(11/30/2017) A Question On Suicide

Today, topics are forgiveness and suicide.  Many feel that, where acts of suicide are driven by depression or emotional and psychological vulnerability, compassion should be shown to the deceased.  Yet, those who kill themselves often are acting in haste to condemn everyone in their own lives and all who are around themselves.  Killing oneself can not be labeled as acceptable, or a godly act of courage and maturity.  Suicide emerges by operations of the flesh and of sin; and self-murder is never the product of the divine Spirit.  Given its eternal purpose and benefits, Jesus dying on the cross should never be spoken of as an act of suicide and self-destruction.  A new writer in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses the ID “Callum” (Level 1 with 90 points, a member since November 29, 2017) posted the following:
 


Does god forgive suicide?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid.  Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it.  And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise upon his sword, and died with him.  So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armourbearer, and all his men, that same day together.  (1st Samuel 31:  4-6, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Separate Yet Not Alone (06/28/2017); Transformed by The Cross (03/23/2016); Denying Oneself (05/17/2014); Suffering for Suicide? (12/12/2012); The Price of Humanity? (12/13/2012); Divine Self-Sacrifice? (09/30/2012); Justice Comes by Love? (10/01/2012)


“Callum”, because forgiveness is an expression of the character and makeup of divinity, many Christian believers regard forgiveness as a matter of “who GOD is,” of divine grace, of divine love, of His divine prerogative, and of His sovereign will, not a matter of who we are, whether or not we ask for forgiveness, whether or not we confess our faults, and what may have been the particular sin and specific wrongdoing a sinner has committed.  

Among Christians, “suicide” is ending ones own life, and the act of self-murder does not bring glory, honor, redemption or rest, for suicide denies that we are accountable to others who value our lives and rely on us, and that we may permanently damage them as well as ourselves (e.g., children, community, parents, spouse).  Killing oneself presumes upon the Creator, for a suicide (one who commit’s the act) transgresses sacred law by acting without divine permission (in effect, they steal divine authority and privilege from the owner and source of all that exists and has life). 

The operations of sin are suicidal, for they oppose the continued existence of all divine law, the Law Giver, and divine order throughout the entire universe.  The person who chooses suicide usurps and unlawfully condemns all the living; their self-condemnation is an act of exaggerated pride wherein they take the place of GOD in judgment.  Also, for those who commit suicide, there can be no discovery and realization of their error that might properly trigger the expression of godly sorrow for sin.  Any sacrifice for atonement can not be followed by a “life of repentance” where there is growth in commitment, trust, and understanding.  Christians are to consider the following from the Bible:

(1.)  2nd Corinthians 7:  9-11, King James Version (KJV):  9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance:  for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.  10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of:  but the sorrow of the world worketh death.  11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

(2.)  Ezekiel 18:  20-23, KJV:  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.  22 All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him:  in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.  23 Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD:  and not that he should return from his ways, and live?

(3.)  Romans 6:  3-6, KJV:  3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?  4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death:  that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.  5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:  6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

(4.)  Psalms 116:  3-13, KJV:  3 The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me:  I found trouble and sorrow.  4 Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.  5 Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.  6 The LORD preserveth the simple:  I was brought low, and he helped me.  7 Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.  8 For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.  9 I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.  10 I believed, therefore have I spoken:  I was greatly afflicted:  11 I said in my haste, All men are liars.  12 What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?  13 I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and made a part of our own spirit makeup.  (For example, (5.)  Hebrews 6:  4-8, KJV:  4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,  5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,  6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.  7 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:  8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/29/2017) Cloven Tongues of Fire

Today, reply is on divine anointing, fire, judgment, and the Holy Spirit.  GOD has used both water and fire to demonstrate and make visible the destructive work of sin as well as an unseen aspect of his makeup that we speak of as divine wrath against sin.  The same Holy Spirit who operated in the creation of heaven and earth establishes enlightenment, rebirth, and the possibilities for sacred knowledge within mankind that come by discovery, gradual growth, learning and observing sacred practices (sacraments).  More than this, the Holy Spirit continues among created beings and living creatures as a divine anointing oil that makes offerings and sacrifices to GOD acceptable and fragrant.  The prophets who proclaim divine grace, the high priests who minister through inheritance, and the kings who rule in peace first are set apart and sanctified by becoming in-filled with spirit content from the makeup of GOD.  A writer in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “?” (Level 1 with 90 points, a new member as of November 28, 2017) posted the following:


Why is a tounge of fire a symbol of the holy spirit?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!  It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard:  that went down to the skirts of his garments;  As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion:  for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.  (Psalm 133:  1-3, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Water, The Fire (10/10/2017); Holy Fire From GOD? (04/27/2017); Flammable? (05/25/2015); Consecrated in Christ? (06/21/2014); The Fire From GOD? (06/22/2014); Anointed? (04/28/2014); No More “Mr. Nice Guy”? (04/29/2014)


“?”, throughout the Bible, fire appears as a symbol indicating multiple actions and works accomplished by the fullness of divinity (we say, the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit).  Included are authority in judgment, glory, majesty as a sovereign ruler, personness, power, and purity.  Through water baptism, sinners undergo permanent change beginning in the death, burial, and resurrection of their inborn spirit.  As “born again” believers they must “grow up again,” and become ripe (mature) for harvest when Christ returns (we say, Advent, his appearing, the Rapture, the Second Coming). 

Because they are “reborn” having divine DNA, so to speak, developing believers are accounted as the children of GOD, and joint heirs with Jesus Christ.  All believers are to display inseparable spirit content from divinity in their lifestyle and daily routine.  Included are gratitude, faith, forbearance, forgiveness, holiness, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Believers only receive a “gift”, or partial measure of sacred substance from GOD, and not the whole person of the Holy Spirit (also called the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth).  GOD is a single Being who exists as three persons who display oneness without sameness; and it is this quality that is to exist within the body of Christ (the church). 

Most mature Christian believers receive instruction that the holy spirit is imparted to those chosen to serve in divine priesthood or as guides (shepherds, kings, rulers) over the people of GOD on the earth.  The dove, as a depiction of the Spirit is held to symbolize peace.  Thus, along with the cleansing of baptism by fire, the anointing that sanctifies (sets apart for exclusive service to GOD) and consecrates those who are ordained can be recognized by the tongues of fire.  Also, the divided (cloven) tongues signal that there are multiple gifts from the Holy Spirit.  Unlike the steady burning flame of a candle, the fire that appeared on the day of Pentecost is represented as flickering and lively; and the cloven tongue, therefore, is seen as the active love of GOD.

Consider the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Isaiah 4:  2-6, King James Version (KJV):  2 In that day shall the branch of the LORD be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel.  3 And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem:  4 When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.  5 And the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night:  for upon all the glory shall be a defence.  6 And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the day time from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain.

(2.)  2nd Corinthians 1:  20-22, KJV:  20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.  21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;  22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

(3.)  Acts 2:  1-4, KJV:  1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.  2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.  3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.  4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  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.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/28/2017) Not All Are Welcome

Today, reply touches on church attendance, hospitality, security, and Christian social gatherings.  The church is cautioned to minister and serve showing balance and wisdom.  Even for angels there are conditions, criteria to be met, and standards that must be addressed both for access, and for continuing relationships with divinity and with the people of GOD on the earth.  While the church desires to welcome repenting sinners, there are many to whom her doors should not open.  The process among those within the church is one of embracing godly change as well as rejecting long-cherished and hidden sins.  Those operating with the mentality of slaves, who are ignorant of family, home and heartfelt love, will mistakenly enter the church seeking freedom to “be themselves” (i.e., express or justify their own anger, bitterness, fear, rebellion, and self-will).  Hospitality is the display of divine lovingkindness along with acceptance, forbearance, humility, sharing, and unselfishness.  The church is like a fountain pouring forth grace, forgiveness, hospitality and mercy for all who will draw near; yet, some will display no gratitude, will despise mercy, and dare to poison the waters.  There are that come in to challenge, defy, and undermine all divine order.  Saying this another way:  Many otherwise pleasant strangers, who are not members of the church, suppose that it is “a  mother-load” that may be exploited, mined, and held for ransom.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses the shared ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shown) posted the following:


Why do some Christians say that not all people are welcome to Church?

I hear from Street preacher say that sinners are not allow, they have to stop sinning


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;  How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.  These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.  But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,  Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.  And of some have compassion, making a difference:  And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.  (Jude 1:  17-23, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Called To Serve Unselfishly (07/06/2017); The GOD Who Answers? (04/04/2017); How Can Christians Believe? (08/12/2014); The Sin of Pride? (08/13/2014); (Philosophical Questions? (04/17/2014); To Accomplish A Sacred Goal (04/18/2014); Arguing Against the Bible in Church? (02/18/2014); Snake Handling? (02/19/2014); A Spirit Church? (04/04/2013); My Brother’s Keeper (04/05/2013)


“Anonymous”, those who serve the Lord must develop discernment and prudence, however, not for the administration of power and great wealth.  Within most communities of faith, sound decisions must be made for the application and distribution of limited resources.  Because they often are poor, nonviolent, lowly and meek, many have practiced robbing and terrorizing communities of faith.  Church gatherings to welcome the active presence of divinity have always been subject to interruption and intrusions by agents of the devil, disbelievers, persecutors, those possessed with demons, and other challengers.  The church even has been outlawed, driven underground, and forced to meet in secret for praise, prayer, and study of the holy writings.  A person might think, therefore, that alertness, armed response, fund-raising, security, and vigilance would be primary issues.  However, more important are the issues of anointing, repentance, sanctification (i.e., being set apart for exclusive service to GOD) through fresh endowments of the imparted Spirit, and the fulfillment of end-time prophecies that speak to the return of Jesus Christ.

Correctly understood, church congregations are “private” and intimate member organizations (like families and households).  Communities of faith should not be thought of as groups whose main focus is providing public assistance, charity, emergency response, and social welfare services.  Because they are those repenting in Christ, many seek to avoid becoming “entangled” in the World again, and turn away from such activity as amusement and entertainment, financial investment counseling, lending, and political advocacy.  Healthy Christian assemblies require from their members such elements as accountability; confession; commitment; continuing change, discovery, and spiritual growth; financial support that is reliable and stable; longsuffering; lovingkindness; obedience to by-laws, covenants, and sacred standards; respect and response to assessments, critiques and evaluations (i.e., judgment) from the leadership/membership; the development of trust; the resolution of conflicts and settlement of disputes by applying sacred law; truth-speaking; and becoming ripe (mature) for harvest to meet the Lord in the air (we say, Advent, his appearing, the Rapture, the Second Coming).

Among Christians, the church should be understood as the new creation by Jesus Christ; and is an assembly of created beings and living creatures whose inborn spirits have been altered through operations of GOD spoken of as death, burial, and resurrection.  Those “born again” (we also say, adopted through the Spirit) must “grow up again,” and become mature sons and daughters of GOD while living on the earth.  Developing believers all receive spiritual gifts to unselfishly serve divinity, however, there are many different responsibilities and roles they will fill.  Diversity will always appear within the church, for members are like the limbs of a single body having different abilities, authority, gifts, knowledge, levels of maturity, etc.  Included are clergy, disciples, prophets, spokespersons, and stewards.

Consider again the following admonitions and warnings that many regard as hard, yet, righteous counsel for believers:

(1.)  Matthew 7:  6, King James Version (KJV):  6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

(2.)  Romans 6:  3-6, KJV:  3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?  4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death:  that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.  5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:  6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

(3.)  2nd Peter 2:  20-22, KJV:  20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.  21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.  22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and made a part of our own developing belief.  (For example, (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.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/27/2017) Worship and the Cross

Today, idols, the cross, and worship among Christian believers are considered.  For Christian believers, glory, praise and worship are directed to divinity, only.  In the same way praising, uplifting, and bowing before material objects as though they contain, or themselves are sacred persons would be acts of idol worship, giving exclusive emotional, psychological and spiritual attention to, or continually expressing anger, bitterness, disbelief, and hostility by quarreling and reacting to emblems, tokens, and symbols (we say, making something out of nothing) all are expressions of idolatry and spiritual confusion.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data shown) posted the following:


Are Jehovah's witnesses right for not using the CROSS IN WORSHIP? Pls, support answers with the Bible, is the CROSS truly biblical?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Thy name, O LORD, endureth for ever; and thy memorial, O LORD, throughout all generations.  For the LORD will judge his people, and he will repent himself concerning his servants.  The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.  They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not;  They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths.  They that make them are like unto them:  so is every one that trusteth in them.  (Psalms 135:  13-18, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Relying on Sacred “Evidence” (11/20/2017); All Divinity in ONE? (11/17/2017); Divinity Appears Using Form (07/26/2017); Redemption Through Ordinary Flesh? (04/20/2017); Resurrected With The Lord (04/16/2017); A Matter of Conscience (04/07/2017); The Title of “Savior” (01/27/2017); Believing In The Cross? (03/04/2016); Signs of Messianic Belief? (12/16/2012); Vows and Covenants? (12/17/2012)


“Anonymous”, trusting you and others will receive a spiritual benefit, many of us who are not versed in the doctrines, teachings and policies among believers who are Jehovah’s Witnesses, seek no debate or quarrel, and, as mature followers of Christ, are not willing to pursue a path of criticism or condemnation against any (Buddhist, Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, etc.).  Even so, “born again” believers are willing to proclaim the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, his dying as an embodiment of sin, and the Savior’s resurrection, declaring our own faith in response to your question on worship and the cross.  That GOD imparts divine Spirit to indwell created beings and living creatures is no violation of sacred law and process; and no cross, man-made idol, image, or other device is to be honored as a vessel containing divine person and spirit content.  The operations of carnal reason, secular knowledge, and the domination of awareness and self-will by the operations of sin are to be opposed using multiple memorials and “reminders” that will continue uninterrupted consciousness of the active presence who is GOD.  Included are church buildings, hymns, other believers, parables, prayers, preaching, prophecies, and songs.  Consider the following that uses the language of the Bible, and therefore, may appear as familiar:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 31:  16-22, King James Version (KJV):  16 And the LORD said unto Moses, Behold, thou shalt sleep with thy fathers; and this people will rise up, and go a whoring after the gods of the strangers of the land, whither they go to be among them, and will forsake me, and break my covenant which I have made with them.  17 Then my anger shall be kindled against them in that day, and I will forsake them, and I will hide my face from them, and they shall be devoured, and many evils and troubles shall befall them; so that they will say in that day, Are not these evils come upon us, because our God is not among us?  18 And I will surely hide my face in that day for all the evils which they shall have wrought, in that they are turned unto other gods.  19 Now therefore write ye this song for you, and teach it the children of Israel:  put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel.  20 For when I shall have brought them into the land which I sware unto their fathers, that floweth with milk and honey; and they shall have eaten and filled themselves, and waxen fat; then will they turn unto other gods, and serve them, and provoke me, and break my covenant.  21 And it shall come to pass, when many evils and troubles are befallen them, that this song shall testify against them as a witness; for it shall not be forgotten out of the mouths of their seed:  for I know their imagination which they go about, even now, before I have brought them into the land which I sware.  22 Moses therefore wrote this song the same day, and taught it the children of Israel.

(2.)  John 4:  23-24, 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.

(3.)  2nd Peter 1:  13-21, KJV:  13 Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;  14 Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.  15 Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.  16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.  17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.  18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.  19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:  20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.  21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man:  but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

(4.)  2nd Corinthians 4:  3-7, KJV:  3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:  4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.  5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.  6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.  7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  1st Corinthians 1:  18-31, KJV:  18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.  19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.  20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?  21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.  22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:  23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;  24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.  25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.  26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:  27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;  28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:  29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.  30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:  31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/26/2017) Sin Is A Condition

Today, judgment of children, and the operations of sin in and through the young are considered.  Divine law indwells the living as life essence (breath, spirit, Word).  Babies and small children also heard the voice of GOD proclaim the Covenant Law at Mount Sinai, and were required to develop and mature acknowledging the same divine standards as their parents.  The principle (where there is no law, sin is not imputed) does not cover lack of knowledge, and the ignorance of children (ignorance of the law is no excuse).  Children are shown the same allowances, forbearance and mercy granted to adults who are “born again” and must complete growth and learning to become full members within the body of Christ (the church) as developing believers; thus, they both will be monitored and reviewed.  Accountability, malice, forethought, and intent for their works and deeds still will be considered.  In accordance with the Gospel and teachings from the holy writings, many Christians trust that children will be closely examined during divine judgment for such features as their content of spirit from the makeup of GOD; their commitment to and development according to mankind’s possibilities for expressing an animal, human or divine nature; and for the integrity of being that increasingly should appear through their communication, exchange, and continuing relationship with divinity.  The young will not be ignored, overlooked, or held to have no value.  For mankind, sin continues to be an inherited condition like mortality, an aspect of ones living makeup, and a peculiar context or setting wherein created beings fail to display the image of GOD.  Just as sin pertains to divine law and sacred judgment, the operations of sin oppose the workings of faith imparted from the makeup of GOD, sacred knowledge, and genuine wisdom.  Sin alters godly meaning, possibilities, quality, and value among mankind; and may not be explained, justified, or properly resisted relying only on awareness, secular knowledge, or self-will (we say, willpower).  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “ari” (Level 7 with 85,515 points, a member since March 04, 2014) posted the following:


The Bible says that we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God does that include children.?

Can some mature Christian explain how soon is more then simply a moral problem and why even babies and little children are affected by it


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:  That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:  That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:  And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God. (Psalms 78:  5-8, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Starting A New Life? (11/21/2017); We Are His Children (10/16/2017); Becoming Free From Sin (07/16/2017); Determining What Is Sin (06/15/2017); Inheritance Must Become Commitment (05/15/2017); Chocolate Bunnies! Easter Eggs! (04/18/2017); “Good grief!” and Prophecy? (11/06/2016); Of Such Is The Kingdom (09/01/2015)


“ari”, just as the blessings of guidance, nourishment, and protection through divine law are extended to children as well as adults, divine law requires from children that they develop, discover, and contribute through lifestyles and routines of living that acknowledge accountability, obedience, respect, and restraint.  Sin is an inherited condition that determines aspects of their duration, quality of life, intimacy of relationship with divinity, and survival for all created beings and living creatures.  In the same way the Bible demonstrates and records multiple approaches and ideas to make divinity knowable, known, and “visible” within the awareness of angels, animals and men, the holy writings also reveal the otherwise hidden operations of sin.  GOD is an unseen, yet, active presence; similarly, sin is not material, tangible or visible like an ordinary person.  Sin is not created by GOD, is not a spirit, and is not an object or vessel having spirit content.  Even so, sin displays direction, effect, and presence; and, while sin may dominate awareness and self-will within the living, sin can not control or exist as having power within the dead. 

Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law that expresses the sovereign will of GOD, the continued existence of the Law Giver, and the continued existence of all Creation and divine order generated through sacred law.  The fact that the operations of sin may be recognized through attitudes, behavior, and conduct makes sin appear to be only a matter of things that are carnal, earthy, material, secular and social.  Many define “sin” as the violation of shared meanings and values within communities and groups (i.e., problems of communication, exchange and interaction; rule-breaking and crime; refusing to endorse an unspoken code (they say, morals) or social consensus), and fail to realize the cosmic truth that sin opposes the existence of the entire universe.  More than this, the operations of sin may erase or reduce to nothing the image of GOD that should be seen within the living.

Consider again the following:

(1.)  Proverbs 20:  11, King James Version (KJV):  11 Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.

(2.)  1st Corinthians 3:  11-13, KJV:  11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.  12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;  13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest:  for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.

(3.)  Hebrews 12:  4-11, KJV:  4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.  5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:  6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.  7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?  8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.  9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence:  shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?  10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.  11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous:  nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.) 

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and made a part of our own spirit makeup.  (For example, (4.)  Romans 5:  12-15, KJV:  12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:  13 (For until the law sin was in the world:  but sin is not imputed when there is no law.  14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.  15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.  16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift:  for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.  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.) )  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/24/2017) That GOD Is "Moral"?

Today, reply is on morality as a result of GOD using human form and social relationships.  While the persons of the GODhead do exchange, influence one another, and interact as three distinct appearances (manifestations), the fullness of divinity appears as a single Being who displays oneness without sameness.  Obedience and rank do not describe what occurs within and through the GODhead so much as accord and shared intent.  Even among those who are not religious believers there are clear and specific traits thought to be necessary for an exalted being or “god” as well as a long list of features that are seen when true godliness and holiness are absent.  For example, many require there be authority, goodness, immortality, integrity, order, righteousness, truth, and wisdom with disqualifying flaws and faults understood as arbitrariness, confusion, inconsistency, lying, malice, nastiness, exaggerated pride, and self-destructiveness.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data shared) posted the following:


Why should God be moral if there is no one for him to answer to?

Christians say "Why should a social species such as us humans be moral if there is no one to answer to?"
Well, why should God be moral when he has no one to answer to?
If you can understand why God can, why is it so impossible to understand how a social species such as humans can?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said,  Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?  Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.  Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.  Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it?  Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof;  When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?  Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb?  When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it,  And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors,  And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further:  and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?  (Job 38:  1-11, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  All Divinity in ONE? (11/17/2017); A Lawless, Violent GOD? (11/16/2017); Judgment and Law Revealed (08/06/2017); GOD Indwells Divine Law (07/14/2017); Answered by The Cross? (03/14/2016); Tools for Revelation? (10/26/2015); Religion And Moral Progress? (10/23/2015); The Decalogue A Moral Guide? (04/15/2015)


“Anonymous”, here’s a response I respect as sharing the abundance from GOD through Jesus Christ:  Because the GOD we worship is more than an abstraction, or an impersonal, intangible object, for many Christian believers it is implicit (i.e., not stated, yet, understood in what is expressed) when considering divinity that the characteristics, makeup, process and substance of GOD exists as complete, exalted, independent, righteous, self-emanating, and unique.  GOD has imparted consciousness, life essence (we say, breath, spirit, Word) and self-will to mankind.  Thus, the Creator also makes himself known by communication, exchange, and interaction through ongoing relationships.  There is no revealed origin of Deity, and the fullness of GODhead (the totality of being described using three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) ) is acknowledged and affirmed as expressing balance, feeling, holiness, person, presence, purpose, thought, and more.

Developing Christian believers are not encouraged to assume or propose that morality is a product of finite human tools such as animal intelligence and instinct, female intuition, logic, carnal reason, sensation (hearing seeing tasting touching, etc.), social consensus, or self-will (we also say, human willpower).  As an inseparable aspect of divinity, morality must be understood as defining, fixed and immutable along with such features as faith, holiness, immortality, integrity, oneness without sameness, purity, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Judgment, correction, forgiveness, and mercy appear as devices to accomplish divine purposes that include eternal life, reconciliation, redemption, salvation, and the second death.

There is no revealed context, frameworks such as time and space, or spheres of life that impose boundaries and limits on the possibilities of GOD.  Certainty (being confident and sure; conviction of truth) regarding claims and descriptions of divine being is accomplished through operations of faith and other divine content imparted to created beings and living creatures.  Thus, anointed apostles, prophets and other spokespersons may be used, and sacred events (we say, miracles) and divine visitations will not be repeated.  The features put forth by divinity can be correctly regarded as standards and values for knowing GOD.  Included are divine law, covenant promise, divine prerogative, prophecy, eternal purpose, and sovereign will.  Consider again the following that uses language from the holy writings:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 32:  39-40, King James Version (KJV):  39 See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me:  I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal:  neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand.  40 For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever.

(2.)  Deuteronomy 4:  35-36, KJV:  35 Unto thee it was shewed, that thou mightest know that the LORD he is God; there is none else beside him.  36 Out of heaven he made thee to hear his voice, that he might instruct thee:  and upon earth he shewed thee his great fire; and thou heardest his words out of the midst of the fire.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  Exodus 34:  5-8, 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.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/23/2017) Abundance, Plenty and Harvest!

Today, thoughts are shared on divine abundance and plenty as well as America’s annual harvest celebration, Thanksgiving Day.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:



What are you doing to be thankful for Jesus Christ and all the wonderful things he has done on this great day of thankfulness?



THE GOLDEN ARROW:  So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.  And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.  Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared:  for this day is holy unto our Lord:  neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.  So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved.  And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.  (Nehemiah 8:  8-12, King James Version, KJV)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  One Root, One Harvest (11/12/2017); Gratitude Appears By Grace (09/11/2017); ...Gathered In My Name (05/29/2017); About the Second Coming? (01/18/2014); Unprofitable Servants? (01/19/2014); Are Holidays Bad? (11/16/2013); Denying GOD by Eating Shrimp? (11/17/2013)



“Anonymous”, here are some thoughts I would like to share:  For many mature Christian believers abundance, plenty, and outpourings to express gratitude are manifestations that make us aware of the unseen active presence who is GOD.  The imparted Spirit from GOD that appears to reveal the fullness of divinity (we say, the Godhead) and establish rebirth in water baptism also generates consciousness of healing, hope, joy, a lawful reward for ones labor, and the return of Jesus Christ (we say, Advent, the harvest, the Rapture, the Second Coming).  In Bible days, the times of anointing to sanctify and consecrate kings and priests, in-gathering and sheep-shearing were experienced as days of harvest celebration and thanksgiving.  Even so, because harvest is a season, not merely a one-day event, those who labor receive accord, cooperation and harmony (we say, fellowship, teamwork), resources for the cancellation of debts, the dispelling of fear and uncertainty, times of rest after reaping as well as refreshing, resolution of conflict and reuniting within the family.  Thanksgiving, therefore, is anticipated, occurs, and is acknowledged throughout most of the entire world at the same (and overlapping) time, and so is understood to be a season of Peace.  Surely, as encouragement to those who labor in the Lord, the following prophecies to comfort, edify, and exhort are written:

(1.)  Psalms 100:  4-5, King James Version (KJV):  4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise:  be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
 
(2.)  1st Chronicles 22:  14-16, KJV:  14 Now, behold, in my trouble I have prepared for the house of the LORD an hundred thousand talents of gold, and a thousand thousand talents of silver; and of brass and iron without weight; for it is in abundance:  timber also and stone have I prepared; and thou mayest add thereto.  15 Moreover there are workmen with thee in abundance, hewers and workers of stone and timber, and all manner of cunning men for every manner of work.  16 Of the gold, the silver, and the brass, and the iron, there is no number. Arise therefore, and be doing, and the LORD be with thee.

(3.)  1st Chronicles 29:  20-22, KJV:  20 And David said to all the congregation, Now bless the LORD your God. And all the congregation blessed the LORD God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads, and worshipped the LORD, and the king.  21 And they sacrificed sacrifices unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings unto the LORD, on the morrow after that day, even a thousand bullocks, a thousand rams, and a thousand lambs, with their drink offerings, and sacrifices in abundance for all Israel:  22 And did eat and drink before the LORD on that day with great gladness. And they made Solomon the son of David king the second time, and anointed him unto the LORD to be the chief governor, and Zadok to be priest.

There is far more from our Creator and Savior that could be shared and shown acknowledging this day (for example, (4.)  2nd Corinthians 4:  13-18, KJV:  13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;  14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.  15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.  16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.  17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;  18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen:  for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/22/2017) Wisdom In A Mystery

Today, focus is on divinity being revealed directly to those who are simple, rather than only to scientists, great scholars and thought leaders of the world.  Created beings and living creatures can not exist or interact using intimate and personal relationship(s) with their Creator unless there be a continuous revelation that makes GOD knowable, known, and approachable.  Divinity must be acknowledged as more than an abstraction or theoretical premise.  For discovering and continuing godliness, the excellence of sacred knowledge, consecrated discipline and practice, and divine spirit process is far above that for secular knowledge, worldly politics, and popular culture, and are on the same higher level as divine law, sacred mystery, and eternal purpose.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “SupaStar” (Level 5 with 7,558 points, a member since August 07, 2014) posted the following:


Why does God only speak directly with the ignorant and uneducated? Why does he never speak to people with higher levels of education?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:  Which none of the princes of this world knew:  for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.  But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.  But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit:  for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.  (1st Corinthians 2:  7-10, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  About Using “Sacred Logic” (11/19/2017); Confused By Spiritual Puzzles (11/13/2017); GOD Is Imparting Truth (10/30/2017); Idolatry -- Exalting Human Devices? (09/21/2017); From Dust Thou Art (09/07/2017); Christianity Is Not Mindless (05/02/2017); Proof That GOD Exists? (10/16/2016); Abstractions, Atheism and I.Q. (08/18/2016)


“SupaStar”, among Christian believers, those serving as prophets and spokespersons of GOD are made fit for their office by first receiving fresh sacred endowments of spirit content from the makeup of divinity.  Included are faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, meekness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Having deposits of Spirit imparted from GOD, men who express humility are edified (built up) to display “the image of GOD” required for ongoing intimate and personal relationship with GOD that is the platform for their obedience and unselfish service.

Formal education, intelligence, and secular knowledge are intended to enable mankind to operate within a physical sphere of life continually encountering carnal, material, secular and social expressions of flesh.  Thus, balance, control and influence (we say, power) over consciousness and self-will are demonstrated through appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, sexual cravings), sensation (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching) and emotion/mental functions (e.g., anger, fear, imagination, recall, sorrow). 

Merely having existence and life essence (i.e., divine breath, spirit, Word) do not fit mankind to display the character, makeup, person, possibilities, and sovereign will of GOD.  So to speak, those most useful to GOD will be those who are plain, who are most transparent, and who best mirror, project and reflect his image—not their own.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Exodus 19:  4-6, King James Version (KJV):  4 Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself.  5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people:  for all the earth is mine:  6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.

(2.)  2nd Corinthians 4:  6-12, KJV:  6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.  7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.  8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;  9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;  10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.  11 For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.  12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.

(3.)  Colossians 2:  8-12, 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:  11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:  12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  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.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/21/2017) Starting A New Life?

Jesus at the Temple by Brian Jekel

Today, counsel on accepting baptism is shared with a teen whose parents are atheists.  Baptism does not make a child an adult.  Baptism is a beginning or “first step,” and is not the completion or finish of the full journey that is salvation.  Youth often are centered in self-discovery, personal growth and risk-taking that make them less effective as workers within a sacred body.  Because young people often are drawn to Christ having fervor, passion and zeal, they also are to be cautioned and exhorted to acknowledge their continuing need for spiritual growth.  In addition to practicing patience and longsuffering, developing believers must learn to prefer the tested and tried principles, actions, and decisions that have been effective for the survival of the church; and, as much as possible, youth are to prepare themselves and focus on the coming of Christ in place of popular culture, politics, or current world events.  Children are to behave with humility and meekness in the family and shared home; they are to avoid presumption, and always value sharing with their parents.  A young writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:


How to tell my parents I want to be baptized?

Hello, I am 16 years old and I have been going to church on my own for awhile. I've accepted Christ many years ago, and I've gotten to where I feel the need to be baptized and show it. The thing is, my parents are atheists. They allow me to go to church, they've bought me a bible, and they know about when I got saved. Since this is public though, I don't know there reactions and honestly, I don't even want to tell them (I'm not ashamed of who I am and what I believe, it just feels very awkward and they're always surprised I chose this) Honestly, this is probably something I should tell them though, so how would I go about it?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;  Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit:  for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.  (2nd Corinthians 3:  5-6, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Standing On The ABCs? (11/09/2017); Accepting Christ, Accepting Change (10/20/2017); Becoming Joined To GOD (10/13/2017); Caution! Work In Progress (10/19/2017); The Water, The Fire (10/10/2017); Christ Now or Later? (10/08/2017); Rebirth, Growth and Transformation (09/29/2017)


“Anonymous”, before making your decision, you first may want to consider what commitment you are asking your parents to make; what challenges or changes you should alert them to; and the demands for sacrifice that they will have to face.  Young people also are cautioned to keep in mind that genuine and mature love always entail accountability, commitment, putting aside ones own desire and will in obedience and sacrifice along with restraint.  Water baptism depicts the death and burial of ones inborn spirit, and their resurrection from the dead by receiving a fresh endowment of divine life essence (we say, breath, spirit, Word) from the makeup of GOD.  Those who are “born again” are to “grow up again” meeting life challenges and “growing pains,” displaying divine spirit content, acknowledging sacred law, serving unselfishly without complaint, and even enduring suffering, here, on the earth.

Believers are to become mature/ripe for harvest (we also say, his appearing, the Advent, the Rapture, the Second Coming).   Sinners who come to Christ begin their eternal life by undergoing permanent changes in their character and makeup through operations of the Holy Spirit, a transformation that will be completed (we say, they will be perfected) as they meet the Lord in the air at his return.  For developing believers, therefore, salvation unfolds through discovery, edification, gradual growth, praise, prayer, other  sacred practices, and worship.  Because salvation is part of a full revelation of GOD as well as a transformation for mankind to exist as life companions to immortal, incorruptible divinity, believers are encouraged to understand that they themselves are to be offspring of GOD and a new creation.  Believers are to maintain a consciousness that they are the members of the body of Christ (the church) and saints within the kingdom of GOD.  They are to continually display the inseparable aspects of imparted Spirit that include balance, completeness, gratitude, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

While teens remain in the home of their parents as dependent children, it is more correct that they delay making life decisions that are divisive of the family as a unit.  Through their pleasant attitudes and conduct, the young may be vessels of ministry who “silently” bestow and demonstrate the benefits from Christ without also creating conflict, pressure, and hostility against others.  Consider again the example of the Lord, and the following counsel from the holy writings:

(1.)  Luke 2:  42-52, King James Version (KJV):  42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.  43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.  44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.  45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.  46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.  47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.  48 And when they saw him, they were amazed:  and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.  49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?  50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.  51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them:  but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.  52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

(2.)  Romans 6:  3-6, KJV:  3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?  4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death:  that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.  5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:  6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and made a part of our own spirit makeup.  (For example, (3.)  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.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.



THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC