(06/24/2013) Believers and the Cross

The proper meaning and use of the cross is today’s topic; also, there is more on money-changers in the Temple at Jerusalem.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Kca404” (Level 3 with 2,146 points, a member since February 18, 2008) posted the following:

Christians whats with crosses?

I mean think about it. If you were jesus and you came back from a 2000 year nap would you really want to look around and see the instrument of your demise everywhere?

THE BATTLE AXE:  Money-changers in The Temple? (06/23/2013)—It was more than 400 years after Malachi that Israel was again blessed to receive anointed prophets, first through John the Baptist, then, through the ministry of Jesus.  Not only did the money-changers as a continuing fixture at Jerusalem give the appearance that the Temple was a secular institution where spiritual redemption and salvation could be bought and sold with money (e.g., thirty pieces of silver), where divination and prophecy were available as services-for-hire, and where the law and judgment executed under GOD were made to appear subject to bribery and the giving of material gifts, and legitimate fines and penalties of the law could be annulled and circumvented.  While the economy of Israel as a nation had been established by GOD centering upon acknowledgment of divinity through support of the Tabernacle, the presence of the money-changers continued as a tradition and was not an anointed Fulfilling prophesies written in Isaiah, Jesus is also to be seen as the ruler anointed by GOD, as opposed to one appointed by Rome, and coming to the Temple as “king of the Jews.”  See Deuteronomy 12:  1-32, Leviticus 27:  30-34, Micah 3:  10-12, KJV.  Also, see Isaiah 43:  15-28, Matthew 21:  8-16 and John 12:  12-15, 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.  Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.  For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:  But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;  And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:  That no flesh should glory in his presence.  (1st Corinthians 1:  17-29, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Purchased With Blood? (12/29/2012); The Law Not Flawed (12/30/2012); Signs of Messianic Belief? (12/16/2012); Vows and Covenants? (12/17/2012); Holiday Displays? (12/07/2012); An Attack Upon Creation? (12/08/2012); On Religious Items (08/29/2012); On Cults (08/30/2012)

“Kca404”, here are some points familiar to mature believers in Jesus Christ as their redeemer and savior:

(1)  The cross is not an idol (i.e., an object believed to contain a divine spirit or god that must be appealed to for safety, power and prosperity, and that must be shown respect and worship).  Also, the cross is not a talisman or instrument for working charms and magic spells.  Rightly understood, the cross is not an adornment or decoration to be worn as an object that beautifies.

(2)  As items in sacred service, crosses are like communion ware and incense burners that have importance as utensils and dedicated articles used in praise, prayer, and communal worship (e.g., the chalice, the monstrance, the paten).  Along with prayer and sacred utterance that sets an area apart as sacred and sanctified, the cross is often used to identify a place for inviting and acknowledging Christ.

(3)  The power of the cross is that a singular consciousness of GOD, and faith are crystallized, focused and increased within the awareness of those who confess need for salvation.  The cross, therefore, serves as a tool of divine prophecy that continually comforts, edifies, and exhorts.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example,  (4)  Believers realize that Jesus is not asleep and is not dead.  Jesus is presently completing divine operations in the heavens on behalf of mankind that include atonement and cleansing of the Temple, preparation to harvest and reap believers from the earth, and preparations for final judgment of the wicked.)   Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(06/23/2013) Money-changers in The Temple?

The account of Jesus scourging money-changers in the Temple at Jerusalem is considered, today (see John 2:  13-21, KJV).  Also, there is more on the origins of baptism.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Painkiller” (Level 1 with 168 points, a member since May 6, 2013) posted the following:

Why did Jesus chase off the money-changers?

What if he needed to exchange his Shekles for Doubloons?

THE BATTLE AXE:  Origins of Baptism? (06/22/2013)—Christian believers are encouraged to understand the crossings of the Red Sea and Jordan River as depictions of baptism.  These crossings were shared experiences to further bind and cement together those that left Egypt to be joined as a new nation, rather than a collection of nomadic tribes.  The crossings were to set them apart and sanctify them just as hearing Almighty GOD proclaim the covenant law to their assembly at Sinai.  See 1st Corinthians 10:  1-4, Galatians 3:  26-28 and Hebrews 11:  29, KJV.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;  Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.  For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:  How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?  And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.  (Hebrews 9:  11-15, King James Version)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Children, not the Dogs (03/17/2013); Why Jesus Must Be A Jew (03/18/2013); The Need to Purify Heaven (01/17/2013); Blessings, Curses and Woes (10/03/2012); After We Die? (10/04/2012); The First Jews (02/20/2012); Upon This Rock (02/21/2012); Entered Into Heaven (02/07/2012); Poem:  “The Magician:  Franco Gaskin” (02/08/2012)

“Painkiller”, here are some points to consider that may provide you greater appreciation and grasp of the ministry of Jesus in the earth:

(1)  After many visits to the Temple at Jerusalem in obedience to continuing Mosaic law binding the first-born and head of households to GOD, Jesus realized that the Temple at Jerusalem was being used by many as a “public forum,” a “business district” and a “market place.”  Many subtle, and barely visible transgressions of divine will were in regular practice—even working on the Sabbath day—and the house of prayer, was little more than a den of thieves.

(2)  The Temple community included priests, Levites (i.e.,  maintenance and service workers), scribes, lawyers, factions (i.e., Pharisees, Sadducees, Herodians, Zealots), livestock dealers, beggars, petitioners, those being examined or cleared regarding ceremonial uncleanness, and the followers of independent rabbis and teachers that were permitted to publicly advance scriptural instruction.  While only the priests were consecrated and appointed as agents of GOD, the entire Temple community had influence, and an unhealthy grip throughout the nation.

(3)  In accordance with the Scriptures, Jesus declared the presence of money-changers upon holy ground and within the sacred precincts, another tradition that violated the divine covenant.  Even before their crossing the Jordan, dispensations from the time of Moses gave rise to the practice of providing exchange services, and allowing purchase for sheep, goats and other sacrificial animals at the Tabernacle.  This made it possible for travelers to come from far distances, and to present substitute goods of equal value instead of their irreplaceable holy tithes and offerings.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example,  (4)  Driving out the money-changers was to be recognized as a prophetic demonstration (i.e., actions in place of words) signaling both atonement and cleansing of the Temple in the earth as well as cleansing of the Sanctuary within the Holiest of Holies in Heaven.  Therein Jesus is revealed as High Priest of a new and greater covenant.)   Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC