(05/01/2013) Why Jesus Authored No Books

      Jesus writing books as a device to ensure the “purity” of the Gospel is a topic, today. Also, there is more on the use of Scripture at funerals. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “John” (Level 4 with 2,777 points, a member since April 23, 2012) posted the following:

Christians, why did Christ not write down his teachings himself?

Im a Christian and I was just wondering why Christ didnt write down his teachings, his own words, first hand, directly into a book to avoid and misinterpretation? Would there have been a reason for this or could he have done this and it maybe got lost over the years?

Additional Details

@Star – yes I have experianced God, I have a personal relationship with him but it is only very recently, after being a mass going catholic all my life that I really began to understand what it is that I was believeing in and that came from studying the words of Christ. The point im making here is that organised religions such as the one that I belonged to have twisted Gods word for their own agendas throughout history ‘interpeting’ it to suit themselves and taking in a lot of believers (including myself) with their dogma etc, that is the misinterpretation I am talking about and it took me almost thirty years to break away from it.

THE BATTLE AXE: Scripture at Funerals? (04/30/2013)—(5.) For committed believers, reading from the Bible or other holy writings, and reciting Scriptures are not intended to drive away ghosts, demons, and evil spirits. They are not tools for magic and the superstitious casting of spells for good luck, or protection. Ordinarily, prayers and Scriptures are used to sanctify (i.e., cleanse and set apart areas, objects or persons as devoted and exclusively for sacred use). Otherwise common soil, entire church buildings, the main gathering hall, and burial sites may be regarded as occupying holy ground and consecrated through truth, and through divine presence. The right of the dead for burial in consecrated ground and the access of their loved ones to celebration of sacred observances for the dead (e.g., the Requiem Mass, the Lord’s Supper) continue to be an issue for communities, and those who lack understanding of church discipline, law and practice. Many not understanding insist that nonmembers and sinners should have an equal place with those of the church. In the covenant of Moses, touching a corpse made one unclean (i.e., unfit for divine service), and disqualified them from participation in communal worship for as much as seven days. Only after rededication through fasting, prayer, offerings, and several washings could one be restored. In the New Testament, cadavers and dead bodies have no spiritual substance, and convey neither holiness, nor spiritual uncleanness. Thus, the modern practice of establishing memorials at the site of a person’s death is accounted as a fad or popular expression that acknowledges no eternal dimension, and only pertains to elements that are emotional, social and temporary in their duration and nature. See Exodus 3: 1-6, Matthew 8: 21-22 and John 11: 20-27, KJV. 
 
THE GOLDEN ARROW: For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. (1st Corinthians 1: 17-24, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Evidence of the Unseen Spirit? (04/09/2013); A Guide to Salvation? (04/10/2013); Faith, Language and “Mystery” (04/11/2013); A Spirit Church? (04/04/2013); My Brother’s Keeper (04/05/2013); His Burden is Light? (12/10/2012); Knowing Who Your Real Friends Are (12/11/2012); The Gospel not Logical? (09/16/2012); Unwelcome Gifts? (09/17/2012); Too Many Interpretations? (03/08/2012); About Being Friendly (03/09/2012); Why Religion, Anyhow? (02/18/2012); On The Messiah (02/19/2012)
    
     John, I can share some thoughts with you that I trust have come to me through the ministry of our Risen Lord. To obtain their full benefit, it may require you first turn again to the Savior continuing to show your gratitude, humility and respect:

(1.) The primary mechanism for transmitting the Gospel is the imparted, indwelling Spirit of Christ (also called the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy and the Spirit of Truth). The substance and process of the New Testament church is the revelation of GOD. Because GOD is a spirit, all things must be mediated, reconciled and transformed in order for created beings and living creatures to experience adoption, covenant relationship and intimacy as children of GOD. See Matthew 16: 17, KJV.

(2.) The ministry of Jesus was a priesthood to amplify and endorse the divine law, the sacred oracles, and holy writings given to mankind that were already in place as an inheritance among the Jews. Included were records of covenants, divine judgments, promises, proclamations and prophesies. The Son of GOD was to continue a ministry begun in heaven upon the earth, and to actualize, fulfill, and make visible the glory and righteousness of GOD addressing disciplines and expectations established among a chosen people.

(3.) Jesus did not come to create a new organization or a massive social institution to carry on the activities of the World. The focus was not to be upon bad behavior, misconduct and sin, so much as the content of being, and completing necessary transformation that would allow the existence of mankind with GOD as immortal and incorruptible.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) The endowment of divine breath bestowed upon mankind in Creation, has been altered, diminished, and weakened by separation from GOD and sin. Through Jesus, believers are “born again” and receive a fresh deposit of divine DNA, so to speak. Every believer continues in relationship to GOD only through their own endowment of divine substance. Saying this another way, each believer must stand in their own faith. See 1st Corinthians 2: 5, and 2nd Corinthians 1: 24, KJV.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/26/2012) Pornography from the Bible?

     Sexual imagery and language found in the holy writings are a topic, today, along with more on the value of the ancient text for modern believers. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Philips” (Level 1 with 33 points, a member since December 24, 2011) posted the following:



How many Churches allow reading the pornographic Bible chapters to their masses?

Ezekiel Chapter 23

1 The word of the Lord came to me: 2 “Son of man, there were two women, daughters of the same mother. 3 They became prostitutes in Egypt, engaging in prostitution from their youth. In that land their breasts were fondled and their virgin bosoms caressed. 4 The older was named Oholah, and her sister was Oholibah. They were mine and gave birth to sons and daughters. Oholah is Samaria, and Oholibah is Jerusalem.

5 “Oholah engaged in prostitution while she was still mine; and she lusted after her lovers, the Assyrians—warriors 6 clothed in blue, governors and commanders, all of them handsome young men, and mounted horsemen. 7 She gave herself as a prostitute to all the elite of the Assyrians and defiled herself with all the idols of everyone she lusted after. 8 She did not give up the prostitution she began in Egypt, when during her youth men slept with her, caressed her virgin bosom and poured out their lust on her.

9 “Therefore I delivered her into the hands of her lovers, the Assyrians, for whom she lusted. 10 They stripped her naked…………
This is only the first 10 verses – would the word of God contain such lewd language? Surely throughout time it has been changed
The language is so lewd that it had been banned in some countries; South Africa who did not know at the time that it was from the Bible.

“There she lusted after her lovers, whose genitals were like those of donkeys and whose emission was like that of horses.” – Ezekiel 23:20

Why do Christian ministers not read it to their Sunday congregation then?

The rest can be found in the link below

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel+23&version=NIV



THE BATTLE AXE: A Text for Lives Today—In the same way that our carnal and physical needs continue by our living on the earth, mankind’s need for spiritual substance continues. Such elements as confidence, humility, joy, longsuffering, patience, righteousness, wisdom, and even holiness are transmitted by the holy scriptures to all who submit to its truth. The Bible may be viewed as a collection of precepts and principles pertaining to being and existence, and that make holy substance visible through actions and events. The power of scripture to influence choice and decision-making is a surface aspect of its full work within the believer. Clarity, consistency, focus, and purity of purpose are put into place as well as breadth, depth, dimension, and comprehensive vision.



THE GOLDEN ARROW: When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: (Colossians 3: 4-10, King James Version)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why “Mysterious” (11/11/2012); Before the Fruit? (11/10/2012); Attending Church (11/12/2012); A Holy Kiss? (11/13/2012); Mockers in the Last Times (11/14/2012); Spirit Matter (10/21/2012); Caesarea Philippi (10/22/2012); The Spirit is Willing (10/20/2012)



     In the experience of the church, those who seek to condemn teachings from the holy writings usually have not been guided by the Holy Spirit sent forth by GOD and his Christ. Respecting you as a believer, I ask you to consider the following:
The Bible is not written to amuse, arouse, and entertain those who have prurient interests (we say “dirty minds”). The Scriptures are set apart (sanctified) as a tool to educate and inform mankind regarding the presence of GOD throughout Creation. Saying this another way, the Bible is a peculiar revelation that makes GOD known and visible to believers.

     GOD has, in fact, established reality and truth for sexual behavior among created beings and living creatures. Appetite for sexual activity is no different than appetite for food (hunger) or drink (thirst); and is with the living from birth to death. In the same way intelligence, logic and reason are used to discipline, limit and restrain hunger and thirst, yet may not fulfill either or eliminate the pair, cravings for sex must be directed, structured, and not allowed to rule through animal instinct.

     The Scriptures include many cautions and warnings regarding sexual behavior, because sin (an influence opposing the existence of divinity, sacred law, and divine Creation) may dominate self-will in created beings and living creatures. Sin cannot be detected without using special tools provided by GOD (e.g., law, sacred history, the life of Christ, the imparted indwelling Spirit). Very different from the idea of “original sin,” believers must come to discern and recognize the operation of sin upon and through the flesh (appetite, sensation, and mind). What seems to be “natural” and “normal” entails consequences for the content of the endowment of divine person deposited by GOD within ones spirit.

     There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, language describing marriage, sexual encounters and warfare are often used throughout the Scriptures because it is vivid, immediate, graphic and memorable. Most pastors and leaders choose the peculiar presentation of language that they use (just as you have) with the purpose of edifying, sharing insight, and uplifting others. They could stand in the pulpit using cheap talk, four-letter-words, slang, and “street language” to shock, shame and embarrass. However, in doing so, they would only wrongly portray themselves and their motives, and misrepresent the person of Jesus.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX 
Washington, DC

(09/16/2012) The Gospel not Logical?

      Today, a reader challenges the logic of a scholar’s take on the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and more is presented on how many chances we are given for salvation. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Robert” (Level 3 with 1,073 points, a member since March 31, 2012) posted the following:

According to christian scholar?

if i don’t believe in jesus death on cross for my sins

i will not be saved

i will go to hellfire

but he says if i believe and even if i commit sins

i will be saved kos jesus already paid for my sins

this does not sounds very logical to me, is this true?

THE BATTLE AXE: Chances for Change (09/15/2012)—After the teachings of the Scriptures, many Christian believers hold that each new day is a new opportunity to come to Christ, to enter into repentance, and to be returned to GOD (e.g., see Lamentations 3: 22-23, Psalm 68: 19 and Proverbs 8: 33-35, KJV). GOD extends opportunities to mankind for salvation on a daily basis (see Jeremiah 7: 25, Acts 2: 47, and Acts 5: 42, KJV). So long as one is alive, a voluntary choice for change may be made (Ezekiel 18: 30-32, KJV). Salvation and the spiritual change, growth and learning that occur are not discrete, one-time events; there must be an ongoing and regular progression experienced as new life (see Romans 7: 6, 2nd Corinthians 5: 17, and Hebrews 3: 12-14, KJV). With the end of mortality, there will be an end of the Temple in the heavens. The holy city, the New Jerusalem, will be set like a jewel within a new heaven and earth; and will be the home of mankind that has received incorruptibility and immortality (see Isaiah 65: 17-19, 2nd Peter 3: 9-14 and Revelation 21, KJV).

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, (Romans 1: 16-22, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Sin Without Wrongdoing? (08/28/2012); Tests for Origins (08/27/2012); To Be or Not To Be? (08/26/2012); Why No Answer? (08/25/2012)

      The things concerning Jesus Christ are profound, and may not be correctly understood without contemplation, reflection, study and extended life experience—all elements associated with academics and scholarly pursuit. In the effort to simplify the Gospel, many offer explanations that are plain and uncomplicated, while others share material that is overly charged with emotion. Given their goals to maintain such values as neutrality, objectivity and professionalism, scholars tend to avoid stating their personal convictions, their heartfelt beliefs in GOD, or their spiritual experiences that derive from the presence of GOD through faith.

      Just as sin cannot be eliminated from a person’s life (and our prisons cannot be emptied and shut down) simply on the basis of “common sense,” debate, logic, and reason, the salvation of GOD through Jesus cannot be understood and fully received into a person’s life simply by intellectual exercise (dialogue, research, study). Rightly understood, sin is no material or spirit “thing” that has been created by GOD. Sin has neither “dimension” nor “substance;” yet, sin has “effect”, “direction” and “presence”. Sin may dominate the will of created beings and living creatures; however, sin has no influence upon the will of GOD. Sin opposes the continuing existence of GOD, and all that GOD has Created.

      Among many, many things, the Gospel teaches that, through Jesus Christ, mankind receives an added measure of the Spirit of GOD. This imparted, indwelling spirit, transforms human nature, and, releases mankind from sin as a continuing aspect of existence. To actually understand the Gospel, ones spiritual awareness must be reconfigured, and so we say, one must be “born again.”

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, GOD is a spirit, sin is not. Apart from GOD, created beings and living creatures DO NOT detect sin as something foreign or separate, and destructive of their own being. Therefore, they account all of their own attitudes, behavior and conduct to such elements as appetite, desire, chance, destiny, pride, and self-control. Saying this another way:  most of us accept and approve sin believing that we are acting normal, and “just being ourselves.”) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.   Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC