(05/10/2013) Loving the Enemy?

Focus today is on the divine command to love, and more on whether all Christian believers must die on the cross. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Harold” (Level 3 with 1,511 points, a member since June 24, 2009) posted the following:

Jesus said to love your enemies; how come no one follow his commandment?

THE BATTLE AXE: Death Has Been Transformed (05/09/2013)—(6.) The life and work of Christ also has established knowledge of death as a divine tool used in support of holiness, law, faith, eternal life, immortality, incorruption, and righteousness. Rather than the end of ones being, death through baptism signifies the beginning of new life. While the ministry on earth of Jesus Christ did include his raising the dead, Jesus did not alter the effect and physical process of death. Where life process (e.g., circulation, elimination, respiration) that must go on as continuous and cyclic is interrupted or shut down, damage to organs and tissue may become irreversible, and poisons may accumulate that block further functioning, recovery and regeneration. Once emotional, mental and spiritual function all cease, ones mortality is completed. Jesus has demonstrated resurrection, and clarified the divine processes and sacred purposes of judgment, including the second death. See 2nd Timothy 1: 7-10 and Romans 6: 1-23, King James Version. (7.) The death of Jesus upon the cross was to portray sacred operations that included atonement, obedience, offering, purification, and redemption. Jesus served as a living sacrifice that was holy, sinless, and filled with the divine instrument of blood that conveyed the substance of human life and spirit. Because the need of mankind has been met by a single, eternal act of GOD, there is no need that all believers die upon the cross. However, every believer is to identify with Jesus, and understand his life, ministry, death, resurrection, purpose, and Second Coming. See Romans 6: 10-12, Galatians 2: 16-21, 2nd Timothy 2: 11-13 and 2nd Timothy 4: 1-5, KJV.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5: 38-48, King James Version)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A GOD of Love? (05/07/2013); Commanding the Storm? (05/08/2013); Evidence of the Unseen Spirit? (04/09/2013); A Guide to Salvation (04/10/2013); My Brother’s Keeper? (04/05/2013); Issues for Children’s Church? (04/06/2013); The Love of GOD (03/03/2013); Our Need for a Son (03/04/2013)

Harold, here are some thoughts you might find useful as you complete your understanding of how created beings and living creatures may experience and show divine love:

(1.) As an aspect of divinity, love consists in more than affection, attraction, and carnal feelings. Sacred content from the person of GOD (such as faith, humility, love, joy, wisdom and wrath against sin) is invisible to those who lack the imparted, indwelling Spirit of Christ. For many our human concepts of love center upon association, exchange and various material, sexual and social themes. Christian believers are not required to lust after, or have sex with their every enemy, nor are believers always required to behave as if brain dead whenever they are insulted or attacked with violence. (To respond as a martyr, and quietly surrender ones spouse and children to bears or lions in the arena is only one of many possibilities for Christians.)

(2.) There are many obedient to Christ, however, we are not to wear a flashing neon sign to draw attention to ourselves. Self-justification, self-promotion, and showing-off are rarely useful when sharing the Gospel. Every believer should experience GOD’s revelation of himself by discovery, discernment and direct recognition (we say, without being told) because human affirmation of the truth is by realization of what is inarguable and self-evident.

(3.) In the same way a person knows the unseen force of wind is present by its action upon the tree tops, a kite, a piece of trash, a cloud, divine substance must be realized through operations of the Holy Spirit upon the lives and understanding of created beings and living creatures as well as upon material and physical objects. Where you can see the effects and results of spirit presence (like my writing this response to a stranger), you can begin to know the love of GOD in the terms of a fellow believer. 
 
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Among Christians destroying enemies may be called “killing them with kindness” or purification (i.e., heaping hot coals upon their heads). Enemies are to be eliminated by converting them into friends through courtesy, forgiveness, generosity, godliness, humble service, and respect. See Proverbs 25: 21-22 and Romans 12: 19-21, KJV.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/09/2013) Death Has Been Transformed

Whether or not believers are required to die on the cross is the topic, today. Also, there is more on Jesus rebuking the storm. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Ken” (Level 1 with 182 points, a member since May 1, 2013) posted the following:

Why does Jesus require all of us die on the cross?

That’s what my pastor says. If I gotta, I gotta.

THE BATTLE AXE: Commanding the Storm? (05/08/2013)—(5.) In order to fulfill prophecy and further implement the promises of GOD, Jesus reproduced, improved upon, and portrayed many actions and events from the lives of earlier patriarchs, prophets and kings. Included were acts of covenant, deliverance, exorcism, fasting, healing, power over aspects of the natural world, prayer, submission, and spiritual surrender. The Savior’s rebuke of storms compares to Moses, Joshua, Elijah, and Elisha opening the Red Sea, and going over the Jordan River on dry ground (see Exodus 14: 21 and 2nd Kings 2: 1-15, KJV). In the same way Moses demonstrated authority from GOD calling water from a rock, and instructing them regarding the gift of manna as a food for the covenant people, Jesus fed thousands to clarify his authority to forgive sins, raise the dead, and to establish eternal life through priesthood and judgment (see John 4: 46-54, Luke 5: 18-26, Hebrews 7: 24-26 and John 6: 1-71, KJV).

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1st Corinthians 15: 50-57, King James Version)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Magical Resurrection? (03/20/2013); Eat His Body, Drink His Blood (03/21/2013); Foolish For Not Believing? (03/22/2013); Life and Death (09/26/2012); Mob Rule and Violence (09/27/2012); The Divine Tool of Death (08/11/2012)

Ken, I trust you will agree, there are many things that must fit together for us to understand all that GOD is accomplishing through the Incarnation, the death, the resurrection, and eternal ministry of Jesus Christ as Risen Lord. Please consider the following points:

(1.) In the same way our existence within a natural order continues to require that people get wet when standing in the rain, all mankind and believers in salvation from GOD through Christ also continue to meet natural demands for change that include aging, decay, forgetting, sickness, and decease. 
 
(2.) The existence of mankind within the divine order that generates created beings and living creatures has been altered by the process of sin. Sin first appeared among the holy angels, who are spirit beings. In their creation, the angels were made finished (we say, perfect) in terms of their capabilities, living process, and sacred content. The angels and sacred beasts of heaven were not made subject to death, and the fear of termination. Even so, in the heaven, only GOD is immortal.

(3.) Death was introduced as a divine tool to make visible the direction, effect, and presence of sin. The existence of mankind was made temporal (i.e., of limited duration); and the completion of our condition as mortal is called “death.” Sin has not been created by GOD, and contains no spirit substance as do all things made by GOD, including mankind. Sin may dominate self-will in created beings and living creatures; however, sin cannot influence the will of GOD.

(4.) Through the birth, ministry, sufferings, death and resurrection of Jesus, the meaning and power of death for mankind has been reconfigured and transformed. Spiritual reality and truth are clarified and established revealing death as temporal, and a necessary stage for mankind to be made immortal and incorruptible.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) To acquire and experience the benefits intended for mankind, believers must become aware of Christ as the controlling aspect within their own person. In that sense, they become one with the Son, and through him, with the Father. Death is then described as an aspect of spiritual meaning with rebirth from divine content (we say, holy DNA). There then must be further sacred process including repentance and sanctification. Human will becomes armored against sin, where men once were incapable of detecting or resisting sin.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(04/04/2013) A Spirit Church?

      Focus, today, is upon the foundation for the church described and proclaimed by Jesus Christ. Also, there is more on knowledge and the life of ones spirit. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Matthew” (Level 2 with 340 points, a member since January 12, 2013) posted the following:

What church is Jesus referring to in Matthew 16:18-19?

THE BATTLE AXE: Life Given By Knowledge? (04/03/2013)—(6.) Knowledge itself is not life; yet, knowledge provides order and structure for life, and permits affirmation of life through certainty and confidence. Knowledge about GOD that is from GOD unveils a sacred dimension for human existence, and transforms the operation and spirit makeup of human awareness. (See 2nd Peter 1: 2-11, KJVJ.) (7.) Meekness and repentance must characterize the attitudes and behavior of the changed person who is a believer. In addition to acceptance of divine authority shown as dutifulness, obedience and respect, there must be a willingness to break off noxious habits, irreverence and sinful behavior, a willingness to humbly learn and grow after the direction of the Holy Spirit, and a willingness to encourage, nourish and share the knowledge of redemption and salvation with others.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. (Colossians 1: 12-20, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Spirit and Pentecost (03/27/2013); The Passion at Gethsemane (03/28/2013); Science and the Laws of Nature? (03/23/2013); Translation, Please… (01/11/2013); Understanding Hell (01/09/2013); The Golden Age? (01/10/2013); Therefore There Was Trust (01/07/2013); The Place For Eternal Life? (01/06/2013); Spirit Matter (10/21/2012); Caesarea Philippi (10/22/2012); Girdle 32: Worship GOD (12/17/2011); Dispatch 35: My Defense (09/14/2011)

      Matthew, here are some points that should be helpful to you and your readers. These will have their greatest clarity and usefulness following a simple prayer to show respect, and where one will ask the blessing of GOD to correctly understand and apply them:

(1.) The church Jesus proclaimed would be present and operate as an inner condition within believers, and is established by direct actions from himself with GOD the Father, and the same Holy Spirit that operated at Creation. More than a physical building or social institution, the church is to be identified as an assemblage of spirits.

(2.) The church of Jesus would appear and be realized through sacred truths, rather than secular knowledge, logic, philosophy, reason and science. Focus of the church would not be upon carnal, material and social issues, so much as upon the revealing of GOD to mankind through divine utterance. Included, here, are appearances of the word from GOD imparted to humanity as confession, doctrine, law, praise, prayer, promise, and prophecy.

(3.) The church of Jesus has a comprehensive cosmic focus, and is a summation binding together and clarifying aspects of truth across time (past, present, future), space (earth, heaven, the universe), and embracing all sentient beings (e.g., angels, animals, mortals, sacred beasts of heaven).

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) A specific spiritual truth is the foundation and rock that serves as the platform for the church: The church appears among mankind, however cannot be known by operations of “flesh and blood,” or the usual mechanics of the World system. The World system is man-made, and has been fashioned to ease acquiring and exchanging resources, and to ensure human survival. Familiar aspects of the World include agriculture, domesticating animals, language groups, money, and politics.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/30/2012) A Golden Ticket?

      Whether or not one may escape hell by reading the Bible is addressed today, along with more on the scale of acceptance for the resurrection of Jesus. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Mystaku” (Level 4 with 3,733 points, a member since January 6, 2011) posted the following:

Christians : Question on John 12:47-49 – Did I interpret it correctly?

So I had asked the question “Christians : If a hindu reads the bible & chooses to remain a hindu & not accept christ will he go to hell?”

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;…

And one of the answers had the verse from John 12:47-49

47 “As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it. 48 There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day. 49 For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it.

So this means that anyone who has read the bible but has chosen not to accept jesus/bible, he/she will be ‘condemned till the last day” aka eternal torture in hell?

If you believe that a good person will go to heaven regardless of whether or not he/she has read the bible and/or follows/rejects jesus, are you saying that this verse from John is wrong?

THE BATTLE AXE: Given the Cloud of Witnesses (11/29/2012)—The holy writings and the indwelling spirit always agree; and by their combined testimony every believer experiences the exact same awareness given to an eyewitness. (See Isaiah 43: 8-12 and 44: 6-9, KJV.) In modern society, many declare that spiritual truth must come by personal understanding, and to that extent, belief is achieved in isolation, and may not depend upon trusting others. Many events from sacred history are recorded in the Bible that foretell and attest to the resurrection of Jesus. From the death of Abel and birth of Seth, to the account of Jonah delivered from the belly of a great fish, and to the raising of Lazarus, there are innumerable sacred documents of “witness” to the resurrection of Jesus as Christ and Messiah. However, the holy writings only permit shared focus and language to make visible a witness that is itself divine person residing within a believer. The conclusive proof and testimony a believer desires must come as spiritual substance from GOD, and is more than merely a record of extraordinary behavior, exchanges and social interactions. Believers, therefore, have been given clarifications that include John 5: 36-37, John 7: 16-18, 1st John 2: 20-27 and 1st John 5: 1-13, King James Version.)

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. (1st Corinthians 1: 18, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Believing Everything? (11/23/2012); Attending Church? (11/12/2012); Does Everyone Go To Heaven? (10/28/2012); Magick and Prayer (10/29/2012); Sin Unknown? (10/10/2012); The Gender of Angels (10/09/2012); A Man in Heaven? (09/23/2012); By Grace (09/04/2012); Shaken Once More (08/22/2012)

      When a reader properly appreciates the holy writings (i.e., places the correct value upon them), it becomes clear that they are making more than a simple choice of pancakes for breakfast instead of waffles, and they are not just getting a “golden ticket” to heaven. The carnal, material and fleshy decisions are overshadowed by the weight of divine imperatives, and eternal issues. To a beginner, the full spectrum of divine person that finally is revealed cannot be recognized. More than this, beginners may fail to grasp that they are entered into a continuous process of transformation whereby GOD reconfigures their spirit makeup. The Gospel and other teachings infused with the Holy Spirit are more than an evidence or “foot-print” that records where the divine presence once existed. The Scriptures are an immediate and present appearance of Divine Person using the forms (i.e., body, incarnation) of utterance. Included are pledges, praises, prayers, proclamations, promises, and prophecies.

      Where one embraces the word from GOD as did James, John and the Apostle Paul, “to believe” means more than simply “to hold an idea” or “to support a peculiar statement.” Believing is an aspect of realizing what you are, and how you exist. Thus, believing is not at the level of an intellectual exercise, meditation and mental gymnastics. Also, ideas of argument, debate and self-expression are inappropriate. Believing pertains to faith, a divine substance that exists only within the fullness of spirit-person that men now speak of as “GOD.” Faith is inseparable from such other sacred content as glory, holiness, humility, joy, love, wisdom and wrath against sin. (So to speak, you can’t find one without the other.)

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, believers must “die to sin,” be re-born, grow and mature before they completely leave behind the flawed human idea of “good person” to direct their own choices and decisions after the model of Jesus. Various operations of the Holy Spirit must occur within them including illumination, insight, regeneration, and sanctification. Only ones beginnings may be regarded as simple and childlike. For believers are dealing with the grand issues of the universe: being, cause, consciousness, existence, knowing, origins, and eternal sovereignty.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC