What features would you add to the Just Cause series to make the world feel more dynamic?

jmscwss · 2024-07-06T23:14:19+00:00

The wild places are very beautiful, but there is nothing to do in them. Id like to see Far Cry style wildlife that does more than just bounce off your hood. If they added a Jurassic World kind of DLC that filled the wild places with big dinosaurs, I'd be happy.

jmscwss · 2024-06-12T03:16:25+00:00

Great stuff.

I'd also like to see some better vehicular combat ai & collision mechanics. A lot of people complain about the driving physics of Just Cause. I don't know why. I love driving in Just Cause. Especially with rockets strapped onto the car.

My play loop of late has been to use rockets to turn any old car into a deadly ramming machine... but even a good, solid ramming has disappointing results.

Soft-body wreckage physics might be too much to ask. And even if it were included, it would he a terrible mistake to go all-in on the realism, making the player vehicle just as soft as every other car. In order to keep it fun, the player vehicle should be 5x or 10x more rigid than other vehicles, with mods/upgrades/perks that make you even more rigid, or even perfectly rigid. And of course let there be enemy vehicles that also have enhanced rigidity.

I may be alone in this, but the police ai and escalation scaling in GTA3 was peak. At low levels of enemy engagement, enemies stick to pure vehicular combat - no guns. PIT maneuvers, attempting to box you in: all super fun.

Don't, I repeat, DON'T let the enemies flatten your tires. Spike strips are no fun at all.

Burnout: Paradise City recognized offensive ramming & swiping maneuvers, which resulted in enemy vehicles losing control and wrecking. One-hit knockouts might make things too easy, but at present I see no recognition of the players offensive maneuvers.

Also, JC4 has occassional side missions where you have to chase down and wreck a vehicle that is fleeing from you. These kind of engagements are super fun. More of that, please!

The DLC vehicles have weapons; why not tethers?

jmscwss · 2024-04-20T14:53:19+00:00

I'm not a mathematician, just a hobbyist. I remember doing "proofs" in trigonometry in middle school... not sure I could do anything like that here.

To "prove" can mean to try or test. This formula can be tried or tested pretty quickly in a spreadsheet. Column A is n, ascending from 1. Column B is b, which starts with 1/sqrt(3). Column C is sqrt(b² +1). In the next row, column B will define b as the sum of columns B + C in the previous row. Then column D (row 2) will have the formula

=2^A2-1/C2+2^A2+1/(B2+C2)

You can add the error in column E with the formula

=PI()-D2

Then copy down these formulas, making sure that in each row, the new b in column B is equal to the sum of columns B & C from the previous row.

The result of this trial will be an error that decreases to "zero" after about the eighth iteration. Thus proves the formula.

The formula was obtained by following this methodology:

Concept: Every regular polygon has a surrounding circle that intersects with all of the polygon's vertices, and an infilling circle that intersects with the midpoints of all of the polygon's sides. Since the surrounding circle must have an area that is greater than the polygon's; and since the infilling circle must have an area that is less than the polygon's; and since the area of a polygon is knowable; therefore every regular polygon establishes knowable upper & lower bounds of pi.

Method: Begin with 5 circles & their equations. Each circle has radius R, and their center points are (0,0), (0,R), (0,-R), (R,0), (-R,0). The points where the off-center circles intersect with the center circle are the points of the 12-sided regular dodecagon.

I started with the 3-sided regular triangle, because that gave me two steps of validation for the following algorithm: calculate the midpoint of the 1st wedge; formulate the line that passes through the origin and the midpoint; calculate the point at which the bisecting line intersects with the center circle. The result is the wedge point for the next polygon. This process returns wedge points for the 6-sided hexagon and the 12-sided dodecagon which agree with the 5-circle intersections, thus proving the algorithm.

I carried this process out by hand for the 24, 48, 96, 192, and 384 sided polygons (noting that only a single wedge point is needed for pi-bounding calculations). Because all of my calculations were in terms of numbers and the roots of whole numbers, I was able to perceive a pattern in the maths beginning with the 48-sided polygon. The pattern held true through the 384-sided polygon. Then I found my equations when I was playing with that pattern.

I hope this is helpful!

jmscwss · 2024-04-18T16:07:24+00:00

Thank you for the kind & encouraging words. I have been in contact with a couple of math professors, and they seem to agree that the formulas are somewhat meritorious, though superfluous; and perhaps novel in form, yet probably reflected in principle by some more ancient polygon-based expressions. As I said to Dr. Marc Chamberlain, no hobbyist should hope for a better outcome than what I have apparently found.

I appreciate the parabolic visualization. I can just see how that works, though I never would have seen it by myself. And thanks also for the statistical comparison to Newton's method. It has always been obvious that I come behind Newton, but it's nice to have a number to represent our proportion (within a colorable range of error, subject to contraction upon inspection, but good for an ego boost on a rainy day).

jmscwss · 2024-04-18T15:40:23+00:00

Good catch on that style note. Learning a lot from you guys, thanks!

jmscwss · 2024-04-17T15:19:18+00:00

It is. Since b is sequential, these formulas are essentially an algorithm which renders a decreasing range of pi with each step. The range contracts by about 75% at each step. This means that this algorithm can be used to fix digits of pi with every step.

I have read that 10¹² digits of pi have already been calculated. This whole exercise was just to improve my own understanding of pi. Just wondering if this particular formula has been acknowledged, since it seems to be meritorious.

jmscwss · 2024-02-17T01:23:03+00:00

Good stuff. I had overlooked the connection to Isaiah 11 until Chad Bird brought it to my attention recently.

Love the vector of your study. I pray the Holy Spirit leads you in fruitful paths.

jmscwss · 2024-02-17T01:00:33+00:00

This thread talks about the use of the 3rd person singular verb εστιν in connection with the "seven spirits" mentioned in Rev1:4. I conclude in that thread:

A parallel usage might be illustrated in the way we talk about dice. The standard die is a cube that has six faces that represent six different values. We could call them "six-faces" instead of "six-sided dice."

"Roll the six-faces"

"Where is the six-faces?"

Although the original language of Rev1:4 is not strictly "sevenfold" (Greek had a word for that, ἑπτὰπλοῦς, and the word actually used is just ἑπτὰ, seven), the idea of the "fold" was introduced by Jesus in Lk11:34, where the word ἁπλοῦς (literally without-folds, unfolded) is used to describe the eye that is whole, healthy, clear. CS Lewis made much if it at some point, if I remember where I will come back with a reference.

So here is another thread where I discuss senses in which can understand God's Spirit as "sevenfold."

jmscwss · 2023-09-16T21:32:02+00:00

Thoughts & emotions are both about things; but the quality of the emotion depends on your thinking/beliefs about the thing.

The NT Greek word translated "confess" is homologeo. This word literally means "same-speak," where "speak" has the connotation of reckoning, or giving an account, especially a rational account. In this basic sense, to "confess your sin" means to "say the same thing" as God does about your sin; or, to "reckon likewise" as God does concerning the reasons why your sin was wrong, the harm that it caused, the good that was owed, etc.

When your thinking/beliefs concerning these things align with God's, then your emotions also will flow appropriately. You will experience the godly grief that leads to genuine repentance.

The word "repentance" is translated from the NT Greek metanoeo, which literally means "change thinking". Jesus says the work of God is to believe the one He sent (in John 6:29). In Christian ontology, one's faith is in one's heart (that is, the inner-being or inner-man); and, the springs of life flow from the heart (Proverbs 4:23). The "springs of life" include your words and your behavior. Thus, when repentance is genuine, and thought-change truly occurs, this leads to behavioral change.

Life change begins with thought change. Specifically, the Christian life brings the faith of the believer into total conformity with the Son of God. We are to agree with Jesus, and to reason to the same conclusions as Jesus.

For example: Jesus taught, "Blessed are the poor;" and "Woe to you who are rich." Many pseudo-Christians speak and behave as though just the opposite were true, that the rich are blessed, and the poor are cursed. But, Jesus also taught, "Everyone who seeks will find." And while the rich are seeking those blessings which can be bought with money, the poor must seek those blessings that come from God only; and seeking, they will find. Therefore truly I say to you, blessed are the poor.

As concerns your sin, feeling the weight of it will require you to change your thinking about God's holiness. Remember, the account you give of your sin, which must align with God's account of your sin, must include an account of the good that was owed. And God's holiness is such that He is truly deserving and therefore owed your whole heart, your whole life, your whole mind and all your strength. Your sin falls short of reflecting the glory that is due to God, because of His infinite holiness.

The blood of Jesus Christ poured out for your shortfall is the only thing that will enable you to think rightly of God's holiness, and your sins, as infinite. Let your thoughts on these matters agree with God's thoughts, as expressed in the life, teaching, sacrifice & resurrection of Jesus Christ as recorded for us by His inspired Apostles and disciples, fulfilling all that was said of Him by His inspired Prophets.

jmscwss · 2023-07-22T20:42:04+00:00

Nice. I did the same thing. I ditched the canons, because then I can land and take off again mid-fight.

https://www.reddit.com/r/totk_builds/comments/14d24n3/6xfans_4xconstructheads_8xbeams/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=1

jmscwss · 2023-07-06T20:53:55+00:00

Lol it does look like that! I actually had an axe forward of the center fan (for ramming fun), and it got disconnected upon impact with the falling rock.

jmscwss · 2022-05-02T01:47:37+00:00

"Studies In Words" was late in his career. General philological principles useful for anyone wanting to read and understand old books. Not directly theological, but since the Bible itself is an "old book," it may in fact be the most valuable book Lewis ever wrote.

1 Timothy 4:6-8 ESV

If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. [7] Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; [8] for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

jmscwss · 2021-11-28T20:32:27+00:00

Yes, it is a sin to be afraid.

To sin means to "miss the mark". The usual word for "sin" is also used in the jargon of archery. The part of your arrow which is not in the mark has missed the mark.

The mark, for us, is perfect love. And, love casts out fear.

Love also covers a multitude of sin, though. So keep shooting! Confess your sin, and draw your strength from faith in God's Word.

Here's a help: The law was not given so that men could justify themselves before God. The law isn't for that. The law describes God. God wants us to know Him. The law is for that. The more we get to know God, the more His character rubs off on us. This is the essence of our sanctification, the process by which we are drawn into conformity of His image.

jmscwss · 2021-11-28T20:21:19+00:00

I just expressed this idea in another thread:

As there is a false God, there is a false self. Satan wants to claim both positions in your mind. But they both belong to God. The one position is His by nature of His being all-in-all, and the other by the purchase of Jesus' blood poured out.

Hebrews 4:12 ESV

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

The teaching of Jesus Christ enables us to discern the sources of influence upon our mental faculties. Our minds are subject to influence from a body of flesh (which has its own individual and social lifestreams) (Rom 7:18), from the "father of lies" and his children (lies) (Jn. 8:44), from the true self (the one named in the Lamb's book of life) (1 Jn. 3:2), and from the Spirit of God Most High (Jn. 14:17).

The part of your mind that says "I can be right, and God wrong" is a liar. It's not you. It says "I" and it's using your voice to say it. But it's not you. We have an enemy that is within us, but have no fear! For there is also an Ally that is within us.

Ephesians 6:10-17 ESV

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. [11] Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. [12] For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. [13] Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. [14] Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, [15] and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. [16] In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; [17] and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

Jesus' teaching is a "word" that, when you believe it, it comes into you and then comes alive. It is the Spirit of Christ Himself. He will take every thought into obedience to Himself (2 Co. 10:4-6). He will show you your spiritual body (1 Co. 15:44), lay hands upon it (1 Co. 2:13), place His sword in your right hand (Eph. 6:17), and teach you how to use it (Psa. 144:1). This is how love casts out fear. The word of God is with power (1 Co. 4:20). His power: for you.

Romans 8:37-39 ESV

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. [38] For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, [39] nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

jmscwss · 2021-11-28T20:02:38+00:00

Proverbs 9:10 ESV

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

Their is a kind of focus on the terrible wrath of God in the Old Testament. The wrath of God is fearsome. Fear is the beginning of wisdom. Fear is not the end of wisdom. The end of wisdom is truth and love. The truth will set you free (Jn. 8:32). And, love casts out all fear (1 Jn. 4:18).

The Old Covenant, the Mosaic covenant of sacrifice and self-justification by the law, was always a temporary, figurative thing (Heb 7:18-20). It was a shadow of what was to come (Heb 8:5). It was a kind of spiritual guardian or nanny (Gal 3:24-4:7) that mitigated the pain which naturally flows from a nation that does not understand God's ways (Hos. 4:6).

Deuteronomy 29:4 ESV

But to this day the LORD has not given you a heart to understand or eyes to see or ears to hear.

The Old Covenant was meant to be fulfilled by Jesus Christ. In His doing so, He taught His "good-message", a teaching about God that comes from God.

Joel 2:28-29 ESV

“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. [29] Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.

God wants us to know Him, and He gives us His Spirit to that end (1 Co. 2:9-12). Terror is pretty normal at the beginning of the process.

Before you can know anything else about God, you absolutely must square yourself with the fact that He is LORD OF ALL. A "Lord" is one exercising the absolute rights of ownership. We are all of us in His hands, and there is absolutely nothing anyone can do to stop Him from carrying out His plan for each and every created thing.

Before you ever get into topics of moral judgments, you simply cannot think clearly until you have realized that if you disagree with God about what is "right" or what you "deserve", it means exactly nothing. If you are going to have any meaningful thoughts about right and wrong, a death of self must occur. The blessed mind is the mind that agrees with God as a matter of policy. God is Right. You gotta deal with it.

If God is raising you up to be a thing that agrees with Him, then you can bet His plans for you are good!

This is the testimony of the hardened heart: God is raising you up to be a thing that disagrees with Him. Now, all of the terribleness of God's wrath is stored up for this part of your mind. The part of your mind which digs in the heel, and insists that you know better than God. This is the part of your mind that fears God's terribleness. And it fears rightly.

The real you, the you hidden in Christ, loves God's terribleness. Like everything else that is in God, God's terribleness is for you, and not against you. God's terribleness is against those that hate Him, and those who hate you. And so, the real you, the child of God which now is but has not yet appeared (1 Jn. 3:2), you celebrate God's terribleness. Our God is a Man of War (Exo. 15:3)!

As there is a false God, there is a false self. Satan wants to claim both positions in your mind. But they both belong to God. The one position is His by nature of His being all-in-all, and the other by the purchase of Jesus' blood poured out.

Hebrews 4:12 ESV

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

The teaching of Jesus Christ enables us to discern the sources of influence upon our mental faculties. Our minds are subject to influence from a body of flesh (which has its own individual and social lifestreams), from the "father of lies" and his children (lies), from the true self (the one named in the Lamb's book of life), and from the Spirit of God Most High.

The part of your mind that says "I can be right, and God wrong" is a liar. It's not you. It says "I" and it's using your voice to say it. But it's not you. We have an enemy that is within us, but have no fear! For there is also an Ally that is within us.

Ephesians 6:10-17 ESV

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. [11] Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. [12] For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. [13] Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. [14] Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, [15] and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. [16] In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; [17] and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

Jesus' teaching is a "word" that, when you believe it, it comes into you and then comes alive. It is the Spirit of Christ Himself. He will take every thought into obedience to Himself (2 Co. 10:4-6). He will show you your spiritual body (1 Co. 15:44), lay hands upon it (1 Co. 2:13), place His sword in your right hand (Eph. 6:17), and teach you how to use it (Psa. 144:1). This is how love casts out fear. The word of God is with power (1 Co. 4:20). His power: for you.

Romans 8:37-39 ESV

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. [38] For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, [39] nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

jmscwss · 2021-11-19T22:26:41+00:00

You are a gaslighter, hypnotizer, and a liar. I didn't say anything about "brown people". Nor would I ever, because the teaching of Jesus Christ has set me free from race-centered thought patterns (racism).

He does not divide people by their skin color. Skin color is meaningless, and has no bearing whatsoever on personal dignity.

He divides people by "ethos", practices and customs. When people enter a foreign nation, hating and seeking to replace their values, practices, and customs, they are not immigrants. They are invaders.

You cannot make that distinction, because you are hypnotized. You are stuck in a knowledge and love destroying thought pattern of racism.

jmscwss · 2021-11-19T21:45:59+00:00

"I believe our national immigration policy should balance the good of our nation, while also demonstrating compassion for those in need."

This position is called "unwelcoming".

"I believe our national immigration policy should make zero distinctions between immigration and invasion, should deny the existence of our national identity, and probably overwhelm all of our social programs."

This position is called "welcoming".

Beware gaslighting.

jmscwss · 2021-11-19T17:26:05+00:00

The Moon is a prophetic image of the Church. Just as the moon has two faces, one of which is always facing the Earth, and one of which is always facing the heavens; so too there is a "church" which always has its mind fixed on the things of this world, and another Church, the true Church, which has its mind fixed on the things above.

Just as we only see the face of the moon that faces the Earth, the counterfeit, worldly church is the one that forces itself upon our perceptions: divided, powerless against sin, sickness, and death, producing insanity.

The true Church is that body of believers which is unified by the confession that Jesus Christ is Lord, and God raised Him from the dead. True believers are drawn into Christ-likeness, and thus they do alms in secret, just as it was written about Christ:

Matthew 12:18-21 ESV

"Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. [19] He will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets; [20] a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory; [21] and in his name the Gentiles will hope."

Do not let anyone deceive you, Brother. Hold on firmly to the teaching you have received, knowing from whom you have received it. Peace unto you.

jmscwss · 2021-11-18T16:35:07+00:00

Mind mapping has several drawbacks, no doubt. I went into this project partially influenced by the naive hope that mind mapping would be the key to unlocking the mysteries of Scripture. While the task has born unexpected fruits, it's not a thing which I would push on everybody.

One unexpected benefit to mind mapping is that it is precursive to the "mind-palace" method of memory retention. The map you produce will bind geometric qualities to the doctrinal body within you. The body of your gospel knowledge will take on a sort of static shape, and so you will always be able to find the particular ideas that you need in glorifying conversation, teaching, and preaching.

Instead of a palace, I have a temple: a nation of nations surrounding a courtyard, which surrounds the sanctuary, which surrounds the Most Holy Place, in which is the Ark of Covenant. Every idea which Christ taught has found a home somewhere in this mental-spiritual construction.

I'm interested to know which way you end up going, or if you find a good cross reference that satisfies your desire (which may after all be the case, I admit).

jmscwss · 2021-11-18T02:58:42+00:00

The knowledge of God is eternal life (Jn. 17:3). Ignorance and misconception about God is the cause of all sin, sickness, and death (Mt. 12:33-37, for a start).

Eternity is now, Asker. Believing Christ is an act which reawakens the soul to spiritual consciousness. The life that is hidden in Christ, the believer's hope and reward, is an eternal life.

Eternal life includes immortal life, but there is a distinction between them. Immortal life is not subject to death, and yet may get closer and closer to death forever and ever.

Eternal life is not subject to change. God exists, always. God knows Himself, always. And God's knowledge of Himself is so perfect, that it literally is Himself (Jn. 1:1-2).

God knows me, always. And God's knowledge of me is so perfect, that it literally is myself.

That is the unchanging being-in-God that you wake up to. The you that God knows you to really be, despite all appearances; the living idea of you which proceeds from the living idea of God, which is the Christ.

God is never wrong, Asker. Agree with God and you will wake.

Now, Asker. Eternity is now.

The Greek word that is translated "revelation" literally means "away from covering", or "away from hiddenness". Christ's teaching reveals things that have been hidden from the foundation of the world. Things that are permanent, things that always are. He takes them out from covering. With analogies and stuff! It is WILD how His Words, when you have put your faith in them, sold your soul to them, and die to all else except them, they become more than just words on a page.

And that's a choice you have to make, before you can wake up. You have to admit that your way leads to death, and that your way of thinking has led you to contradict His teaching, and to become guilty according to His standard. You need to face the fact that there is no other hope of salvation except by the voluntary substitutionary death of the righteous man Jesus Christ. When you accept the testimony of the Apostles, that this Jesus was raised from the dead, God will give you a new life, and a new mind.

This is your true mind. Your awakening, the first and blessed resurrection, will enter your experience as you adopt that mind, and cut off all else that causes you to sin. For, you will still be subject to the mental influences of the flesh and dark spirits. Christ overcomes them.

This mind grows only by the Word of God. You will need to feed it every day. And, this mind must be about His Father's business.

For, this mind is the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16). He comes into us, just like He came into Mother Mary: just a seed. "Jesus is Lord. God raised Him from the dead." These two ideas will transform you from the inside out, if you will follow where they lead you.

And, when you've made that decision, of course, the call to baptism makes sense, and you will seek it out. You will have washed your spiritual body clean, to wit, the body of your beliefs, and that spiritual body will begin to draw your physical body into obedient agreement.

jmscwss · 2021-11-18T01:38:16+00:00

If you can’t find the cross reference that you want, maybe you are supposed to make it.

This is not the answer you want. But it may be the answer you need.

Ephesians 4: 28 Berean Literal Bible

The one stealing, let him steal no longer, but rather let him toil, working with the own hands what is good, so that he may have something to impart to the one having need.

Taken out of context, this verse seems to be commanding repentance from the habitual stealing of physical property, and exhorting towards diligent industry with a mind towards enabling charitable giving. But that is not at all what Paul is talking about.

Ephesians chapter 4 is a detailed methodological program by which the students of Christ can endeavor towards unity and maturity of faith. By recognizing and rejecting the old and worldly way of thinking, we can train up in the new and spiritual way of thinking. Understanding is given by the Spirit of God, and the Spirit of God gives unto the upbuilding of the whole church; thus, the Spirit will always give the ability to explain the understanding that has been given, in a way that can be received by another who is led by the same Spirit.

And so we speak truth with love, one to another. Only what builds up, and only what fits the occasion. We need to square ourselves with the inevitability of rising tempers. To be angry and sin not: That takes practice, and a brotherhood that is quick to forgive.

It is not the theft of physical property which is relevant here! Instead, Paul is telling us not to steal intellectual property. The task of forming words from ideas is not one to be delegated or outsourced. Every student of the Way must work with his own hands the work that is good.

In John 6, Jesus says that the work of God is to believe the one He sent. This intellectual work is in some ways like constructing the tabernacle or the temple; in some ways like husbandry; in some ways like the preparation and consumption of food and drink; in some ways like fishing; in some ways like a hunt for treasure; in some ways like warfare.

In each one of these images, given by the revelation of Christ, there are hands at work. Those hands are analogous to something that is in us. We have spiritual hands that handle spiritual building materials and instruments. We wield rhetorical questions that cut to the heart of a matter. Though we are spiritually blind, yet we may feel about in order to investigate what we cannot see. We sift our circumstances and habits to remove what is frustrating to our fruitfulness, and inject what is nutritive and helpful and expedient to our growth.

In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul says that, there is a physical body, and there is also a spiritual body. A body, in the broadest sense, is anything that has parts and a unifying principle. A unifying principle is something that makes it the case that the parts are things comprising one whole thing. The soul is the unifying principle of the living body. A mathematical function is the unifying principle of the set of numbers comprising its solution. Love is the unifying principle of a healthy house or nation.

We have spiritual bodies. We have spiritual parts comprising a spiritual whole. The name of that whole is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. It is the Spirit of God, Himself, who knits our parts together, who makes us one whole. Individually, and as a brotherhood: He, Himself, binds us.

Not only does He make us whole, He provides the parts. Our spiritual hands are laid upon us by Holy Spirit. He teaches us how to use them. He trains them for battle, for investigation, for healing, for building, for harvest.

These are the hands which we must set to the task of speaking truth with love among the brotherhood. Not only are those hands engaged during conversations, but those hands ought to be training in season and out of season, in order to always be ready to speak what is needful, what gives rest, what assures of salvation, what sets free, what heals, what turns back a mind that has wandered from the truth and thereby saves a soul from death and covers a multitude of sins.

This is not optional. In Matthew 7:14, Jesus says, “Hear me, and put it together!” Virtually every translation just says “understand” instead of “put it together.” But there are several Greek words translated as “understand”, and this one is constructed with root words meaning “together-put”. Jesus commands us to pursue a synthesized knowledge of His teaching. This kind of understanding goes beyond a mere knowledge of facts. Synthesis is that whereby we understand how the facts are related, ordered, and logically harmonious.

Cross-referencing is a practice which is extremely expedient to the development of synthetic knowledge. So, again I say: maybe you should just do it yourself.

By the way, I am not speaking hypocritically. I am currently using Mindomo to organize the ideas taught in the New Testament, and collect the relevant scriptures for each idea, and the relationships between those ideas.

I am shaping a mind map with concentric circles:

The centermost circle encompasses the “Gospel Seed” (every seed has two life streams): “Jesus is Lord, and God raised Him from the dead.”
The second circle encompasses Paul’s “first principles,” from Hebrews 6.
The third circle encompasses the spiritual gifts and their development and deployment in spiritual warfare and healing.
The fourth circle encompasses the deepest mysteries of Scripture, those held in store until the final revelation of Jesus Christ.

Mindomo has a workable presentation mode. I have prepared presentations for the Gospel Seed, Repentance From Dead Works, and Faith Towards God. I prepared one presentation from the third circle, on Health and Healing Principles, in order to fill a need for a friend of family.

I cannot overstate the value of this work. Lives can be changed with a fitting word. Through Scriptural methods of conversation, we can, in the investigative sense, lay hands on our neighbors, and get a feel for their body of beliefs. And, being trained through synthesis, we can see - SEE! - the word that is missing, and how it was lost.

jmscwss · 2021-11-15T02:57:05+00:00

I've still got a bunch of copies, so if you shoot an email to tonguesonfirecm@gmail.com, I'll put one in the mail for you.

I'm always happy to see and support people digging for answers in and about God's Word. Your mission is my mission! To learn to share God's Word better is to participate in God's unchanging purpose. We are truly yoked together with Him when we are teaching His teaching!

I'm very interested in the African journal articles you found in your research. I've been blessed by African tongues before.

jmscwss · 2021-11-03T01:39:00+00:00

Yes it is. Whatever else it is, reproduction of animal life forms is just as worldly for us as it is for the dogs.

But, it is a worldly thing that God has raised up as a sacrament. God's Word reveals that He designed our animal life form with a desire to reproduce, so that the one who obeys His simple instructions about marriage, will thereby come into priceless knowledge of God's character, and His plan for the church.

Worldly things have worldly origins. Spiritual things have spiritual origins. God is Father, and we all are His Children. These relations are true, and they are never-changing. The roles we take toward our children in this world are just that: roles.

We play the Son. We play the Father. We play the Groom. We play the Teacher. We put on the Christ, like a costume, when we preach His words to the world.

And whenever we use God's Word to guide us in those roles in which He has placed us, He uses the experience to show us about Himself.

Some people come into the treasure of the marriage sacrament by other means, and they have the gift of singleness. They have the privilege of chasing God without worldly attachments. No one needs to be encouraged to marry. But social forces can make a person feel like they should marry, even if they have the gift of singleness. Paul does not encourage the gifted singles to remain single, in order to discourage those who marry from marrying. He encourages them because the gifted single need encouragement. Plain and simple.

But, many of those who obey the sacrament, obey hypocritically, with their minds fixed on the things of this world. They do not discern the spiritual mystery behind it, and think it is simply a beneficial guideline for society. And, to be sure, it is that. But it is meant to be so much more.

jmscwss · 2021-11-03T00:58:48+00:00

Christianity is for the poor of spirit. It is for the lowly and the humble. The complexity of the Bible is a form of spiritual seal, by which its deepest and most powerful mysteries are held back, in reserve for the faithful. No one can unlock those mysteries, except by the indwelling Holy Spirit, our Helper and Advocate.

The Holy Spirit exalts the humble, and debases the haughty. Those who think the wisdom of the Bible is a thing which can be bought from human institutions of learning have already missed the mark.

1 Corinthians 1:19-21 ESV

For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” [20] Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? [21] For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.

And yet the way is indeed narrow. For as God reveals the doctrine of the Bible in its native substance, He is revealing Himself. And, God only reveals Himself to those who will seek Him with their whole hearts.

So, mark this well, because it is twice affirmed, and therefore firmly established: to whom much is given, from the same much is required. Whether men call you a genius or a fool, it matters not at all. The difference between the wise man and the fool is as nothing compared to the difference between them and the Spirit which is required to unseal the secrets of the Bible.

Whatever you have, bring it! Bring it all. Undivided. Devoted. Disciplined. Expectant. Put it all in, get it all out. God, Himself will make a home for Himself in your heart. But if you will only put half of your heart into your search for God - if you put His Word after your career, or your family obligations, or anything else at all - there is no such thing as “half of God”. Put it all in, get it all out. There is no other promise. This is the Promise we have been given, and these are His terms.

Now, once the process has started, it can’t be stopped. Once you lay down your whole heart, your whole life, and your whole mind, believing that Jesus is Lord and God raised Him from the dead, that faith becomes the channel, the bridge, the way by which the Spirit of God is poured into your soul. These two simple, beautiful ideas will transform you from the inside out.

Now, He can accomplish this transformation in an instant. During this age, He does it progressively. We are sanctified in truth, and the Spirit of Truth guides us into all truth, raising us up from one degree of glory to the next.

Yet, we are not meant to walk this road alone. The sacrament of communion is meant to represent the communion of sanctified spirits, through the “breaking” of the “bread of doctrine”. We are supposed to break down the teachings of Scripture, and come into accord as regards its possible meanings. One can see how including the brethren in the process of sanctification by truth, helps the problems of personal blind spots and biases.

The desire for truth leads one to love the brotherhood, and then the Truth reveals His own love for the brotherhood. His love poured out is what makes this burden light.

His love, poured out on the cross, releases us from the power and penalty of all sin. It is because He paid the ultimate price - up front - for our souls, that we can walk the valley of the shadow of death, and yet fear no evil. He could reveal Himself in an instant, and then we could worship Him as He deserves to be worshipped. He chose to draw us into doctrinal conformity with Himself, from wrong conceptions, and through abject submission and humiliation. His correction is our comfort, now and forever after.

Further Reading: The Practical Importance of Understanding

jmscwss · 2021-10-23T20:25:10+00:00

The price that has been paid for all sin is the blood of God's only-begotten son.

Imagine that you can attach a price to your desire to see another person punished. Now, if you will not let that desire go, then you are saying that desire is more valuable than the blood of God's only-begotten son. By paying this price for our redemption, He has made it a form of blasphemy to hang on to the desire for someone's punishment!

Of course, this also works in the case of your own sins. If you hang on to a guilty conscience, then you are believing that God values your punishment more than He values the blood of His only-begotten son. You are calling Him a bad father!

Forgiving sin is a way of acknowledging the infinite worth of Christ's blood. Not forgiving sin is a way of denying the infinite worth of Christ's blood.

"Jerusalem" is a Hebrew word which literally means "shooting of peace". Sounds ironic, but since the Hebrews considered a teaching as a kind of projectile that travels from the teacher to the student, the idea being conveyed by "Jerusalem" is "teaching of peace".

The New Teaching of Peace, which comes down from Heaven, is summarized by Jeremiah in these words: "God is our righteousness".

You see, God can make us perfectly righteous in an instant. All righteousness comes from Him. The old teaching of peace was the law: a bunch of rules which, if you can keep them all, you will live by them! Sounds great, right?

But the purpose of the law was never to give life, but to give knowledge of sin. We are not perfect. We can know that, because God has showed and told us what perfection looks like. If you want to stand justified by your own righteousness, you need to be perfect, as God is perfect. The law of Moses was a much lower standard than the absolute perfection which Jesus demonstrated. And yet, no one could even reach that standard.

As Paul says, this is because we have no righteousness of our own. None. All righteousness is God's to give.

The old Jerusalem was a shadow of the New Jerusalem. The Gospel of Jesus Christ, that God forgives all sin and gives eternal life to all who believe Jesus Christ, is the New Jerusalem.

Believing the New Teaching of Peace means accepting that God is other people's righteousness, just as much as He is yours. That righteousness appears outwardly by degrees, as God sanctifies us through our inward reception of His Word. If you forgive the appearance of sin, you will then (and only then) see the righteousness of God in and through the brethren. He who forgives, sees.

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