(09/17/2018) Lost For 40 Years?

 

Today, reply is on GOD revealed as sovereign by judgment, and the wandering of Israel following their separation from Egypt. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers Religion and Spirituality public forum who uses the ID “STEVAN” (Level 1 with 04 points, a member since February 02, 2017) posted the following:

 

How was it possible for Moses to get lost in the desert for so long, did he have learning difficulties or something?

Surely nobody could be lost for 40 years lol

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Say unto them, As truly as I live, saith the LORD, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you: Your carcases shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward which have murmured against me. Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun. But your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know the land which ye have despised. But as for you, your carcases, they shall fall in this wilderness. And your children shall wander in the wilderness forty years, and bear your whoredoms, until your carcases be wasted in the wilderness. After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise. I the LORD have said, I will surely do it unto all this evil congregation, that are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die. And the men, which Moses sent to search the land, who returned, and made all the congregation to murmur against him, by bringing up a slander upon the land, Even those men that did bring up the evil report upon the land, died by the plague before the LORD. But Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of the men that went to search the land, lived still. (Numbers 14: 28-38, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Fed From The Altar? (06/19/2017); The Generation That Wandered (06/14/2017); The Sheep Who Lost Their Way? (11/18/2014); Restoring The Lost? (11/19/2014); Face to Face Like Moses? (01/28/2014); Covenants and Relationships (01/29/2014); Lost Without GOD? (06/26/2013); When Does Judgment Begin? (06/27/2013)

 

“STEVAN”, the twelve tribes of Jacob and the mixed multitude that left Egypt following Moses did not become “lost” in the wilderness for 40 years as an accident, as the result of opposition and warfare by desert tribes and nations, or as errors by Moses and other human leaders who served as guides. The period of 40 years (a generation) was used by GOD for divine works that included chastisement, correction, purification, revelation, and sanctification as well as the fulfillment of proclamations, promises, and prophecy. Thus, for 40 years a pillar of cloud appeared by day and a pillar of fire by night as the visible presence of GOD. For 40 years, manna was provided as food Sunday to Friday; and no manna fell on the seventh day, the Sabbath.

Practice of divine law was to become maintained where once idolatry, fitting in, and adopting the fashions and lifestyles of Egypt were widespread. New meaning, standards and values were provided that included making regular offerings and sacrifices to GOD; maintaining decency and order through sacred judgment; and the seeking of counsel from GOD who would indwell the tabernacle. The armies of Israel were created using men most of whom had been laborers, shepherds, and handlers of livestock. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) Deuteronomy 1: 13-17, King James Version (KJV): 13 Take you wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you. 14 And ye answered me, and said, The thing which thou hast spoken is good for us to do. 15 So I took the chief of your tribes, wise men, and known, and made them heads over you, captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, and captains over fifties, and captains over tens, and officers among your tribes. 16 And I charged your judges at that time, saying, Hear the causes between your brethren, and judge righteously between every man and his brother, and the stranger that is with him. 17 Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God’s: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it.

(2.) Deuteronomy 1: 22-27, KJV: 22 And ye came near unto me every one of you, and said, We will send men before us, and they shall search us out the land, and bring us word again by what way we must go up, and into what cities we shall come. 23 And the saying pleased me well: and I took twelve men of you, one of a tribe: 24 And they turned and went up into the mountain, and came unto the valley of Eshcol, and searched it out. 25 And they took of the fruit of the land in their hands, and brought it down unto us, and brought us word again, and said, It is a good land which the LORD our God doth give us. 26 Notwithstanding ye would not go up, but rebelled against the commandment of the LORD your God: 27 And ye murmured in your tents, and said, Because the LORD hated us, he hath brought us forth out of the land of Egypt, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us.

(3.) Deuteronomy 1: 29-36, KJV: 29 Then I said unto you, Dread not, neither be afraid of them. 30 The Lord your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that he did for you in Egypt before your eyes; 31 And in the wilderness, where thou hast seen how that the Lord thy God bare thee, as a man doth bear his son, in all the way that ye went, until ye came into this place. 32 Yet in this thing ye did not believe the LORD your God, 33 Who went in the way before you, to search you out a place to pitch your tents in, in fire by night, to shew you by what way ye should go, and in a cloud by day. 34 And the LORD heard the voice of your words, and was wroth, and sware, saying, 35 Surely there shall not one of these men of this evil generation see that good land, which I sware to give unto your fathers. 36 Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh; he shall see it, and to him will I give the land that he hath trodden upon, and to his children, because he hath wholly followed the LORD.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Deuteronomy 1: 38-40, KJV: 38 But Joshua the son of Nun, which standeth before thee, he shall go in thither: encourage him: for he shall cause Israel to inherit it. 39 Moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day had no knowledge between good and evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it, and they shall possess it. 40 But as for you, turn you, and take your journey into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(11/09/2014) Two Different Sides?

More points are shared on what was called “Two different sides of Christianity,” that some Christian believers condemn sinners as “lost”, and others declare love or promise to pray for a sinner.  Christians serve a GOD who is to be known and respected for judgment that displays condemnation, punishment and wrath against sin as well as correction, forbearance, forgiveness, mercy, and love.  Several aspects of spiritual development, growth and service are considered.

 

THE BATTLE AXE:  Both Lost and Found? (11/08/2014)—(5.)  All Must Acquire Discipline.  In the same way a classroom of 25 to 30 students are issued the same text book, receive the same daily instruction, yet vary in their performance on quizzes and exams, Christians vary in their competence and performance as ministers of the Gospel.  Those who are born again, all must gradually change and mature while meeting the same challenges of life encountered by everyone else upon the earth.  Saying this another way:  There is a fixed course both for carnal and spiritual development that unfolds as cycles, phases and stages for human growth and learning within settings that are material and social.  In this sense, as a group Christian believers are no different than those who are agnostics, atheists, infidels and nonbelievers.

(6.)  Insults and Interference.  All believers are taught to expect opposition to their ministry from those who may be under the influence of sin.  Those who accept and welcome damnation, death and sin are often cynical, foul-mouthed, irreverent, uncouth and violent.  They behave as though they will only be special by showing defiance and rebellion against GOD, and often go to extremes to discourage, shock and unsettle believers.  Believers are provided with spiritual armor, and are divinely reinforced; however, there remain limits to what believers should endure.  Often a believer may do no more than “plant a seed,” share a thought, and then turn away.  The continuing work for the sinner’s Salvation must be left to Christ and the Holy Spirit.  The believer is then to continue in confidence that the divine process to release mankind from death and sin has already been completed.  What becomes of a good seed planted for Salvation through Jesus Christ is already decided, fixed and predetermined.  In addition to resistance by family, friends and others who lack sacred knowledge believers should expect enmity from fallen angels and unclean spirits who are in the throes of bitterness, envy, resentment and self-destruction.  Harmony and peace as aspects of Christian life will be enjoyed only through careful, deliberate work.  Believers may anticipate and fail to “head off” disappointments, interruptions, and set backs.  Nevertheless, their peace of mind continues for it is not our own righteousness and personal success that establishes our place as an heir to the kingdom.

(7.)  The Past Is Part of The Full Truth.  Believers are not all the same in their ability to be forward-looking without forgetting or denying the past.  Facing the past is necessary.  Having a new life in Christ that is satisfying requires that believers make better choices and decisions for themselves and others while correctly using the tools provided them by GOD.  Where earlier experiences—including abuse, challenges, errors, failures and mistakes—are to be taken as a platform or springboard for correction and further growth, at first, many are burdened with anger, bitterness, fear, and uncertainty.  Yet, the accomplishments, newness and triumph of Christ in the life are made visible, and best recognized when we place the correct positive value upon our memories of difficulties and hardships.  Instead of confusion, depression, discouragement, regret and self-pity, believers will experience godly sorrow, and will feel motivated to continue or increase their efforts that benefit and support others.  Those who acknowledge they already have overcome the past by their choice for salvation will also freely express personal goals to build, to change, and to prosper upon the earth now as well as in the future that will be established at the coming of Christ.

(8.)  GOD Uses Diversity.  Christians always will vary in levels of commitment, maturity, understanding, and zeal.  Believers will have different duties and responsibilities as well as different gifts, preparation and skills.  Exchange and interaction with believers are to further prepare one for fellowship with divinity; and a broad range of emotional, intellectual, psychological and spirit content will be shared.  Growth is at once a process of affirming and contradicting, of learning and unlearning.  The aim of divinity has not been the establishment of sameness so much as the permanent institution of oneness (we say, agreement, unity).  GOD is a spirit who is immutable and unchanging, and operates as accommodating, longsuffering and flexible by having established immeasurable richness, comparison and contrast, diversity, movement within the frameworks of time and space, progression, and variety.

(9.)  Commanded to Restraint and Vigilance.  Believers must practice giving, ministry to others, and sharing outside of the church community by using restraint, and setting priorities. While believers may have to communicate with, or make regular contact with nonbelievers in the home, the workplace and other settings, believers are not to boast, rage, show-off, be self-promoting, become spiritually dominated by or yoked to unbelievers.  Believers are counseled not to practice judgment of others, to stay watchful and to continue in prayer anticipating the coming of Christ.

(10.)  Adventism and End-time Ministry.  Many Christians now operate having a heightened awareness that the time for the Second Coming of Christ to harvest believers from the earth is becoming increasingly near.  Such believers often promote the study of prophecy, and share the genuine sense of urgency that comes by having the certainty that Christ will appear soon.  Because their messages often have the tone of admonition, confrontation, criticism, reprimand, scolding and warning, many fail to correctly hear and see that divine love is being expressed.  It is through dutifulness, grace and kindness that attention, care, empathy, and personal concern are being displayed.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,  To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.  For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.  But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,  Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;  Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;  That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.  This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.  But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.  A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;  Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.  (Titus 3:  1-11, KJV)

 

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (11.)  A Sinner’s Last Chance.  Believers are to always acknowledge that the answers they share come forth from Christ through the Holy Spirit.  Individual believers do not have all the answers; they are not “know-it-alls”, and walking encyclopedias.  Sinners will ask questions intended to generate arguments, confusion, distrust and embarrassment.  Because mocking, provocation, and slander are their purpose; believers are not required to make any response.  Yet, for certain questions posed by a sinner, the answer also may be important to fellow believers.  The reply from one challenged to answer must be as complete and correct as the believer may make it, because it may be the first and final witness from GOD that the sinner will receive.  There can be no “do over.”)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/08/2014) Both Lost and Found?

That nonbelievers experience both acceptance and rejection by different Christian believers is the topic, today.  Also, there is more on the crimes that put Jesus upon the cross.  A “Yahoo! Answers” fighter using as an ID “RiversRunRed” (Level 3 with 1,342 points, a member since February 16, 2014) posted the following:

 

Christians why do you say im lost.?

I’m with Satan and have encouraged sin. I have used tactics to twist scripture and manipulate others to Satan. Most say I’m lost and I will be judged. However a few said they will pray for me and they love me. Two different sides of Christianity. Why so vastly different?

 

THE BATTLE AXE:  Crimes Christ Crucified For? (11/07/2014)—(4.)  The crimes that resulted in his execution upon the cross were committed by others, and not by Jesus.  Along with offenses destructive of covenant and relationship with divinity (e.g., adultery, apostasy, betrayal, conflict of interest, covenant-breaking, deceit, doubt, disloyalty, faithlessness, forswearing, heresy, lying, presumption, and skepticism) many were chargeable with violations of civil law that included assault and battery, conspiracy, defamation, fraud, malfeasance in office, and slander.  The charges of wickedness leveled against the Savior did not include blackmail (we say, extortion), bullying (we say, intimidation), drug dealing, gambling, fornication, home wrecking, homosexuality, infidelity, lack of sacred knowledge, murder, perjury, prostitution, robbery, theft, or street violence.  Yet, Jesus was condemned as an enemy to Caesar, to Rome, and to the most advanced empire to ever influence and rule the earth from the time of Nimrod.  The Savior was labeled as a bastard; a demoniac; felonious; a glutton; incorrigible; an insurrectionist; a male witch (we say, sorcerer); a menace and public nuisance; a philosopher; a power-hungry megalomaniac seeking to rule the world, rather than save it; a pretender and usurper to the throne of Israel; overzealous; suicidal; a threat to the culture, customs, and traditions of the Jews; a vagrant; and a warmonger.  The conviction and courage it takes to be a steadfast follower of Christ is no small thing, and must come forth from the Father and by the Holy Spirit.  Denying his claim as Christ, Messiah and One Sent, Jesus was mocked and scorned by those at the Temple in Jerusalem for being a controversial rabbi who dared undermine the legitimacy and sovereignty that had been granted through the covenant of Moses establishing Israel as a nation, and a chosen vessel of GOD.  Even so, in fulfillment of earlier divine proclamations, promises and prophecies, Jesus became the sin-bearer for Israel and future generations of believers.  The Savior was punished as though he were a recidivist (we say, career criminal, 3-time-loser), and died upon the cross as an execration—someone unrepentant and deserving damnation for deliberate, habitual and repetitive violations of sacred law (we say, iniquity), and for whom there would be no atonement made for transgressions.  Consider again Deuteronomy 21:  18-23, Isaiah 53:  1-12, Matthew 27:  15-25 and 33-44, Mark 15:  26-28, John 11:  47-53 and 23:  32-47, 2nd Corinthians 5:  20-21, Zechariah 12:  9-11 and Revelation 1:  7-8, KJV.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.  But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.  If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.  Flee also youthful lusts:  but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.  But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.  And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,  In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;  And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.  (2nd Timothy 2:  19-26, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Saved by a Prayer? (10/31/2014); Is Prayer an Act of Faith? (11/02/2014); A Fallen Nature? (09/01/2014); In the Likeness of His Resurrection (09/02/2014); Some People Are Just Bad? (08/24/2014); Sermons About Good Sex? (08/25/2014); Salvation is Conditional? (01/30/2014); Lower-case or Capital? (01/31/2014)

 

“RiversRunRed”, here are a few points Christian believers seek to share with the many persons like yourself who express atheism, doubt, or spiritual confusion:

(1.)  Divine Possibility.  Believers operate with the conviction that once a person receives sacred knowledge and truth, their spirit content and self-will are permanently altered, and gradually nourished to be in agreement, and full covenant with divinity.  For the living, Salvation may occur within a divine moment that is so brief, it is measureless.  Such sacred events as baptism (death of ones inborn spirit, rebirth having new spirit matter from the makeup of GOD) result in new platforms for human awareness, character, conscience, personality, and volition.

(2.)  Divine Process.  Salvation is through divine operations that only may be described and spoken of by believers.  Included are forbearance, forgiveness, healing, incarnation, repentance, resurrection, and sanctification.  In the same way angels and mankind had no decision-making roles in Creation, finite beings and living creatures using only their self-will can not establish divine salvation.  Believers are not required to condemn anyone, yet, must declare the judgment and wrath of GOD against sin.

(3.)  Divine Purpose.  As you know, the operations of sin oppose the continued existence of divine law, the Law Giver, and any universe that would be dependent upon divine order generated by sacred law.  Sin is believed an artifact (residue) of chaos, or the necessary separation of divine will from that within the created whereby they are granted integrity as persons.  Sin is not a living entity or creation put forth by GOD.  In effect, sin is no thing, and does not exist; yet, sin has direction, effect, and presence; and sin may dominate awareness (we say, consciousness, thinking) and self-will in the living.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.) The Demands of Love.  Believers accept divinity as the origin and source of all that exists.  All things that exist, therefore, are understood as affirmed and valued by GOD, including those among the living who are caught up within the many levels of conflict against GOD, and the destruction of his Creation, now being generated by sin.  Believers accept a duty that even sinners are to be answered with hope, kindness, patience, respect, and sacred truth.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC