(01/19/2014) Unprofitable Servants?

Blessing, judgment, parables and proper stewardship are topics, today, along with more on the Second Coming.  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers New Zealand” using the ID “Luv” (Level 2 with 502 points, a member since 24 November 2013) posted the following originally asked at Yahoo Answers United States:

 

Why do people say that God will only bless you with a lot if you can handle a little?

 

THE BATTLE AXE:  About the Second Coming? (01/18/2014)—(5) After the completion of judgment, with the cleansing and purging of the earth through holy fire, Jesus and all those who have answered salvation throughout the ages, will return to live on the earth.  The saved will have been thoroughly prepared to continue in the earth as the permanent home for mankind.  They will all be immortal and incorruptible, and will have already lived together in the celestial presence (we say, heaven) for at least a millennium (1,000 years).  Smart phones, TV, and present-day technology and tools may not exist, for the needs those devices are intended to meet, and the problems they solve, may never arise again.  The blessings of health by balancing meaningful activity, work, rest, and proper diet will continue as the standard for physical distinction.  Because many may still wish to develop and express themselves creatively, eventually, there may be various conveniences and machines to allow the work of cultivating and harvesting crops, preparing meals, and to make life enjoyable and fruitful.  See Isaiah 65:  17-25, Revelation 22:  1-5 and Revelation 21:  1-27, King James Version.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.  Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes.  Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.  (Haggai 1:  5-7, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  On Being Good Stewards (12/17/2013); Traditional Marriage? (12/18/2013); God Bless America? (09/12/2013); Law, Slavery and Redemption (09/13/2013)

 

“Luv”, the various principles and rules for commitment, duty, service, sharing, stewardship, and trust among Christian believers are written throughout the Bible.  These same rules apply to divine judgment (e.g., Luke 12:  48 and Luke 16:  10, KJV).  Every believer is expected to serve and share in building up and maintaining their sacred congregation, and the worldwide community of believers.  A person first must be born again in baptism (receive divine DNA, so to speak); their specific needs for information, sacred knowledge and skill must be determined and addressed; and they must be prepared through life experiences for the tasks they will perform as instruments of divine ministry.

While created beings and living creatures all contain endowments of divine substance, they vary in their levels of balance, maturity (i.e., perfection), readiness, receptivity, and stability.  Through the operations of sin upon their awareness and self-will, many have been rendered useless to GOD because of such features as defiance, disobedience, ignorance, ingratitude, malice, rebellion, stubbornness, and untrustworthiness.

To caution and encourage those who would commit themselves as his disciples, Jesus shared a parable (object lesson) where a nobleman, going out of town to receive appointment over a new kingdom, entrusts different amounts of money to three of his servants.  Upon his return he requires that they account for the money.  Two have invested and doubled the amount they received, while the third returns what he was given explaining his fear of losing the money was due to cruelty and greediness of the master.  The nobleman replied, unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him (see Luke 19:  12-27, KJV). 

There is far more to be said, properly shared, and spiritually understood.  (For example, in a second parable, Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven using the figure of a man traveling into a far country who entrusts his three servants with different amounts measured as “talents”.  Again, two prosper, and the third declares only fear, doubt, and disrespect to his master, who replies, “For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance:  but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.” (see Matthew 25:  14-30, KJV))  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

But Jesus, said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.  (Mark 6:  4, KJV)

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/24/2012) About the Star?

      The extraordinary star that appeared at the birth of Jesus, and the true miracle of Christmas are topics today. A “Yahoo Answers” writer using the ID “John” (Level 1 with 91 points, a member since December 19, 2012) posted the following:

About start and christ birth?

Hey,
I am a beliver in chirst and i am just stucked out at the concept of star in birth of christ… My question is how can star show the way to wise men about jesus birth??? As a chrstian i know it to my heart, but when ppl ask reagrding this theriotically i cannot do so….so help me out the facts how stars can show a man a way to certain place.Sorry if my question is worng inthe way i look…thank you..all glory to jesus 🙂

THE BATTLE AXE: The True Miracle (12/23/2012)—Christmas is celebrated as a time of social healing. Family gatherings provide unique opportunities for exchange, intimacy and sharing of emotional and psychological gifts that include affection, attention, companionship, forgiveness, reconciliation, and respect. To their parents, their caretakers, and teachers children still embody and symbolize angels, freedom, the future, goodness, happiness, innocence, and youth. For this reason, the true miracle of Christmas often seems exclusively intended for children. Exaggerations and misreading of Scripture can result in devastating idolatry and inordinate promotion of children (e.g., Psalm 127: 3 and James 1: 27, KJV). Given that children respond as flexible and teachable even when complex doctrines are introduced, the message of new life through Christ often is more quickly and correctly embraced by children. Our duty to love as sons and daughters of GOD is discharged only in part through children, family, friends and parents (Luke 6: 20-38, KJV). There also must be acceptance and commitment to GOD and Christ, the Holy Spirit, the host of heaven, with believers (and nonbelievers) everywhere. Celebrating a finite miracle of birth and the wonder of new life is not to be confused with divine grace and the eternal miracle of Christmas—new relationship to GOD for all mankind through Jesus Christ (Luke 2: 11-14 and John 1: 1-14, KJV).

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (2nd Peter 1: 16-21, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The True Miracle (12/23/2012); Origins (01/20/2011); The Wise Men? (12/21/2010); Melchizedek? (12/22/2010); Things? (11/13/2010); Mealtime Grace (11/14/2010)

      Don’t be confused or distracted by the complexity and sophistication of today’s technology (fiber optics, GPS, satellite tracking, etc.). True, it often seems impossible to do without the man-made devices that are so impressive now, that did not exist then. However, the birth of Jesus was through an operation of Almighty GOD that embraced and employed all the various levels of existence. The birth of Jesus demonstrated divine authority over all Creation. Included were angelic beings, domestic animals and human beings; the emotions, motives, and thoughts of the living as well as clouds, darkness, light, wind, the sun, moon and stars.

      Correctly understood, GOD is a spirit, and cannot be described as having dimensions (e.g., depth, height, weight, width), form, human characteristics, shape and physical limits. The impossible appearance of GOD in human form as a baby must be accepted and understood as something brought to pass by a sovereign Person having absolute power, and unimpeachable righteousness. Faith, an aspect of the full makeup of GOD, must reside within those who believe, and operate upon and through human awareness before one may exist as a believer in sacred truth from GOD. Faith is divine substance and is inseparable from such other content as holiness, humility, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

      Initially, those we now call “wise men” (this may include the shepherds) were motivated like Moses, who took a break from his work to see a bush that burned without giving off ashes, or smoke (Exodus 3: 1-3, KJV). Simple curiosity, and other human reactions such as challenge, fear, pride and surprise were probably involved at the start. Continuous study of astronomy, current events and the holy writings influenced their thinking. As they gradually yielded to conviction, they acquired necessary levels of confidence, persistence and trust through increasing faith, just as we, today, must do.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, in those times evil—catastrophe, sudden and widespread change, upheaval)—was associated with the birth of conquering monarchs (see Isaiah 45: 7, KJV). Natural events such as comets, earthquakes, floods and meteor showers were carefully examined as being prophetic signs, and evidences that GOD, in fact, was active, fulfilling things proclaimed and promised through his word.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(08/30/2012) On Cults

      Considered today are cults, the benefits of wearing religious items on ones person, and the spiritual issues of owning manufactured tools and technology. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “foxy_R” (Level 1 with 210 points, member since June 24, 2006) posted the following:

When does religion become a cult ?

I know this question will anger some, I am really sorry it’s not ment to. My little sister has joined a religious group through school and in the last 6 months has started to spiral out of controll. We were brought up religious, church on Sundays, ect. Now she is throwing all her things out, she said she is not suppose to have worldly possessions. She broke up with her BF of almost 2 yrs,and has stopped being friends with 90% of her friends because they are “non believers” (even if they are religious) she has to read and write bible verses every day. singing and dancing are sins. I just want my fun loving sister back but the more we try to steer her from this group the more she considers us the enemy. Any suggestions?????

THE BATTLE AXE: On Religious Items (08/29/2012)—Men and women take comfort from many objects used to reinforce awareness of doctrines and teachings of various belief systems. Included are depictions of angels, medals, rosaries, mezuzahs, phylacteries, and prayer rugs. Amulets, good luck charms, and talismans are associated with magic and witchcraft, and not with Christian belief. As such, these are objects that reinforce the superstitious idea that a person is endowed with a unique quality (i.e., luck) that enables them to influence the outcome of events, and that maneuvers every result to their benefit and favor. As an instance of power that is not derived through the Spirit of GOD, luck is to be classed with charms, deceits, enchantments, and spells promoted by demons and devils. In the same way money is an idol in the lives of many, drugs, guns, sex, and other people (for example, celebrities, ones children, ones spouse, ones employer) become idols, because fear and desire distort their true usefulness and value making them appear “all powerful,” controlling, and sovereign over life and death. Those who exaggerate the importance of body parts (breasts, buttocks, penis, etc.) also practice a form of idolatry no different than worship of the lingam, phallic worship, and worship of the yoni. Consecrated items (e.g., the rod of GOD used by Moses; the flesh hooks, ladles, gold and silver vessels, and other utensils used in service at the altar of sacrifice; the holy ground of Tabernacle and Temple) at first were common, and became holy only in the sense that they were to function strictly in divine service. Similarly, a man or woman is holy only to the extent they are filled with the imparted, indwelling spirit from GOD, function fulfilling sacred purposes, and make the Divine Person present and visible. Christians are correct to respect manufactured tools, and to carefully clean, estimate their value, store, and use them as needed. Included are automobiles, cell phones, computers, firearms, recording devices and televisions. Christians may occasionally wear festive clothing and jewelry; however, women are specially cautioned to never be without the adornment of a spirit that is quiet, and ready to receive instruction from GOD (1st Peter 3: 1-6, King James Version).

THE GOLDEN ARROW: The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10: 24-28, King James Version)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Mixing Islam and Christianity (03/26/2012); Girdle 3: Through The Fire (11/18/2011); Dispatch 44: Just A Closer Walk (09/23/2011); To Do His Will? (01/31/2011); Chewing Gum? (01/30/2011)

      While cults may be characterized by dietary laws, dress codes and strict social discipline, the elements that actually mark a group as a cult are its (1) departures from, and exaggerated focus upon selected doctrines and teachings of established belief systems; (2) dependence upon the human characteristics and personality of its leaders–as distinct from their spiritual anointing or divine endowment–who are typically aggressive, combative and defensive; (3) isolation and “quarantine” of its believers in communes, gated communities and “secure” facilities; (4) imbalance between recruitment programs and outreach or service programs for the larger community; (5) efforts to manufacture experiences of divine presence; and (6) that members are not entitled to leave the group.

      Generally, cults do not come under organized campaigns of attack by “mainstream” religious groups. Churches, synagogues and others dismiss their members who drop out to join cults as being apostates, heretics or simply immature and irresponsible persons. The cult is held to be a temporary phenomenon that cannot prosper, or be self-sustaining. Nevertheless, because they are seen as attacks upon civil law, “common sense” practice, customs, and tradition, cults quickly come under the condemnation of communities where they spring up.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, to the extent a cult maintains rules of secrecy they will be characterized as endorsing occult practices, superstition and unbelief. Also, while members of cults may be required to participate in fund raising activity, information regarding income, expenses, and the distribution of money are not routinely shared with donors, members, or government tax authorities.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIXWashington, DC