(03/31/2017) Held Accountable by GOD?

 

Today, accountability, duty, and the nonnegotiable standards for relationship with GOD are in view.  Where created beings and living creatures demonstrate awareness and self-will they also have standing with divinity as more than abstractions, simple objects, and unspecified items.  The living contribute to sacred events and eternal purposes as well as to the character and nature of human events.  Given they “compete” for attention and spirit resources from GOD, the living are assessed and assigned value in accordance with responsiveness to sacred law, divine order, and standards for spirit existence that are put forth by the Creator.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Spectreskeptic” (Level 4 with 3,366 points, a member since September 18, 2013) posted the following:

 

If someone dies in a car accident, is that god calling them home? If so, why prosecute the drunk driver?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And as for you, O my flock, thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I judge between cattle and cattle, between the rams and the he goats.  Seemeth it a small thing unto you to have eaten up the good pasture, but ye must tread down with your feet the residue of your pastures? and to have drunk of the deep waters, but ye must foul the residue with your feet?  And as for my flock, they eat that which ye have trodden with your feet; and they drink that which ye have fouled with your feet.  Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD unto them; Behold, I, even I, will judge between the fat cattle and between the lean cattle.  Because ye have thrust with side and with shoulder, and pushed all the diseased with your horns, till ye have scattered them abroad;  Therefore will I save my flock, and they shall no more be a prey; and I will judge between cattle and cattle.  And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.  And I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the LORD have spoken it.  And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land:  and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods.  And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing.  And the tree of the field shall yield her fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase, and they shall be safe in their land, and shall know that I am the LORD, when I have broken the bands of their yoke, and delivered them out of the hand of those that served themselves of them.  (Ezekiel 34:  17-27, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Carrying Out Divine Law? (03/20/2017); "Only GOD Can Judge"? (02/28/2017); On Accepting Divine Judgment (02/26/2017); Temporal and Eternal Judgment (02/15/2017); A Different Spirit Content? (11/29/2016); Authority To Judge Us? (10/18/2016); His Children Are Sanctified (10/12/2016)

 

“Spectreskeptic”, in the same way personal relationship with divinity is complex and rich because it requires multiple aspects of communication and exchange (e.g., confession, petition, praise, prayer, silence, thanksgiving, truth), and mature love is never simple for it always requires accountability, commitment, restraint, and unselfish sacrifice, the final judgment of GOD is more complex and difficult than created beings and living creatures are equipped to comprehend and carry out apart from divinity.  Multiple elements that are hidden and unseen contribute to visible events and occurrences as causes, influences, origins, triggers, etc.  In accordance with published law and standards, weight must be assigned without bias and partiality (we say, judgment must be made) to each contributing factor as well as to the soundness of information (e.g., complaints, eyewitness accounts, sworn testimony) documenting actions taken by the persons involved, changes produced, consequences, and effects.  (As with the holy writings, various accounts do not have to be exactly the same, yet, must agree, fit together and affirm or corroborate one another).  For divine judgment, focus is less upon attitudes, behavior, and conduct that are driven by aspects of “the flesh,” and emphasis is more upon discerning the presence of inseparable spirit matter from the makeup of Deity.  Included should be balance, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, meekness, stability, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Deeds and works will be examined as indicators of awareness, sacred knowledge, and expressions of self-will distinct from spirit makeup.  Consider again the following principles of divine judgment from the Bible:

(1.)   John 7:  24, King James Version (KJV):  24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

(2.)  Matthew 12:  35-37, KJV:  35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things:  and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.  36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.  37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

(3.)  Romans 8:  13-17, KJV:  13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die:  but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.  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.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Matthew 18:  6-8, KJV:  6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.  7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!  8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee:  it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/30/2017) Time and Sacred Events?

Today, focus is on divine operations, time, and sacred events.  Ministry by GOD to the living sees the provision of food, shelter, emotional support as well as the imparting of existence, sacred knowledge, and diverse spiritual gifts.  The operations of GOD that men are to consider as aspects of salvation are intended to occur as continuous and ongoing, rather than, “one-time” events.  The intent and “what” of divine operations are being clarified and made visible to both sinners and believers, however, there is rarely a proclaiming of “when” in accordance with dates, and devices to make projections for events or track the passage of time.  It is lawful for Deity to make use of creation, suddenness , and “no further warnings” (i.e., surprise).  Also, sacred process does not appear and unfold only on the basis of direct divine intervention, chronological order, the preeminence of GOD, and the sovereign will of Deity.  Things also happen that are not from the “mind of GOD” (e.g., covetousness, depression, iniquity, and sin).  There are exchanges, interactions, and movement among the many aspects and elements of existence that also influence and determine what will become discernible, observable, and visible.  Many occurrences that the living do apprehend and witness are the ordinary and usual responses that appear for the outworking of natural cycles, serial events, and mechanical processes, rather than for divine commandments, covenant relationships, or spiritual maturity within believers.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers (UK & Ireland)” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:

If Jesus was the Son of Man how come he does not know the time of his own return?

Update: Matthew 24:36 But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man (Matthew 24:36-39).

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  I have declared the former things from the beginning; and they went forth out of my mouth, and I shewed them; I did them suddenly, and they came to pass.  Because I knew that thou art obstinate, and thy neck is an iron sinew, and thy brow brass;  I have even from the beginning declared it to thee; before it came to pass I shewed it thee:  lest thou shouldest say, Mine idol hath done them, and my graven image, and my molten image, hath commanded them.  Thou hast heard, see all this; and will not ye declare it? I have shewed thee new things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know them.  They are created now, and not from the beginning; even before the day when thou heardest them not; lest thou shouldest say, Behold, I knew them.  Yea, thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that time that thine ear was not opened:  for I knew that thou wouldest deal very treacherously, and wast called a transgressor from the womb.  For my name’s sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off.  Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.  For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it:  for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another.  (Isaiah 48:  3-11, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Genuine Spiritual Discernment? (03/27/2017); Hope That Is True (02/20/2017); Sharing The Correct Message (01/30/2017); Sacred Events and Subtlety? (11/21/2016); Eternal Mysteries and Revelation (08/31/2016); The Devices for Prophecy (06/10/2016); Time Is Not A Deity (11/30/2015)
 

“Anonymous”, when speaking of divinity, often it is not correct to apply the frameworks of time and space that have been provided to finite created beings and living creatures.  Time exists as an artifact of changing events, and the movement of objects in relation.  Time is descriptive, rather than generative (it speaks about things, yet of itself does not determine, or put forth things).  In accord with Christian belief, GOD is a spirit, therefore, the character, makeup, nature and process of divinity center in active presence, existence, permanence, and sovereign will that can not be completely and precisely measured or delineated with such frameworks as dimension, size, time and space.  The individual spirit substances that exist as the inseparable makeup of GOD include faith, forgiveness, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, persons, purity, purpose, righteousness, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

Using language from Chemistry, Physics and Natural Science, the “properties” of GOD would have to be described in terms of density, atomic weight, and as being like those for elements and material we call gases—substances that are neither a solid nor a liquid at ordinary temperatures and have the ability to expand infinitely (after Encarta ® World English Dictionary © & (P) 1998-2005 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.)  However, GOD is much more than cloud, fog, mist and smoke that all consist of physical material and particles.  Divine spirit is made up only of spirit matter, and appears as immortal, incorruptible, invisible and unchanging.  The Holy Spirit (also called the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth) is alive, dynamic, organic, and sentient, yet, continues as boundless, diffuse, and unlimited.

Mature Christian believers will encourage those coming to Christ as recently “born again” to consider (and accept) that revelation of GOD is through sacred knowledge rather than secular knowledge.  Rebirth through water baptism must continue as gradual growth and learning.  Such finite tools as emotions, intellect, logic, and science are not enough to recognize, resist, and totally eliminate sin.  There must be operations by GOD that establish atonement, death, divine law, and a fresh deposit of life essence (we say, breath, spirit, word) from the makeup of Deity.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, divine events are not scheduled using human tools of calendars, dates, clocks, and prediction.  Prophecy as a tool of GOD is not about announcing future events so much as to stimulate assurance by repetition, anticipation, commitment, and hope (expectation).  Events emerge on the basis of configurations and shifts among conditions and patterns on multiple levels within the full universe.  Eternal purposes and sacred patterns in divine will that pertain to such works as Creation, judgment, salvation and eternal life are being proclaimed, yet remain only partially revealed as an earnest or down-payment.  Thus, prophecy is not intended to “tell all,” and is used to comfort, edify (build up, nurture), and exhort (urge action) among the collective of believers (the church) who are a physical appearance of Jesus Christ.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/29/2017) The Quality of Life?

 

Today, focus is on the importance and value of being in a personal relationship with divinity.  Correctly understood, GOD is more than an abstract idea, an imaginary being, or an unseen force like the wind.  GOD is immutable and unchanging, yet, uses change, diversity, and process.  Thus, for mankind there are birth, death, aging, growth, learning, and transformation to be immortal.  Understanding that as humans we are made in the image of GOD, we are certain GOD has character, mind, person, and potential that include intimate communication, exchange, expression, and interaction (we say, personal relationship).  While collectives, congregations and communities of faith are in place that seek to facilitate and make it easier for an individual to receive confirmation, guidance, instruction, and support, institutions and organizations can not replace, or be a substitute for the internal operations of divine Spirit that are actually what set a person apart as a “child of GOD.”  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! 7 Answers (Australia)” using the ID “Anonymous” (Level 1 with 189 points, a member since December 27, 2016) posted the following:

 

What is the wlole point of having a relationship with God? The whole idea of salvation? How is my life on earth different?

 

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.  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.  (Ephesians 2:  1-10, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  First Seeking the Kingdom (03/03/2017); Hope That Is True (02/20/2017); Warnings Against Forgetting GOD? (02/16/2017); Are All Religions Acceptable? (01/11/2017); Reflections on Existence (12/19/2016); Eternal Life From GOD (10/24/2016); His Children Are Sanctified (10/12/2016); So We Could Have Life? (12/09/2013); Can Someone Be Happy? (12/10/2013)
 

“Anonymous”, human potential includes the possibility for expression of a character and nature that is animal, human, or divine.  Men and women may become the heirs and offspring of GOD.  In the same way it is required of created beings and living creatures that they acknowledge and respond to conditions, obligations, and multiple events that describe life experience (e.g., changes in the weather, hunger, pain, sleepiness), the living also are required to recognize and show respect to the active presence (we say, breath, life essence, spirit, word) and persons that are the complete GODhead.  Through revelation—that includes appearing in carnal form as Jesus Christ—the immortal, incorruptible Creator makes divinity knowable, known, and “visible.”  All the features of consciousness and existence are used, yet, uppermost are operations of divine Spirit, rather than intellect, logic, carnal reason, or science.  Things that are carnal, material, and social are given new meanings and values.  By accepting and conforming to sacred law and divine order self-will in finite beings becomes infused with authority, godliness, and inseparable aspects of spirit content from the makeup of Deity such as faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, meekness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  For those who are in an ongoing personal relationship with GOD as sinners now born again, permanent changes are being made in their makeup and substance that gradually appear through their daily routines and lifestyle.  The gifts of GOD they are to apply and put to use go beyond and transcend the usual frameworks provided for duration, prosperity, and survival.  Christian believers receive comfort, atonement and salvation from the consequences of sin, and even the beginnings of their eternal life as companions to GOD.   Consider the following from the holy writings:

(1.)  Romans 8:  5-9, King James Version (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.

(2.)  Romans 8:  13-17, KJV:  13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die:  but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.  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.

(3.)  Ephesians 2:  11-13, KJV:  11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;  12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:  13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  2nd Peter 1:  2-4, KJV:  2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,  3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:  4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises:  that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/28/2017) The Peace to Endure?

THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST
Director Mel Gibson with Actor Jim Caviezel

 

Today, focus is on how Christian believers are to respond to recurring insults and persecution in Social Media.  In the same way the challenges for maintaining security for data and files shared over  the Internet have become a major obstacle to its use, the difficulty of enforcing online user agreements, continuing genuine etiquette, and maintaining standards of common decency now discourage many from using the forums provided by the World Wide Web.  For those who are born again through Jesus Christ, concerns about communication, disappointments, false accusers, mockers, and frustration when seeking to teach or share with others should be carried to the Lord.  Increasingly, there are those (called “trolls”) who express anger, bitterness, imbalance, irrational hostility, malice, venom, and vulgarity.  Even though their behavior may be seen as arrogant, cruel, hateful, and without compassion, because mockers are deceived, they often are sure they will be amusing to others, will be well thought of, and will become popular.  When not clearly asked for advice and counsel, rather than seeking to tell the mocker what he must do, the response of believers must be their own return to GOD, and intercession for those who are victims of callousness.  The peace for Christian believers to endure the abuse by trolls also is called being grounded in sacred knowledge, faith, joy, longsuffering, divine love, strength, and trust.  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers (New Zealand)” using the ID “JayNat” (Level 3 with 1,212 points, a member since March 01, 2017) posted the following:

 

What can be done to stop the "Romans sodomizing Jesus" questions once and for all?

I believe that initially just one person was asking that question. But now several trolls are continuing that trend.

Such questions are becoming more vulgarity and gross these days.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;  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.  (Colossians 1:  9-18, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Passion of Christ? (03/16/2017); The Peace of Christmas? (12/25/2016); When GOD Never Forgives? (12/28/2015); Martyrdom and Tribulation? (09/30/2015); A Price for Religious Liberty? (06/30/2015); Guilt and Ignorance? (12/04/2014); Joined To Christ Through Faith (12/05/2014); Denying Oneself (05/17/2014); From Such Turn Away (05/18/2014)

 

“JayNat”, our continuing need, even as mature Christians, is for peace (the strength) that allows us to endure.  Until sin is completely eliminated and erased there will be those proclaiming error, exaggerated pride, ignorance, and lust.  Before his death as well as through the apostles, Jesus instructed believers to expect insults, opposition, persecution from government and religious institutions, concealed thrusts against the doctrine, and efforts to kill his steadfast disciples and followers.  Many who repeatedly post accusations, blasphemy, insinuations, and slander against Jesus Christ, his Church, and the Holy Spirit do so because they are apostate, immature, simple (i.e., underdeveloped), and capable of showing respect only to things carnal, inanimate, material, and social.  They are sinners and blind to the sacred spirit content in events, other persons, the holy writings, and themselves.  That these offensive writers justify themselves, and are not justified by GOD, is evident, for even by obedience to divine law, no man is justified before Deity.  Despite appeals, shared instruction, and warnings, these sinners can not comprehend that they are hurting many others who are sensitive people by their disrespect and irreverence.  Some are now enslaved as minions of the Adversary whose awareness and self-will are dominated by the operations of sin that generate death, destruction, nonexistence, and return to the conditions that were in place before Creation.  The recourse granted believers is that we focus more completely and correctly upon Christ through contemplation, duty, fellowship with other believers, prayer, study, and unselfish service.  Consider again the following:

(1.)  John 16:  1-3, King James Version (KJV):  1 These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.  2 They shall put you out of the synagogues:  yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.  3 And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.

(2.)  Matthew 5:  10-12, KJV:  10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake:  for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.  12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad:  for great is your reward in heaven:  for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

(3.)  1st Timothy 4:  1-2, KJV:  1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;  2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 

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

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  Galatians 5:  19-23, KJV:  19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,  20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,  21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like:  of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.  22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  23 Meekness, temperance:  against such there is no law.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/27/2017) Genuine Spiritual Discernment?

 

Today, points are shared on spiritual discernment among Christian believers.  Created beings and living creatures are to acknowledge and respond to the active presence who is Deity.  Operations of awareness and perception that are initiated by divinity will  appear, and are directed to divine purposes by spirit substance from the makeup of GOD.   Thus, discernment is a response to spirit matter (we also say, breath, life essence, word), not to data or events that are emotional, intellectual, psychological, or mental phenomena.  Such features as ESP, instinct, intuition, premonition, psychics and the occult are vain (empty; void; without divine spirit substance).  Inseparable aspects of the divine makeup must be foremost such as faith, holiness, lovingkindness, meekness, person, eternal purpose, and wisdom.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers (Philippines)” who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:

 

Some Christians would say...?

People have disernment...how do you know if the person just isn't smart or knows psychology or common sense?

Psychology VS discernment tell me about it? I hear a lot of Christians say this person or that person has gods gift of discernment yet I know non Christians who have it.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  (Hebrews 4:  12, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Someone Who Is Kidding? (03/24/2017); How Would We Understand? (03/17/2017); A Species of Animal? (01/31/2017); The Two-edged Sword (01/09/2017); Receiving The Holy Spirit (12/08/2016); Belief, Faith and Assumptions (11/24/2016); Half Empty, Half Full? (10/20/2016)

 

“Anonymous”, among Christian believers, discernment is the ability to correctly recognize spirit content from the makeup of GOD (we say, the imparted, indwelling Spirit; the Comforter; the Holy Spirit; the Holy Ghost; the Spirit of Prophecy; the Spirit of Truth) as it operates through and resides within events, holy writings, oneself, other persons, prophecy, etc.  Divine discernment is provided to establish recognition and conformity to sacred operations and eternal purposes such as forgiveness, rebirth, repentance, revelation, salvation, and sanctification.  Discernment is necessary for communication and continuing relationship with divinity that, like divine law, makes the will of GOD known.  Discernment is developed through sacred practice, service and suffering.  Finite skills derived from the flesh (e.g., carnal reason, instinct, intellect, intuition, and logic) pertain to survival, and the processes of animal nature and flesh such as appetite, awareness, sensation, and self-will that may become dominated by lust, sin, and wickedness.  In addition to counterfeits of divine gifts promoted by the Deceiver, believers are cautioned to be vigilant against covetousness, exaggerated pride, and secular knowledge that generate a false sense of accomplishment and approval with GOD, rather than humility, reverence, sacred knowledge, and sorrow for sin.  Consider again the following from the Bible:

(1.)  Romans 8:  5-9, King James Version (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.

(2.)  1st John 4:  1-3, KJV:  1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God:  because many false prophets are gone out into the world.  2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God:  Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:  3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God:  and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

(3.)  1st Corinthians 2:  12-14, KJV:  12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.  13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.  14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God:  for they are foolishness unto him:  neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Hebrews 5:  12-14, KJV:  12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.  13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness:  for he is a babe.  14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/26/2017) Judgment, Peace and Warfare?

Today, topics include connections among divine judgment, peace, and sacred warfare.  The life and ministry of Jesus Christ demonstrated Spirit growth.  The message Jesus proclaimed in the end of his ministry on the earth was not the same as what he was expected to share as a disciple of John the Baptist.  The doctrines of baptism, repentance, and the coming kingdom would be eclipsed by his announcement of a new testament in his blood.  Jesus would be built up, edified, and permanently changed in accordance to divine laws for human growth, maturity, and service as a vessel of GOD.  His life would include sacred events that crystallized and refocused his message such as 40 days and nights fasting and praying in the wilderness, being confronted and tested by Satan, and meeting with Elijah and Moses in the mount of transfiguration.  In addition to making the exalted character and spirit makeup of the Creator knowable and known, revelation also declares divine wrath against sin, the opposition of sin to the continued existence of divine law, and the ongoing warfare for, against and within the spirit substance of created beings and living creatures.  Desire for revenge, further fighting, and vendetta are often outcomes of war, however, peace is usually the outcome of judgment that sees the application of law for the resolution of conflict and the settlement of disputes.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Bob Johnson” (Level 5 with 8,978 points, a member since November 30, 2006) posted the following:

Why did Jesus say "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God"?

Then turn around and say “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword."

Update: Contrast "Blessed are the peacemakers" with "I did not come to bring peace."

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart.  God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.  If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.  He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors.  (Psalms 7:  10-13, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Sharing The Correct Message (01/30/2017); The Peace of Christmas? (12/25/2016); The Divine Peace Process? (09/27/2016); World Peace Is Coming? (05/08/2016); A Note On Spirit Warfare (01/06/2016); To Have True Peace? (11/12/2015); Prince of Peace? (07/18/2014)

“Bob Johnson”, lacking sacred knowledge that comes by study of the holy writings, maturity that comes by practice of the sacraments (e.g., confession, baptism, prayer) and regular fellowship with mature believers, those “born again” must “grow up again”, and can not correctly or consistently acknowledge and apply instruction provided through the imparted, indwelling Spirit sent from Christ.  Many assume the early teachings of Jesus are no different than his teachings during the period when he was approaching his death on the cross.  Similarly, many assume that his public teaching in the precincts of the Temple at Jerusalem were the same as his open discourses with the multitudes on the hillside or the sea shore.  In part, such error is repeated because the revelation from divinity was intended only for those who were called, chosen, elect, faithful to “the law and the prophets,” and who were to serve as eyewitnesses that he truly was raised from the dead.  Deity appeared to Moses as a god of judgment.  Jesus appeared as a more complete embodiment of divinity (we say, Incarnation) than Moses received, and directly spoke to more than simply covenant relationship, a divine inheritance upon the earth (the Promised Land), and the Ten Commandments law.  The ministry of Jesus also included judgment, death, rebirth, resurrection from the dead, and eternal life.  The wrath of GOD against sin is expressed in sanctions declared through the law, and carried out as correction, punishment, and warning.  The plagues against Egypt and warfare against the seven tribes who broke covenant with GOD are examples of judgment that appears through warfare.  The apostles and disciples of Jesus were to acknowledge that his ministry was not one of compromise intended to maintain a status quo described by complacency, indifference, negligence, the flesh, tradition, and worldliness.  Consider the following:

(1.)  Exodus 34:  5-8, King James Version (KJV):  5 And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD.  6 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,  7 Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.  8 And Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped.

(2.)  Romans 8:  29-30, KJV:  29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.  30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called:  and whom he called, them he also justified:  and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

(3.)  Matthew 13:  10-17, KJV:  10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?  11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.  12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance:  but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.  13 Therefore speak I to them in parables:  because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.  14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:  15 For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.  16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see:  and your ears, for they hear.  17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Revelation 3:  15-19, KJV:  15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot:  I would thou wert cold or hot.  16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.  17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:  18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.  19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten:  be zealous therefore, and repent.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/24/2017) Someone Who Is Kidding?

Today, topics include the response of Jesus to Judas, discerning divine operations, and realizing the active presence who is GOD.  Reply is made to a person boasting that he is an atheist and an imposter who deceives Christian believers.  Those who insist on foolishness and being playful in response to the Gospel do so risking the loss of their salvation from GOD.  For thereby they trod under foot the Son of God, count the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and do despite unto the Spirit of grace.  Through the Holy Spirit, believers are granted discernment to correctly respond to divinity, acknowledge and return genuine love, protect one another from fraud, and to shun iniquity and ungodliness.  Even so, judgment within the body of Christ is to be limited, and aims to avoid pronouncing perdition, and utter condemnation.  Authority to seal and make final determinations of sacred value (and its absence) for individuals, and various events are reserved and exclusive to divinity.  The faithful are instructed that all have sinned and come short,” yet, are cautioned to “judge nothing before the time,” and realize we are in a period of grace.  A person denying the Lord today may become changed in an instant to be a new creation.  When you see them tomorrow, or a few days from now, they may have had their own personal experience of salvation through Christ.  More than this, even where they deny the Lord now, they are no less divine instruments and tools to accomplish eternal purpose.  Jesus and the other apostles accepted the presence of Judas of Iscariot for some three years before the agent of Satan betrayed the Savior with a kiss.  During those years, his acceptance by the Lord was never because Jesus had been “fooled” or tricked regarding the man’s motives and true nature.  Con artists, deceivers, agents of the devil, and “flimflam” men seek to exploit human error, weaknesses, and wickedness in others thinking themselves specially skilled and superior.  Thus, their downfall and exposure usually come through hubris and their own exaggerated pride.  That others make no complaint or push the disbeliever away can be attributed to compassion, correct focus on the coming of Christ to harvest the earth, the greater maturity of believers, and that others do recognize the offender’s desperate need for ministry from a friend who is truly in Christ.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers (Malaysia)” using the ID “Kristophoros” (Level 2 with 284 points, a member since October 14, 2014) posted the following:

If Christians have a Holy Spirit, why can't they tell that I'm kidding when I say I'm a Christian?

All I have to do is quote some scripture, praise Jesus, and they don't have a clue I'm an atheist. Where is the Holy Spirit? I even had a Christian say they could feel the Holy Spirit flowing from me!

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.  Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.  But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment:  yea, I judge not mine own self.  For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified:  but he that judgeth me is the Lord.  Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts:  and then shall every man have praise of God.  (1st Corinthians 4:  1-5, King James Version (KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Called, Justified, and Glorified? (01/08/2017); Knowing GOD and Sin? (02/03/2017); Waiting For His Appearing (02/09/2016); Answer a Fool? (06/04/2015); The Gift of Meekness (11/25/2014); Concerning Meekness (11/26/2014); On Testing GOD (06/20/2013); GOD Grants License? (06/21/2013); Origin of Baptism? (06/22/2013)

“Kristophoros”, correctly understood, the “good fight of faith” is not one to condemn sinners so much as it is to bestow the love of GOD upon them.  In addition to wrath against sin, the operations of GOD to maintain and reinforce divine order, eternal life, and the sovereign will of Deity are to be recognized through the appearance of such inseparable spirit content as balance, forbearance, forgiveness, humility, longsuffering, lovingkindness, maturity, meekness, patience, respect, restraint, and sobriety.  Every born-again Christian believer must accept permanent changes in their own character and makeup that only result from operations of the imparted, indwelling Spirit of GOD.  A reborn sinner must “grow up again” by acquiring sacred knowledge through fellowship, praise, prayer, service, study and worship; by completing sacred assignments and duties; by enduring “growing pains” that may include oppression, persecution, and suffering as well as by enduring and overcoming multiple temptations, thrusts and trials from those outside of Christ.  Accusation, confrontation, denouncing others, and slander are weapons of the Devil along with deceit, lies, malice and violence.  True Christian warfare occurs on a higher plane.  Consider again the following from the holy writings:

(1.)  2nd Corinthians 10:  3-5, King James Version (KJV):  3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:  4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)  5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

(2.)  2nd Timothy 2:  19-26, KJV:  19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.  20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.  21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.  22 Flee also youthful lusts:  but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.  23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.  24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,  25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;  26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  Malachi 3:  17-18, KJV:  17 And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.  18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/23/2017) Did GOD Lose Control?

 

Today, incarnation, sin, and the fall of Adam are topics.  Those who become born-again as the new creation through Jesus Christ receive aspects of his divine spirit such as faith, holiness, lovingkindness, and wrath against sin.  GOD did not “lose control” over the first Creation, however, through the operations of sin with the venom of covetousness and presumption from a serpent, divine gifts and spirit content within Adam were diminished and “lost”.  The breath of life from the Creator that was the original endowment to Adam also imparted indispensable spirit content from the makeup of Deity.  Included were appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, sexual cravings), emotions, finite motor skills (e.g., moving the eyes, speaking, walking), mental operations (e.g., imagination, projection, recall), and skill for processing impressions from various senses (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching).  Adam was equipped to acknowledge, generate, manipulate, and respond to events, opportunities and other created beings and living creatures as well as to recognize recurring patterns.  In addition, Adam was given ability to anticipate and apprehend possibilities.  By eating the forbidden fruit, Adam became caught up in exaggerated pride, spiritual confusion, and departures from the operations for genuine sacred knowledge.  Where relationship with divinity was to be the primary mechanism for truth to humanity, the pair exalted finite tools such as intellect, intuition, logic, carnal reason, philosophy, science, and self-will.  Adam already was in the position of having dominion over the earth; thus, their willfully eating the forbidden fruit demonstrated more than simply that they had been deceived, or were tricked.  The pair ignored and suppressed the promptings of their own character and nature as the offspring of GOD; and rather than being entered into a higher condition, or being granted supernatural power, the two became carriers of the same iniquity and willfulness shown by the serpent, and those who would continually rebel against GOD.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “Forever” (Level 1 with 1 point, a member since October 02, 2016) posted the following:

 

If God controls everything, why couldn't he control Eve from not eating the apple?

That makes no sense, a god that creates us, suppose to control everything, but doesn't stop Eve from eating the apple, allows so called the concept of sin, but claims to not allow it, what the heck?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  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.  For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  Because the carnal mind is enmity against God:  for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.  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.  And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.  (Romans 8:  5-10, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Complete Divine Revelation? (03/10/2017); Becoming A Full Person (02/12/2017); Dead While We Live? (02/02/2017); Choice, Duty, and Obligation? (11/17/2016); Birth, Self-will and Sin? (11/13/2016); Our Beginnings Were Perfect? (12/14/2015); The Choice of Knowledge? (10/28/2015); Accountability and Challenge, Not Blame (09/03/2015)

 

“Forever”, every mature Christian believer alive today started out with concerns and questions like yours.  A person must acquire sacred knowledge that centers upon spirit substance and the ongoing operations of spirit matter, instead of secular knowledge, the data and information provided by the world, and used for exchange and survival regarding things carnal, material and social.  GOD is a spirit who has put forth created beings and living creatures, their spheres of life, and the conditions for their duration.  The form for mankind was fashioned from the earth, and his inner substance (e.g., awareness, conscience, intelligence, self-will) were imparted from the makeup of GOD as life essence (i.e., breath, spirit, utterance, word).  

Divinity has not created sin.  Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Law Giver, and all the universe that exists in response to the commands of Deity.  Thus, sin may be thought of as a by-product of the separation granted to the living so that they exist having independence and integrity of being.  Sin promotes nonexistence, and a return to the chaos and flux that were in place before the founding of heaven and earth.  Sin is not a common object having measurable physical form; and, therefore, can not be simply destroyed, eliminated, or erased.  Sin contains no spirit substance from the makeup of GOD, yet, has direction, effect, and presence.  The operations of sin may dominate consciousness and self-will in angels, animals, and men. 

By their actions that included disobeying divine law, showing no respect to the Creator, and not trusting GOD to bestow grace, love and mercy, Adam lost their divine outer covering, and many aspects of their inner spirit content.  What Christians should understand as “divine control” is accomplished only through the oneness without sameness that results when the Holy Spirit is imparted to indwell a created being (we say, Incarnation, as seen through Jesus Christ).  Having a fresh endowment of the same spirit content that resides within GOD, men correctly and consistently acknowledge the authority, preeminence, and sovereign will within the GODhead.  The Spirit is living matter, and will operate from within sinners who accept rebirth (i.e., death and burial of ones inborn spirit, resurrection having divine DNA, so to speak). 

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, there are many points from the Bible such as Romans 5:  17-21, King James Version (KJV):  17 For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)  18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.  19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.  20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:  21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC