(09/15/2020) As Your Father Forgave

A depiction of the Prodigal son acknowledging the forgiveness of his father.

Today, reply is on forgiveness that demonstrates sovereign authority, grace, power, and restraint. As with judgment, redemption and salvation, forgiveness pertains more to revealing that divinity is justified, rather than mankind. Because forgiveness is a divine act and process to convey love, sinners do not have to beg for forgiveness so much as they are to acknowledge a sacred gift shared because of divine righteousness and unselfishness. Even so, it is correct to perform importuning and to repeat petitions and requests during private prayer that center on forgiveness and the mercy that may be shown to those found guilty in judgment. It is written: 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. The fighter who uses the ID “watchmaybewatch” (Level 1 with 55 points) in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum on Religion & Spirituality posted the following:

Christians, when God says forgive as your Father forgave you, doesn't that mean to forgive only if that person asks you for forgiveness?

I have recently gone back to church, but there has much hurt from Christian "friends" in the past. Some do not feel like they did wrong, but they did. I am being told I HAVE to forgive them no matter what. What is your take on this? (Non-believers, do not respond. I already know your answer)

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. (Psalms 51: 1-11, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Outcomes Of Judgment (06/28/2020); The Justification Of Divinity (04/06/2020); That Not Of Yourselves (08/13/2019); Blaspheming the Holy Spirit (05/08/2019); How Are We Justified? (03/05/2018); Called, Justified, and Glorified? (01/08/2017); Justified Through Christ? (08/26/2015)

“watchmaybewatch”, mature Christian believers may think and speak of forgiveness as a freely-given gift from GOD provided to express divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. Divinity does not practice forgiveness as a result of tribunals for judgment, as an outcome of affection, emotion and feelings, or to carry out punishments, rewards, and sanctions provided within the sacred law. Forgiveness appears as the manifesting of consecrated grace, and is another inseparable aspect of the divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Thus, forgiveness pertains to the makeup of GOD along with such elements as balance, commitment, faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Forgiveness is not “all we need” to be free of sin and to know the fullness of salvation. The believer also must engage atonement, confession, repentance, and sanctification. Gifts from the Holy Spirit are provided to further permit forgiveness to establish the Christian believer as one who shares with divinity through the resurrection life of Jesus Christ, and who is to exist as the new creation of GOD. Christians are to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character, likeness, and presence of Jesus Christ on the earth. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and Rescue, a selection from the music ministry of Acappella:

(1.) Isaiah 55: 6-8, King James Version (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.

(2.) Romans 15: 1-5, KJV: 1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. 3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. 4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. 5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:

(3.) Colossians 3: 12-14, KJV: 12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPSt7tynaBk.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 3:33, PM September 14, 2020 @ https://prayersroom.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Father-I-have-sinned-against-Heaven-and-against-You-Luke-15-18.png

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(07/22/2020) Forgiveness is not DIY

Today, reply is on confession and forgiveness as sacred operations within the church performed by members of the body who are anointed, ordained, and sanctified. Believers are to accept accountability, perform specific duties, and continue as proactive on their own behalf as the people of Christ, however, believers also must agree that salvation, forgiveness, and other sacred practices in the church are not the basis of do-it-yourself (DIY) and man-made methods. Authentic and divinely lawful aspects of the full spirit process and substance of the church can only appear through the performance of covenant duty and unselfish service performed for one another by those who embody Jesus Christ. Correctly understood, all Christians are to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ. Many Christian believers challenge and resist clergy, hierarchy, and divine priesthood by insisting that their own conscience, integrity, and merit in Christ must be acknowledged as primary when their own salvation becomes a focus. Many err because they covet authority, control, independence, and separation; others encourage combativeness, comparison, competition, and condemnation. Even so, a priesthood on the earth modeled after that in heaven was provided as a divine blessing and gift to Adam that would manifest the cooperation of divine fullness with mankind. In addition to sacrifice, expiation, and remission of sin, confession and forgiveness are among the works of priesthood, rather than the works of prophecy and revelation. It is written: Philippians 2: 2-8, King James Version (KJV): 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:

Do you confess your sins to a priest? Did you know that is necessary for salvation?

God can forgive anything if you truly repent through confession.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; (Philippians 2: 12-15, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Divine Forgiveness Ministers Grace (07/20/2020); Acknowledging And Confessing Sin (06/21/2020); Baptism Is Not DIY (05/28/2019); Let Us Reason Together (08/07/2019); Applying The Divine Standards (10/02/2018); Confessing Your Own Salvation? (03/02/2018); Prayer in Public? (02/24/2015)

“Anonymous”, within the church of Jesus Christ, many account the works of personal expression (e.g., confession, forgiveness, prayer, repentance) as pertaining to love, prophecy and revelation, rather than to universal order, sacred law, and priesthood. Confession and forgiveness are the outcome and result of grace, rather than ceremonies that declare condemnation and judgment. In the same way justification and salvation are not matters of personal freedom or self-promotion, and must be completed by the workings of divinity, forgiveness for sin is not a matter of human affection, fellowship, kindness, and self-will (willpower). Christians are to receive Jesus Christ as a divine High Priest who makes atonement for sin. Many mature Christian believers therefore agree that confession and forgiveness are most correctly acknowledged and practiced within the household of faith using an anointed priesthood, for there must be a transaction at the point where heaven and earth connect (i.e., a sacred altar; a consecrated table). In addition to an openhearted, private conversation with divinity about ones own errors and transgressions, there must be an offering and application of spirit substance that include the atoning blood, character, and personhood of Jesus Christ as it resides within the priest. Often, the concern for benefits and privileges from GOD (e.g., authority, blessing, freedom, power and rank) obscures the demands for celestial operations, divine order, sacred law, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. As a practice that makes present what we hope, those who are dedicated, disciplined, and mature through unselfish service, study of the holy writings, personal sufferings, and prayer should be entrusted as ministers to the body on behalf of those yet being built up and edified as developing believers. Consider the following that use language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of John Michael Talbot & Terry Talbot:

(1.) Psalms 32: 1-2, King James Version (KJV): 1 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. 2 Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.

(2.) Matthew 9: 2-8, KJV: 2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. 3 And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. 4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? 5 For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? 6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. 7 And he arose, and departed to his house. 8 But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.

(3.) Luke 7: 36-50, KJV: 36 And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat. 37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, 38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. 40 And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. 41 There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. 42 And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? 43 Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. 44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. 45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. 48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. 49 And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? 50 And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7j10za_3gQ.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 1:17 PM, July 22, 2020 @ https://internationalforgiveness.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/1176903925-there_is_no_love_without_forgiveness.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(07/20/2020) Divine Forgiveness Ministers Grace

Today, forgiveness is described as an expression of divine grace and sacred revelation, rather than human kindness or a celestial response to sinners who seek favor and restoration by their declarations of apology, embarrassment, regret, and remorse. What many call “confession” is little more than boasting and proclaiming their errors and transgressions without also expressing sorrow for sin. Rightly understood, divine forgiveness only pertains to those who are in covenant and intimate relationships with divinity that are maintained through praise, prayer, repentance, unselfish service, suffering, and thanksgiving. Those who receive forgiveness are to grant forgiveness, for those who receive grace are to minister grace. It is written: Colossians 1: 16-22, King James Version (KJV): 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; 20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. 21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled 22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Floyd” (Level 1 with 156 points) posted the following:

Forgiveness ?

Can god forgive someone who lives in guilt and regret about their past? The wrong they have done and the one sin they can't get rid of?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O LORD, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. (Psalms 130: 3-5, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Living Your Best Life? (07/05/2020); The Outcomes Of Judgment (06/28/2020); Acknowledging And Confessing Sin (06/21/2020); Forgiveness A Sacred Practice (05/28/2020); Believers Are To Forgive (05/17/2020); TWO Kinds of People? (02/21/2020); The Character of GOD (06/27/2019)

“Floyd”, when speaking of forgiveness by divinity, the spotlight must be on GOD, not on the sinner, and not on the sin. Forgiveness is not bestowed in response to begging, complaining, crying, displaying misery and wretchedness, importuning, and pleading. There must be confession, contrition, meekness, and resolve. Thus, it is correct to use such words as “gifts” and “grace” to acknowledge GOD as the origin and source of sacred forgiveness. Properly understood, the divine practice of forgiveness that appears among mankind is an expression of the character and makeup of divine fullness (i.e., divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit), and is not the outcome or result of lawful tribunal and sacred judgment against sin. Forgiveness is a sacred operation where divine process and substance make visible the inseparable aspects of the divine makeup that include balance, commitment, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Forgiveness does not take on its focus and form on the basis of human attitudes, behavior, emotions, frameworks of time (past, present, etc.), or motives and intent. The active and unseen presence whom we acknowledge as our Creator and Maker are to exist within the awareness and self-will of the living. Intimate fellowship and on-going relationship with GOD are possible where mankind will take on a fresh endowment of the life essence (breath; spirit; utterance; word) imparted from divinity. Sinners are to turn away from such elements as guilt, self-condemnation, self-importance, self-pity, and shame. Through discovery, gradual growth, practice, repentance, study, suffering, and good works all are to display the image of GOD, and as developing believers, they increasingly are to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

(1.) Matthew 6: 9-15, King James Version (KJV): 9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

(2.) Psalms 25: 5-11, KJV: 5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. 6 Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old. 7 Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD. 8 Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way. 9 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. 10 All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies. 11 For thy name’s sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.

(3.) Ephesians 4: 29-32, KJV: 29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5G8dZTWwvmU.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 12:00 PM, July 20, 2020 @ https://i.pinimg.com/736x/72/23/ce/7223ce3c13a394523230800ed5565d20.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(06/21/2020) Acknowledging And Confessing Sin

Like newborn babes require continuous contact and nourishment from their caretakers and parents, Christians should desire an ongoing relationship with divinity.

Today, reply is that mankind’s need for fellowship and ongoing relationship with divinity through prayer and confession of sin is more correct and necessary than self-reflection. Many men seek to escape having to face divine judgment because the tribunals of GOD must be complete, exacting, impartial, and incontrovertible; and outcomes can not be influenced or manipulated by created beings and living creatures. Because the goals of self-evaluation and seeking to judge oneself often focus on a desired outcome of self-approval, bias, prejudice, and subjective assessments of behaviors and goals repeatedly appear that skewer and disqualify the results that emerge by carnal soul-searching. Subtlety (barely visible differences; hidden meanings and values) may be ignored and given far less weight than is appropriate. Pursuing a mature relationship with divinity (e.g., the Father; the Good Shepherd; the Judge; the Son; the Redeemer; the Savior) requires taking accountability, communicating in prayer, commitment, discernment, focus, humility, integrity, obedience, responding to guidance, and willingness to apprehend divine expressions of joy, meaning, purpose, and value. It is written: Romans 8: 14-17, King James Version (KJV): 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who used the ID “Regwash” (Level 7 with 131,994 points) posted the following:

Might critical self reflection be just as good as confessing sins to Jesus or whatever?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. (Galatians 4: 3-6, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Multiple Relationships With GOD (06/16/2020); Chances To Determine Outcomes (06/07/2020); Knowing The True Messiah (05/31/2020); A Habitation of Spirit (04/05/2020); The Purpose Of Worship (10//10/2019); Let Us Reason Together (08/07/2019); Reasoning Together With GOD? (03/11/2019)

“Regwash”, it is not only important to Christians that we acknowledge the authority, power, and sovereignty of GOD, there also must be an affirmation of his goodness, grace, mercy, and righteousness. Those who are willing to receive the guidance and instruction that all things that have existence and that have life were created and put forth by divine fullness (i.e., divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) also are challenged to understand that GOD is not an abstraction, a mechanical device, or another phenomena that occurs by chance within the natural world. To have a full and correct consciousness of divinity requires there be sacred knowledge that comes through regular contact, ongoing exchange, and meaningful interaction with GOD whose process and substance are immortal, incorruptible, invisible spirit. Self reflection is a product of such finite human tools as intellect, introspection, logic, philosophy, carnal reason, and science. The flesh is subject to the operations of sin that may dominate appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, sexual cravings), sensation (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching), emotion/mind (e.g., anger, fear, recall), and self-will (willpower). At Creation mankind was endowed with life essence (breath; spirit; utterance; word) from the makeup of divinity. Similarly, through Jesus Christ, mankind is to receive a fresh endowment of the inseparable aspects of divinity. Included are balance, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Relationships allow affection, communication, discovery, gradual growth, learning, practice, and unselfish service. Relationships with divinity fosters and thrives by acknowledgments of error, forgiveness, sacred law, divine proclamations, promises, eternal purpose, repentance, suffering, and expressions of the sovereign will of GOD received as rebirth and the divine nature. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

(1.) Jeremiah 9: 23-24, King James Version (KJV): 23 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: 24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.

(2.) 1^st Peter 2: 1-3, KJV: 1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

(3.) Ephesians 1: 3-11, KJV: 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

(4.) Ephesians 1: 17-23, KJV: 17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5frx0hqWVqw.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 4:10 AM, June 21, 2020 @ https://kenyasleeth.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/img_0841.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(08/07/2019) Let Us Reason Together

Today, reply is on the process and value of prayer among mature Christian believers. Many Christians think of prayer as a sacred device to privately share their own personality, thoughts, and inner understanding with GOD. For them prayer is confessional, contemplative, and intimate. Even so, it remains that every believer eventually must genuinely apply, display and respond to all the sacred gifts and inseparable aspects of divine fullness bestowed on themselves. What otherwise would be secret and unknown will be openly shown as commitment, righteousness and unselfish service. One of the fighters in the Religion and Spirituality public forum at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “✞ 2 ...hunter” (Level 7 with 45,435 points, a member since August 18, 2011) posted the following:

Christians, what is prayer and why do it?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. (Acts 4: 31-33, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: About Our Public Displays (08/06/2019); According To Divine Purpose (06/09/2019); Fasting, Prayer and Sanctification (03/29/2019); How GOD Speaks Today (12/10/2018); Hezekiah Called For Judgment (12/09/2018); Receiving What We Ask (09/20/2018); Anything We Ask For? (09/12/2018); Christian “Thoughts and Prayers” (03/01/2018); Prayer in Public? (02/24/2015)

“✞ 2 ...hunter”, the GOD who is our Creator is also a divinity that continuously performs judgment to determine duration for the things created according to their full spirit content and effect in sacred operations. Among Christian believers the operations of prayer are vital to the appearance and manifestation of created beings joined together as a church and spirit body filled with substance from the makeup of GOD, and permanently joined to one another. As vessels that contain aspects of divine fullness (i.e., the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit), developing Christians are to exist on the earth as the children and offspring of GOD, joint heirs with Jesus Christ, and the new creation. Included are inseparable aspects of divine fullness such as faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Prayer affirms the integrity and sacred personhood within the living that permits communication, exchange and interaction with divinity, and that acknowledges divine authority, dominion, prerogative (grace), eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. The living make requests of divinity as the origin and source for all that pertains to godly change, existence, growth, and nourishment. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Isaiah 55: 7-11, King James Version (KJV): 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.

2. Colossians 1: 9-20, KJV: 9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; 12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; 20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 3. James 5: 13-20, KJV: 13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. 14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. 16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. 17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. 19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; 20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 5:09 PM, August 06, 2019 @ https://i.pinimg.com/736x/39/c3/f8/39c3f8141490d1377e6f6d732b6a6b96.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(06/09/2019) According To Divine Purpose

Today, reply is on the continuing acknowledgment of divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD that appears in Christian prayer. To become a Christian is more than simply be a part of a casual or loose association of neighbors. To become a Christian is to become a member within a sacred priesthood. Therefore, the prayer uttered by a believer should display their correct sacred knowledge of divine process, of properly displaying reverence to divinity, and of the workings of prophecy. The content and focus of prayer is to be the shared divine purpose. Prayer as leaders and workers within the body of Christ may be expected from mature believers endowed with spirit substance from GOD more than from those who are yet developing whose primary concerns continue to center on oneself and ones own family. Prayer in accord with the will of GOD does not express ambition, covetousness, envy, exaggerated pride, selfishness, and other works of the flesh. All Christian believers are recruited to serve divinity in roles that include judges who administer divine law and sacred judgment; kings who govern and rule as agents of the dominion; pastors and shepherds who maintain consecrated flocks; priests who offer required and voluntary gifts; and prophets and spokespersons declaring the oracles from GOD, and the needs or petitions of his covenant people. There may be family and private prayer as communication to express otherwise hidden emotion and personal secrets to GOD; even so, prayer for the full body is an indispensable sacred work that has formal elements and structure. The name, reputation, and how we are to speak of GOD are framed by gratitude, praise, and reverence. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “rollickingredsfan” (Level 5 with 6,496 points, a member since March 02, 2010) posted the following:

Christians : Why, in the Lord's Prayer, do you pray ' thy will be done ', yet when you pray on behalf of yourself or a loved, you pray for..?

your own, desired outcome ?...Not trying to be smart alec here, just that this is something I've always wondered about . Thank you .

Update: Oh, and just to add to my thoughts here, lotsa people consider a ' no ' answer from God to be a non - answer...Ever notice that ?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever. (Luke 1: 46-55, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Divine Process Is Unselfish (05/12/2019); Receiving What We Ask (09/20/2018); Anything We Ask For? (09/12/2018); What May We Request? (05/24/2018); Praying For “More Faith”? (01/12/2018); As An Anointed Body (10/04/2017); Names For Sacred Persons? (08/01/2017)

“rollickingredsfan”, here are some points to consider that often are overlooked by sinners who turn to GOD through Jesus Christ, and become developing Christians:

A person’s focus on salvation may begin and continue indefinitely as a form of introspection, judgment, and self-assessment; however, properly understood, those who turn to Christ enter into a relationship of service to divinity wherein they are to display Christ-likeness, and reflect the image of GOD.

Those who are “born again” receive a fresh endowment of life essence (we also say, breath; spirit; word) imparted from the makeup of divinity, and are to “grow up again” to become mature/ripe for harvest by the Lord at his appearing.

The developing believer must undergo a transformation to exist as a life companion to immortal, incorruptible, invisible divinity. In addition to fulfilling duties and works for disciples, developing and mature believers are molded through discovery; fellowship with those anointed and ordained by divinity; giving; gradual growth; practice of discernment; praise; prophecy; study of the holy writings; unselfish service; teaching; suffering; and worship.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, Christians are all called to operate as members within the full body of Jesus Christ on the earth. All are called to serve in his priesthood proclaiming divine law, sacred promise, prophecy, and revelation. With this in view, communication with divinity and prayer also are transformed. Prayers from the Bible that best serve as examples to believers acknowledge eternal purpose, and express confession of sin, gratitude, and humility along with petitions for supplies.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 5:10 AM, June 09, 2019 @ http://www.relatably.com/q/img/good-friday-bible-verses-kjv/d6551c603806433b44c7855d57de6239.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(09/21/2018) First, Become Born Again

Today, reply is on water baptism, rebirth, salvation, and sanctification (we say, becoming Christ-like). A writer in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data shared) posted the following:

Can I still get saved?

I admit that I am a sinner and need Jesus

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (2^nd Peter 1: 2-11, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Believers Must Become “Ripe” (09/02/2018); Repentance Among Christian Believers (07/06/2018); Consequences and Divine Love (07/05/2018); Conversation In The World (04/03/2018); Choosing to be Reborn (01/29/2018); There Must Be Rebirth (01/21/2018); All Have Come Short (10/11/2017)

“Anonymous”, be encouraged! Along with sinners realizing and publicly turning away from their errors, habits, mistakes and sins that are obstacles to being in full relationship with divinity, those who become followers of Jesus Christ must be willing to undergo permanent changes in their life that will be brought about by the operations of the Holy Spirit. Water baptism gives a picture of how a sinner must experience the death, burial, and rebirth of their inborn spirit (we also say, breath; life essence; word) from the Creator. The living must receive a new makeup and a nature different from what we inherit as the offspring of Adam and Eve. Included are inseparable aspects from the makeup of GOD that include faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

The Scriptures teach that all have sinned and come short of the mark set by GOD. With this in view, there are only two kinds of people in the world: repentant and unrepentant sinners. Repenting sinners become “developing believers” and serve as vessels of divine spirit. When we are “born again”, we must gradually grow and go on to mature (i.e., endure “growing pains;” “grow up again;” become ripe for harvest by the Lord at his coming) while continuing our lives on the earth. The Holy Spirit imparts gifts and provides sacred substance that makes it possible for the living to correctly recognize and respond to the active presence who is GOD. With the help of the Spirit believers are able to live in accordance with divine law, participate in sacred events, and properly acknowledge the proclamations, prophecies, and various teachings of the Bible. Consider again the following:

(1.) John 3: 5-7, King James Version (KJV): 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

(2.) John 13: 34-35, KJV: 34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

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

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Romans 8: 5-9, KJV: 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(03/02/2018) Confessing Your Own Salvation?

A depiction of the Apostle Paul writing an epistle to Timothy from his prison cell.



Today, reply is on having certainty or confusion when talking about ones own salvation.  Just as many hesitate to confess their needs for help from GOD, many hesitate to confess that they have been saved through the ministries of his Son, Jesus Christ.  The living must enter into new ongoing relationships that continually display hope, patience, and trust.  When joined to divinity, the repentant sinner is to confess, testify and witness to the workings of Christ in their life, and not their own strivings, struggles, and temporary victories.  Thus, it is never a matter of boasting, bragging, exaggerated pride and self-promotion to share with others the things of salvation from GOD through Jesus Christ that we receive as those he purchased by dying on the cross.  It is written:  Ephesians 2:  8-9, King James Version (KJV):  8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:  it is the gift of God:  Not of works, lest any man should boast.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shown) posted the following:


Is it prideful to believe without question that one is saved?

I ask because I can see my own wretchedness and I just cannot convince myself that I am saved. In fact I believe that it would be painfully insincere to claim to have something which I do not. In the Christian scene I tend to notice a lot of pride and people who think that the way that they translate The Bible is the only way to translate it. As for me, the only thing which I know is that I don't know for sure and that my faith in something does not imply fact.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.  Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;  Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,  But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:  (2nd Timothy 1:  7-10, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Certainty, Conviction and Faith (01/05/2018); Knowing What To Believe? (12/31/2017); The Commandments of Jesus (12/17/2017); “Logical Sense” Is Replaced? (12/05/2017); As Newborn Babes.... (10/13/2016); Help Thou Mine Unbelief (12/31/2014); A New Year’s Message, 2015:  Great Expectations? (01/01/2015); Struggling? (05/11/2013); Through Much Tribulation (05/12/2013)


“Anonymous”, it is not wrong that those belonging to Christ acknowledge their dependence, and declare his judgments.  The most important operations for the  salvation of a sinner are not products of secular knowledge, human effort, and exercise of ones own self-will (we say, a person’s finite willpower).  Given we are commanded by our Creator to accept, acknowledge, and continually operate applying multiple streams of sacred knowledge and divine truth, mature Christians account their salvation as an unearned gift bestowed by GOD on the basis of grace, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and sovereign will.  The fullness of divine substance (we say, the GODhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) is making himself known to created beings and living creatures as more than an abstract, academic concept; a distant, impersonal authority figure; or an explanatory device to make someone appear knowledgeable during argument and debate.

In the same way the male was placed in deep sleep (death), and was able to continue as alive while GOD completed the creation of his female partner, there must be changes in the spirit substance of sinners, without their complete destruction, and while they are yet alive.  There must be a transformation of their divine life essence (we say, breath, spirit, Word) imparted from the makeup of GOD; and so we say, You must be born again having divine seed (sacred DNA).  The inborn spirit of a living sinner must die, be buried, and be raised from the dead, so to speak.  Filled with  a fresh endowment of inseparable aspects from GOD (e.g., balance, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin) the sinner becomes a child of GOD, a joint heir with Christ, and a new creation.

Those who are “born again” must also “grow up again” and become mature as a “developing believer,” and as an appearance of divinity in the earth.  They are to become ripe for harvest by Christ at his coming (we also say, his appearing, the Advent, the Rapture, the Day of the Lord).  Spirit growth, certainty (we say, knowing), and discernment (ability to recognize and respond to spirit content from GOD in oneself, other persons, events, messages, etc.) come by such means as discovery, gradual learning, and sacred practice (e.g., fellowship with other believers, praise, prayer, unselfish service, thanksgiving, study of the holy writings, worship).  Those who are saved ought be aware of the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Psalms 107:  1-3, King James Version (KJV):  1 O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good:  for his mercy endureth for ever.  2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;  3 And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.

(2.)  2nd Peter 1:  2-4, KJV:  2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,  3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:  4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises:  that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

(3.)  Hebrews 12:  4-10, KJV:  4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.  5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:  6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.  7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?  8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.  9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence:  shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?  10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Isaiah 58:  13-14, KJV:  13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:  14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father:  for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(02/21/2018) Using Repetition in Prayer?

A Depiction of Jesus in Prayer at Gethsemane

Today, reply is on believers becoming immersed in and joined to divinity through sacred prayer.   The idea of “vain repetition” in ones prayers addresses making public displays of ones religious practices to impress others, and addresses offering prayer to Deity that lacks spirit content from the makeup of GOD.  Through the example and guidance shared by Jesus Christ, we see that the problems that make a person’s prayers ineffectual arise from the intent, process, and purpose of their prayer.  Sacred prayer is to be more than a repeating of specific language and speech, or recurring requests to meet recurring needs.  In the same way, “I love you” may be exchanged countless times between a man and his spouse without the familiar words becoming false, meaningless and trite, believers may approach divinity sharing “thank you,” “please forgive,” and “Amen” without also committing transgression of divine law, or the offering of “vain repetition.”  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:



Why did Jesus say the same prayer 3 times in a row, if praying repetitiously is bad?

(Matthew 26:39-44):

"And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.”

And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, thy will be done.” And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words."

Some sects teach praying in repetitions is bad but Jesus prayed in repetitions in this example


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  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.  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.  But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do:  for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.  Be not ye therefore like unto them:  for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.  (Matthew 6:  5-8, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The GOD Who Answers? (04/04/2017); Benefits of the Rosary (02/14/2017); The Cross was Premature? (04/07/2016); The Power in Prayer? (08/22/2014); The Rosary and Other Prayers? (08/23/2014); Why Christians Pray for Others (01/12/2014); GOD is Jesus? (01/13/2014); The Passion at Gethsemane (03/28/2013); Separated and Sealed? (03/29/2013)


“Anonymous”, here are some points Christian believers benefit by:

(1.)  In the same way saying “I love you” should never be thought of as boring, powerless, and unnecessary between a husband and wife, repeating specific phrases, thoughts, and words in prayer (e.g., thy kingdom come, thy will be done) are not forbidden or prohibited.  Even so, all who pray are counseled to avoid “vain repetition,” making presentations that lack spirit substance from the makeup of GOD such as balance, faith, gratitude, humility, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, and unselfishness. 

(2.)  The sacred process of prayer is one of contact, exchange, and interaction with the fullness of divinity (we say, the GODhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) by the spirit substance that has been imparted to a created being or living creature, and is more than a matter of speaking words, the grandness and poetry of ones vocabulary, or using speech to create a focus on desires.  There is a rejoining of spirit to Spirit, and an affirmation of sacred personhood that displays oneness without sameness.

(3.)  Just as prayers can not be offered to change the heart and mind of GOD (i.e., bribe, influence, manipulate divinity),  there are many secular and worldly things maintained through mechanical means and natural laws that do not respond to the prayers of believers.  Even so, it is correct to importune and persevere in prayer.

(4.)  Given that divinity is immutable and unchanging, there are multiple features that repeatedly appear as aspects of sacred prayer.  Included are confession, requesting counsel, declaring the terms of covenant, intercession, petition, praise, and thanksgiving.  Properly offered prayers do not present complaining, nagging, self-promotion, condemning and slandering others, or gossip and talebearing.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.) using language from the Bible, sacred prayer continues discovery and displaying respect by believers as well as instruction and revelation from divinity:  Romans 8:  26, King James Version (KJV):  26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities:  for we know not what we should pray for as we ought:  but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC