(02/01/2014) Sprinkled, Immersed, Named?

Ceremonies and rituals for water baptism are a focus, today.  Also, there is more on language and spelling of terms appearing in the Scriptures.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Big Mo” (Level 7 with 30,712 points, a member since November 15, 2008) posted the following:

 

I was sprinkled in a Methodist church, immersed in a Baptist church, and baptised in Jesus name in a?

Jesus Only Pentecostal church but I still have other churches wanting to baptise me. Does this make sense?

 

THE BATTLE AXE:  Lower-case or Capital? (01/31/2014)—(5.)  Together, the breath from GOD and the material body are called, a living soul.  In addition to life essence and endowments of divinity from GOD deposited within mankind, angels, apparitions (we say, ghosts), idols, sacred beasts of heaven, and other created beings and living creatures are spoken of in the holy writings as “spirits”.  A phrase, “the spirit”, may be applied to demons and angels ousted from heaven, called evil, lying, and unclean spirits when they infest or reside within humans.  (6.)  Divine law embodies and manifests the will of GOD as the Law Giver who reigns above all the universe.  When speaking of the holy writings, the Ten Commandments, and  the divine law, “the letter” of the law is its application as limited, material, social and specific.  Focus upon “the spirit” of the law centers upon its benefits, its incarnation as divine substance, its intent, and its sacred purpose.  (7.)  Holy names and titles to specific functions, offices and roles used for speaking of GOD usually appear with the first letter capitalized (e.g., Almighty GOD, El Shaddai, the Eternal, the God of heaven, the God of Jacob, the most High).  Where “father” or “lord” appears with all capital letters, or a single full capital and small capitals the reference is most likely to GOD (e.g., LORD, and “the Father”).  Holy names and titles for Jesus may show the initial capital with lower-case letters, or may appear in all capital letters (such as Alpha and Omega, Lord, KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS, Messiah, Redeemer, Son of Man, Son of the Highest, the desire of all nations, the Lamb, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS).  To correctly recognize many of the holy names and titles, readers of the Scripture must continually use discernment, for names may appear with titles, titles may appear used as names, and some titles are shared (e.g., the arm of the LORD, the zeal of the LORD of hosts, the Highest, Saviour).  See Haggai 2:  7, Zechariah 13:  2, Matthew 10:  1, Matthew 14:  26, Luke 1:  46-48, Luke 11:  24-26 and John 4:  42, KJV.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  John to the seven churches which are in Asia:  Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;  And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,  And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.  (Revelation 1:  4-6, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Before Getting Baptized? (11/28/2013); The Rich in Divine Relationship? (11/29/2013); Come As You Are? (06/29/2013); Freewill is Finite (06/30/2013); Origin of Baptism? (06/22/2013); Money-changers in The Temple? (06/23/2013); Those Who Never Heard? (06/07/2013); Need for A New Holy Spirit? (06/03/2013); Faith for Facing Tragedy? (06/04/2013)

 

“Big Mo”, here are a few points that make sense to many Christian believers, and that make it possible to avoid the spiritual confusion of mockers and entrapment by the devil:

(1.)  The different forms and formulas used for water baptism are derived from specific statements in the holy writings that are held to be equally legitimate and valid.  While they vary in emphasis or inclusion of the full divine person and GODhead (we say, Father, Son, Holy Ghost), it remains that water baptism is a sacred event where flesh and spirit must become unified.

(2.)  Baptism is not correctly understood by all to be an entrance for believers, who are yet in flesh upon the earth, into the spheres of eternal life.  Physical aspects of endurance (we say, time and space) are replaced and transcended by a sacred framework.  The believer is established in a realm of consciousness determined by the birth, life, priesthood, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ into the celestial presence (we say, heaven).  Those born again (having divine DNA, so to speak), must mature again.  At first, their personal truth and sacred truth agree only at points where, through growth, learning, unselfish service and worship, they later become one and the same.

There is far more to be said, properly shared, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (3.)  Only GOD may accomplish new life and rebirth in mankind.  This is done by the operations of the same Holy Spirit that appeared in Creation.  Flesh must cooperate and participate in baptism through self-will (we say, choice, willingness), and by witness (acknowledgement and recognition of the active presence of GOD).  The Scriptures do not contain specific laws or details for ceremonies and rituals of water baptism for followers of Christ.  As a result, each assembly or congregation has developed answers from the tenets of their faith, and the righteousness that would be in any such law.  Baptism is therefore a sacrament like the Lord’s Supper (called Communion) carried out to bond, and nourish the entire body of believers, not just the single individual.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/10/2012) Sin Unknown?

      Angels, foreknowledge, Lucifer and sin are topics, today. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “mermaid” (Level 7 with 41,005 points, a member since July 2, 2010) posted the following:

If God is omniscient, then wouldn’t he have already have known that satan would disobey him?

THE BATTLE AXE: The Gender of Angels? (10/09/2012)—While angels are portrayed in popular culture (movies, television, etc.) as the souls or living spirits of dead humans, the Scriptures only describe angels as unique beings different from animals, men and sacred beasts. Secular media produced for amusement and entertainment often presents the idea of romantic and sexual encounters between humans and angels. This, in turn, encourages the idea that there have been children in the earth that were the offspring of mankind and angels. There is no sacred teaching to that effect; and the Gospel of Jesus Christ does not include any such doctrine. At their creation the angels received the full endowment of knowledge they would use throughout their lifetime. Also, the numberless count of angels has been constant from the time of their creation; they do not multiply or reproduce. The knowledge of angels is finite, and does not expand or grow by reflection and new experience. Free from mortality, and the frameworks of time and space, for angels the depth, tone, and texture of self-awareness is different from that seen for mankind. Unlike “ghosts” and shades of the dead, that are immaterial and may walk through walls, angels are believed to be substantial. Sin was first found among the angels, and did not originate with mankind. Angels are understood as serving at different levels and ranks (e.g., powers, dominions, thrones) fixed as divine order. However, there is no indication of movement or promotions within the hierarchy. As departures from divine will, such elements as ambition, defiance, envy, and willfulness among the holy angels are seen as corruption, rebellion and uncleanness.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. (Ezekiel 28: 13-17, King James Version)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Mob Rule and Violence (09/27/2012); Life and Death (09/26/2012); Unwelcome Gifts? (09/17/2012); The Gospel not Logical? (09/16/2012); Coveting The Throne (03/07/2012); Girdle 32: Worship GOD (12/17/2011)

    
     Many mature Christian believers are willing to carefully consider the following:
The issues of sin are to be understood as distinct from the issues of divine knowledge. Foreknowledge, omniscience, self-awareness, truth, and wisdom are in the nature of sacred substance, not data, facts and information. As aspects of hallowed person, these sacred substances are inseparable from other divine content; and where you find one, you find them all, so to speak. Included are faith, joy, holiness, humility, love, righteousness, and wrath against sin. Saying this another way: the ingredients that fit together and make existence are very different from those that segment and sequence ones awareness of temporal events. Sin is a mystery (i.e., hidden or secret knowledge shared only with those who are initiated; unknown) for created beings and living creatures; and this is very likely due to sin having no substance to establish its independent existence.
    
     Sin is not a “thing” made from elements of carnal, material, or spirit reality. Sin has not been created by GOD. Sin is not made of divine and living spirit; yet, sin is an influence having direction, effect and presence. Sin may dominate the awareness and will of the created, however, sin has no control or power over the will that resides in Almighty GOD.

      All the holy angels were endowed with consciousness, knowledge and sentience at the time of their creation. The entire provision that they would use throughout their timeless functioning was supplied in their very beginning. Unlike mankind, angels do not change and grow by acquiring knowledge, and learning from experience. Sin was not known within GOD, and was not to be known within the angels as a truth deposited by GOD. When sin was discovered to be among them (through the arguments of Lucifer against divine law and judgment), the angels could not comprehend an end or outcome to the foreign and invisible “non-thing” among themselves.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, Lucifer, a prince and ruler in the heavens, did not think in terms of disobeying or rebelling against authority. Rather, he presumed, that is, claimed authority in a peculiar way that communicated no respect, and reverence. Sin opposes the existence of GOD, of divine law, and of all that GOD has created; and, therefore, GOD cannot tolerate sin.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(09/03/2012) About Conversion

     Becoming a Christian believer, forgiveness of sin, and more on ghosts are shared, today.  The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Jonathan” (Level 1 with 25 points, a member since June 21, 2012) posted the following:


Questions about converts to Christianity?

If someone converts to Christianity from atheism or another religion are sins that they committed prior to converting still counted against them? Different religions tend to equal different rules and some religions are stricter with the enforcement of those rules than others.

Additional Details

Are converts basically held to the same standards as people who were born into the faith and was apart of it all of their lives?


THE BATTLE AXE:  Ghosts (09/02/2012)—An important standard among Christian believers when examining strange and unusual events is to say, “it doesn’t mean a thing, if it doesn’t serve the King.”  Are you built up in the things of your salvation?  Acknowledge but do not overvalue bizarre, and uncommon experiences.  Through Christ I am one who accepts separation from loved ones through their death, because I trust they are continuing existence through our salvation from the Lord.  Since my mother’s death, I have seen her several times while I slept.  Each time, the dream was vivid, and had the “feel” of being reality.  Afterward, I gave thanks to GOD for the comfort and overflowing joy that is being shared with me.  Despite having completed their mortality, those embraced of GOD through Christ continue within the fullness of divine Person.  All Christians do not have dreams wherein they experience deceased love ones “alive” and well.  However, all are given divine assurance and promises regarding the sleep, the resurrection and the judgment of the dead along with clear instruction about the coming of Jesus to harvest from the earth his that are alive.  The Scriptures state plainly that the dead do not praise GOD (Psalm 115:  17); they have no consciousness of the life they once lived; they do not dream or meditate upon the things of the living; and they have no temporal awareness (i.e., sense of past, present, future) Ecclesiastes 9:  5-6.  This helps us understand that at no time do the dead physically “visit” the living in obedience, or service to GOD.  Be sure to see 2nd Samuel 14:  14, 1st Corinthians 15:  50-55 and Thessalonians 4:  13-18, King James Version.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  The soul that sinneth, it shall die.  The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son:  the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.  But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.  All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him:  in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.  Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD:  and not that he should return from his ways, and live?  (Ezekiel 18:  20-23)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Scriptures To Reassure (03/05/2012); The Prophets (02/24/2012); Dispatch 36:  His Grace (09/15/2011); Dispatch 27:  Pressed In the Spirit (09/06/2011); Binder 35:  Whom The Lord Loveth (11/01/2011); Grace and Life (01/07/2011)


     Becoming a full Christian believer is a living process that occurs on every level of personal being:  emotional, mental, physical, social and spiritual.  Atonement, forgiveness of sin and expiation (payment) for past deeds are a relatively small aspect of what occurs.  The changes and transformation that must take place are so broad and sweeping, we say, one must be “born again,” and that believers are a “new creation” and “new creatures in Christ.”  Their entire existence must be generated from “divine seed,” sacred truth, and spirit substance, instead of the human “stuff” of reproduction (i.e., eggs and sperm).

     The awareness, motives, and point of view experienced by a believer are products of the divine presence that resides within all who are human from Creation (for example, humility, faith, love, mercy, righteousness, wisdom and wrath against sin).  This “natural” endowment from GOD received through birth can be defiled and diminished through sin, and so must be amplified and augmented by the imparted, indwelling spirit of GOD received as redemption and salvation from Jesus Christ.

     While there are many instantaneous and miraculous changes in a new believer, it remains that one who is “born again” must “grow up again.”  There must be gradual growth through learning (e.g., discovery, imitation, trial and error), practice, problem-solving, and study.  Through the holy writings, new believers gain new content and further focus for their awareness, and are equipped to gain knowledge of divine person, sacred process, and eternal purpose.  Included are covenant, death, forbearance, Godhead, judgment, and resurrection.

     There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, believers should expect challenges, difficulties and “growing pains” that call into presence and application their spiritual gifts.  Trial and testing are not to identify failure and weakness so much as to develop strength, and establish eternal permanence of the believer.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(09/02/2012) Ghosts

      A discussion of ghosts and the supernatural, and more on Jesus as the Son of GOD, today. The Yahoo! Answers writer using ID “Andrew” (Level 1 with 90 points, a member since September 1, 2012) posted the following:

Why are ghosts not real?

THE BATTLE AXE: Heaven For Muhammad? (09/01/2012)—Many trust that the things given by the work of Muhammad as a holy prophet, and through the Qur’an were not intended as a detailed critique of Jesus, his message, or his living ministry. As a result, the things of Islam are not adequate and appropriate as standards to measure the work of GOD in Christ. Given Islam does not directly address such important elements, silence regarding the imparted Spirit of GOD (called the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, and the Spirit of Truth), and the place of Christ as intercessor, mediator and sacrifice, mark the focus of Islam as highly concentrated, and far more narrow than found with Christian doctrine and belief. Christianity as a way of life does not “justify” human thought and behavior. Instead, (1) Christianity proclaims the operation of GOD on behalf of mankind in heaven, and upon the earth among men; (2) justifies belief, repentance, and good works by men; and (3) justifies GOD.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 9: 5-6)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Visions of Heaven (03/22/2012); Too Many Interpretations? (03/08/2012); Girdle 17: Try The Spirits (12/02/2011); To Save Jesus? (03/12/2011); A Testimony? (03/11/2011); A Holy Ghost? (12/26/2010); A Demon Leader? (10/10/2010)

      Guided by the holy writings, mature Christian believers do not hold that the dead can appear as apparitions, phantoms and specters. Ghosts are believed to have human will, and to operate with their own peculiar goals and purposes just as if they were living persons. The invisible and unseen things created and maintained by GOD do not include spirits from our loved ones that may appear to us separated from their human body.

      The fear of ghosts is very widespread, and is closely associated with a common human fear, the fear of death. Death is a divine tool that GOD uses in fulfilling the sacred intent of eternal life. The Bible does teach regarding the condition (state) of the dead along with the return of life to the dead. In the same way, GOD has not granted the Adversary (Satan) power to create and endow objects with life, the devil does not have power over death. Nevertheless, the devil maintains power through the fear of death; and employs various counterfeits, deceptions and threats to manipulate mankind. The ministry of Jesus Christ to mankind is said to have destroyed the devil’s power through fear of death, because every believer receives the imparted, indwelling spirit of GOD, the Spirit of Truth.

      There are many things that are real in human experience that presently cannot be explained by logic, reason and science. Similarly, there are many experiences that cannot be explained as caused by GOD. This does not automatically mean that supernatural creatures do not exist, or that there can be no “other worldly” events. Certainly, those who say they have had “weird” experiences are not wrong to insist that their feelings, thoughts, recall and understanding have reality. However, they may not be at all correct to say those events, their feelings and thoughts, etc. have come from GOD, our Creator; or that these elements are in harmony with the record of the Bible.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, when I was younger, I had at least two “out-of-body” experiences that some would call “astral traveling.” I actually saw the back of my own head! When I weigh the “reality” of my experiences to assign them spiritual value as aspects of my salvation, I see they are not fully consistent with the purposes of GOD revealed in Jesus. Thus, my choice has been to seek more of Christ as documented in the Scriptures and lives of other believers, not more of my own flesh, imagination, mind and sensation (hearing, seeing, smelling, touching, etc.).) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC