(10/25/2016) Books Having Sacred Knowledge?

 

Today, focus is on why hallowed books and holy writings should be used when answering questions that require sacred knowledge.  Properly reading the Scriptures “stirs up the gift” of spirit substance from the makeup of GOD that has been imparted to indwell a believer.  Included are inseparable aspects for relationship with the Creator such as awe (also called “fear of the Lord” and “reverence”), gratitude, faith, holiness, humility, joy, longsuffering, righteousness, purity, trust, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  One of the many fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” who use the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

 

How dumb to say “Just because something is written in a book…”?

But just because he wrote that doesn’t make it true either !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And LOGICALLY just because something is written in a book doesn’t make it false.

Is this the stupidest person in the last 6 monthsf

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel.  And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month.  And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.  And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam.  And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:  And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands:  and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground.  Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law:  and the people stood in their place.  So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.  And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.  Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared:  for this day is holy unto our Lord:  neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.  (Nehemiah 8:  1-10, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  From Cover to Cover? (01/04/2016); The Apocryphal Books? (08/07/2015); Endowed With Spirit? (05/08/2015); The Baptist and The Tishbite? (02/18/2015); Those Who Read? (02/17/2015); About Deluding Yourself? (09/22/2014); Delusions and Revelation (09/23/2014)

 

“Anonymous”, spiritual questions require spiritual answers that come from spiritual sources.  In the same way disputes among professional athletes in the NFL (National Football League) regarding assessment of penalties during game play, player eligibilities, and salary limits are resolved by referring to information compiled within contracts, rule books, and other recorded documents, matters of spiritual commitment, sound doctrine, faith, and spiritual practice (we say, sacraments) are resolved among mature Christian believers by applying the sacred knowledge (rather than secular data) contained within the holy writings.  Even for educated men and women who are accomplished at using the finite tools of intellect, logic, mathematics, philosophy and science, the Bible is very challenging.  Correct reading of the Scriptures is a sacred process that requires participation of the Spirit of GOD.  The reader must have holy boldness (i.e., certainty and trust in GOD that operate like confidence and courage), discernment (using ones own spirit content to recognize and respond to spirit matter from the makeup of divinity as it appears within events, oneself, other persons, prophesies, purposes, etc.), and meekness (be “coach-able” and “teach-able” by the Holy Spirit; readiness to yield to the promptings of the Spirit).  Upon the earth, the heart and mind of created beings and living creatures are to operate as receptacles and vessels of divine substance.  Even so, it is necessary to preserve special truths by recording and writing them down (for example, like the Ten Commandments, on tables of stone, written by the finger of GOD).  Once properly recorded, law, examples and illustrations, principles and processes can be circulated, and can become shared with others, even those of other regions and time eras.  Consider again how some of this is stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)  John 7:  14-18, King James Version (KJV):  14 Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught.  15 And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?  16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.  17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.  18 He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory:  but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.

(2.)  2nd Timothy 3:  16-17, KJV:  16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

(3.)  Isaiah 8:  20, KJV:  20 To the law and to the testimony:  if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Ecclesiastes 12:  9-14, KJV:  9 And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.  10 The preacher sought to find out acceptable words:  and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.  11 The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.  12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished:  of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.  13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:  Fear God, and keep his commandments:  for this is the whole duty of man.  14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(06/20/2014) Blessed Are The Peacemakers

Topics, today, include corporate identity, Native Americans, racism, and slander.  I expand upon a comment I shared in response to a television news report where a Federal agency having oversight on trademarks announced a ruling on the legitimacy of a name used among professional athletes.  The following statement was posted on my Facebook page (06/18/2014):

 

REDSKINS family, What’s In a Name? Given the issue is racism, it is vain (a waste of time; pointless idolatry; bollix, BS, and talking smack) to quarrel about the name of an athletic team, and offer no solutions that include dialog; learning, living, sharing, and working together; or correctly identifying goals, consequences, and opportunities for change. Invite team members to live among the peoples during off season; have team members open their homes and teepees. Offer space for training camps, sponsor education programs, however, do not keep promoting sanctimonious drivel. Lead by example and hard work in projects for genuine change. Offer a vision of the future, instead of continuing to rue the past. Just like Federal copyright registration is only ONE way to establish and protect ones ownership of patents and other intellectual property, trademark registration is not the only way to validate ones lawful ownership of logos and similar material. At best, those insisting they have a “cause” have missed the mark by choosing the wrong target. Be encouraged!

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Blessed are the peacemakers:  for they shall be called the children of God.  (Matthew 5:  9, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Understanding Peace? (11/20/2013); Adversary or Servant? (11/21/2013); Unseen Sin? (06/18/2013); Bible Authors and Truth? (06/19/2013); Unless You Repent (03/05/2013); The Childhood of Jesus? (03/06/2013); Will GOD Bless My Team? (12/31/2012); Put Every Man His Sword By His Side (01/01/2013); Escape from Racism (10/24/2012); Christians Who Ignore GOD’s Laws (10/25/2012)

 

For many years now, my life has been hidden in Christ; and I have been working to be known as a full-time Christian writer.  Sanctified, and set apart by the work I do, I can not now say that I personally know a single entertainer, government official, head of state, politician, college or professional athlete, corporate executive, or television evangelist anywhere in the world.  I do not have Jewish friends with whom I study Siddur, Torah, or observe the Sabbath.  Nor may I say, I personally have friends who are Native Americans.  Even so, it has been my duty to humbly offer intercession and prayer on all their behalf, on behalf of Jerusalem, on behalf of all Israel, on behalf of Washington, DC, and on behalf of all America.  With this in view, and saying what’s been said another way, I share the following counsel as one who is impartial and unengaged:

The Great Spirit, who is maker and keeper of the buffalo, who wears a rainbow about his shoulders, who hides his laughter in the rivulets and streams, the One who is Father of all pure waters, is not pleased to see new war being made upon the basis of old wounds.  Some youth who have not truly known the battles whereby they have been brought forth accuse him of their hunger and thirsts that are not yet quenched.  They grumble and moan as though the earth now shrinks and wastes away because He no longer marks a trail for justice and for truth.  The One who marked a path for the rain, the thunder, the lightning, and the hail, also is He who marks the path for peace.

Do not be deceived.  Corporations do not operate as sovereign states, or nations; and are not living entities or peoples.  Renegades and outlaws often infest them, who seek little more than 30 pieces of silver (in Bible days, the price of a dog, and the price of a whore).  Just as the NBA showed itself absurd in response to recent events (racism will not be ended by the sale of a team, and the change of its ownership), the NFL will show itself inept.  Arguments made on the basis of emotion and feeling are not the same as those rooted in law, principle and vision.  Response by the American games establishment has become as predictable as the attitude of Congress against the President of the United States whenever the Chief Executive responds to any domestic or international crisis.

Historically, racism is a disease that plagues both those operating as though superior as well as those who see themselves as victims.  The symptoms of racism always appear as denial of accountability, denial of ones involvement, and denial of gain and any continuing benefit from negative conditions.  There is no genuine grasp or understanding of the work that must be done for correction, for the victims recovery, or for the continued survival of all.  There is always refusal to respect the integrity and value for the culture, lives, and traditions of others.  Therefore, racism spreads as a poison of discontent, hate crimes, ignorance, indifference, false claims of innocence, and, finally, violence.

Genuine nobility and peace will never come through short-sighted protests.  They must come by all who live drawing closer, not by their moving far apart.  Because it is not yet truly in their spirit, neither “Hail to the Redskins,” nor “Hail to the Oneida” will be the same as “Hail to the Peacemakers.”  The echo and the whisper are cousin to the shout; what was taken as a slogan was not to be forgotten:  Blessed are the peacemakers.  The wisdom of the eagle is not to fight the currents of the air, or to seek to lift himself by his own power and strength.  The air will do the lifting where the eagle will yield and turn according to its prompting.  What he wants is not forbidden, or withheld from him.  He must know, he will never soar to see the fruits within the valley, or serve as spirit guide to those who wear the feather, by beating against the power of the winds.

So far, arguments against the continued use of “REDSKINS” seem all on the level of “common sense.”  As a result, what we have heard up to this point seems no different than the complaint that “Mother F…er,” “SOB” and similar invective are libel and slander against all women, and must be expunged from our language.  Where arguments against the team name go to the level of law enforcement, judicial action, and public tribunal, the community correctly expects a clear and detailed presentation of evidence for accountability and involvement in direct damage, for criminal intent as well as for malice and motive.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, the cry of the eagle is followed by silence.  Many are still listening to hear invitations to cooperative action.  Could there be peace and a broken arrow through proposals and requests for support to the national Native American museum in Washington, DC; for grant programs to develop curriculum and research in anthropology, Native American studies, history, etc.; or for funding action programs like those of the Peace Corp to ensure resources and services for Native American communities?  Clearly, few are now upon the proper path that leads to peace, and until we walk again in brighter light, all America will keep drinking shame like water.).  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.  Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.  (Matthew 13:  51-52, KJV)

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/27/2012) More Than Salvation

      That the life, death and resurrection of Jesus pertains to more than simply salvation for mortal beings is considered, today. Also, there is more on difficult passages within the Scriptures that impress some as pornography, and the error of reading the Bible to locate spicy material. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “God’s Father” (Level 4 with 2,554 points, a member since October 20, 2012) posted the following:

Christians, was the whole Jesus dying for our sins thing just a token ceremony…?

…or did it literally alter God’s brain in a way that he was able to let sinners into heaven, something that he would have been unable to do before this?

If someone does something bad to me, and I can’t forgive them, but I then have a son who gets crucified, will it change my brain chemicals so I’m suddenly able to forgive the person who wronged me?

THE BATTLE AXE: Pornography from the Bible (11/26/2012)—Many of us have had the experience as children growing up of looking in the dictionary to find “forbidden” words (ain’t, cain’t, and hate) as well as those ending with the letter “k” (d i_ _, f u_ _, puss_k). Titillated and thrilled, we were eager to show off to our friends, who rejoiced and agreed it was “totally scandalous!” In a sense, that is a normative pattern in child development. Similarly, in spiritual development, believers are often mislead to read the holy writings as if they may be understood using only the frameworks of carnal, material and social living. Thus, for example, that Ezekiel records prophecy, a revelation of Divine Person, and sacred visions appears irrelevant to readers who are not yet mature. Those adults who are malicious, and who seek to overthrow the salvation of GOD through Jesus Christ, can not be regarded as in the innocence (or the ignorance) of children. Failing to realize the proper application and the eternal value of such writings as the Song of Solomon, the teachings that speak in terms of adultery, or the epistles identifying intimate relationship for Jesus and the Church, those who share negative critiques of the Bible presume to destroy divine condemnation and sacred judgment. However, what they offer in place of redemption and salvation must be recognized as finite, lacking divine substance, temporal, and weak. Most NFL fans would love to have a copy of their coach’s playbook when only the most trusted players are to have it.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (Titus 2: 11-14, King James Version)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: How Was GOD Known Before Jesus? (10/06/2012); Jesus, King of Earth? (10/07/2012); By Grace (09/04/2012); The Work of Jesus (03/13/2012); Signs of a Prophet (03/14/2012); Grace and Law (01/20/2012)

      Many mature Christian believers now understand the appearance of GOD upon the earth in human flesh (called the Incarnation) is more than a sacred process for the salvation of mankind. Apart from the intent of making divinity known and visible to created beings and living creatures, there are imperatives of divine existence that must be fulfilled for the balance, beauty and completeness of divine person. Saying this another way, for GOD to be all that GOD is, was and ever shall be, many possibilities of form and substance also must be made extant. Understanding that GOD is an eternal, unchanging spirit, we acknowledge Christ as a distinct appearance of GOD in flesh subject to both divine and natural law, and (therefore) capable of change, with the Holy Spirit, as the active aspect of divine will.

      Sin is not a material substance; and, despite that sin was first identified among the angels, sin is not a spirit, or substance having spirit matter. Sin has not been created by GOD, or by any living thing. Sin opposes the existence of divinity, and all the emanations from the divine. Included are authority, humility, law, love, person, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin. While sin is no “thing” that exists and lacks dimension, form and divine substance, sin may dominate the self-will of created beings and living creatures. Sin has effect, direction, and presence. Almighty GOD and his Christ have demonstrated that sin cannot overwhelm divine will; and the process for altering self-will to add divine substance, requires divine disclosure, revelation, consciousness and choice in the living.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, grace is the aspect of divinity whereby sin is dismissed through forgiveness, and a divine apparatus is put forth to reconfigure the Creation. Through grace death is established as a divine tool and is used in such divine operations as mercy, judgment, re-birth, regeneration, sanctification, and resurrection to secure both the dead and the living as well as make permanent a fellowship with GOD that may be spoken of as eternal life with GOD.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC