(07/02/2013) Jericho Justified?

The divine creation of the armies of Israel, the separating judgment against Jericho, and more on deliverance and interventions by GOD are topics, today.  The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Edgar” (Level 1 with 113 points, a member since July 1, 2013) posted the following:

How was the Walls of Jericho justified?

How did God let Moses take down a city with innocent civilians after the 40- year wait? How could this be even be justified? War in many beliefs are seen as immoral and barbaric. Could’nt they just go wander off the desert somewhere else and find it with another route to the Promised Land? No need to harm others.

Additional Details

We don’t know what even occurred in the supposed land of Jericho? They just said no entry and that’s it. Look at immigration. Many Christians support this form of entry and you go against a border?

So war is acceptable in terms of favoritism? Sounds like Lord of the Rings to me.

THE BATTLE AXE:  GOD Intervenes? (07/01/2013)—When speaking of GOD, believers repeatedly seek to acknowledge the authority, exalted majesty and sovereign power of the Creator as well as what are supposed to be the supernatural aspects of divinity.  Included may be such features as foreknowledge, immortality, omnipresence, and omniscience.  However, the actual process of GOD within the life of believers appears through features of their routine, daily living.   Those who choose baptism must internalize and continually respond to spirit matter from GOD (we say, divine DNA, or the imparted, indwelling Spirit).  A person may say they have been prevented from self-destruction and wickedness (saved or stopped) because their attitudes, awareness, behavior, and conduct are altered through sacred knowledge; exchange, interaction and sharing within a covenant community; unselfish giving and service; and the acquisition of eternal goals and purposes.  See Romans 6:  3-6, Ephesians 2:  10 and Colossians 3:  1-25, KJV.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  When the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than thou;  And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them:  Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son.  For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.  But thus shall ye deal with them; ye shall destroy their altars, and break down their images, and cut down their groves, and burn their graven images with fire.  For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God:  the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.  The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people:  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.  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;  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.  (Deuteronomy 7:  1-10, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  What to Take Literally (03/11/2013); A GOD of War? (03/12/2013); “Authorized Personnel Only”? (03/13/2013); Why So Much Murder? (01/12/2013); Confusion 2013 (01/13/2013); Why Did The Judges Fight? (10/19/2012); The Spirit is Willing (10/20/2012); Violence In The Bible (02/26/2012); (09/13/2011) Dispatch 34:  The Servant Must Not Strive

Edgar, here are some points that Christian believers find useful for understanding the things from GOD that are recorded as the Holy Bible:

(1)  Sacred writings require more than simply descriptions of people and places, facts or statistics, and sequential narrative.  A reader must proceed with a knowledge of divine law, various sacred operations (such as covenant, judgment, promise, and prophecy), and a clear view of eternal purposes.  The Bible provides a divine point of view reporting sacred events through thousands of lives over the course of thousands of years.

(2)  In the same way we are told GOD created the nation of Israel, GOD created the armies of Israel.  The mixed multitude that fled from Egypt after witnessing the plagues (i.e., judgments) against Pharaoh  consisted primarily of farmers, shepherds and livestock handlers who had no knowledge of tactics, strategies or weapons.  Many miracles to establish discipline and divine order are recorded, even that men should use a paddle to bury what would come from their bodies when they relieve themselves.  Just as armies may be destroyed in the kitchen (through their food becoming contaminated), the health of a camp is preserved through maintenance of the sleeping quarters (the bedroom), and by having a proper latrine area (we say, bathroom).

(3)  Jericho was a “fenced” or walled city, and was seen by all as an impregnable stronghold—a siege there could last an entire generation (40 years).  Therefore, overcoming Jericho quickly would set the tone for all further encounters.  Jericho was the first major assault in the Promised Land, the first assault without Moses, and the first assault with Joshua as leader.  Not only were there issues of confidence, élan and morale, the Israelites all (men, women and children) would have to engage issues of covenant-keeping, faith, obedience, and recognizing the active presence of GOD.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example,  (4)  For centuries, the men of seven tribes were in covenant with GOD, and had prospered upon the land that Israel was now to receive.  Like Pharaoh, after repeated backsliding, betrayal, covenant-breaking, idol worship, ignored warnings, malice toward GOD, and sin the seven tribes finally came under separating judgment, and were to be utterly destroyed and removed.  Instead of brute force, another form of power was revealed that could only be acknowledged as from GOD.)   Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(07/01/2013) GOD Intervenes?

Deliverance and divine interventions that determine human behavior are a topic, today, along with more on freewill.  The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Kush” (Level 1 with 1 point, a member since June 24, 2013) posted the following:

Why do Christians say god stopped or saved “them”from doing this or that?

…..THAT’S SIMPLY CRAZY AND HYPOCRITICAL!

IF God created man perfect before being placed in the”garden of eden”….
And then allowed “SIN” to enter into his “perfect” garden,creation and world without doing anything,
Why would he care if you “sinned” or not now?…
HE forfeited it in the beginning when he could have stepped in and stopped them.(from sinning)…..HE IS GOD….RIGHT?,ALL POWER IS HIS NO?..YES?…WHICH ONE IS IT?

For better words,why interfere now? he should have done that in the beginning then you wouldn’t have to deal with it!…..

No matter how you try to explain it,it makes no sense!

I see what you mean by”made in his image”

BATTLE AXE:  Freewill is Finite (06/30/2013)—One may have “freewill” without also having lawful authority and jurisdiction, skill as a decision-maker, privilege through membership, and so-called “rights” secured through government or political participation.  For mankind, the many limits to freewill derive from the finite and conflicting natures of carnal, material, physical, social, and spiritual reality.  The unsanctified attitudes and actions of created beings and living creatures that emerge from freewill can not be justified before GOD even by the ministry of Jesus Christ.  Submitting to Christ, ones will is reconfigured and restructured to give expression to divine substance, sacred operations, and eternal purpose.  Freewill continues to be finite within believers and followers of Christ, yet, is increasingly responsive to divine will, and appears more and more clearly as an aspect or instrument of divinity.  See Deuteronomy 23:  21-23, Matthew 10:  8, Romans 6:  16-23 and 1st Corinthians 2:  11-16, King James Version.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:  he leadeth me beside the still waters.  He restoreth my soul:  he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:  for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.  Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:  thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:  and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.  (Psalms 23:  1-6, King James Version)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Those Who Never Heard (06/07/2013); If You Are Sent…? (06/08/2013); Tests for Origins (08/27/2012); Jesus Our “Advocate” (08/16/2012); Wrong To Love? (08/17/2012); (10/29/2011) Binder 32:  Those Yet Unsaved; (09/05/2011) Dispatch 26:  The Shield; Adam Saved? (12/03/2010); 13 Epistles (12/04/2010)

“Kush”, here are some points important to those now living in the kingdom of GOD as believers through Jesus Christ:

(1)  GOD is a spirit, and his being and make-up consists totally in divinity and sacred matter.  Included are faith, holiness, longsuffering, joy, peace, wisdom, and wrath against sin.   GOD is revealed to and known by created beings and living creatures only through the operation of deposits and endowments of divine spirit matter present within their own awareness and being.

(2)  For mankind, the influences that determine actions, choices, beliefs and commitments are often subtle (we say, barely visible, fine and undetectable), and may go beyond the flesh (i.e., appetite, sensation, mental functions).  In the same way human error and mistakes are most correctly recognized after one takes action, sin remains hidden and invisible until self-will is made manifest in action or utterance.

(3)  Sin is not a carnal, material or physical thing; is not made of living substance or spirit; and is not put forth from GOD.  Even so, sin may dominate self-will in created beings and living creatures.  The “mystery” of sin is so great that multiple sacred mechanisms and operations have been provided to mankind as shields and tools against sin.  Included are anointed leaders, covenant, divine law, forbearance, forgiveness, incarnation (i.e., the appearance of GOD among mankind in flesh), life companions in holy matrimony, priesthood, prophecy, the cross and the imparted, indwelling spirit of GOD (we say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Truth, the Spirit of Prophecy).

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example,  (4)  Those who insist that their animal or angelic nature, their finite intelligence, or logic, or luck, or reason are sufficient to understand the profound truths of sovereign being, divinity and eternal life, usually do so through ignorance, immaturity, pride, and stubbornness.  They reject the life of continual spirit growth, learning and new experience that must be provided by GOD.)   Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(04/19/2013) When Jesus Comes Back?

      How to “survive” the Second Coming, and more about preaching the Gospel are topics, today. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Chris” (Level 1 with 22 points, a member since April 15, 2013) posted the following:

If Jesus comes back what should I do?

Is there anything I can do at that point to survive?

THE BATTLE AXE: About Preaching the Gospel (04/18/2013)—(5.) Many believers hesitate to spread the Gospel in the sense that they “wait” to be invited. They are silent in their communities, schools, and workplaces because they hope to avoid accusations of imposing upon nonbelievers, proselytizing, and provoking division. More than this, they are convinced the seed of GOD must not be wasted, and should be planted only in good ground, among those who are meek and teachable. Even so, all men have not faith (2nd Thessalonians 3: 1-3), and all men have not obeyed the gospel (Romans 10: 16). Also, see Proverbs 26: 17, Proverbs 29: 20-21, Matthew 7: 6, Matthew 23: 15 and Matthew 13: 1-23, KJV.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. (Romans 10: 4-11, King James Version)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Understanding Hell (01/09/2013); The Golden Age? (01/10/2013); The Common Danger (01/02/2013); The Root of Jesse (01/03/2013); After the Rapture? (11/01/2012); Opportunity to Repent (11/02/2012); After We Die? (10/04/2012); Does GOD Feel? (10/05/2012); Life and Death (09/26/2012); Mob Rule and Violence (09/27/2012)

      Chris, here are some points acceptable to many mature Christian believers:

(1.) The Advent or Second Coming is a sacred event to complete and fulfill a broad range of ongoing spiritual operations and eternal purposes. Included are deliverance for mankind from destruction of the earth; harvest and ingathering of souls; righteous judgment; and the revealing of GOD to all created beings and living creatures.

(2.) The idea of “survival” is a device of the World system, whereby a person is influenced to display patterns of behavior and thought that continue cooperation to secure and exchange such resources for living as food, clothing, and shelter. The World is displayed through collective institutions and programs that include culture, education, family, history, philosophy, politics, and science. Where the World defines bad/good, crazy/sane, false/true, godly/ungodly, illogical/logical, real/unreal, reasonable/unreasonable, scientific/unscientific the World also endorses denying, ignoring and replacing the truth from GOD. Thus, Christian believers understand: GOD created the heaven and the earth; mankind created the World. 
 
(3.) GOD and Jesus Christ are operating within the earth realm to establish the eternal existence of divinity. While all created beings and living creatures contain endowments of divinity, through self-will and sin, many have become transformed and weakened so greatly that a process of salvation has been required for their recovery.

(4.) What believers are prepared to do in the day of Christ’s coming is to acknowledge the truth of divine proclamations, promise and prophecy; confess the emptiness and impotence of the World; give glory to him; rely upon the righteousness of GOD; show honor and praise; trust; yield; and worship. At that time, there can be no bargaining, bartering, begging, or boast.
    
     There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) The repentance that must occur to make a person ready for the day of Christ has to begin while they are still carnal, physical and social beings—we could say, while they are yet sinners. As the experience of new life following spiritual re-birth, repentance is accomplished within and through believers by the Spirit of Christ; and is a continuous process of growth, learning and transformation.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC