(12/29/2016) Christus Natus Est Nobis

A nativity scene showing the newborn king by Dona Gelsinger

 

Today, acknowledgement of the birth of Jesus by Islamic believers is a focus.  To comprehend the teachings that proclaim Jesus of Nazareth as the Anointed One, the Messiah, the Son of the Highest, in addition to Qur’an (i.e., the word of GOD recorded as a poem recited by the angel Gabriel) and hadith (i.e., accounts from those who served with Muhammad, and the sacred traditions introduced by later generations), believers in Islam would have to carefully examine the prophesies and sacred knowledge established through the holy writings collected as the Bible.   In particular, they would have to be aware of the truths shared by his apostles and disciples that are the platform for the new creation through the blood of Jesus Christ, the church.  The Bible supplies necessary spirit substance to build up, crystallize, and nurture the spirit content within a believer, and does not take the place of the Spirit endowment that must be bestowed by Christ.  Even more than academic knowledge, church history, observing Christian practices (we say, sacraments), for sinners, skeptics, and those of other belief systems to understand the sovereignty of Jesus requires they receive infilling by the Spirit of GOD. Only by operations of the imparted Spirit do believers apprehend the oneness without sameness among dominion, government, preeminence, and rule.  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers (India)” using the ID “Nicolas” (Level 2 with 550 points, a member since May 21, 2013) posted the following:

 

Can muslims believe Jesus was the king of Jews?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,  To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.  And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee:  blessed art thou among women.  And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.  And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary:   for thou hast found favour with God.  And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.  He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest:  and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:  And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.  (Luke 1:  32-33, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  A Child Is Born (12/28/2016); The Birth of Jesus (12/27/2016); The Divine Christmas Gifts? (12/26/2016); The Peace of Christmas? (12/25/2016); Built Upon the Rock (12/23/2016); The Meaning of Christmas? (12/22/2016); Jesus, King of Earth? (10/07/2012); Parental Duty? (10/08/2012)

 

“Nicolas”, believing Jesus of Nazareth was born a king to rule the Jews is not a matter of tracing earthly dynasties, composing genealogies and family trees, endorsing secular history, and uncovering political lineage.  Correct acceptance of the many truths that are fitted together that identify Jesus as a ruler, not simply a prophet, sent from GOD is only possible for those who are aware that Jesus was born as a fulfillment of proclamations, promises, and prophecy from GOD that pertain to the full revelation and sovereign rule of the Creator.  An endowment of spirit substance from the makeup of divinity (we say, the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth) must be in place within created beings and living creatures that enables their recognition and voluntary response to sacred spirit content in events, themselves, other persons, practices, statements in the holy writings, etc.  Inseparable aspects of the imparted Spirit that establishes existence and life must direct awareness and self-will in the living.  Included are faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  For divinity to exist in the hearts and minds of men in a lasting way, and as more than an abstraction or invisible thought, there must be communication, exchange and interaction that appear as continuing relationship.  The appearance of divinity using the finite tool of human form—born as a infant who develops, matures, and provides sacred ministry—addresses the needs of men for carnal, material, and social substance.  Jesus was born to do more than serve as a king on the earth; his birth, death, resurrection, and ascension have been to fulfill multiple eternal purposes that include atonement, reconciliation, judgment, and the transformation of mankind to be immortal.  Consider the following:

(1.)  Matthew 2:  1-6, King James Version (KJV):  1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,  2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.  3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.  4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.  5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea:  for thus it is written by the prophet,  6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda:  for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

(2.)  John 3:  5-8, KJV:  5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.  6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.  8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth:  so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

(3.)  John 18:  36-38, KJV:  36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world:  if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews:  but now is my kingdom not from hence.  37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.  38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Colossians 1:  18-20, KJV:  18 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.  19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;  20 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.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

 

(02/11/2015) The Spirit of Truth?

Points are shared, today, on how the ministry of Jesus is continued upon the earth by operations of a spirit from GOD that would permanently abide among and indwell the Savior’s followers after his resurrection from the dead, and his return to heaven.  All believers in divinity are challenged to acknowledge and discern the active, yet, invisible presence of Deity.  As the divine High Priest within the Temple of heaven, Christ continues the work of atonement for sin, the cleansing of the Sanctuary, and the many preparations for final judgment.  In addition, there are multiple tasks that must be finished including building a holy city (the New Jerusalem), and determining the allotments and distributions for those who will live there when the city descends to the earth.  While the Holy Spirit operates among mankind establishing such features as permanent change, existence, repentance, sacred knowledge and sanctification, workings of the Spirit may be continuous, gradual, progressive, and unseen.  The Islamic prophet from Mecca who unified Arabia as a single religious group (full name, Abu al-Qasim Muhammad ibn ‘Abd Allah ibn ‘Abd al-Muttalib ibn Hashim), does not appear to continue the many works begun and maintained throughout the record we receive as the Holy Bible (as does Jesus).  It is difficult for Christian believers to recognize Muhammad, who appeared more than 550 years later, as a successor to Jesus Christ, for many things attributed to Muhammad as a prophet that are now being shared as hadith (instructions, interpretations, practices and tradition introduced by various caliphs, leaders and rulers who appeared later) do not clearly agree with the Bible, or even with the Qur’an.  The fighter at “Yahoo! 7 Answers” (Australia) using the ID “visano” (Level 1 with 70 points, a member since December 28, 2014) posted the following:

 

When Jesus Christ announced about the coming of the spirit of truth,was it referring to ”holy spirit” or ‘prophet Mohammad”?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.  And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:  Of sin, because they believe not on me;  Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;  Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.  I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.  Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth:  for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak:  and he will shew you things to come.  He shall glorify me:  for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.  All things that the Father hath are mine:  therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.  A little while, and ye shall not see me:  and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.  (John 16:  12-16, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  On Saying the Truth? (12/18/2014); What is Truth? (12/19/2014); That All Were Prophets! (08/09/2014); Aspects of Divinity? (06/15/2014); Son of Adam and of GOD? (06/16/2014); Focus of Believers? (06/17/2014); All Lying Forbidden? (03/04/2014); Wrong Not to Forgive? (03/05/2014); Bible Authors and Truth? (06/19/2013); On Testing GOD (06/20/2013)

 

“visano”, here are a few points shared among those having the new spiritual relationship with divinity that is granted to the followers of Jesus:

(1.)  The sacred essence that operated through the Prophet John the Baptist was the same spirit that had appeared earlier in the lives of Abraham, Joseph, Samson, Samuel (called the last of the Judges, the first of the Prophets), the Prophet Moses, Daniel, and King David.  This spirit that Jesus would call the Comforter also has been called the Spirit of the Lord, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Holy Spirit, the Holy Ghost, and the Spirit of Truth.

(2.)  Proclamations, promises, and utterances from GOD have been made from the time of Adam to encourage faith that divinity would provide a divine ruler (many say, the Messiah) from the offspring of mankind, who also would provide atonement, deliverance, righteous judgment, and salvation from death, sin, and the Devil.  As the One Sent, the Anointed One (we say, Christ, High Priest, King), the Messiah would acknowledge eternal covenants, complete specific sacred works, fulfill divine promises, and establish an eternal kingdom.  The unchanging message further reveals and makes visible the eternal nature, immutability, and exalted purpose of Deity.

(3.)  Mankind was alerted that the agent of divinity would not be recognized on the basis of carnal, material and social features such as good looks, status, and wealth.  The Messiah would be identified through his priestly and regal service characterized by operations of the Holy Spirit that would include cleansing, demonstrations of divine content, exorcism, healing, judgment, liberation, raising the dead, sight to the blind, and other sacred events (we say, miracles).

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  The Holy Spirit is imparted to indwell all those within the kingdom of GOD as that permanent aspect of human existence lost by Adam and Eve that must be restored for complete balance, and for the divine order whereby the universe will continue to exist.  The Holy Spirit serves as the chief agent, representative, and spokesperson of Jesus Christ; and does not operate with an independent or personal agenda.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to the measure of your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/02/2013) Why Not One Bible?

The existence of multiple versions of the Bible are topic, today, along with more on GOD speaking through music and song.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “orchidmg” (Level 7 with 92,112 points, a member since January 19, 2006) posted the following:

Why don’t all Christians use the same Bible as Muslims use the same Koran over all these years?

I’m Catholic and have a Douey Rheims, that uses ‘thy’, ‘thou’ and the NAB (New American Bible). But Protestants and Lutherans and others use the KJV and NIV that had 6 books removed. Shouldn’t all Christians be reading from the same Bible, the original English text from over 1000 yrs ago? Muslims don’t have a dozen different versions of the Koran. Same with the Jews, they have one Torah.

THE BATTLE AXE:  GOD Speaking Through Song? (11/01/2013)—  (5.) In addition to meetings that are devoted entirely to prayer, or study of the Bible, many congregations hold “song service” meetings where church members all join in singing selected hymns. Full participation in singing is required during group worship, for it represents humility, offering, sacrifice, sanctification (i.e., cleansing, being set apart for service to GOD) as well as rejoicing and thanksgiving. While dance and movement pertain to prophetic demonstrations, songs allow use of devices such as lyrics and rhymes that are easily committed to memory, repetition, rhythm, simple melodies, and story-telling. Thereby, songs become major tools for teaching even difficult theological principles and doctrine, establishing a shared vocabulary of experience, and promoting genuine unity within the community of believers.  (6.)  All music does not embody or convey the Holy Spirit.  Where GOD speaks using human agents, sacred song, and anointed music it is called “prophecy,” and the changes that appear among those who are listeners are not simply the result of sensations such as hearing, seeing and touching.  The changes that occur appear through operations of the living divine spirit.  In addition to celebration and up tempo music that dispels depression, fear and sorrow, the music ministry from GOD gives expression to a broad range of celestial purposes, and sacred utterance.  Included are prophesies that serve as admonitions and warnings, adoration, calling the Holy Spirit into presence, comfort, commandments and divine law, confession, endorsement of sacred hopes, giving thanks, igniting zeal, intercession, lamentations and bereavement, meditations, memorial, petitions, praise, prayer, proclamation, promise, repentance, submission, and urging immediate action (exhortation).  (See 1st Corinthians 14:  3, Ephesians 5:  17-21 and Colossians 3:  16-17, KJV.)

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;  One Lord, one faith, one baptism,  One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.  But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.  (Ephesians 4:  4-7, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Why Bother to Read? (10/31/2013); GOD Speaks Through Songs? (11/01/2013); By Inspiration of GOD (10/27/2013); Never Taught It? (10/13/2013); Without Pointing A Finger? (10/14/2013)

“orchidmg”, to the praise of GOD and Christ, here are a few points many Christian believers have been encouraged by:

(1.)  The holy writings are not the “font of all knowledge” for the believer.  While the Scriptures provide many necessary assurances, examples and explanations important for spiritual growth, the imparted, indwelling Spirit from GOD (we say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Truth, the Spirit of Prophecy) must have place within the person of each believer.  Through the Holy Spirit, all who seek GOD have experience of divinity revealed within, to, and through their own inner person.

(2.)   In the same way the diversity of the rose, the many trees, the numberless ripples of water, or the many stars and cloud formations are pleasing to the Almighty, the body of believers continues to display multiple levels of knowledge, maturity, strength, and zeal.  Diversity, distinct being, and imbalance generate spiritual exchange, growth, and movement that otherwise would not occur.

(3.)  The importance and value of the holy writings are not by a strict sameness of their letter (we say, precise statement, literal wording) so much as by a sameness of intent, purpose, and spirit.  Thus, where the 14 apocryphal books written after the Book of Malachi are missing from a peculiar collection, it should be understood there is a change in ministry and priesthood to mankind.  John the Baptist is the next prophet to appear after the earlier tradition; and the ministry of Jesus is more clearly understood as establishing a covenant of divine indwelling through intimate interaction with the divine person.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4.)  While various communities of believers (we say, denominations) may endorse a peculiar presentation of the Scriptures, there is only one salvation from GOD through Jesus Christ.  Men are to acknowledge, cooperate with, and yield to operations of GOD on behalf of created beings and living creatures.  For, in the same way, they had no say in Creation, and may not boast and brag concerning the establishment of their own existence, they have no say in the necessary atonement and salvation that comes forth as the grace of GOD.)  I trust this fragment will be useful.  Even so, be it unto you according to your faith.  Jesus is coming soon.  Grow in grace.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC