(12/31/2015) By Faith, Not By Interpretation?

Today, points are shared responding to a question on explaining and apologizing for things written in the Bible.  While the holy writings provide information that is important for shared communication and exchange among Christian believers, intimate relationship with divinity as children of GOD, disciples of Jesus Christ, or trusted servants only begins and continues through faith.  We are not saved by expressions from our mind or self-will, even such deliberate “works” as believing, dialog, memorizing verses, and study.  Faith is an aspect of the full divine makeup, and is inseparable from other spirit substance such as awe, holiness, longsuffering, love, peace, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Just as the Spirit imparted from GOD to a believer is intended for their growth, maturity, and sanctification, rather than to equip them for perpetual battle and conflict, the Bible has been provided as an unchanging source for guidance and instruction, and is not provided for repeated argument, debate, and quarrels generated by education, or logic and reason.  Consider the following from the Scriptures, and the further responses below:  1st John 5:  5-7, King James Version (KJV):  5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?  6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.  7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost:  and these three are one.  Also, Galatians 3:  22-27, KJV:  22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.  23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.  24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.  25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.  26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.  27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.  Acts 20:  32. KJV:  32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.  2nd Timothy 3:  16-17, KJV:  16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Henry” (Level 2 with 254 points, a member since November 26, 2015) posted the following:


Not sure if I’m interpreting the bible, or just making excuses for it?

My parents raised me to be an apologist and I can name dozens of dark verses. These verses include God stoning someone for picking up sticks on a Sunday, Lot sending his virgin daughters to be gang raped, and Jeptha sacrificing his daughter because he promised to. However, my parents always told me to come up with some kind of explanation for it. Is this morally possible?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;  Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:  Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.  But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,  Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:  That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:  it is the gift of God:  Not of works, lest any man should boast.  (Ephesians 2:  1-9, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  A GOD of Judgment (12/01/2015); To Study the Book of Judges (09/09/2015);  Justified for Attacking The Bible? (06/28/2015); The Words Are Spirit? (06/03/2015); The Scriptures and Perfection? (10/27/2014); All Who Read Convert? (10/10/2014); Not Told in Advance? (10/11/2014); The Point of Experiences in the Spirit? (07/07/2014)


“Henry”, the holy writings provide a divine point of view for examining life experience among created beings and living creatures, and displays divinity using thousands of lives and thousands of events over the course of thousands of years.  While the sacred record includes some accounts that have been used as secular history, through Jesus Christ the Scriptures are recognized as revealing divine operations, sacred practices, and eternal purposes.  Most Christian believers begin their new life in Christ having little correct sacred knowledge regarding prophecy, rebirth, sanctification, and spirit (we also say, breath, life essence, word).  Their focus is often their own immediate condition and continuing experience as carnal, finite, material, and social.  Believers are to embrace permanent changes on multiple levels that are to be in agreement with unseen aspects of the universe.  The believer must put aside the finite tools of intellect, logic, philosophy, science, and technology.  They must take up tools for recognizing and applying the authority and power of their own endowment of spirit from GOD.  Thus, through the operations of divinity, water baptism establishes the death and burial of ones inborn spirit.  Trusting GOD, the believer is born again from divine DNA, so to speak, and must “grow up again.”  The believer is to be a vessel for inseparable spirit matter from the makeup of Deity.  Included are awe (some say, fear of the Lord, reverence), faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  The mature disciples of Jesus Christ are forward-looking for they operate focused upon praises, proclamations, promises, purpose, testimonies, and visions that express sacred law, and divine will.  Those born again will encounter “growing pains,” and must mature upon the earth becoming perfected for eternal life in terms of balance, completeness, and stability.  Consider again the following verses from the Bible:

(1.)  John 3:  6-8, King James Version (KJV):  6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.  8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth:  so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

(2.)  John 5:  24-29, KJV:  24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.  25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God:  and they that hear shall live.  26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;  27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.  28 Marvel not at this:  for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,  29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

(3.)  2nd Peter 1:  19-21, KJV:  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.

There are many other verses here that should be carefully considered, correctly understood, and brought to bear against error.  (For example, (4.)  John 1:  10-14, KJV:  10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.  11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.  12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:  13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.  14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/30/2015) Repentance and New Life?

Today, points are shared on repentance by those who have committed terrible crimes, rebirth, unlimited forgiveness, and the new life as a Christian believer.  Rather than things carnal, material and social, those who return to GOD through Christ are given things eternal that have divine sprit content and sacred importance. Consider again the following verses from Scripture, and see the points below:  Ezekiel 18:  26-28, King James Version (KJV):  26 When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die.  27 Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.  28 Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.  Also, John 3:  5-7, KJV:  5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.  6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.  Luke 17:  3-4, KJV:  3 Take heed to yourselves:  If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.  4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.  Mark 11:  24-27, KJV:  24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.  25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any:  that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.  26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.  A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Dopey Dog Dopey Dog Flying Through The Air” (Level 7 with 248,370 points, a member since March 02, 2006) posted the following:



Is God gonna bless and reward this man for his love and kindness towards his friends on Earth in Heaven?

Corey: He is serving 25 years to life in prison for trafficking 3 kilos of cocaine 3 counts of assault on 2 separate officers and a K9.

While the police were trying to get Corey handcuffed Corey bolts off running and finds a beer bottle on the ground and throws it at one of the officer’s in the nose which caused him to have a broken nose and a bloody face, then when the police captures Corey he starts kicking and performing karate moves on one of the police officers and the police dog and then just when the officers was about to handcuff Corey he grabs a knife and stabs the same officer he performed the karate moves on and then the K9 totally attacks Corey.

While Corey was selling drugs he rekindled his friendships with his high school sweetheart (who later turned her back on Corey) and her friends and even took them out shopping, nice restaurants, trips to the amusement parks and vacations, he also even paid for a couple girls traffic violation tickets.

Corey has accepted Jesus Christ as His Lord & Savior while in prison and developed a close relationship with God and is striving to repent of his sins

Will God bless Corey with everything he has loved and desire on Earth in Heaven such as close friendships with everyone and lots of material things that he loves such as nice cars, good food, nice clothes and have lots of amazing talents, also will God bless and reward Corey for all of the good things he’s done for his friends prior to him selling drugs?

Update:  I personally think that Corey should be given a huge collection of exotic automobiles, his own mansion, millions of $, millions of close friendships with the high class people and lots of nice vacations just for even being nice to those snobby high class b!tches who have turned their backs on him!
Corey also wished his friends who have turned their backs on him well and prays for them

Update 2:  Also will God give special honor and blessing to Corey for praying for his “friends” who have turned their backs on him and Corey asking God to help guide his “friends” on the path that He wants them to be on? Also will God bless and reward Corey for wishing good things for his “friends”? He thinks of his “friends” as special people and wishes them nothing but the best while his “friends” all the sudden wish Corey the worst?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And he said, A certain man had two sons:  And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.  And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.  And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.  And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.  And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat:  and no man gave unto him.  And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!  I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,  And am no more worthy to be called thy son:  make me as one of thy hired servants.  And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.  And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.  But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:  And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:  For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.  (Luke 15:  11-24, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Ongoing and Unfinished? (11/22/2015); There Must Be Permanent Change (07/12/2015); When GOD Never Forgives? (12/28/2015); Will Truth Destroy Joy? (11/10/2014); No Sorrow in Heaven? (11/11/2014); Genuine Repentance? (03/24/2014); When Is A Law The LAW? (03/25/2014); How Do I Repent? (05/16/2013); The “Jesus Way”? (05/17/2013)


“Dopey Dog Dopey Dog Flying Through The Air”, the answer to your question is an important one for those who want a clear and correct understanding of repentance and new life among Christian believers.  The fellow you describe was made to be a terrible person by the operations of sin that spread decay, rot and spiritual confusion.  Even those who believe at first mistakenly may think that Christianity centers only upon blessing, prosperity, receiving divine gifts, and self-improvement.  In fact, life for Christians is distinguished by growth that is often painful, persecution, preparation for encounters with Deity, sacrifice, sorrow, and suffering.  Everyone who comes to Christ is also turning away from a lifestyle that has been abusive, destructive, dishonest, directed toward death, and lacking in sacred knowledge.  Created beings and living creatures are to exist as independent and separate from GOD; however, without proper contact and relationship with divinity, the living no longer have authority and power to apply and develop their own inner spirit (in such ways as commitment, fidelity, obedience, and will power).  Believers must undergo permanent changes and operations carried out by the Spirit of GOD that remove their inborn life essence (we say, breath, spirit, word) replacing it with the character and makeup of divinity.  As those who are “born again” and now specially equipped, believers then must gradually “grow up again” by meeting the same life challenges as all others upon the earth.  As they live, all believers are being perfected (we say, made mature, or “ripe” for harvesting from the earth by Christ at the Second Coming).  Believers will be made immortal and incorruptible to share as life companions with Christ and The Father.  The power from GOD believers are receiving through Christ does not eliminate sin; however, believers are given  discernment to recognize, repent of, and resist sin.  Those who repent are granted atonement, cleansing, healing, and restoration.  Consider the following Bible verses:

(1.)   Matthew 18:  21-23, King James Version (KJV):  21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?  22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times:  but, Until seventy times seven.

(2.)  Acts 2:  37-39, KJV:  37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?  38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.  39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

(3.)  Ezekiel 18:  19-21, KJV:  19 Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live.  20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son:  the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.  21 But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.

(4.)  Romans 8:  16-18, KJV:  16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:  17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.  18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Of course, there are many other verses here that should be carefully considered, correctly understood, and made a part of ones sacred knowledge.  (For example, (5.) 2nd Timothy 2:  11-13, KJV:  11 It is a faithful saying:  For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:  12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him:  if we deny him, he also will deny us:  13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful:  he cannot deny himself.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/29/2015) The Gender of GOD?

Important Scriptures are shared, today, on divine gender, Incarnation, and the Second Coming.  Readers are asked to review the following Bible verses, and the responses below:  Hebrews 2:  9-11, King James Version (KJV):  9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.  10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.  11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one:  for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,  Also, Hebrews 4:  14-16, KJV:  14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.  15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.  16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.  Colossians 1:  12-22, KJV:  12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:  13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:  14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:  15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:  16 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:  17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.  18 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.  19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;  20 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.  21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled  22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Mr. Bodhisattva” (Level 6 with 16,732 points, a member since January 26, 2006) posted the following:


Is God a man, woman, both or neither?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:   I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,  Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last:  and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.  And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;  And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.  His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;  And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.  And he had in his right hand seven stars:  and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword:  and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.  And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:  I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.  (Revelation 1:  10-18, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  A GOD Without Form (12/27/2015); Gender and Salvation? (10/01/2015); The Lamb of GOD (08/19/2015); An Eternal Plan and Process (07/05/2015); The Only Physical Being in Heaven? (06/17/2015); Why Was A Son Sent? (11/10/2013); Promise of A Spirit? (11/11/2013); The Gender of Angels? (10/09/2012); Sin Unknown? (10/10/2012)


“Mr. Bodhisattva”, for mature Christian believers there has been a divine display of gender from within the summation of sacred person (we say, the GODhead).  Divinity has been presented to created beings and living creatures appearing in flesh and bone through the ministry of Jesus Christ upon the earth, and from the heaven.  The physical body that Christ received at birth, maintained as he grew up and matured, and used to approach and communicate with others, the Savior then used upon the cross to demonstrate the authority  of GOD—not merely over life and death—over the existence and substance of all.  We may understand that, at the time Jesus was crucified, all the blood was drained from his body, and taken up to heaven by the same Holy Spirit that acknowledged, transformed, and transferred sacred offerings and sacrifices from the altar of the Temple at Jerusalem.  This blood would be used by Christ in his service as High Priest of the Temple in heaven for atonement of sins, and cleansing of the Most Holy Place.  In his role as Judge, Christ also uses his own blood to affirm and complete (yet, not alter or erase) the things recorded within the Books of Life.  Satan will be destroyed in the Lake of Fire, and will not be present to accuse anyone of their sins.  All will be exposed, impeached, or sanctioned according to the record of their own deeds and works.  Following his resurrection, and later in his ascension, the Lord has been seen using a body that is  “glorified”.  As he has continued in the divine presence, he has increased in glory, and will be eternally recognizable as having the form of a male human.  The holy writings help us all to understand some of these things by such verses as the following:

(1.)  Isaiah 6:  1-5, King James Version (KJV):  1 In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.  2 Above it stood the seraphims:  each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.  3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts:  the whole earth is full of his glory.  4 And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.  5 Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips:  for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.

(2.)  John 20:  11-17, KJV:  11 But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping:  and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,  12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.  13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.  14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.  15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.  16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.  17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father:  but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

(3.)  Luke 9: 26, KJV:  26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels.

There are many other ideas that should be carefully considered, correctly understood, and made a part of ones own spiritual development, here.  (For example, (4.)  Revelation 1:  5-8, KJV:  5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,  6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.  7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him:  and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.  8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/28/2015) When GOD Never Forgives?

Divine forgiveness, love, final judgment, and eternal punishment are topics, today.  Mankind is being attracted and drawn to divinity through sacred process that includes forbearance, forgiveness, patience, and reconciliation.  Just as there are exchanges and interactions among desires, emotions, and thoughts that become visible as attitudes and behavior, there also are changes and movements among the aspects of spirit substance within the living that result in sacred actions and spirit-filled deeds.  The living should contain deposits of such inseparable sacred content as faith, holiness, longsuffering, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Attitudes and behavior become a device and focus for divine judgment as a further expression of the spirit matter one contains, and an indicator of their status (i.e., maturity, perfection) as being in communion, covenant, and union with divinity.  Readers are to consider again the following verses from the Bible as well as the presentation below:  Acts 5:  30-32, King James Version (KJV):  30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.  31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.  32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.   Also, John 3:  16-19, KJV:  16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.  18 He that believeth on him is not condemned:  but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.  19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.  Hebrews 10: 28-30, KJV:  28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:  29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?  30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Dreamer” (Level 4 with 4,355 points, a member since September 23, 2014) posted the following:


Christians: How can a loving God send some to hell for eternity? Is it a God that never forgives?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.  And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?  Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?  But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;  Who will render to every man according to his deeds:  To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:  But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,  Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;  But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:  For there is no respect of persons with God.  For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law:  and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;  (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.  (Romans 2:  2-13, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Divine Love Seen As Hate? (01/29/2015); The Process of Forgiveness? (10/21/2015); Blasphemy Against the GODhead (05/06/2014); Offenses to GODhead (05/07/2014); Behold What Manner of Love (02/28/2014)


“Dreamer”, many of those who disbelieve the Gospel of Jesus Christ challenge the truth of divine love, because their understanding of an intimate relationship centers upon affection, care, fondness, and having their own needs met.  However, mature love is more correctly seen through accountability, duty, obedience, and sacrifice.  Divine judgment is in place as a further aspect of revelation wherein GOD makes the character and nature of Deity known and visible by applying sacred law to resolve conflict and settle disputes.  In addition to balance, fairness, impartiality, and thoroughness, mercy and righteousness are unveiled in judgment in a way that otherwise could not appear.  The sacred operations to establish mankind as an eternal companion to divinity must respond to aspects of life process and growth for the spirit content within finite human beings.  Men are to acquire sacred knowledge that itself is spirit matter; and permanent changes in their living substance are to occur.  Divine forgiveness is a condition within relationship that is put in place to encourage existence as a “new creation” through Jesus Christ.  There is no other provision from any other god.  Following death and burial of ones inborn spirit, the believer is provided rebirth from divine DNA (so to speak).  As one “born again,” the disciple of Christ must “grow up again.”  Good or bad attitudes and behavior are not the major focus of their judgment by GOD; rather, it is their sacred substance.  Only those having spirit content from the makeup of GOD will respond to his forgiveness.  While the “force of truth” is an influence in the renewing of the mind, the standards for divine commitment, meekness (willingness to learn), purity, and sincere worship are uppermost for continuing in eternal life.  Consider the following points from the Bible:

(1.)  Daniel 9:  8-10, King James Version (KJV):  8 O LORD, to us belongeth confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against thee.  9 To the LORD our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him;  10 Neither have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets.

(2.)  Hosea 6:  5-7, KJV:  5 Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth:  and thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth.  6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.  7 But they like men have transgressed the covenant:  there have they dealt treacherously against me.

(3.)  Matthew 12:  31-32, KJV:  31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men:  but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.  32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him:  but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.

There are many other verses that should be carefully considered, correctly understood, and made a part of ones spiritual arsenal.  (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

(12/27/2015) A GOD Without Form?

Today, Scripture points are shared on the appearance of divinity through form.  Many Christian believers agree that form is not necessary for divine existence, yet, is needed for interaction with the living, and for revelation.  All the operations of spirit are apprehended through faith, and divine actions that only a “god” could perform.  Thus, fellowship with Deity may be maintained through contemplation, praise, and prayer, and does not require the continuous, visible appearance of GOD.  Consider again the following verses from the Bible, and the presentation below:  John 4:  23-24, King James Version (KJV):  23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth:  for the Father seeketh such to worship him.  24 God is a Spirit:  and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.  Also, John 3:  5-7, KJV:  5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.  6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.  2nd Corinthians 4:  7, KJV:  7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.  Romans 8:  5-9, KJV:  5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.  6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God:  for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.  9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Fire Racket” (Level 2 with 962 points, a member since November 14, 2015) posted the following:


What is the meanings of formless and omnipresent God? Is such type of God useless?

Can a formless God help or guide us?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:   Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.  Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:  Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;  Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;  Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.  The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.  He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.  The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.  He will not always chide:  neither will he keep his anger for ever.  He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.  (Psalms 103:  1-10, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Holy Spirit and Unity? (08/13/2015); The Glory of GOD? (06/23/2015); The Only Physical Being in Heaven? (06/17/2015); GOD Known By Action Not Form? (03/18/2015); Let Us Make Mankind? (06/10/2014); GOD and Adultery? (06/11/2014); Blasphemy Against the GODhead (05/06/2014); Offenses to GODhead (05/07/2014); Jesus Arose Bodily (12/24/2013);  Thanking and Blaming GOD (12/25/2013)


“Fire Racket” not all Christian believers accept or are able to understand the truth that the GOD Jesus Christ served as Father is a spirit.  The character, makeup and nature of Deity is completely different from that for beings who are finite,  carnal, material, and social.  Nonetheless, to communicate with created beings and living creatures as being both divine and sovereign, divinity must appear (we also say, display; manifest) having authority, awareness, immortality, personness, power, presence, and will.  The revelation of GOD (i.e., the sacred knowledge imparted to make divinity known) uses divine order, and employs things within the life experience of finite creatures that include natural law, sacred events (we say, miracles), spheres of life (e.g., deserts, jungles, the ocean), and the frameworks of time and space.  In baptism (death of ones inborn spirit; rebirth having spirit content from the makeup of GOD), Christian believers become part of a “new creation.”  They are endowed with inseparable aspects of the divine makeup such as awe (called, fear of the Lord), faith, holiness, longsuffering, love, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Even so, those “born again” must gradually “grow again” and become ripe (mature) to be harvested from the earth at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.  Proclaiming all the possibility and potency of GOD requires that believers also grasp atonement, forgiveness, judgment and mercy, Incarnation, omniscience, preeminence, resurrection, righteousness, sanctification, and the second death.  Consider the following verses from the Bible:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 4:  15-20, King James Version (KJV):  15 Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the LORD spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire:  16 Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female,  17 The likeness of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air,  18 The likeness of any thing that creepeth on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth:  19 And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven.  20 But the LORD hath taken you, and brought you forth out of the iron furnace, even out of Egypt, to be unto him a people of inheritance, as ye are this day.

(2.)  Acts 17:  24-31, 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.

(3.)  Romans 1:  18-23, KJV:  18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;  19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.  20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:  21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.  22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,  23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

There are many other ideas that should be carefully considered, correctly comprehended, and made a part of ones full spiritual understanding.  (For example, (4.)  Colossians 2:  8-10, KJV:  8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.  9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.  10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/25/2015) A Day For Forgiveness?

Because this is Christmas Day, 2015, and a time when we celebrate the spiritual gifts established through the Incarnation of GOD, the topic today is the forgiveness given by divinity.  Our offenses and transgressions appear to be greater to ourselves at certain times of the year, during holidays, and when the overall atmosphere becomes festive (e.g., anniversaries, birthdays, Easter, Hanukkah, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving).  Many become depressed and morbid as they feel more convicted regarding our continuing need for salvation.  Even so, receive the following from the Bible as your special gift from the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; and see the discussion below:   Hebrews 1:  1-9, King James Version (KJV):  1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,  2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;  3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:  4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.  5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?  6 And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.  7 And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.  8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever:  a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.  9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.  May you be blessed in your acknowledgments of Christ this Christmas, in the Sabbath rest that will begin at sundown, and throughout the New Year that will be arriving soon.  A writer using the ID “maurice” (Level 1 with 62 points, December 23, 2015) posted the following at “Yahoo! Answers”:


I know it’s Christmas but can I be forgiven ?

The reason why I ask because I had a bad thought against Jesus and today his birthday and I’m worried idek why would I think this way


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;  Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;  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.  (Colossians 1:  10-20, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  African American Christmas? (12/15/2015); The Scale of Salvation? (12/13/2015); The Process of Forgiveness? (10/21/2015); To Err is Human? (07/24/2015); A Christmas Message, 2014 (12/25/2014); Are Holidays Bad? (11/16/2013); Denying GOD by Eating Shrimp? (11/17/2013)


“maurice”, today, mature Christian believers around the world are acknowledging the gifts we have received for the cleansing, healing, and perfection of mankind by divinity appearing in the person of Jesus Christ.  The Creation of GOD (both heaven and earth) has become defiled and imperfect through the operations of sin.  Final judgment, mortality, and that humans all die, is a result of sin being among us.  Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, of the divine Law Giver, and of the Creation that responds to divine law.  Sin is now a permanent condition for human expression, and can not be eliminated without divine intervention on a cosmic scale.  Through the life of Christ—his birth, suffering, death and resurrection—his disciples now receive special deposits of divine substance (we say, breath, life essence, spirit, word).  In water baptism (i.e., death and burial of ones inborn spirit; rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak) believers are “born again.”  All receive inseparable aspects of the divine makeup (such as faith, holiness, longsuffering, love, wisdom and wrath against sin).  Those  born again must gradually grow up, and mature again by meeting the same life challenges as all others upon the earth. Our “growing pains” are tolerable because we have assurances and promises from GOD that include praises, prayer, proclamation, and prophecy.  Consider again the following that you may have read in your Bible:

(1.)  Isaiah 9:  6, King James Version (KJV):  6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given:  and the government shall be upon his shoulder:  and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

(2.)  John 18:  36-38, KJV:  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.

(3.)   John 16:  27-29, KJV:  27 For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.  28 I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world:  again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.  29 His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb.

There are many other ideas that should be carefully considered, correctly understood, and made a part of ones own spiritual development, here.  (For example, (4.)  1st Timothy 1:  15-17, KJV:  15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.  16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.  17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/24/2015) Divine Discipline?

Discipline among believers, covenant law, and divine order within the early church are topics, today.  Guided by prophecy and the imparted Spirit, believers were to maintain a lifestyle with strict order that would distinguish the early church as a “peculiar people.”  Consider the following from the Bible, and the points shared below:  Titus 2:  11-14, King James Version (KJV):  11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,  12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;  13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;  14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.  Also, Ephesians 4:  11-15, KJV:  11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:  13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:  14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;  15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (the required profile information is not shared) posted the following:


Did Corinthian Christians care about the effect of disfellowshipping on this former member?

1 corinthians 5:11-13 and 2 corinthians 2:5-8


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:  That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;  And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;  And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.  Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour:  for we are members one of another.  Be ye angry, and sin not:  let not the sun go down upon your wrath:  Neither give place to the devil.  Let him that stole steal no more:  but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.  Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.  And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.  Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:  And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.  (Ephesians 4:  21-32, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Punishment To Show Love? (11/29/2015); Rebuked, And Not Baptized? (10/22/2015); We Judge Each Other? (10/04/2015); Old Testament Laws Today? (08/06/2015); Why Punish Innocence? (05/22/2015); Divine Love Seen As Hate? (01/29/2015); Beyond Punishment (03/21/2014); A Guarantee of Heaven? (03/22/2014) 


“Anonymous”, the primary concerns and duties for the early church centered upon enduring persecution, continuing the revelation of Jesus Christ, spreading the Gospel, and displaying rebirth, resurrection and new life.  Believers were challenged to operate with balance and circumspection despite danger, diversity, excitement, and zeal.  While not pursuing all the ceremonies and rituals of earlier covenants, the church would not eliminate sacred law, and—like the law and tradition—the church was to expose and rebuke sin; resolve conflict; continue community.  Keep in mind, the early church as a standing organization developed from a loose affiliation among those who repeatedly came out to see Jesus in the crowds that began to follow him.  Included were churchmen, curiosity seekers, skeptics, those who came for healing, and those looking to secure political advantage and favor within the new kingdom they expected to appear.  While feeding and healing the thousands that assembled has been acknowledged as sacred events, the Savior’s first and greatest miracle on those occasions is often overlooked:  Christ always began by requiring “divine order” through the same Holy Spirit that established the firmament of heaven and earth.  The covenant (law) of Moses would be modified and become a new testament through the blood of Jesus Christ, yet, the original commandments that were to  establish and uphold a divine nation would not be altered or suspended.  Following the sacred events of Pentecost, early believers would develop procedures to maintain order, propriety and stability.  The apostles would authenticate and witness to sacred manifestations (the gifts of the Spirit) by preaching, and through the laying on of hands.  There would be new roles and the division of labor (apostles, bishops, deacons, evangelist); regular routines for gathering; rules for continuing communication, exchange and interaction as well as liturgy for worship.  The ministry to those in error included correction, forbearance, forgiveness, “godly sorrow,” guidance, and punishment.  Consider again the following points that should be familiar from the holy writings:

(1.)  1st Corinthians 14:  29-33, King James Version (KJV):  29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.  30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.  31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.  32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.  33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

(2.)  1st Corinthians 14:  40, KJV:  40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

(3.)  Acts 21:  24-26, KJV:  24 Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads:  and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.  25 As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.  26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.

There are many other verses that should be carefully considered, correctly understood, and made a part of ones spiritual arsenal.  (For example, (4.)  Matthew 18:  15-17, KJV:  15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone:  if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.  16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.  17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church:  but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

 
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

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(12/23/2015) Offspring of GOD?

Scripture points are shared on the intimate relationship of Christian believers as the offspring of GOD.  Divinity is known by word and spirit.  Apart from operations completed by the Spirit of GOD, the substance conveyed by human communication can only be carnal, material, and social.  With this in view, the language used by those outside of Christ to communicate concerning divinity and things of spirit, at best, is only suggestive, and does not provide accuracy, clarity, exactness, and precision.  More than simply agreement, bonding by blood, and covenant, the disciples of Jesus Christ become established in adoption through the Holy Spirit (also called the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth), through sacred inheritance, and through new life as children of the Father in heaven.  Just as infants must pass through growing and learning to become mature, believers must become ripe to be harvested from the earth at the coming of Jesus, and made perfect for eternity through operations by GOD.  Consider again the following verses, and the discussion below:  Acts 17:  29-31, King James Version (KJV):  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.  Also, Romans 8:  14-17, KJV:  14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.  15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.  16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:  17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.  1st John 4:  18-20, KJV:  18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear:  because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.  19 We love him, because he first loved us.  20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar:  for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:


Personal Relationship with Jesus: “It’s like that of a parent, dear… it resembles the relationship a child has with their loving parent.”?

I thought most people actually see and hear and hold their parents though???


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  We are of God:  he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.  Beloved, let us love one another:  for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.  He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.  In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.  Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.  Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.  No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.  Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.  (1st John 4:  6-13, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Divinity Has Person? (05/19/2015); Knowing The Holy Spirit? (05/17/2015); Understanding Spiritual Growth? (03/13/2015); Babies Given A Second Life? (01/25/2015)


“Anonymous”, many Christian believers hold to the understandings generated by faith and the holy writings, that Deity participates in various relationships with created beings and living creatures upon multiple levels, and through different devices.  The language we are given regarding this aspect of life experience for those upon the earth includes “access”, “appearing”, “forgiveness”, “incarnation”, “inheritance”, “judgment”, “divine love,” “preeminence”, “rule”, “sanctification”, and “the expressed will of GOD.”  Just as infants and toddlers at first are totally dependent upon their parents for birth, cleansing, nourishment, and protection, every Christian first is helpless and dependent.  Also, just as a newborn baby must develop following a profound separation from all it has experienced and known within the mother’s womb, the born again believer must separate from the world system, and becoming increasingly independent and self-reliant as one having an endowment from GOD.  The believer receives deposits of spirit matter from the makeup of divinity (divine DNA, so to speak) as well as baptism and washing, death and rebirth, guidance and instruction.  Children do not have to acquire animal aspects of humanity by learning (e.g., appetite, instinct, intuition), yet, they must be guided into expressing love within stable relationships.  As children grow, they spend less and less time in the physical presence of their parents; and rely upon knowledge that is the internalization of feelings, images, thoughts, values, and words from their primary caretakers.  Consider again the following points from the Bible:

(1.)  John 3:  1-10, King James Version (KJV):  1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:  2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God:  for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.  3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.  4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?  5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.  6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.  8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth:  so is every one that is born of the Spirit.  9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?  10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?

(2.)   1st Peter 2:  1-5, KJV:  1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,  2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:  3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.  4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,  5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

(3.)  1st Peter 1:  7-9, KJV:  7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:  8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:  9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

Of course, there are many other verses here that should be carefully considered, correctly understood, and made a part of ones sacred knowledge.  (For example, (4.)  2nd Corinthians 5:  6-8, KJV:  6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:  7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)  8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

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(12/22/2015) The Wife of Your Youth?

Today, teaching and godly wisdom on marriage are shared.  Many young adults are offended by the priceless lessons on defilement, fornication, and life companionship.  The young count it as maturity to frown upon arranged marriage and early or teenage marriage with the same contempt they show sexual abstinence.  Prostitution is regarded as “adult”, natural, and necessary.  Yet, sexual activity is dangerous for those who are immature and inexperienced because the outcome is always unpredictable:  Intercourse is never the same twice (even with the same partner, at the same hour, in the same location); one may become infected with disease; or there may be unwanted pregnancy.  For mature Christian believers, holy matrimony is a joining of spirits that removes some of the threat, for two become one flesh, and GOD is the other.  Just as for Adam, the 2 wives of Abraham, or the 4 wives of Jacob—even the 700 wives and 300 concubines of Solomon—successfully managing the spirits that are engaged during sexual contact become possible only by operations of GOD.  Because sexual activity is always a compound event occurring on multiple levels (emotional, physical, psychological, and spiritual) all at the same time, even activity as simple as holding hands, or a kiss on the cheek (oral sex) may have great energy and enduring power, due to the exchange and interaction of spirit content.  The fruit of sexual sharing in relationships of willing surrender, trust, and unselfishness can be greater certainty, confidence, and self-command.  Nonetheless, unintended bonds begun through casual sex may only be removed by divinity.  For those who have had multiple sexual partners, their own inborn spirit may come under attack by spirits within themselves from persons previously joined to the present sex partner.  For example, a fellow who joins to one woman, internalizes aspects of her character and nature, and must continue to manage two separate spirits within himself until they are blended as one.  Where he has had intercourse with 12 women, he brings more than 13 spirits to his marriage bed.  Every spirit acquired by the 12 through their other sexual behavior also will appear.  Thus, where the 12 women had 10 men each who had 10 women each (do the math…) more than 1,200 spirits are involved, and spiritual confusion is very likely to result within the marriage.  The spirits may be in conflict with one another, form alliances (30 against 90; 50 against 70), may increase the strength of the one fellow’s own spirit, or oppose and crush his inborn spirit.  As with symptoms for disease or drug use, neither benefits nor conflicts from the fusion of spirits will appear—at first; and others will see changes in him (like seeing his chin, his face, or the back of his head) before he himself realizes that serious  problems have developed.  Later, inappropriate behavior, uncharacteristic attitudes or beliefs, and unexplained emotions may be seen such as anxiety, depression, distress, and perplexity.  Early marriage where faithfulness and fidelity are maintained is a primary divine solution for avoiding the many woes that come by fornication.  Consider again the following from Scripture, and the commentary below:  Proverbs 19:  14, King James Version (KJV):  14 House and riches are the inheritance of fathers:  and a prudent wife is from the LORD.   Also, Proverbs 5:  15-20, KJV:  15 Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well.  16 Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets.  17 Let them be only thine own, and not strangers’ with thee.  18 Let thy fountain be blessed:  and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.  19 Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.  20 And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?  1st Corinthians 6:  15-20, KJV:  15 Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.  16 What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.  17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.  18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.  19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?  20 For ye are bought with a price:  therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.  1st Peter 3:  7, KJV:  7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.  Pandita Njoh Eta, who participates with me in THE BIBLE STUDY GROUP (a Public Group on Facebook presently having 21,918 members), invited discussion by posing the following question at 10:36pm, December 9, 2015:
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Why is scripture particular about the wife of your youth and what do you understand by it.?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.  For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow:  but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.  Again, if two lie together, then they have heat:  but how can one be warm alone?  And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.  (Ecclesiastes 4:  9-12, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Mistakes In Youth? (08/24/2015); Sermons About Good Sex? (08/25/2014); About Good Sermons? (08/26/2014); GOD and Adultery? (06/11/2014); A Hardened Spirit? (06/12/2014); Traditional Marriage? (12/18/2013); GOD Enjoys Judgment? (12/19/2013)


Pandita Njoh Eta, because ones spouse is to be a lifelong companion who also serves as an agent of GOD in the divine processes of salvation, it can be important that a pair begin their marriage union while both are still young, and their emotional, psychological, sexual, and spiritual development is still ongoing.  Many young people despise and reject the wisdom that addresses issues of arranged and early marriage.  In most nations, today, children are classed among the poor:  They do not have income from employment; they have no savings; they do not own luxuries (e.g., boats, gems, jewelry, paintings, stocks) and property that may be turned into cash.  Unless the parents provide an inheritance or portion for the young, they will continue as unfit for the financial obligations and responsibilities of marriage until such time as they accomplish their own business, career, or savings goals.  The excellent model wherein the female serves as homemaker not only relieves the male, and adds power to all his efforts to meet the life challenges within the workplace, it permits her full expression of creativity, ingenuity, originality, and resourcefulness.

All young people hunger for affection, affirmation, endorsement, and respect as feeling and thinking persons.  While they want acceptance, many are unwilling to make lasting commitments; discharge unpleasant, yet, necessary duties; or maintain strict self-discipline regarding their own body, mind and spirit.  Many covet adulthood, independence, maturity, and romantic love without understanding that the benefits and strengths of these features are developed gradually by continuing exchange in stable relationship.  The young often have fantasies about being loved, and imagine a future life.  However, they tend to think in terms of their own satisfaction, rather than obedience (i.e., putting aside ones own desires and feelings to carry out the desire of another); sacrifice (i.e., giving over and enduring loss to please another); and unselfish support to another.

There are many other points that should be carefully considered, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, because many young people are convinced that the way to find a marriage partner is by dating, and having sexual relations with everyone to whom they are attracted, many have become victims of fornication (i.e., the joining of spirits through sexual activity), HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s), and unwanted pregnancies.  Marriage does not eliminate sexual appetite, and may only provide healthy experiences for a pair where they are mature enough to exercise perseverance and restraint as well as commitment to vision.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/21/2015) In Times of Progress?

Today, growth and progress through sacred knowledge is compared to ideas of evolution and improvement through ungodly belief and worldly knowledge.  Only those who truly understand that their needs go beyond what finite effort may supply continue to hold belief in the things for right knowledge from GOD.  All benefit from divinity is through pre-set process, or exchange and interaction within sacred relationships.  Believers in Christ are to be transformed at his appearing, and are now in a process of being made mature, perfected, and ripened for harvest from the earth.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Louis” (Level 1 with 45 points, a member since December 11, 2015) posted the following:


If we are living in times of more progress, innovation, and intelligence, then why are there still people in the world who believe in God?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear:  with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you:  and unto you that hear shall more be given.  For he that hath, to him shall be given:  and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.  And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;  And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.  For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.  But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.  And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?  It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:  But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.  (Mark 4:  24-32, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Enduring As A Believer? (12/06/2015); Beyond Anything We Imagine? (11/13/2015); The Choice of Knowledge? (10/28/2015); Religion And Moral Progress? (10/23/2015); Awe? (08/09/2015); How To Measure Spiritual Progress? (04/19/2015)


“Louis”, progress for Christian believers centers upon the fulfillment of a divine plan, rather than on human acquisition of data and information (we say, learning and growth).  Followers of Christ are to understand that experiences and issues for life in a material world are all fleeting, temporal, and do not endure.  Mechanical process for the living is autonomic (e.g., heartbeat, gland secretions) and are not functions either of divine or self will.  Also, sin may dominate awareness and self-will in the living.  With this in view the disciples of Christ repeatedly reject analyses that are carnal, political, and secular, for they shine no light upon right relationship with divinity and the diverse aspects of life we call endemic, fundamental, spiritual, and universal.  Christians study to acquire and correctly apply unchanging knowledge of divine processes including atonement, death, judgment, rebirth, resurrection, repentance, and sanctification.  Through divine law, prophecy and “sacred knowledge” that declare the lasting effects and consequences of attitudes, behaviors, and choice as well as the eternal purposes of Deity, believers are granted direction and foreknowledge that refit created beings and living creatures for eternal life.  Even so, salvation speaks to having access to GOD, and pertains more to operations of divine Spirit than to those of curiosity, intellect, logic, philosophy, science, and technology.  Consider again the admonitions, and instructions from the Bible:

(1.)  2nd Timothy 3:  16-17, King James Version (KJV):  16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

(2.)  Romans 8:  5-9, KJV:  5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.  6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God:  for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.  9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

(3.)  Romans 12:  1-3, KJV:  1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  2 And be not conformed to this world:  but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.  3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

Because full knowledge of divinity requires commitment with longsuffering and patience, many feel intimidated by the Bible, and deny themselves place with the true believers.  As a result, the holy writings may remain “closed” and “sealed” as if GOD does not want them known.  (For example, (4.)  Daniel 12:  1-4, KJV:  1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people:  and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time:  and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.  2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.  3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.  4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end:  many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.  Also there is (5.)  Ecclesiastes 12:  11-14, KJV:  11 The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.  12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished:  of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.  13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:  Fear God, and keep his commandments:  for this is the whole duty of man.  14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.) 


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

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