(12/17/2020) Casting Pearls Before Swine?

 

Jesus Christ has cautioned his disciples and those who serve to spread the Gospel that efforts to transform sinners into Christian believers best bear fruit where there also are operations of the Holy Spirit. There is to be a sacred evangelism that will convey divine gifts, endowments of sacred substance, and godly guidance, rather than mere displays anchored in social activism and popular culture. Workers for the Lord are to be vigilant and alert, because they will be in the open and vulnerable to attacks by the children of disobedience, skeptics, and those committed to rebellion against divinity. The wheat we plant and the tares planted by the enemy will be allowed to grow together; even so, there is to be a thoughtful distribution of sacred resources that correctly addresses accessibility, opportunities, needs, preparation, and possibilities. It is written: Isaiah 30: 1, King James Version (KJV): 1 Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin: A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shown) posted the following:

Hey fellow believers, what does "cast not your pearls before the swine" mean Is there too much "casting"  being done on answers by believers?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  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. (Matthew 7: 6, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Appeals Directed to Spirit (11/08/2020); Why So Many Churches? (10/17/2020); Counsels On Shunning Sinners (05/03/2019); Be Not Unequally Yoked (04/16/2018); Not All Are Welcome (11/28/2017); Without Preaching The Cross? (02/21/2016); How To Treat Unbelievers? (01/13/2016);

“Anonymous”, those who take up the work of spreading the Gospel are admonished and cautioned by Jesus Christ that evangelism is a work to transform sinners while they are yet entangled by elements of the material and social world. The figure of dogs is used to describe assemblies and groups that continue and promote back-biting, competition, criticizing and judging one another, disrespect, gossip, slander, and quarreling. Unclean animals are unfit to serve as sacrifices and will defile a holy altar, and hogs are extremely dangerous because they have barely visible tusks (horns on the side of their snout) that they use as cutting weapons. An itinerant preaching ministry requires content, doctrine, and multiple operations from divinity that must be acknowledged as expressing sacred law, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. Those anointed, ordained, and sent by Christ are to resemble, reflect and reveal the Savior’s character and likeness. None are to despair when they encounter exaggerated pride, selfishness, stubbornness, and suffering among those who are ungodly and unteachable. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) Galatians 5: 14-16, King James Version (KJV): 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. 16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

(2.) 2^nd Timothy 3: 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.

(3.) 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.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) 2^nd Timothy 2: 3-4, KJV: 3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 12:55 PM, December 17, 2020 @ https://i.pinimg.com/originals/2b/92/21/2b92214c78559d6ce43f321ad52d1446.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(12/13/2020) No Forgiveness For Racism?

 

Racism should be understood among mature Christian believers as a sin that will not be forgiven by GOD because racism is a disguised form of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Blasphemy can be easily recognized in verbal behavior that dishonors and insults divinity, and is more difficult to acknowledge where it is a lifestyle and ordinary living routine. Even so, among the primary aspects of divine fullness that must be acknowledged and appear within the living upon the earth are divine grace and oneness without sameness. Men have been known to exalt race as a false god and an idol claiming that race is the explanation for their benefits, privileges, problems, and sufferings. Blasphemy can be without words and embedded within the emotional, psychological, and spiritual content we convey to others. Repentance for sin does not appear within created beings and living creatures without operations by the indwelling Spirit of GOD. Those who refuse and shut out the presence and operations of the Holy Spirit deny and dismiss their own sacred inheritance as the offspring of GOD, and they can no longer apprehend the authority, dominion, and sovereignty of GOD who practices righteous judgment. GOD then is falsely accused of abuse, malice, and partiality. On surface, racism appears to be anchored in intelligence, carnal reason, and operations of the flesh that direct attitudes and behavior expressing bitterness, enmity, and hatred against persons within minority groups of a population. More carefully considered in the light of Christ, racism is exaggerated pride that condemns the sacred process for transforming mankind to exist as a companion to divinity, and denies the holiness of the spirit-content imparted from the makeup of GOD that must reside within all who become followers of Jesus Christ. Insisting that racism is not a matter of ones religion and spiritual beliefs, those who practice racism continue to promote their offense against GOD as merely a finite, human expression of bias, false judgment, prejudice, and presumption against others within a shared community on the basis of their ethnicity, origin, skin-color, or socioeconomic status. It is accounted as correct, justified, and “natural” that imbalance and injustice characterize the distribution of major opportunities and possibilities for all the forms of educational, financial, and social advancement; and the opposition to displaying, giving, receiving, and sharing divine spiritual gifts are accounted as a necessary evil. It is written: 1st Corinthians 12: 3-6, King James Version (KJV): 3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. 4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. Mankind is not to trifle with the Holy Spirit, even where he appears on the earth using human form and life-process.

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. (Romans 8: 5-9, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Uniting In The Struggle (06/17/2020); Elephant In The Room? (06/05/2020); The Meaning Of “Persecution” (02/12/2020); Godliness Characterizes Authentic Humanity (02/06/2020); White People Becoming Atheists? (10/03/2019); Black History Month, 2019 (02/24/2019); Arrayed In Sacred Favor (02/25/2018)

Thus saith the Lord:

(1.) Matthew 12: 30-32, King James Version (KJV): 30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. 31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. 32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.

(2.) Hebrews 10: 28-30, KJV: 28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.

(3.) John 6: 63, KJV: 63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) John 8: 37-47, KJV: 37 I know that ye are Abraham’s seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you. 38 I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father. 39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham. 40 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham. 41 Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God. 42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. 43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. 44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. 45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. 46 Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? 47 He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 8:05 AM, December 12, 2020 @ https://www.bibliatodo.com/En/christian-news/files/2020/06/christian-magazine-calls-on-churches-to-restitute-racial-sin-repentance-is-not-enough.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/28/2020) The Spirits Are Subject

Today, a reply is made on whether men on the earth are to take pride in being children of GOD. To be an offspring of GOD, one must contain consecrated substance that has been imparted from the makeup of divine fullness (i.e., divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). For many, being set apart by their sacred content in order to serve divinity only means that you are blessed, favored, and gifted so that you excel and surpass others. However, rightly understood, sanctification is an aspect of the often difficult and painful transformation sinners must undergo from being offered as a living sacrifice to existing as immortal, incorruptible, perfected companions to GOD. It is written: Isaiah 11: 1-3, King James Version (KJV): 1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: 2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; 3 And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Broly” (Level 2 with 674 points) posted the following:

Is it against the Bible to take pride in being a child of God?

Bonus question: Can a person call themselves a "soldier of God", I want to call myself that now instead of some dude from a DBZ movie.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be:  but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.   (1^st John 3: 2, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Always Connected By Spirit (08/30/2020); The Sons Of GOD? (07/19/2020); Acknowledging And Confessing Sin (06/21/2020); “GOD, I Thank Thee...” (03/16/2020); Acknowledging Christ as Son (03/08/2020); Christian Teachings About Devils (08/21/2019); What Is A Spirit? (03/06/2018)

“Broly”, because they have exaggerated pride many covet the authority, dominion, and power of divinity. While acknowledging and affirming that mankind is to bear the image of GOD, and should display substance and value established by the Creator, created beings and living creatures are to manifest the same humility that exists as an inseparable aspect of divine fullness (we say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit). All who live are not accounted as the children of GOD, for the offspring of divinity must display the character, makeup, and nature of GOD (we say, divine DNA), and should resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ. Within the new creation there has to be a fresh endowment of spirit imparted from the makeup of GOD. While living on the earth, men are to begin eternal life having balance, commitment, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin; while living in the earth made new, men are to receive immortality, incorruption, perfection, and righteousness. The inheritance and life-process for man that is received through the first pair (Adam) include conditions, limitations, and restrictions such as appetite, mortality, finite self-will (willpower), and an inclination to respond to the operations of sin. GOD is exalted as the origin and source for all that has existence and life; and sin is no thing created or put forth by divinity. Where the living will exist as companions to GOD they must undergo divine operations to continually express sacred law, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. Sinners must become “born again” through operations of the Creator, and those who become reborn must also grow-up again and become mature/ripe for harvest from the earth by the Lord at his coming. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible and Peace, a selection from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

(1.) 2^nd Kings 1: 9-15, King James Version (KJV): 9 Then the king sent unto him a captain of fifty with his fifty. And he went up to him:  and, behold, he sat on the top of an hill. And he spake unto him, Thou man of God, the king hath said, Come down. 10 And Elijah answered and said to the captain of fifty, If I be a man of God, then let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And there came down fire from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty. 11 Again also he sent unto him another captain of fifty with his fifty. And he answered and said unto him, O man of God, thus hath the king said, Come down quickly. 12 And Elijah answered and said unto them, If I be a man of God, let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And the fire of God came down from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty. 13 And he sent again a captain of the third fifty with his fifty. And the third captain of fifty went up, and came and fell on his knees before Elijah, and besought him, and said unto him, O man of God, I pray thee, let my life, and the life of these fifty thy servants, be precious in thy sight. 14 Behold, there came fire down from heaven, and burnt up the two captains of the former fifties with their fifties:  therefore let my life now be precious in thy sight. 15 And the angel of the LORD said unto Elijah, Go down with him: be not afraid of him. And he arose, and went down with him unto the king.

(2.) Luke 9: 51-56, KJV: 51 And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, 52 And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. 53 And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. 54 And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? 55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. 56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.

(3.) Luke 10: 16-24, KJV: 16 He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me. 17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. 18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. 19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. 21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight. 22 All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him. 23 And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see: 24 For I tell you, that many prophets and kings 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 that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3o4y8zHWYnw.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 7:05 A, October 28, 2020 @ https://i.pinimg.com/736x/0d/43/97/0d439752c297715c43239bf7fa5418a8.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(11/21/2019) Divine Goodness Includes Accountability

Today, reply is on displaying accountability for Creation and preserving the universe as inseparable aspects of the divine goodness GOD provides to created beings and living creatures. While finite consciousness can conceive form and process for life experience that focuses on things carnal, material and social, created beings and living creatures can not depend on their own intellect and self-will (willpower) either to secure a permanent place as life companions to divinity, or to overcome the operations of sin without divine intervention. GOD must appear among the living as active presence who initiates and completes multiple sacred tasks that include atonement, forgiveness, ending mortality, rebirth, sanctification, resurrection, and executing the second death. It is written: Genesis 6: 5-8, King James Version (KJV): 5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. 7 And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. 8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “wandering vagabond” (Level 2 with points) posted the following:

If god is good why did he send millions to a watery grave?

even if they did bad things he could have shown them the error of their ways in a peaceful way being all powerful. yet this monster god everyone loves so much drowned them all. how can you all worship such a god?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: 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.) 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. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 5: 17-21, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: From Spirit Not Mud (02/26/2019); The Existence of “Goodness”? (12/06/2018); How Did Noah Know? (10/14/2018); Why Does GOD “Repent”? (04/06/2018); Can GOD Feel Pain? (01/02/2018); Becoming Free From Sin (07/16/2017); On Law and Sin (06/07/2017)

“wandering vagabond”, mature Christian believers trust that, in addition to faith, holiness, longsuffering and lovingkindness, the goodness of immortal, incorruptible GOD also must display accountability, authority, consistency, impartiality, integrity, justice, mercy, and uncompromising wrath against sin. The operations of GOD to cleanse, heal, preserve and restore mankind are not constricted by the frameworks of time and space, or mechanical and natural law. Even so, there are multiple elements that appear relying on immutable divine laws, sacred principles, published proclamations, promise, prophecy, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Deitrick Haddon:

(1.) Ecclesiastes 9: 17-18, King James Version (KJV): 17 The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools. 18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.

(2.) Ezekiel 18: 20-24, 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? 24 But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.

(3.) Ezekiel 16: 49-50, KJV: 49 Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. 50 And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2YfMZ4_JQI.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 1:16 AM, November 21, 2019 @ https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjICar5RevJJuuiH3aKwAu3KeF3Xc_had8yzb7PLpr9GmWnZRdrYLNg-0cKh5wc0mJlrcP20KxT_kCUKN60s9jcCTu9jxHxDIPtBnjco66e-8GBEvWfn-A33xhAvRpW1TcYV0cv8NNmebDo/s1600/Burning_city.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(11/03/2019) Christian Celebration And Rejoicing

Returning Home with Victory, Washington Nationals 1^st Baseman, Ryan Zimmerman displays the 2019 World Series Trophy

Today, reply is on authentic Christian celebration. Many Christians will not celebrate Halloween and popular holidays that appear to continue fear, gluttony, idolatry, misery, rebellion, wickedness, and willfulness. Even so, Christians are committed to celebrating liberty, life, and prosperity. To acknowledge the home team winning the 2019 World Series baseball championship, the Nation’s Capitol, Washington, D. C., held a public sports rally on a Saturday (Sabbath) afternoon that was attended by thousands. Among the followers of Jesus Christ, rejoicing does not have to appear as colorful and loud social gatherings that feature eating, drinking, excitement, and carnal pleasure. Because joy is an aspect of divine fullness, where genuine joy appears, divinity always is present; and joy that also is invisible may be discerned by balance, modesty, quiet, restraint, silence, and rest. Divinely provided joy is inseparable from faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Joy will appear as the expression of gratitude and reverence to divinity through actions such as affirming accord and agreement; confessing ones own accountability, commitment, limits, needs, and infirmities; declaring the name (accomplishments; reputation), personhood, and works of divinity; displaying humility; bestowing gifts, offerings, praise, sacrifice, and worship on behalf of divinity; and yielding to GOD for reconciliation, resolution of conflict, and the settlement of disputes and quarrels. It is written: Psalms 45: 6-8, King James Version (KJV): 1 My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer. 2 Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever. 3 Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty. 4 And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things. 5 Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king’s enemies; whereby the people fall under thee. 6 Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. 7 Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. 8 All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. (1^st Peter 4: 12-14, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Divine Anger at Harvest? (05/26/2019); Sabbath Acknowledges Divine Personhood? (05/14/2018); Chocolate Bunnies! Easter Eggs! (04/18/2017); Why An Easter Season? (04/19/2017); On Wearing Sports Jerseys? (11/20/2015); Spring-training (04/11/2014); Kill the Blog Writer! (04/12/2014); Will GOD Bless My Team? (12/31/2012); Put Every Man His Sword By His Side (01/01/2013)

While Christian belief is to be firm, grave, and sober, believers are not to be dark, depressing, morbid, and scary. It is no sin, and it is not wrong to work hard, to become excellent, to be pleased with your own performance, and to seek fair and meaningful incentives, payment and wages along with correct measures of respect and support. However, many, today, pursue goals of becoming outstanding, prominent, and special on the basis of covetousness, deceit, envy, and exaggerated pride. The greater part of their lifestyle and daily routines may be devoted to accomplishing objectives, and measuring up to standards that are not shared by family, friends, and others, and that they may experience as attacks, unfair criticism, judging others, and thrusts against themselves. Ones determination, focus on personal goals, practice that results in growth, and adhering to self-discipline should provide great satisfaction, yet, lasting joy, happiness, and success will continue to be elusive. The working of appetite, desire, lust, passion, and sensuousness come and go, so to speak, and emerge as displays from ones flesh that can only be brief and episodic. Genuine joy abides, is organic (part of what and who you are), and is unending; even so, joy, may be denied, dismissed, ignored, neglected and unseen. There must be a correct acknowledgment of divinity as the origin and source of joy through endowments and operations of spirit content imparted from divine fullness. Joy shared within the Godhead may appear among men as cheerfulness; comfort during bereavement; dancing; discovery; ecstasy; forgiveness; healing of depression and melancholy; inebriation; jumping for joy; laughter; newness; receiving and speaking truth; remembering; recovery; restoration; music and song. Consider the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) Psalms 100: 1-5, King James Version (KJV): 1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. 2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. 3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

(2.) Nehemiah 8: 8-11, KJV: 8 So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading. 9 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. 10 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. 11 So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved.

(3.) Psalms 150: 1-6, KJV: 1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. 2 Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. 3 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. 4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. 5 Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. 6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, a selection from the music ministry of Donnie McClurkin (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXmOK8MpaeU.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 11:45 PM, October 31, 2019 @ https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EIPaGHtWkAAsqV0.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(09/19/2019) Are Social Media Profane?

Today, reply is on whether defilement and worldliness can be avoided when using social media and technology. Divine judgment against the world is not intended to discourage human creativity, industry, and inventiveness. The sin of Adam was not that they wanted knowledge and information, and sought to demonstrate their own capacity for making decisions and taking action. Rather, their error remains that the pair forgot GOD, and dismissed his expressions of commitment to them through divine law and divine love. Even within an Internet public forum dedicated to discussions on religion and spirituality there are writers who disparage, mock, and scorn others holding to long-honored belief systems from around the world. While many seek to make heartfelt statements that will clarify and demonstrate the depth of their own commitment and understanding, often their lack of instruction, practice, and focused study result in the further spread of disbelief, error and misinformation. It is written: John 17: 14-20, King James Version (KJV): 14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. 20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum who uses the ID “Susie Floozie” (Level 2 with 416 points, a member since June 18, 2019) posted the following:

Good morning, Christians, I have a sincere question for you. Should you avoid "worldly" things like Facebook or use them for good?

I'm in a FB war with my dad who says he "will have no part in the profane" and I asked him if the "profane" is so powerful that it prohibits his participation.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good. (Ezekiel 16: 49-50, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Watching The Science Channel? (10/17/2018); Prophets and Christian Ambassadors (08/07/2017); In Not From The World? (12/26/2014); The Right Place to Get Knowledge (02/17/2014); Arguing Against the Bible in Church? (02/18/2014); Putting GOD First? (06/02/2013); Need for A New Holy Spirit? (06/03/2013)

“Susie Floozie”, spirit substance within the sons and daughters of GOD on the earth may become defiled; even mature believers may become rendered unfit to serve. Therefore, members of the church as an embodiment of Jesus Christ are to be set apart (we say, sanctified)—even where this requires one becoming accountable to others and enduring sacrifice. Mature Christians will admonish and warn developing believers to use caution regarding all manner of things that are carnal, man-made, material, and social. Our proper focus is on becoming Christ-like, mastering our spiritual gifts, and displaying the inseparable aspects of divinity that we have received from the makeup of GOD. Included are faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. The finite products and tools of mankind themselves may become idols and the focus for awareness, emotion, and thoughts in such a way that the operations of sin will dominate ones consciousness and self-will (willpower). Such features as intellect, logic, mechanical and natural law, philosophy, science, and technology may interrupt the necessary lifestyle and daily routines vital for spiritual growth (e.g., fellowship, praise, prayer, unselfish service). Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

1. 1^st Corinthians 7: 29-31, King James Version (KJV): 29 But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; 30 And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not; 31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

2. 2^nd 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.

3. Ephesians 2: 1-9, KJV: 1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 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: 3 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. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended (for example, 4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cSwMGIhgTs&list=PLidTZOxheL6ur_E9xAPD_7FGu-n0xzuBR). Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 10:15 AM, September 18, 2019 @ https://i.pinimg.com/736x/88/3c/62/883c62ce77c4c7f58ea5854c393f6cf4.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(08/06/2019) About Our Public Displays

Today, reply is on the secrecy of fasting, giving, praise, and other practices to acknowledge divinity. The spirit of GOD within a believer must affirm and declare its own sacred origin and source. Authentic expressions of Christian devotion, gratitude, and praise are marked and recognizable through their absence of self-promotion; their respect and reverence toward divinity; and their heartfelt and genuine acknowledgment of divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

Did Jesus really say negative things about people who want to publicly show that they pray to God?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God. Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours. Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD? Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy reward. Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day: And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. (Isaiah 58: 1-11, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: According To Divine Purpose (06/09/2019); Fasting, Prayer and Sanctification (03/29/2019); How GOD Is Communicating (10/31/2018); Duties of a Christian? (03/13/2018); Using Repetition in Prayer? (02/21/2018); Giving, A Divine Discipline? (10/09/2017); Prayer in Public? (02/24/2015)

“Anonymous”, in the course of becoming full and mature members within the household of faith, developing Christian believers commit multiple errors in their practices of giving, praise, prayer, and sacrifice. Where carnal, material, secular and social concerns are uppermost, a believer is likely to perform an elaborate display to impress others that will be vain (i.e., lacking in spirit substance from the makeup of GOD). Properly understood, making gifts and offerings to GOD always are to be acts of humility and submission by a believer within a continuing personal relationship with divinity provided through divine prerogative (grace), eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. The sharing that occurs between divine fullness (we say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) and the believer is “secret” in the sense that it is otherwise hidden and unseen acknowledgment directed primarily to GOD. Exaggerated pride, showing-off, and vainglory appear as transgression and violation of divine law in the same way as conduct that is not according to faith, and as foolishness. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Isaiah 42: 1-3, King James Version (KJV): 1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. 2 He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. 3 A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.

2. Matthew 6: 5-8, KJV: 5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 3. Matthew 6: 16-21, KJV: 16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; 18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. 19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 11:53 AM, August 05, 2019 @ https://i2.wp.com/ldssotd.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Matthew-6.3-4.png?fit=940%2C788&ssl=1&resize=848%2C400

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(06/30/2019) The Requirements for Relationship

Christ and Nicodemus

Today, reply is that the full presentation of Jesus Christ in the Scriptures to proclaim his work as the architect of salvation, chief shepherd, redeemer, and savior also must proclaim his work as divine avenger, high priest, sacred judge, and executioner in final judgment. Christ will speak with lawful authority, sacred knowledge, inarguable wisdom, and vision that reveals the content of eternity. The full transformation of mankind to exist as an immortal, incorruptible companion to the divine fullness (i.e., the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) requires that the living receive a fresh endowment of life essence (breath; spirit; word) imparted from Deity. Through the ministries of Christ on earth and from heaven, those who are “born again” are granted opportunities to “grow up again” and become mature/ripe for harvest as the offspring of GOD, joint heirs with Christ, and the new creation. It is written: John 3: 11-13, King James Version (KJV): 11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. 12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? 13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shown) posted the following:

Did Jesus of Nazareth talk arrogantly?

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. (John 15:5-6 NIV)

Update: Arrogantly: characterized by or proceeding from arrogance, or a sense of superiority, self-importance, or entitlement: (www.dictionary.com)

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it. 10 For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine. 11 And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible. I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir. Therefore I will shake the heavens, and the earth shall remove out of her place, in the wrath of the LORD of hosts, and in the day of his fierce anger. (Isaiah 13: 9-13, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Character of GOD (06/27/2019); Tested By Secular People (06/05/2019); Baptism Is Not DIY (05/28/2019); What Divine Salvation Requires (05/15/2018); Firstborn Of Every Creature (05/09/2018); Redemption Through Ordinary Flesh? (04/20/2017); The Firstborn of GOD (01/02/2017); A Personal Relationship? (04/03/2014); GOD Everywhere? (04/04/2014)

“Anonymous”, Christ is most to be recognized among men through his acknowledgment of the Father along with his obedience, respect, and reverence. Redemption and salvation from sin are secured by mankind having an eternal and unbreakable relationship with divinity, who has appeared on the earth as Jesus Christ using the forms and process of human flesh (we say, the Incarnation). The character, makeup imparted from GOD, and divine fullness of Christ must be discerned and recognized through such elements as the operations of divine law, sacred promise, prophecy, unselfish service, and suffering. Inseparable aspects of divinity must appear within Christ as both the Son of Man and Son of GOD that include balance, the distance and impartiality that establish authority as authentic, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Christ is also to be recognized in the absence of brawling, cheap talk, covetousness, deceit, envy, politics, self-promotion, slander, and violence. Consider again the following from the Bible:

1. Psalms 40: 4-8, King James Version (KJV): 4 Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. 5 Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. 6 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required. 7 Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, 8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.

2. Isaiah 28: 14-19, KJV: 14 Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem. 15 Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves: 16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. 17 Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place. 18 And your covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with hell shall not stand; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then ye shall be trodden down by it. 19 From the time that it goeth forth it shall take you: for morning by morning shall it pass over, by day and by night: and it shall be a vexation only to understand the report.

3. John 7: 16-18, KJV: 16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. 17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. 18 He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.

4. 2^nd John 1: 7-10, KJV: 7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. 8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. 9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 5. John 7: 37-46, KJV: 37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) 40 Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet. 41 Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee? 42 Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was? 43 So there was a division among the people because of him. 44 And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him. 45 Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him? 46 The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 2:58 AM, June 30, 2019 @ https://image.slidesharecdn.com/lent2-questioninggod-140310070456-phpapp02/95/lent-2-questioning-god-12-638.jpg?cb=1394435214

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(01/08/2019) Ungodly Pride Is Sin

Today, reply is on pride and self-government that violate sacred law. The ingredients and makeup of ungodly pride include covetousness, envy, immaturity, perverted judgment, presumption, self-promotion, being shameless, selfishness, and love of vainglory. Even so, in the same way ungodly pride is seen in those who exalt themselves above others, ungodly pride is to be recognized in those who deny their own value, who repeatedly voice self-condemnation, and who express lack of faith refusing to acknowledge the gift of divine salvation—that GOD so loved the world—also applies to themselves. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality public forum using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

How can pride be classed as sin?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: As I live, saith the Lord GOD, Sodom thy sister hath not done, she nor her daughters, as thou hast done, thou and thy daughters. Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good. (Ezekiel 16: 48-50, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Ego, Pride and Self-awareness (12/31/2018); Holy Boldness and Humility (10/04/2018); “Only GOD Can Judge”? (02/28/2017); The Gift of Humility (02/19/2017); Presumption, Pride and Sin? (11/24/2015); Humility Needed for Salvation? (08/15/2014); False Angels of Light? (08/16/2014); The Sin of Pride? (08/13/2014); Judged For Acts and Thoughts? (08/14/2014)

“Anonymous”, developing Christian believers experience spiritual confusion and the operations of sin whenever they mistakenly acknowledge arrogance, haughtiness, narcissism, and self-centeredness as though they are the same as true self-esteem, self-regard, self-respect, and sovereign authority. Godliness and integrity of ones personhood are essential for the continuing communication, exchange, and interaction that are vital to having a personal relationship with divinity (we say, the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). Christian believers are to present the image of GOD (we also say, Christ-likeness), and to display the inseparable aspects of divine fullness. Included are faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

All sin opposes the continued existence of sacred law, of the Lawgiver, and of divine order throughout Creation. Sin has not been created by divinity, and contains no life essence (i.e., breath; spirit; word) or substance imparted from the makeup of GOD. Yet, sin may dominate awareness and self-will within created beings and living creatures. Sin promotes self-destruction, nonexistence, and the restoration of conditions in place before the founding of heaven and earth (i.e., preexistence; continual movement and streaming with the absence of direction and purpose). It is in this sense that pride transgresses divine law: The workings of desire, lust, and passion can generate a false sense of power and possibilities as though the divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and sovereign will of GOD could be annulled, canceled, or dismissed by those who have been put forth from divinity.

Those who practice exaggerated pride exalt themselves within their own feelings and thoughts, and judge themselves as above others. They overthrow divine judgment, and usurp the office of the one appointed as judge. Such sinners deny the abilities, contributions, worth, and value of others. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible responding to questions that include exercising proper authority over oneself and the eating of things offered to idols:

1. Proverbs 21: 30, King James Version (KJV): 30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

2. Proverbs 24: 8-9, KJV: 8 He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous person. 9 The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.

3. Proverbs 28: 8-10, KJV: 8 He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor. 9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination. 10 Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. Romans 8: 3-9, KJV: 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 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