculous events leave deposits, footprints and residues of divine substance. The miracle of Christmas provides content that exists only within the fullness of divine person, and may be imparted to mankind as sacred gifts. Included are holy boldness, faith, joy, holiness, hope, humility, righteousness, truth, wisdom and wrath against sin.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC