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
THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD 