(11/10/2019) Patriotic Songs In Worship?

 

This Sunday, as the observance of Veterans Day approaches in America, November 11, 2019, reply is on the use of patriotic songs during Christian worship. The Spirit imparted to make divinity present and knowable is different from a man or woman’s fighting spirit, esprit de corps, pride, the sense of brotherhood, and the special camaraderie among soldiers and others who together are the defenders of homes, communities, and states (we say, emergency first responders, militia, police). It is not an error or transgression of sacred law that men unite as a geopolitical nation or sovereign state appealing to GOD for benefits, blessings, deliverance, and privilege. Also, achievements, hardship, mourning, suffering, and victory all are to be celebrated and lifted up to GOD by united peoples. Even so, the church of Jesus Christ is to operate on earth as ambassadors from the kingdom of heaven. Men, women, and children are to become filled with spirit substance from the makeup of GOD. As though they had no other country of origin, or place of birth other than heaven, sinners will be set apart to exist as life companions to divinity by their repentance and acceptance of permanent change. As those “born again”, sanctified and vessels of divine fullness, developing Christian believers will be acknowledged as “peculiar” because of their godly lifestyle and daily routines, rather than for their business, family, political, or social affiliation. It is written: 2^nd Acts 17: 24-31, King James Version (KJV): 24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 25 Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; 26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; 27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: 28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. 29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. 30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shared) posted the following:

 

At Mass, should we Really be singing patriotic songs instead of worshiping God?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For the grace of God that bringer 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, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Kings, Popes, Priests, Prophets? (09/22/2019); Messiah Already Has Come (04/14/2019); Being A Holy Nation (02/20/2018); Eternal Praise and Worship? (01/30/2018); Righteousness Exalts A Nation (07/04/2017); Politics and The Kingdom? (05/31/2017); Beliefs, Customs and Racism? (09/24/2014); GOD Speaking Through Song? (11/01/2013); Why Not One Bible? (11/02/2013)

 

“Anonymous”, among Christians, activities and gatherings for worship must address a broad range of needs within the community of believers, and are intended to provide encouragement, guidance, and nourishment to those having multiple levels of commitment, maturity, need, and understanding. The up-tempo music of the marching band, patriotic songs, and sermons to rouse the elan and shared national spirit are often used in church services with the intent of crystallizing and expressing gratitude, hope (i.e., an expected end; the fulfillment of divine promise), joy, and all the other inseparable aspects of spirit endowment from the makeup of GOD. Included are faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

In Christian gatherings for sacred acknowledgment and praise, there should be no effort by worship leaders to influence politics and social platforms, or to identify and make thrusts against other ethnic and racial groups, other nations, or those having different national origins. Rather than a focus on carnal reasoning, material objects and social behavior, the primary focus is to fellowship with and through Jesus Christ. Sinners who return to GOD through the salvation offered by his Son are not approved on the basis of their nationality, tribe, skin color, employment, poverty, wealth, or their status as citizens and immigrants. Born-again believers are granted fresh endowments of life essence and are to exist as the new creation. Developing believers are to receive Christ-likeness, eternal purpose, mercy in judgment, justification, and glorification through an ongoing relationship that will continue even despite the occurrence of death. Prayer that includes confession of errors, faith, and material needs should appear along with prophecy (i.e., comfort, edification, and exhortation). Thanksgiving may be made and memorials for specific events in ones collective and public life as well as ones personal and private life. Consider the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

(1.) 1^st Chronicles 16: 8-12, King James Version (KJV): 8 Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people. 9 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works. 10 Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. 11 Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually. 12 Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;

(2) 1^st John 1: 1-10, KJV: 1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. 5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

(3.) Hebrews 10: 23-27, KJV: 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. 26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D02LsAp8xow.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 7:40 AM, November 10, 2019 @ https://2012patriot.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/one-nation-under-god.jpg

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(08/07/2017) Prophets and Christian Ambassadors

 

Today, reply is made on whether writers on the Internet are “good ambassadors” for Christ.  Ambassadors, apostles, prophets, and spokespersons are only “good” to the degree they repeat completely and correctly what they have been sent to speak.  The banishment of Absalom—a son of King David, who would one day force his father to flee from Zion to save his own life, and that of the kingdom—is recalled, and the ploy by the king’s General and nephew (Joab) that used an old, wise woman of Tekoah to induce the king to commute the sentence against Absalom.  The principles of forgiveness, mercy, and righteousness in judgment are proclaimed along with reconciliation, renewal, and salvation.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers (UK & Ireland)” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

 

Are the Christians on this site good ambassadors for Christ or are they rotten ones turning people away from the faith?

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us
2 Corinthians 20

 

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.  And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled  In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:  (Colossians 1:  12-22, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Practice of Love (07/27/2017); Reconciliation Provided By Christ (05/30/2017); Proclaiming A New Kingdom? (04/13/2017); Rulers Who Are Prophets? (01/25/2017); The Sure Mercies of David (09/19/2016); As Agents of Divinity (06/12/2016); How To Treat Unbelievers? (01/13/2016)

 

“Anonymous”, many within the body of Christ understand the work of a Christian ambassador to be that of a spokesperson (we say, prophet) having to serve as a personal representative of the anointed monarch, an embodiment of his authority, kingdom and rule, and a trusted agent who negotiates agreements and treaties with other governments and kingdoms to establish mutual benefit.  To prophesy is to speak only as commanded, neither adding ones own opinions and thoughts, nor omitting anything that has been imparted.  Thus, the substance of prophecy is comfort, edification (we say, enlightenment; building up the body), and exhortation (urging action) to those of the church.  Within the body, believers display great diversity, and come under a principle of “oneness without sameness.”   They are not all at the same level of maturity, sacred knowledge, and sacred practice.  Where developing believers leave the community of faith they become as those in captivity, or those banished and exiled through sanctions of the law, or the disfavor of the king.  The work of an ambassador, then, is to embrace those gone astray, or lost by inviting and facilitating their return to Christ.  In practical terms this may mean performing works of visitation; encouraging or hearing the confession of others; proclaiming atonement, forgiveness and continuing sacred love through Jesus Christ; and further revealing the mercy and righteousness of divine judgment.  Consider again the following:

(1.)  2nd Samuel 14:  9-14, King James Version (KJV):  9 And the woman of Tekoah said unto the king, My lord, O king, the iniquity be on me, and on my father’s house:  and the king and his throne be guiltless.  10 And the king said, Whoever saith ought unto thee, bring him to me, and he shall not touch thee any more.  11 Then said she, I pray thee, let the king remember the LORD thy God, that thou wouldest not suffer the revengers of blood to destroy any more, lest they destroy my son. And he said, As the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of thy son fall to the earth.  12 Then the woman said, Let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak one word unto my lord the king. And he said, Say on.  13 And the woman said, Wherefore then hast thou thought such a thing against the people of God? for the king doth speak this thing as one which is faulty, in that the king doth not fetch home again his banished.  14 For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect any person:  yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him.

(2.)  Psalms 51:  11-17, KJV:  11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.  12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.  13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.  14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation:  and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.  15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.  16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it:  thou delightest not in burnt offering.  17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit:  a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

(3.)  1st Thessalonians 5:  14-15, KJV:  14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.  15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  2nd Corinthians 5:  17-21, KJV:  17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:  old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;  19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.  20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us:  we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.  21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(04/13/2017) Proclaiming A New Kingdom?

 

As Holy Week goes forward, reply is made on the kingdom of GOD and the new creation.  Even small children understood that something special from GOD was being shared, and they startled the elders who wanted to quiet and silence their shouts of “Hosanna” and their rejoicing inside the Temple.  Rather than as a king over a kingdom having an agenda of commandments, statutes, taxes and war, Jesus Christ came as a High Priest and spiritual ruler having an agenda of atonement, forgiveness, renewed hope, sacrifice, suffering, and death on the cross.  Thus, Christian believers are to operate as ambassadors, emissaries, and lawful representatives dispatched to earth from a divine “spirit Nation” ruled by a Risen Lord, and intended to establish among men the oneness without sameness within the GODhead.  The system of belief that Christians share with Judaism brings together multiple doctrines, practices, and teachings that first were committed to mankind through Adam and his sons who were heirs of a holy priesthood, that later were ordained and preserved through the covenant of Moses, and following that were demonstrated in the life and work of Jesus on a day-to-day basis.  One of the many fighters at “Yahoo! Answers (UK & Ireland)” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

 

Does it make any sense to you that Jesus (your Lord and Savior) didn’t even believe in Christianity?

Jesus was Jewish. If Jesus didn’t believe in Christianity and you try to live your lives like him why aren’t you all Jewish.
I personally don’t believe in any religion. I think there might be a God, but I don’t think any religions are right. I’m an agnostic theist.

I’m not saying your religion is wrong. I’m just saying that it doesn’t make sense to me. And would like to hear your opinion.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:  old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;  To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.  Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us:  we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.  For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.  (2nd Corinthians 5:  17-21, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Benefits of His Kingdom? (04/11/2017); Differences Among Sacred Events (04/10/2017); Hosanna In The Highest (04/09/2017); The Extravagance of Love? (04/02/2017); The Cross and Judaism? (05/27/2016); Academic Language? (12/10/2015); Christ Brought A New Nature? (07/15/2015)

 

“Anonymous”, Jesus put on no display of pomp and circumstance, yet, he entered Jerusalem riding a white mule as son of a king.  When Jesus arrived at the Temple in Jerusalem in the final days of his living ministry on the earth the Savior was proclaiming a new testament and new covenant relationship with GOD through his own blood and body.  What had begun as a “grass roots” revival to refresh and renew practices and promises that had existed among the Jews for millennia became concentrated and crystallized as a divine process to transform mankind into a new creation.  Jesus highlighted what should have been familiar doctrines and performed prophetic demonstrations to reveal divinity as the active presence who was carrying out various sacred events (e.g., exorcism, healings, miracles).

Because thousands were in the City to observe an annual feast, there was a crowd to welcome Jesus that had come from every city, region and town made up of the many who already had received godly benefits from following and hearing the Lord.  While Jesus was openly hailed as the “son of David” and one having a legitimate claim to the throne of unified kingdom granted King David by a promise of dynasty from GOD, Jesus discouraged all efforts to portray him as a social activist, a leader of insurrection and rebellion against Rome, a discontented political figure, or a zealot. 

The Savior aroused his critics most as he taught that GOD is a spirit, and that by gifts and operations of spirit substance from the makeup of divinity, mankind would receive atonement for sin and become endowed with eternal life to exist as an immortal, incorruptible companion of GOD.  The Sadducees who were the ruling faction among the priests, Levites, and judges making up the Sanhedrin court insisted upon the covenant of Moses with its proclamations of social identity through divine law, and discouraged the full inheritance of prophetic truth that included GOD operating from within “angels”, “spirits” and spokespersons (e.g., patriarchs, judges, prophets, pastors, apostles).

The ministry of Jesus had to grow and increase in accordance with his development as a man in flesh undergoing spiritual growth administered and controlled by the Father in heaven.  For this reason, the gospel (good news) that was preached goes from “repent and be baptized,” “there is atonement for sin,” and “the kingdom is at hand” to “he is risen” and “he will come again.”  There is the proclamation of both a new kingdom and a new creation.  Consider again the following:

(1.)  Isaiah 42:  1-4, King James Version (KJV):  1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him:  he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.  2 He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.  3 A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench:  he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.  4 He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth:  and the isles shall wait for his law.

(2.)  John 6:  11-15, KJV:  11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.  12 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.  13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.  14 Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.  15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.

(3.)  John 18:  33-38, KJV:  33 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?  34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?  35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me:  what hast thou done?  36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world:  if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews:  but now is my kingdom not from hence.  37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.  38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  2nd Peter 1:  16-21, KJV:  16 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.  17 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.  18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.  19 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:  20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.  21 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.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(01/13/2016) How To Treat Unbelievers?

The duty of believers to serve and share salvation through Jesus Christ with unbelievers is topic, today.  Christians are to operate as those who also are part of a man-made world system for communication and survival, yet, not become separated from divinity as an instrument or product of the world’s influence.  For there to be cleansing, healing, or sacred events (we say, miracles), faith must be present that acknowledges the authority and power of divinity that produces change.  Believers serve as a point of access and entry into the divine kingdom.  Thus, the followers of Jesus are to encourage spiritual change, development, and maturity in others by such methods as acknowledgment of the righteousness the other person may display or express (we say, praise), providing correction, expressing hope in place of despair, inspiring prayer and right relationship with Deity, maintaining godly standards, demonstrating divine love, and continually applying sacred knowledge.  Forbearance, forgiveness, guidance, humility, and thanksgiving are primary.  Believers avoid combativeness, condemnation, hostility and indifference as well as boasting, complaining, negative criticism, being “lukewarm,” and behaving as if unfeeling.  Showing courtesy, friendliness, good manners, and respect pertain more to cultural and social processes than to the sacred work of imparting Spirit content from GOD.  Those who stop their ears, refuse to listen, and push away the gospel often do so because their need for a divine response is urgent.  Their resistance is intended to call forth greater efforts by those seeking to share.  Even so, ministry to such unbelievers may be more effective through “long distance” (i.e., from ones private prayer chamber) as intercession where the needs of the unbeliever may be confessed, and brought before the Father upon a higher level).  Having been in similar circumstances and situations, born again disciples of Jesus humbly ask for help on behalf of others whose attitude and behavior make them difficult, distant, remote, and unaware.  The saved offer prayer from a child of GOD that answers as obedience while also being intimate and personal.  Consider again the following Scriptures, and the discussion below:

Hosea 6:  6, King James Version (KJV):  6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

Mark 16:  14, KJV:  14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.

2nd Corinthians 6:  14-18, KJV:  14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers:  for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?  15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?  16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.  17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.  18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

1st John 2:  15-17, KJV:  15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.  17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof:  but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Luke” (Level 6 with 10,540 points, a member since February 06, 2014) posted the following:

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:   Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:  old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;  To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.  Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us:  we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.  For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.  (2nd Corinthians 5:  17-21, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Respect to Our Religious Beliefs? (04/21/2015); Some People Are Just Bad? (08/24/2014); Sermons About Good Sex? (08/25/2014); Focus of Believers? (06/17/2014); Discernment (06/18/2014); If You Are Sent…? (06/08/2013); Those Who Never Heard? (06/07/2013); Foolish For Not Believing? (03/22/2013); Science and the Laws of Nature? (03/23/2013)

 

“Luke”, the followers of Jesus are cautioned to respond to the different forms of unbelief that may appear among those within the church as well as among those who are not members of the community of faith.  On the one hand, believers are to show mercy and share the very benefits they themselves have received from GOD. On the other hand, believers must discern (recognize) when the operations of sin will not permit the works of divine ministry.  Believers are counseled to be “wise as serpents, gentle as doves.” Consider the following Bible verses:

(1.)  Matthew 5: 43-45, King James Version (KJV):  43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.  44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;  45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

(2.)  2nd Timothy 3:  1-5, KJV:  1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,  3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,  4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;  5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

(3.)  2nd Timothy 2:  22-26, KJV:  22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.  23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.  24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,  25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;  26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

There are many other verses that should be carefully considered, correctly understood, and made a part of ones spiritual arsenal.  (For example, (4.) Matthew 7:  6, KJV: 6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC