(05/29/2018) Blessed In Our Deeds

Today, the reply explains that blessing and relationship with GOD require that the living be active and not passive.  It is a sin and a serious error among followers of Jesus Christ to think that our greatest need is money, and not that we become truly Christ-like.  The process of GOD as our Creator is one both to become known, and come to know the full potential and possibilities of the created.  Human means and resources (e.g., manpower, money, secular knowledge) are to be used to address human needs and problems, rather than seeking to call forth sacred events (i.e., miracles), sacred knowledge, and returning to GOD his own divine answer in place of one that puts forth godly humanity.  Thus, the process of GOD for mankind includes discovery, duty, expectation (we say, hope), gradual growth, learning, unselfish service, waiting, and works.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum using the ID “Sebastijan” (Level 6 with 13,019 points, a member since February 16, 2016) posted the following:


Why exactly does the church need money?

"And whatever you ask in prayer, you will recieve, if you have faith."
So why would the church need money from its congregation when they could simply pray and receive anything they need?
Or does god not grant their prayers because they don't have enough faith? If that case, what is the point of the church in the first place?
Update: *In that case


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.  (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee:  behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)   Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:  But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,  In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;  By pureness, by knowledge, by long suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,  By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,  By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report:  as deceivers, and yet true;  As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;  As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.  (2nd Corinthians 6:  1-10, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  A Parable That Exhorts (05/28/2018); Not A Financial Transaction (01/28/2018); Giving, A Divine Discipline? (10/09/2017); Fundraising A Sacred Practice? (01/01/2017); Actions Make Divine Essence Visible? (12/18/2015); Sacrificial Relationship? (10/23/2013); Relationship by Unselfish Giving? (10/24/2013); How Do I Repent? (05/16/2013); The “Jesus Way”? (05/17/2013)


“Sebastijan”, mankind was created to exist as a life companion, an instrument for performing the divine will, and a vessel containing divine substance along with GOD who is immortal and incorruptible.  Man is to operate in the divine presence displaying accountability, balance, obedience, responsibility, respect, stability, trust, and truth.  Relationships between the Creator and the created beings and living creatures of the earth all are ordered and structured in accordance with the fact that divine fullness (we say, the GODhead; the Trinity; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) exists as an active presence (we say, breath, spirit, word) who has put forth existence, life, and the material universe.  GOD makes divinity knowable, known, accessible and approachable by using elements that include divine prerogative; specific eternal purposes; expressions and imperatives of sovereign will (we say, divine law); recurring patterns for communication, exchange and interaction (we say, mechanical, natural, and interpersonal or social laws); fresh endowments of spirit substance that may be imparted from the makeup of GOD (e.g., faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, righteousness, wisdom, wrath against sin) as well as the multiple levels of consciousness, maturity, and self-will that may appear within the living.  Mankind is to operate displaying integrity as a living entity who is independent and separate from the Creator; who is not an equal or peer to the Creator, yet, may exercise authority, autonomy, choice, self-direction, and self-expression similar to that of the Creator; and who displays self-government while acknowledging being under the government of GOD.

The GOD of Creation is also a GOD of judgment.  Creation as a process of forming and establishing new objects, procedures, and standards entails the continual assessment, examination, monitor, and review of multiple inputs, operations, and outcomes for the living and their spheres of life (environments).  Additionally, there is divine judgment to determine the content, duration, quality, value and utility for all that has been put forth.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Psalms 115:  15-16, King James Version (KJV):  15 Ye are blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth.  16 The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD’s:  but the earth hath he given to the children of men.

(2.)  Isaiah 45:  18-19, KJV:  18 For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited:  I am the LORD; and there is none else.  19 I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth:  I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain:  I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right.

(3.)  Romans 6:  11-16, KJV:  11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.  12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.  13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin:  but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.  14 For sin shall not have dominion over you:  for ye are not under the law, but under grace.  15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.  16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  James 1:  22-25, KJV:  22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.  23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:  24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.  25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/28/2018) A Parable That Exhorts

Today, the reply highlights an epistle to the Hebrew believers within the early Christian church and a parable shared by Jesus Christ to describe the lawfulness of his authority, his priesthood, and that for the kingdom of GOD.  The greater importance of practical action to language and speech seems to have been in the view of the person posing the question.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum who uses the ID “?” (Level 1 with 85 points, a member since May 27, 2018) posted the following:


Is there a parable about better to do well than to say well?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:   Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught.  And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?  Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.  If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.  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.  (John 7:  14-18, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Did The Prophets Know? (05/23/2018); Obstacles To Developing Believers (07/24/2017); Tools For Knowing Divinity (05/12/2017); The Testimony From Jesus (08/05/2016); Using Parables to Obscure the Gospel? (05/29/2015); Parables About the Kingdom? (05/02/2014);  Loving Someone Unseen? (05/03/2014)


“?” both an epistle to counsel the Jewish believers who had become part of the early church, and a parable spoken by Jesus Christ himself immediately come into my thoughts; and were I to do a thorough study, I would look also among the proverbs (e.g., Ecclesiastes 5:  1-7, KJV).  Even so, consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Matthew 21:  28-32, King James Version (KJV):  28 But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to-day in my vineyard.  29 He answered and said, I will not:  but afterward he repented, and went.  30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir:  and went not.  31 Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.  32 For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not:  but the publicans and the harlots believed him:  and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.

(2.)  James 2:  14-19, KJV:  14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?  15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,  16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?  17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.  18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works:  shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.  19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well:  the devils also believe, and tremble.  20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

(3.)  James 1:  17-27, KJV:  17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.  18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.  19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:  20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.  21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.  22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.  23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:  24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.  25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.  26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.  27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Matthew 21:  33-44, KJV:  33 Hear another parable:  There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country:  34 And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it.  35 And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another.  36 Again, he sent other servants more than the first:  and they did unto them likewise.  37 But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.  38 But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.  39 And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him.  40 When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen?  41 They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.  42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner:  this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?  43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.  44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken:  but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(02/12/2016) Belief, Content And Works?

The value and weight in divine judgment for ones belief, sacred content, and works (actions) are in view, today.  Because the sacred quality of a person’s character and nature determines the sacred quality of their deeds and works, the focus in final assessment may be described as three-fold.  Even so, correctly understood, the outcomes of judgment depend most upon grace, sacred love, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, revealed truth, and sovereign mercy.  Acts of finite human effort and self will are not the foundation for eternal acceptance and everlasting approval.  Along with belief, commitment, obedience, repentance, and willing submission must become recognizable as expressions from the imparted Spirit of GOD.  Consider how this is stated in the language of the Scriptures as well as the presentation below:

Exodus 33:  18-19, King James Version (KJV):  18 And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory.  19 And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.

John 1:  10-14, KJV:  10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.  11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.  12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:  13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.  14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Ephesians 2:  8-9, KJV:  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.

Ephesians 2:  4-6, KJV:  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:

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.

Romans 5:  1-2, KJV:  1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:  2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Connie” (Level with points, a member since ) posted the following:


Does Christianity credits what you believe far above what you do?


THE GOLDEN ARROW: The LORD killeth, and maketh alive:  he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.  The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.  He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory:  for the pillars of the earth are the LORD’s, and he hath set the world upon them.  He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.  The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them:  the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.  (1st Samuel 2:  6-10, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  More On Divine Justification (02/08/2016); Not Through Human Will? (01/29/2016); The Origin of Sin? (07/31/2015); Law in Christian Belief? (09/03/2013); A Need to Know? (09/04/2013); The Focus of Judgment? (12/09/2012); His Burden is Light? (12/10/2012); A Golden Ticket? (11/30/2012); And This Was Good News (12/01/2012)


“Connie”, I trust my understanding of divine judgment has come to me from Jesus Christ, and is as unfamiliar and unpopular for many believers today as were his teachings among the followers of tradition in ancient Israel.  Personal relationship with the Creator and Maker for created beings and living creatures may only be through such sacred devices as atonement, confession, covenant, duty, promise, prophecy, resurrection, revelation, sanctification, service, and suffering.  There are multiple hidden connections among “active presence,” existence, life, and directed will.

For those in flesh, what we “do” may emerge primarily from appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, sexual cravings), sense experience (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching), or operations of emotions/mind (e.g., anger, fantasy, fear, guilt, imagination, recall).  Also, we may be directed by our inner spirit substance from the makeup of GOD that was first breathed into Adam as the “breath of life” (we also may say, life essence, spark of life, spirit, word), and is refreshed and renewed through Jesus Christ. 

On one level, divine judgment is the application of divine law to resolve conflicts and settle all disputes.  In addition, divine acknowledgment of what and who we are will be established through assessments of our sacred substance as it has appeared within our attitudes, behavior and conduct.  Divine law is a standard for measuring actions and events, however, unseen elements also must be accounted for such as comprehension, consequences, and intent. 
For any to continue as immortal, incorruptible living companions to divinity, the inseparable aspects of consecrated character, nature, and person must appear.  Included are faith, forgiveness, holiness, humility, longsuffering, love, mercy, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, neither Christ nor Satan will physically appear in judgment to accuse mankind.  (Satan will be cast into the Lake of Fire before full final judgment is completed.)  All will be examined through the record of their own deeds that is preserved within heaven through the Book of Life.  The present salvation that includes atonement through the blood of Jesus, and fellowship with GOD through the Holy Spirit (we also say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth), is preparing those upon the earth to be those who are ripe for harvest, and will be gathered by Christ at his Advent (Second Coming).  The presently ongoing transformation will be completed as both the quick and the dead that are his will be taken up to meet him in the air.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/18/2015) Actions Make Divine Essence Visible?

Today, Scripture points are shared in reply to a question on doing the will of GOD.  All that exists is an expression of divine will, and a putting forth of eternal Deity.  However, all the things of GOD are not in keeping with the affairs of mankind upon the earth as carnal, material, and social beings.  To be in the most complete and correct relationship with the Creator, there must be divine substance; and the living must apply sacred knowledge and conform to standards that have been generated by divinity.  Such finite tools as intellect, logic, philosophy, and science are not sufficient to eliminate sin that may dominate awareness and self-will in the created.  Readers are encouraged to recall again the following from the Bible, and the discussion below:  Micah 6:  6-9, King James Version (KJV):  6 Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old?  7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?  8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?  9 The LORD’s voice crieth unto the city, and the man of wisdom shall see thy name:  hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it.  Also, John 6:  38-40, KJV:  38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.  39 And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.  40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life:  and I will raise him up at the last day.  Hebrews 13:  20-21, KJV:  20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,  21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Kristofferson” (Level 1 with 67 points, a member since January 23, 2015) posted the following:


What is the will of God?

 Jesus said that not everyone who professes him with words will enter the Kingdom, but those who actually do the will of God. So it's not about saying, it's about doing. 

 What specifically does it mean, being a preacher? Doing charity work? Going on missionary journeys? Fighting the Illuminati? Is there a general thing to do like mimicking Jesus or Paul's works? Or is there a specific thing to do for each individual's life? What's the bible say?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:  For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.  Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.  But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.  For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:  For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.  But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.  (James 1:  19-25, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  All Sin Is Willful? (10/20/2015); Finite Will, Self-will and Sin? (06/01/2015); Flammable? (05/25/2015); The Philosophy of Free Will? (04/08/2014); Freewill is Finite (06/30/2013); GOD Intervenes? (07/01/2013); No Free Will (10/19/2010); Speaking of GOD (10/20/2010)


“Kristofferson”, Christian believers generally agree that the will of GOD appears and is made visible to created beings and living creatures through existence, form, divine law, the active presence of Deity, eternal purpose, and sovereign utterance.  The character and nature that generate expression, exchange, and interaction among and within the living has been put forth by divinity; and has been deposited or imparted to all life forms (e.g., angels, animals, birds, insects, mankind, sacred beasts of heaven) as awareness, independence (we say, completeness; identity; integrity of being), and self-will.  Only GOD is eternal, immortal, immutable, and omnipotent.  Ones spirit (we also say, breath, life essence, spark of life, word) is most correctly acknowledged, made known, and revealed through action and response that may alter, destroy, direct, preserve and otherwise respond to themselves, their environment, and objects within their spheres of life.  To carry out or perform the will of GOD is to manifest and “prove” divine being (i.e., demonstrate; be evidence of; present the divine “image”; serve as a form and vessel for incarnation of sacred Spirit).  Consider again the following verses from the holy writings:

(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.)  John 7:  17, KJV:  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.

(3.)  Leviticus 20:  6-8, KJV:  6 And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.  7 Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy:  for I am the LORD your God.  8 And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them:  I am the LORD which sanctify you.

(4.)  Romans 12:  1-2, KJV:  1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  2 And be not conformed to this world:  but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

(5.)  1st Peter 2:  13-16, KJV:  13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake:  whether it be to the king, as supreme;  14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.  15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:  16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.

(6.)  1st Peter 3:  17-18, KJV:  17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.  18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

There are many other verses that should be carefully considered, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (7.)  1st Thessalonians 4:  1-5, KJV:  1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.  2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.  3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:  4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;  5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:) )  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(08/15/2014) Humility Needed for Salvation?

Humility and recognition of ones salvation are topics, today.  Also, there is more on judgment of actions and thoughts.  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using ID “Lynnmarie” (Level 7 with 69,328 points, a member since May 17, 2009) posted the following:


Do people realize that humility is necessary for salvation? 

Update : But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise . . . the weak things . . . and base . . . and despised . . .
(See 1 Corinthians 1:27, 28)

We are all either weak, foolish, base or despised at some point in our lives. Some of us are all of those things.


THE BATTLE AXE:  Judged For Acts and Thoughts? (08/14/2014)—(5.)  Those in covenant with divinity are commanded to acknowledge and love GOD even with their mind, and to the point of not speaking their own words.  The believer is to maintain alertness, consistency, balance and discipline to correctly display the presence of godly spirit.  Expressions of anger, fear, sorrow and other emotions are to be controlled and managed through self-will in submission to the imparted Spirit from GOD.  See again Amos 2:  3, Isaiah 58:  13, 2nd Timothy 1:  7, Luke 10:  25-28, James 1:  19-20, Ephesians 4:  26 and Romans 12:  2, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?  And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,  And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.  Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  (Matthew 18:  1-4, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Sanctify Yourselves? (06/26/2014); Inheriting the Kingdom? (06/27/2014); Fear & GOD? (12/30/2013); Continuously Tested (12/31/2013); Life Choices (12/14/2013); That Mortal Children Die? (12/15/2013); A Need to Fear? (12/02/2012); On Seeing Jesus Serve the Poor (12/03/2012)


“Lynnmarie”, with the understanding that salvation is a divine operation, (established and carried out by divinity in the same way as Creation, Resurrection, and Final Judgment), here are a few points you may find useful as you continue and complete learning on this subject:

(1.)  Humility is an aspect of the eternal, unchanging makeup of GOD along with other inseparable divine content such as faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Believers have to acquire humility from GOD through baptism (i.e., cleansing and purification by death of ones inborn spirit, and rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak).

(2.)  Christian humility is expressed as awe (we say, “fear of the Lord,” discernment of spirit), reverence, and worship.  In the same way self-esteem and self-respect are very different from haughtiness and pride, with humility a very different tone and quality appear than what we find with self-condemnation, self-deprecation, self-destruction, self-justification, and self-promotion.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  Like courtesy, etiquette, and good manners, humility is important to establishing and maintaining communication, exchange and productive relationship.  Believers do not show politeness when acknowledging GOD in prayer and worship, and when ministering to one another, in order to impress, influence or manipulate the judgment of GOD.  A fullness of one being, heart and mind are expressed including acceptance, gratitude, sacred knowledge, maturity, strength, surrender, and understanding.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(08/14/2014) Judged For Acts and Thoughts?

Today, points are shared on whether actions we commit and actions we only image in our thoughts have equal weight within divine judgment.  Also, there is more on the sin of pride.  The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Madyson” (Level 1 with 133 points, a member since December 24, 2013) posted the following:


Christians, why does Jesus say that if you're angry with one another, you've already committed murder? 

I KNOW thoughts and actions are different, but the difference between us and let's say, a murderer is that we never ACT on it. Doesn't that matter to Jesus? I'm not asking out of frustration or arrogance, just curious.


THE BATTLE AXE:  The Sin of Pride? (08/13/2014)—(5.)  Through the holy writings, divine judgment has been revealed as opposed to such features as cowardice, dishonor, idolatry, ignorance of sacred knowledge, lack of eternal purpose, presumption, pride, selfishness, sin, uncleanness, and wickedness.  Access to GOD is through awe, humility,  reverence, and yielding not by arrogance, contentiousness, haughtiness, and self-promotion.  See 1st Samuel 16:  4-12, Psalms 25:  11-13, Proverbs 21:  3-4, Romans 1:  20-32, 2nd Timothy 3:  1-5 and Revelation 21:  7-8, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law:  that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.  Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight:  for by the law is the knowledge of sin.  But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;  Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe:  for there is no difference:  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;  Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:  Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;  To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness:  that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.  Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay:  but by the law of faith.  Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.  (Romans 3:  19-28, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Sin in Mind not Deed? (01/06/2014);  Resisting Sin (12/21/2013); When People Covet (12/22/2013); We Shall Behold Him (10/17/2013); Angels, Law and Sin (10/18/2013); A Tree Falls To The South (07/13/2013); Jesus and the Pharisees (07/14/2013)


“Madyson”, within the process of divine judgment many subtleties (barely visible details; hidden shifts in meaning and value) appear that are not routinely recognized to exist by created beings and living creatures.  Through the teachings from Jesus Christ, many lessons on judgment are supplied as an aspect of divine revelation, whereby the living further are made aware of the character and nature of divinity.  Please consider the following points:

(1.)  The immediate or precipitating content and origin of a person’s actions may be their emotions (we say, feelings) and thoughts.  Therefore, a complete and thorough judgment of human events may require detailed examination and scrutiny of unseen contributors to action such as emotional, mental, psychological, and social influences.

(2.)  In addition to the sanctions and formal statements of divine law, when seeking to confirm a person’s actions as appropriate, beneficial, correct, and within reason, patterns in self-expression and self-will also must come into view such as attitudes, desire, goals, habits, inclinations, intent, and motive.

(3.)  More than upon a person’s humor (i.e., attitudes, dispositions, frame of mind, moods) and physical displays (i.e., behavior conduct, works) divine judgment centers upon identifying the makeup and sacred substance from GOD that must reside within the living.  GOD is a spirit who has put forth all that exists including carnal and material beings.  Divine content from the makeup of GOD should appear within the living, that allows them to display aspects of godly character, divine power, and sacred purpose.  Included are faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, love, righteousness, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Jesus cautioned his critics who complained that the Savior and his disciples violated long-held customs and traditions such as washing ones hands before a meal by explaining that one may not be truly defiled by contact with material things outside of themselves.  One is made unclean or unfit to serve GOD by their inward spirit, for it is a defiled spirit that produces blasphemy, idolatry, murder and other crimes against GOD (we say, sin).  Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, of GOD as lawgiver, and of Creation that depends upon law for divine order.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/06/2014) Sin in Mind not Deed?

Whether we commit sin just by thinking certain thoughts is the topic, today.  Also, there is more on how life and salvation are through contributions both divine and human.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “to be or not to be” (Level 5 with 5,482 points, a member since May 03, 2012) posted the following:


Can something that happens only in your mind constitute a sin?

You don’t do it. Its not actually happening. You’re just thinking.


THE BATTLE AXE:  GOD Does the Divine Part (01/05/2014)—While the divine intent is that mortal man be permanently changed and transformed to exist as immortal and incorruptible, none are automatically condemned or destroyed for merely being human and having to face the many challenges and weaknesses that come by life in the flesh.  Correctly acknowledging the grace of GOD (some say, divine love), and embracing the provisions through Jesus Christ, believers receive additional spirit content that allows sinners and those falling short of divine standards to overcome many trials, and willingly prepare themselves for the further operation of GOD through the Holy Spirit.  New knowledge must be acquired, new relationships must be explored and experienced, new habits and practices must be taken up and continued as ones own personal intent and sacred goals.  Jesus Christ has demonstrated that flesh and Spirit combine to form a “new creature” and a new Creation within the universe of GOD.  Salvation itself is completely prepared and completed as the act of GOD; and it is completely up to the believer when, where, with what words of praise and thanksgiving, or how they will submit themselves to be sealed, or acknowledge and express gratitude to GOD for their deliverance.  See 2nd Corinthians 5:  17, 2nd Corinthians 9:  15, Romans 6:  1-14, Romans 7:  18-25 and Revelation 21:  5, King James Version.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.  Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:  But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment:  and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council:  but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.  Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;  Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.  Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.  Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.  Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:  But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.  (Matthew 5:  20-28, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  A Discerner of the Thoughts and Intents (10/28/2013); We Shall Behold Him (10/17/2013); Angels, Law and Sin (10/18/2013); Jesus and the Pharisees (07/14/2013); Heart, Brain or Spirit? (10/09/2013); How Could Angels Fall? (07/15/2013)


“to be or not to be”, things that happen in the mind may constitute pleasure, and may become habit, idols, and obstacles to praising GOD (see Ephesians 2:  1-8, KJV).  Here are a few points Christian believers are encouraged to keep in mind:

(1.)  Like the heart (we say, feelings, imagination) the mind is a peculiar opening where things from outside a person may enter, and become a continuing aspect of their character and personality.  More than this, the content of ones heart and mind may alter and influence the content of their spirit.  Many cautions and warnings are therefore provided in the Scriptures to the sons of the king and future rulers that acknowledge the unseen connections that produce behavior and conduct.  Consider again, As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he; and evil things come from within and defile a man (Proverbs 23:  6-7; Mark 7:  14-23, KJV.)

(2.)  Jesus did not introduce a new commandment condemning adultery; however, he taught that believers should practice keeping that and other laws with a greater commitment to, and understanding of righteousness.  When a man deliberately focuses upon a woman as an expression of lust and passion, this is that form of sin called “iniquity”.  Furthermore, sexual joining is not simply a physical act, it is also emotional, psychological and spiritual.  Thus, just as true love may be expressed, fornication may occur with an act as simple as holding hands.  (Matthew 5:  28, KJV)

(3.)  In the same way we are held accountable for the expression of anger and other feelings displayed as products of self-will, all must answer in judgment to other aspects of their inner content as created beings and living creatures.  A defining endowment of breath from GOD (we say, spirit that makes us what we are; the breath of life) absolutely must remain recognizable and visible to GOD.  (See Proverbs 16:  32;  Proverbs 25:  28 and Psalms 19:  12-14, KJV.)

There is far more to be said, properly shared, and spiritually understood.  (For example (4.)  Divine judgment does center upon behavior and conduct recorded in the books of life, yet, the actual focus is ones spirit content.  There is no need that the devil or any other figure appear to accuse the sinner; all are judged by the record of their own deeds.  In the same way blood is a container that carries and transfers life essence (we say, sprit) and is not itself the “spark of life,” actions are the vessels that convey consciousness of divinity, sacred intent, and eternal purpose.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.  Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity:  and let me not eat of their dainties.  (Psalms 141:  3-4, KJV)

THE BLACK PHOENIX
 Washington, DC

(10/28/2013) A Discerner of the Thoughts and Intents

Continuing the Scriptures on Scripture format, discernment, judgment and recognizing spirit content in action and speech are in view, today.

SOME THOUGHTS ON

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


Genesis 2:  7 (KJV)  7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.


Genesis 6:  5-6 (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.


1st Chronicles 28:  9 (KJV)  9 And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind:  for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts:  if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.


Psalms 10:  4-7 (KJV)  4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God:  God is not in all his thoughts.  5 His ways are always grievous; thy judgments are far above out of his sight:  as for all his enemies, he puffeth at them.  6 He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved:  for I shall never be in adversity.  7 His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud:  under his tongue is mischief and vanity.


Ecclesiastes 8:  11 (KJV)  11 Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.


Psalm 40:  4-6 (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.


Psalms 94:  16-23 (KJV)  16 Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?  17 Unless the LORD had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence.  18 When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up.  19 In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.  20 Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law?  21 They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous, and condemn the innocent blood.  22 But the LORD is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge.  23 And he shall bring upon them their own iniquity, and shall cut them off in their own wickedness; yea, the LORD our God shall cut them off.


Psalms 139:  14-20 (KJV)  14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.  15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.  16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.  17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!  18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.  19 Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God:  depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.  20 For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.


Isaiah 55:  6-13 (KJV)  6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:  7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts:  and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.  8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.  9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.  10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:  11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth:  it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.  12 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.  13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree:  and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.


Matthew 12:  24-26 (KJV)  24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.  25 And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:  26 And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?


Revelation 19:  11-16 (KJV)  11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.  12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.  13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood:  and his name is called The Word of God.  14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.  15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations:  and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.  16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.


There is far more to be said, correctly shared, and spiritually understood.  Readers are encouraged to share Scriptures they feel should be added in the Comments area (see the example, below).  I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.  Jesus is coming.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/17/2013) We Shall Behold Him

Today, the focus is on how to shake off destructive thoughts and negative feelings.  Also, there is more about Sabbath.  A  writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “dr. abeda” (Level 1 with 98 points, a member since September 4, 2011) posted the following:


Why is my GOD angry on me?

i dont know.but i feel like my God is angry on me. whatever i try do...i fail to do it. when there is a chance of luck, it becomes unlucky. i have lost all my hope...i am doomed. is there anything i can do to satisfy my GOD?


THE BATTLE AXE:  About Sabbath (10/16/2013)—(5.)  For Moses and those who left Egypt with him, Sabbath pertained to covenant, sanctification and being transformed to be a peculiar people of GOD.  In addition to the weekly Sabbath and sabbaths of years, there were also sabbaths of holy convocation and observance spoken of as “high Sabbath” (i.e., where periods celebrating an annual feast would also include Sabbath).  In the same way fasting is not the same as voluntarily missing or skipping a meal, observing Sabbath is more than simply lazing about the house, refusing to do manual labor, and taking the day off.  See Exodus 31:  13, Isaiah 56:  3-5, Ezekiel 20:  11-13 and John 19:  31, King James Version.  (6.)  As a sacred event, the Sabbath continues the presence of GOD in the earth and in heaven.  Many today think that the Sabbath is a time for family bonding, fund raising for various charities, good works, home life, personal recreation, or volunteer service.  However, the people of GOD are not to look to mankind and society at large for their health, their highest hopes, their prosperity, their safety, or their sacred rest.  The break from daily routine that mankind requires must do more than simply refresh the mind and physical body.  Through operations of the Holy Spirit appearing as Scripture and as Sabbath, divine spirit content within the believer is enhanced and replenished.  (See Exodus 19:  5, Deuteronomy 14:  2, Matthew 12:  11-12, Colossians 2:  16, Titus 2:  14 and 1st Peter 2:  9, KJV.)


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place:  For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again:  but the wicked shall fall into mischief.  (Proverbs 24:  15-16, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Come As You Are? (06/29/2013); Freewill is Finite (06/30/2013); Feeling Loved By GOD? (06/16/2013); To Find A True Christian? (06/17/2013); Faith for Facing Tragedy? (06/04/2013); Words Spoken by GOD? (06/05/2013); Scripture at Funerals? (04/30/2013); Why Jesus Authored No Books (05/01/2013)


“dr. abeda”, here are a few points important to Christian belief that you should find useful:

(1.)  The joy of the Lord is our strength only where we will acknowledge its presence, and allow it to fill our awareness.  Bad feelings may be triggered by bad thoughts in the same way bad thoughts are triggered by bad feelings.  To change and control our feelings we often must change and control the focus of our thoughts by changing our actions.  This is true regarding anger, depression, fear, guilt, and shame.  Instead of complaining, confrontations, moaning and groaning, fighting or self-destruction, Christian believers are to “get busy” with the things of fellowship, praise, service, study, and worship.

(2.)  What we do as humans is always a matter of what we choose, even though there may be intense outside conditions that influence our inner choice.  From my point of view, your situation is not as bad as you may think.  However, what we see is determined mostly by where we turn and fix our gaze.  The fact you took the time to pose a question here, expecting some kind of a response you might could use, says, you have not lost all hope; and you still have many ideas and options to explore.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (3.)  GOD is angry with the wicked every day.  Wrath against sin is a permanent aspect of Divine Person, for sin opposes the existence of sacred law, of the Law Giver, and of all Creation.  Divine wrath is inseparable from other aspects of divinity such as love, faith, holiness, truthfulness and wisdom.  There is balance within the Almighty that makes it possible for created beings and living creatures to continue to receive benefit and blessing despite the presence of sin among us.  Knowing we ourselves are not deliberately pursuing sin to defy and deny our GOD, we embrace the assurances of our salvation through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Life continues having many challenges, obstacles, and suffering.  Nonetheless, our focus can be upon the sure promises of GOD, and the present gifts among us that are an earnest of the Spirit (we say, first installment, down payment.)  I trust this fragment will be useful.  Even so, be it unto you according to your faith.  The time of our Savior’s coming is nearer than before.  Rejoice.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/16/2013) How Do I Repent?

      Actions, feelings, and repentance are topics, today. Also, there is more on the church as “a bride,” and the “same sex” nature of Christian commitment. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Fly” (Level 1 with 120 points, a member since January 12, 2013) posted the following:


Christians please help?

How do I repent?

I know I have to feel sorry for my sins. I am very confused about my feelings, but I dont think I am truly sorry for my sins. I want to be sorry, and I want to truly repent for it. How do I do it? Since being sorry is a feeling, is it even possible to control my feelings?

But there’s one thing for sure – I am willing to change my ways and stop sinning (try my best), and obey God’s commandments. I just want to be real sorry (Godly sorrow). I really want to repent and receive forgiveness for my sins.

Please help me!


THE BATTLE AXE: The Church as a Bride? (05/15/2013)—(5.) Both ones awareness of GOD, and ones self-awareness must change for there to be acceptance of ones own existence as created by GOD, and to embrace the possibilities for relationship with the Creator established through the ministry of Jesus Christ. The complex changes that must occur include a person acquiring new knowledge (we say, learning), and eliminating earlier knowledge (we say, un-learning) at the same time. The believer must come to know the “person” of GOD as expressed in covenants, judgments, sacred operations, praises, promises, and eternal purposes. See Exodus 19: 4-6, Deuteronomy 14: 1-2 and 1st Peter 2: 1-10, KJV. (6.) The truths that center upon carnal being, the conflicts between flesh and spirit, and the management of human sexual appetite are not canceled and denied by the ministry of Jesus Christ as redeemer, savior, and Risen Lord. All who come to Christ must submit to change whereby all belief, conduct and relationships become visible in the light of divine person, and sacred purpose. It is not that believers feel no desire for adultery, casual sex, premarital sex, same sex experience, sexual fantasies, or other emotional, physical and psychological adventures. It is because, in our humanity, we do; and we humble ourselves to GOD for balance, change, correction, growth, insight, maturity, rebirth and sanctification. (7.) New Jerusalem is the gathering place where all believers will abide; and is called “the Holy City” and “the Bride of Christ.” Correctly understood, this is not a reference to some physical location that may be identified on the earth or in the heavens by using the frameworks of time and space so much as to the continuity, permanence and spirit-being of all who will continue to exist within the eternal sphere of divine person. See Exodus 23: 20, John 14: 1-3, Matthew 25: 31-46 and Isaiah 57: 15, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW: For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (Titus 2: 11-14, King James Version)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Repentance Must Come Before Resurrection (04/27/2013); Destroyed in Noah’s Flood? (04/28/2013); When Jesus Comes Back? (04/19/2013); How to Love GOD? (03/24/2013); His Burden is Light (12/10/2012); How to Have Conviction (11/24/2012); A Text for Lives Today? (11/25/2012); Knowing Who Your Real Friends Are (12/11/2012); The Gender of Angels? (10/09/2012); Sin Unknown? (10/10/2012); The Spirit by Measure? (09/22/2012); A Man in Heaven? (09/23/2012); Aliens? (09/24/2012); Wrong to Love? (08/17/2012); The Young Less Religious? (08/18/2012)

    
     Fly, please, consider the following. There are many points of truth that Christian believers must accept, and regularly apply in continuous practice before they gain certainty, personal insight, and full understanding. The examples below agree with Bible teachings, and the life experience of those who are born again:

(1.) Like forgiveness, love and genuine wrath against sin, repentance is an operation of the imparted, indwelling Spirit of Christ. These sacred operations are not merely outcomes of human emotions, and feelings. A person’s self-will must be transformed, and their process for selecting actions must be re-patterned to express being, change, and desired conditions while being anchored in a peculiar awareness of GOD, all at the same time.

(2.) Repentance is not an aspect of divine person or sacred content such as faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, righteousness, and wisdom. As with many sacred operations and eternal truths, repentance is operationally defined (i.e., known by actions taken; known through obedience); and created beings and living creatures must know repentance.

(3.) In the same way the Holy Spirit must complete the sacred operations begun in a human choice to be baptized (i.e., spirit death, burial, resurrection, and new birth), the Spirit also completes the process of repentance.
    
     There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Repentance is not what you feel; it’s what you do. Begin or step-up the discipline and practice of sacraments in your daily routines. Fast. Expand your prayer life. Enrich your study. Show greater respect to Christ, and all others in your life. Change every behavior that promotes gossip, inattentiveness, lying, malice, possessiveness, pride, or selfishness. That’s what GOD and others should be able to recognize as your repentance, and divinity working in you also.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC