(06/30/2016) Natural and Spiritual Law?

Today, points are shared on the differences between natural and spiritual law.  Even those in Scripture who were anointed and used by divinity as apostles, judges, prophets and sacred spokespersons rarely attained the level of perfection required to implement the fullness of divine law.  While wrath against sin definitely has been revealed as a response of GOD to disobedience and rebellion within created beings and living creatures, multiple aspects of law from GOD also are in place that continue as expressions of divine love, and restraints upon impulses for annihilation, exaggerated condemnation, and indiscriminate destruction.  In addition to balance and continuity for ongoing process, sacred law contributes forbearance, forgiveness, grace, mercy, opportunities for change, the option of correction, eternal purpose, and righteousness.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Kodiak” (Level 1 with 19 points, a member since June 18, 2016) posted the following:

Why is it very hard for atheists and secularists to understand that gay marriage is wrong and against the natural law?

God hates sin. Period. Homosexuality is a filth and sin just like pedophilia and serial muerders. Those who are suffering from the psychiatric abnormality of homosexuality should be treated in hospitals to support and bring them up to God's standard of heterosexuality and join the mainstream society. If they are not willing to get treated in hospitals, the obnoxious obscenities that they are spreading must be wiped away from the face of the Earth to stop the filth from infesting the rest of America and other countries.

The bible says God can crush the heads of Satan. If so Why is He not just destroying the entire LGBT communities of America yet ???

Oh God, please may another Sodom and Gomorrah happen soon!!

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Do not err, my beloved brethren.  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.  Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.  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:  16-25, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Sodom and Gomorrah Again? (05/30/2016); Sin Also Made Incarnate? (04/25/2016); The World and The Cross? (04/19/2016); By Law and Relationships (04/05/2016); Old Testament Laws Today? (08/06/2015); The Judgment Against Sodom? (04/10/2015); Human Law, Divine Favor? (03/23/2015); Science and the Laws of Nature? (03/23/2013); How To Love GOD? (03/24/2013)

“Kodiak”, for most mature Christian believers, the character, nature, process and substance of “natural” law that governs carnal, material, and social elements are not the same as those for “spiritual” law that governs exchange and interaction among the inseparable aspects of divinity.  The law for spirit content (e.g., faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, meekness, wisdom, wrath against sin) and spirit process (e.g., atonement, forgiveness, judgment, miracles, redemption, repentance, sanctification) are distinct from that for appetite, sensation, and emotion/mental functions (we say, the flesh).  Also, where law has not been codified, written down using standard expressions, and published using preset definitions and a fixed vocabulary, the law becomes diffuse, and a source of confusion and error that invites unregulated applications and conflicting interpretations.  While sacred law does give expression to the heart, mind, and will of GOD that is visible as “divine order” and as Creation, the law is not the most accurate and complete presentation of divinity.  Thus, the active presence of GOD has also been revealed through Incarnation (appearance in human form as Jesus Christ), Shekhinah glory, and the imparted, indwelling Spirit (we also say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth).  In general, those under various forms of law routinely operate on the basis of  “impressions”, instinct, and intuition in place of formal knowledge or comprehensive training.  Correctly applying the law requires ability to discern and respond to multiple subtleties (i.e., barely visible differences; hidden and unexpected shifts in meaning and value).  As a result, the precious blessing (free gift) of law from GOD may be seen as a “curse” that repeatedly entangles and overwhelms created beings, and living creatures.  Consider how some of this appears stated in the language of the Bible:

(1.)  Proverbs 14:  11-12, King James Version (KJV):  11 The house of the wicked shall be overthrown:  but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.  12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

(2.)  Isaiah 24, 1-6, KJV:  1 Behold, the LORD maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof.  2 And it shall be, as with the people, so with the priest; as with the servant, so with his master; as with the maid, so with her mistress; as with the buyer, so with the seller; as with the lender, so with the borrower; as with the taker of usury, so with the giver of usury to him.  3 The land shall be utterly emptied, and utterly spoiled:  for the LORD hath spoken this word.  4 The earth mourneth and fadeth away, the world languisheth and fadeth away, the haughty people of the earth do languish.  5 The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.  6 Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate:  therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left.

(3.)  Malachi 3:  13-18, KJV:  13 Your words have been stout against me, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee?  14 Ye have said, It is vain to serve God:  and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?  15 And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.  16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another:  and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.  17 And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.  18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

There is far more that could be said, must be carefully examined, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4.)  1st Corinthians 2:  12-14, KJV:  12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.  13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.  14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God:  for they are foolishness unto him:  neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(06/29/2016) Sacred Operations To Give Life?

Today, focus is upon Jesus dying upon the cross and other operations performed by divinity to establish eternal life.  For Christian believers, the glory of GOD that exalts the divine nature as far above that routinely found within humanity is seen more through correction, forgiveness, mercy, and peace than by coercion, imposing ones will, punishment, and violence.  The world community is correct to suspect the integrity, maturity and sanity of any actor or movement claiming to operate as a legitimate messenger or spokesperson from GOD.  Recent acts of terrorism deserve only our condemnation, for they all have failed to display the awesomeness, goodness, purity and righteousness of GOD.  The various attacks instead have shown only murderous human ambition, anger, criminal deception, envy, warped sentiment, and the wretchedness of isolated individuals.  Many now are in error believing that their highest service to GOD—the Creator of all life—is by human actions that are yet carnal, material and social, and that at best may only condemn others, destroy oneself as a martyr, and eliminate a few sinners through conflict and holy war.  By contrast, atonement, redemption, salvation, death, resurrection, and even final judgment of the created are carried out by Sovereign Deity to prepare and embrace those from among the living who will be made immortal and incorruptible to exist as life companions with GOD.  The activity, direction, motives, and purposes visible as life and sacred substance within created beings and living creatures should therefore be accounted as precious, the gift of GOD imparted from the Creator through grace.  The fighter at “Yahoo! 7 Answers (Australia)” using the ID “?” (Level 1 with 59 points, a member since June 24, 2016) posted the following:

Why was Jesus's death on the cords necessary for people to be able to enter heaven?

If God wanted to forgive our sins, why not just forgive them? Who is God trying to impressive? Presumably himself, since he's judge and juror, as well as execution victim.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?  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.  For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:  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.  For he that is dead is freed from sin.  Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:  Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.  For in that he died, he died unto sin once:  but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.  Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.  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.  (Romans 6:  3-12, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Going To The Cross (05/25/2016); Presumption Is Never Helping (05/23/2016); Sacred Knowledge and Christ (05/16/2016); The Cross and Mankind (05/13/2016); It Takes The Cross (04/22/2016); The Cross and Creation (03/24/2016); The Cross Must Occur? (02/23/2016); The Bridge To Heaven (01/27/2016)

“?”, Jesus Christ dying upon the cross represents all the sacred operations required to establish the full Creation.  In the same way human behavior and the responses a person makes in different situations depends upon many factors that seem to be unrelated, and may be hidden or below the surface, divinity also responds to multiple aspects within the character, nature and substance of events, material objects, persons, and purposes.  The operations of sin oppose the continued existence of divine law, the Law Giver, and the entire Creation that relies upon sacred law and divine order.  While sinners are released from continuing to sin by death, the consequences and effects of sin remain, and are not eliminated.  The “management” of sin requires a full  transformation of all that exists as well as of all who live.  In part, the created must acquire sacred knowledge and perform sacred practices (we say, sacraments).

The revelation of GOD whereby created beings and living creatures experience communication, exchange, interaction and relationship with the Maker occurs only through multiple operations of spirit substance that include absolution, cleansing, forgiveness, and healing; atonement; confession; incarnation; inheritance; praise; prayer; proclamation; promise; prophecy; repentance; resurrection; and sanctification.  Thus, correctly understood, a goal of “going to heaven when you die” is useless apart from a commitment to exist in this present world as a life companion to divinity (we say, born again believer; child of GOD; vessel of divine Spirit).

Just as the processes of death and mortality have already begun and are ongoing for those upon the earth, eternal life may begin today for those who embrace Jesus Christ as their redeemer and savior.  Permanent changes are made within a believer through water baptism that include death of ones inborn spirit, burial of the “human nature” derived from Adam, and rebirth from divine seed, so to speak.  The believer must acquire inseparable aspects from the makeup of GOD such as faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, meekness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Consider how some of this appears stated in the language of the Bible:

(1.)  2nd Peter 1:  2-4, King James Version (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.

(2.)  Ephesians 3:  14-19, KJV:  14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,  15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,  16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;  17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,  18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;  19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

There is far more that could be said, must be carefully examined, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (3.)  Romans 8:  5-9, KJV:  5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.  6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God:  for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.  9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX 
Washington, DC

(06/28/2016) Many Sons of GOD?

Scripture points are shared, today, on those in relationship to divinity as sons of GOD.  Repenting sinners who become disciples and followers of Jesus Christ are to understand that through the Savior’s ministry upon the earth, death upon the cross, and ongoing service as Risen Lord, believers now have position and status as a new creation, and are the children and heirs of GOD.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “SUPERSTAR” (Level 6 with 12,843 points, a member since November 28, 2009) posted the following:

Was Jesus Christ the only son of God?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.  For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.  For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one:  for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,  Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.  And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.  Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;  And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.  For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.  Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.  For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.  (Hebrews 2:  9-18, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Priesthood and The Cross (03/20/2016); In The Divine Household? (05/05/2016); Offspring of GOD? (12/23/2015); Son of Adam and of GOD? (06/16/2014); Focus of Believers? (06/17/2014); Our Need for a Son (03/04/2013); Unless You Repent (03/05/2013)

“SUPERSTAR”, mature Christian believers acknowledge several figures from the holy writings as “sons” to GOD.  Included are Adam, David, Solomon, and Jesus Christ with his apostles James, John, and Peter.  While Adam received life by an out-breathing of divine spirit (we also say, breath, life essence, divine word), mankind has generally received standing as the offspring of GOD through their inheritance in covenant relationship as the chosen and elect successors to Adam.  The “sons of GOD” have been set apart (we say, consecrated, ordained, sanctified) to maintain upon the earth a priesthood modeled after that in heaven.  Thus, the Scriptures identify Abel, Seth, Enoch and the Patriarchs as notable among the myriad sons and daughters of Adam.

Jesus Christ is said to be “begotten and not made,” and is preeminent as the only son of GOD who has come through divine conception, and virgin birth.  Only Jesus has served as Redeemer and Savior.  More than this, only Jesus has been witnessed as having suffered, died upon the cross, been made an incarnation of sin, been raised from the dead, and ascended into heaven.  Both aspects of the flesh and operations of divinity establish Jesus as a carnal, material, and social appearance of GOD who is a spirit. 

Through the ministry of Jesus as an eternal High Priest within the heavens, atonement is being made for sinners who are yet upon the earth.  There is now access to divinity through rebirth and “adoption of the Holy Spirit” such that as many who repent become acknowledged as children of GOD and joint-heirs with Christ.  Consider again how these ideas are stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)  1st Chronicles 29:  10-13, King James Version (KJV):  10 Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation:  and David said, Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.  11 Thine, O LORD is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty:  for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.  12 Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.  13 Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.

(2.)  1st Chronicles 28:  4-7, KJV:  4 Howbeit the LORD God of Israel chose me before all the house of my father to be king over Israel for ever:  for he hath chosen Judah to be the ruler; and of the house of Judah, the house of my father; and among the sons of my father he liked me to make me king over all Israel:  5 And of all my sons, (for the LORD hath given me many sons,) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel.  6 And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts:  for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father.  7 Moreover I will establish his kingdom for ever, if he be constant to do my commandments and my judgments, as at this day.

(3.)  Romans 8:  5-9, KJV:  5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.  6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God:  for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.  9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

There is far more that should be carefully said, thoughtfully examined, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4.)  Romans 8:  14-17, 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.)  Even so, I am sure this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(06/27/2016) The Comfort from GOD?

Today, focus is upon a believer’s recovery from harsh parenting they endured during childhood.  It is correct to teach small children that their disobedience, disrespect, and rejection of parental authority imposes hardship and shame upon their own caretakers and protectors.  Even so, parents may not rely only upon violence in the home to establish honor, order, and respect within their little ones.  Parenting techniques of denying privileges and those using physical punishment both should be avoided when not properly balanced with demonstrations of acceptable responses, explanations, guidance, and step-by-step instruction.  Thus, rightly understood, judgment of ones parents is safely done only as a prerogative of GOD:  A child may not judge their parent as worthy of heaven or not either on the basis of bad treatment (spanking), or good treatment (that may in fact be no more to the child than bribes, influence, license, or inordinate affection).  Where children maliciously accuse and condemn their own parents, their sin actually is against GOD, and not against their caretakers.  When looking back, many are confused and disappointed because their prayers—that the character and nature of their parents or others be changed, or that they be rescued and saved from difficult situations—did not seem to be heard and answered.  Such may fail to discern and recognize that the response of GOD, instead, was to lend them greater determination, patience, resilience, and strength to endure.  In the plan of GOD, babies and minor children are to develop within a fixed and stable family structure that has some flexibility, yet, perseveres in maintaining specific meanings, order and values for various attitudes, behaviors, and conduct.  Before small children master using adult logic and rational thinking, physical punishment to admonish and warn them may be needed for their nourishment and protection, and are not the same as beating and striking them that merely display anger, displeasure, frustration, and hatred.  More than this, cursing, threats and verbal abuse in no way express the care and concern of GOD as revealed by Jesus suffering and dying upon the cross.  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Cassandra Mills” (Level 2 with 462 points, a member since March 28, 2012) posted the following:

Fundamentalist Christian book that teaches to "beat the bitter root out of your child"?

Ok so here's the deal. I had a pretty bizarre childhood, my parents were super, super strict fundamentalist Christians (I have nothing at all against Christianity btw--just the craziness involved in fundamentalism) and abusive to an extent. I'd rather post this somewhere else besides yahoo, but I'm hoping a non crazy person will read this and be able to help me :-) Basically I'm just trying to piece some parts of my childhood together and see what exactly my parents were believing and what books they were reading (they deny stuff like this so I can't ask them)

Anyway, this didn't happen to me, but to my sister. She said that at some point (she was probably around 9-10) she was sort of rebellious (probably just spirited like any kid) and my mom just spanked her for a long time insisting on getting "the bitter root out of her", which she (my mom) thought was the root cause of my sister's "rebellion". I'm pretty sure she didn't come up with that phrase/idea on her own and I'm almost sure I read an article about some Christian parenting book that taught this??? So if you know please let me know!

Another phrase I remember from one of her books was "you're not disciplining your child, you're discipling your child" So if you know what book that's from please let me know too. Again, I just really want to know what crazy things they were filling their heads with; maybe it will help me understand why they acted like they did.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.  For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.  Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.  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:  For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.  If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?  But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.  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?  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.  Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous:  nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.  (Hebrews 12:  1-11, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Discipline and The Cross?
(06/16/2016); GOD’s Answer to Injustice? (04/28/2016); The Forms of Prophecy? (04/26/2016); Divine Love Seen As Hate? (01/29/2015); Comfort? (09/06/2014); We Become Comforters? (07/19/2014); Inseparables? (07/15/2014); On Christians Being Inclusive? (07/16/2014)

“Cassandra”, for Christian believers, comfort is an aspect of prophecy, and is received through operations of the Holy Spirit.  Thus, the comfort provided by GOD to those who have endured abuse and neglect in their childhood has been experienced by many mature Christian believers as (1) our dying in Christ upon the cross, (2) arriving at ones own adult perspective, (3) ability to correctly discern and recognize spiritual errors in the actions and beliefs demonstrated by others, (4) realization of the multiple instances where the active presence of GOD has been part of their own experience, and (5) the shift from self-centered expressions of anger, bitterness, or regret to displaying balance, insight, maturity, and soundness of spirit.  

The goal of the Christian believer is not to forget or ignore affliction and hardships they may have suffered.  More than they desire “get back,” “pay back” and revenge, believers should want to be free of anger, fear, grudges, and hate; and this is accomplished by responding to forgiveness and love as spirit aspects of divine person.  Christian believers become “born again” through water baptism (death and burial of ones inborn spirit, rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak); and receive deposits of spirit substance from the makeup of divinity such as faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, meekness, wisdom and wrath against sin.  Even so, all believers also must “grow up again” meeting the same life challenges as others living upon the earth.  Being a “new creation” from Christ, the disciples and followers of Jesus must acquire sacred knowledge and continue in fellowship with other believers to establish godly living routines that maintain sacred practices (we say, sacraments).

There is far more that should be carefully said, thoughtfully examined, and spiritually understood.  (For example, it is written:  But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice:  for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance (Matthew 9: 13, King James Version (KJV) ).  At first, minor children are established in covenant with exalted divinity through their obedience, respect, and reverence of their caretakers and parents (not their own affection and fondness).  Thus, circumcision and divine covenant are to be understood as a “life condition” that a child may be born into like poverty, royalty, or wealth.  Where parents use spanking and punishment to train their children they must do so understanding that there must be balance and restraint.  In the same way an edible cake can not be made using only the bitter ingredient of flour, the single ingredient of butter, or only the overwhelming sweetness of sugar, in training a child, correction is more important than punishment; and after a certain point in the child’s growth punishment is not to be used at all.)  Even so, I am sure this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(06/26/2016) An Eternal Inheritance?

Today, points are shared on inheritance as a sacred device for the revelation of divinity.  The promises and purposes of GOD have been continued among mankind upon the earth through intimate relationships that include covenant partners, family, marriage, nations, priesthood, and adoption.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Laremi” (Level 1 with 66 points, a member since September 22, 2013) posted the following:

Why did jacob asked from his brother his birthright in exchange for the cooked meal,and why he gave him? They must have been very rich?

Or that s wjy it happened,they were anyway very rich,nobody acctualy lost anything ..i don t know what...but, the problem is,isn t this an offence? I mean. .it is smth out of order,it s stupid,outrageous ,unpolite,it s devilish.it is not good,it belongs to evil.did the evil from the fall,came into their lives in a form of smrh normaly for just being asked,pronounced in human voice?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:   For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.  For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  Because the carnal mind is enmity against God:  for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.  But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.  And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.  But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.  Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.  For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die:  but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.  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.  The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:  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.  (Romans 8:  5-17, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Access Through The Cross? (05/11/2016); Heirs of The Cross? (04/01/2016); Not Through Human Will? (01/29/2016); Of Such Is The Kingdom (09/01/2015); Blessing and Inheritance from Abraham? (06/05/2014); On Christians Executing Judgment (06/06/2014)

“Laremi”, GOD is a spirit who can not be easily understood relying upon things that are carnal, material, and social.  The process GOD uses to make divinity knowable and known to created beings and living creatures is called “revelation”, and uses many devices that are familiar to the living, yet, are completely “changed” by their divine use.  The accounts within the Bible give believers a “divine point of view” whereby the active presence of GOD is shown through thousands of events, occurring within thousands of lives, over the course of thousands of years. 

“Inheritance” as well as “family”, person, and “close relationship” are used to establish the aspect of continuity for the experience of divinity among mortals as they communicate, exchange, and interact with an immortal, unchanging, undying GOD.  Just as Adam is described as a son of GOD, and Abraham is described as “the friend” of GOD through faith, other men upon the earth (e.g., David, Jacob, Moses and Jesus Christ) are spoken of as heirs and offspring to both GOD and man.  In addition, through covenant and rebirth there have been many described in the holy writings as apostles, prophets, servants of GOD, stewards, and spokespersons.  Those who acknowledge sacred inheritance as sons and daughters to the Most High display the divine character, nature, and substance of GOD because they have received specific duties (we say, priesthood), promises, hopes, and prophecies from GOD, with an endowment of Spirit from the makeup of Deity.  Included in their content as “born again” believers are faith, forbearance, forgiveness, holiness, joy, longsuffering, wisdom, and wrath against sin. 

There is far more that should be carefully said, thoughtfully examined, and spiritually understood.  (For example, the revelation of GOD as Creator of heaven, earth, and all that live is furthered through “divine law” that expresses the heart and mind of GOD (we say, the divine will).  The operations of sin oppose the continued existence of law, the Law Giver, and the Creation that rests upon the platform of law.  While sin is not a spirit or living thing, mankind tends to embrace sin as acceptable, natural, and normal.  Sin may operate through appetite, awareness and self-will in the living.  Through rebirth having divine DNA, so to speak, Christian believers receive sacred knowledge, power, and strength to recognize, reject, and resist sin as contrary, foreign and strange.  More than this, they are made fit to endure divine judgment, and be transformed to exist as life companions to GOD.)  Even so, I am sure this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(06/24/2016) About The Great Whore?

Today, some thoughts are shared on prostitution and the Great Whore who appears as a symbol and type within the Bible.  Sin may dominate awareness and self-will in created beings and living creatures.  The revelation of divine righteousness and wrath against sin is demonstrated in judgment by GOD, who demands exclusive devotion, and whose name, therefore, is Jealous.  Devotion to carnal pleasure, false gods, and man-made idols are to be understood as corruptions and perversions of human creativity and “the World” that should emerge from the endowment of divine love and indwelling spirit imparted to mankind at Creation.  Unlike Christian believers who strive to be known as faithful, persevering, steadfast and trustworthy, whores must be exposed by the provisions of GOD because they are actors and hypocrites who do not love, and they lack faith imparted from divinity, yet, may convincingly feign affection, commitment, and zeal.  A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Adam” (Level 4 with 3,124 points, a member since April 25, 2011) posted the following:

So is the idea behind the great whore in christianity someone who accepts everyone?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  How weak is thine heart, saith the Lord GOD, seeing thou doest all these things, the work of an imperious whorish woman;  In that thou buildest thine eminent place in the head of every way, and makest thine high place in every street; and hast not been as an harlot, in that thou scornest hire;  But as a wife that committeth adultery, which taketh strangers instead of her husband!  They give gifts to all whores:  but thou givest thy gifts to all thy lovers, and hirest them, that they may come unto thee on every side for thy whoredom.  And the contrary is in thee from other women in thy whoredoms, whereas none followeth thee to commit whoredoms:  and in that thou givest a reward, and no reward is given unto thee, therefore thou art contrary.  Wherefore, O harlot, hear the word of the LORD:  Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thy filthiness was poured out, and thy nakedness discovered through thy whoredoms with thy lovers, and with all the idols of thy abominations, and by the blood of thy children, which thou didst give unto them;  Behold, therefore I will gather all thy lovers, with whom thou hast taken pleasure, and all them that thou hast loved, with all them that thou hast hated; I will even gather them round about against thee, and will discover thy nakedness unto them, that they may see all thy nakedness.  And I will judge thee, as women that break wedlock and shed blood are judged; and I will give thee blood in fury and jealousy.  And I will also give thee into their hand, and they shall throw down thine eminent place, and shall break down thy high places:  they shall strip thee also of thy clothes, and shall take thy fair jewels, and leave thee naked and bare.  They shall also bring up a company against thee, and they shall stone thee with stones, and thrust thee through with their swords.  And they shall burn thine houses with fire, and execute judgments upon thee in the sight of many women:  and I will cause thee to cease from playing the harlot, and thou also shalt give no hire any more.  So will I make my fury toward thee to rest, and my jealousy shall depart from thee, and I will be quiet, and will be no more angry.  (Ezekiel 16:  30-42, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The World and The Cross? (04/19/2016); A $1,000 Dollar Seed? (11/02/2015);  Incest? (10/29/2015); Money Is No Object? (10/14/2015); A Kindness to Mary? (04/21/2013); When GOD Controls? (04/22/2013); Pornography from the Bible? (11/26/2012); More Than Salvation (11/27/2012)

“Adam”, may I share some thoughts, here?  Mature Christian believers depend upon the holy writings to explain the various figures, symbols, and types that appear, especially where they have been provided to put forth admonition, prophecy, and revelation.  The Great Whore is described directly only within the Book of Revelation, and is a representation of commerce, enterprise, and trade; and may be regarded as corruption of both “the Flesh” and “the World.”  The carnal, material and social mechanisms and processes that may dominate human life are called “the flesh.”  Included are appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, sexual craving), sensation (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching), emotion/mental functions  (e.g., anger, fear, imagination, recall).  In the same way the earth is the creation of divinity to maintain life for mankind, “the World” has been the creation of mankind for communication, exchange, life experience, and its own  survival.  Through the operations of sin that oppose the continued existence of divine law, the Law Giver, and the Creation established on a platform of sacred law, “the World” has become corrupt, defiled, and spiritually unclean.  Thus, the Great Whore can be seen as a mix of idols and images mistakenly exalted and worshiped among men that include the City, Mammon, the lingam, the mother, the yoni, and even marriage that is the counterfeit of holy matrimony.  Throughout the holy writings, prostitution and whoredom are used to identify sin that is otherwise hidden and disguised to be favor from “god”.  Those who offer themselves to false gods and idols do so by “hiring” and “paying for intimacy” with abominations.  The concepts of blessing (we also say, gifts) and grace from GOD are despised.  Those who “lust after” the Great Whore do so seeking to selfishly profit from, and make merchandise of the things from GOD (e.g., atonement, forgiveness, instruction, redemption, salvation).  They display to their chosen idol(s) the offerings and sacrifices properly due only to the true and living GOD.  Sacred law exposes sin as destructive, empty, ugly, and vain (i.e., without divine content).  In the same way, many have erred supposing they may consult a prostitute for instruction about sexual matters, and do not understand they are submitting themselves to fornication and life patterns that generate further emotional, psychological and spiritual confusion, the disciples of Christ have been warned that many will covet the inheritance of the church, become deceived and submit to “worship” of the Great Whore.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(06/23/2016) Pie In The Sky?

Growing pains, persecution and suffering as aspects of Christian belief are in view, today.  It is a common error among those who lack sacred knowledge that “grace” also may mean license, material things, wealth, and “do what you please.”  A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “esachica” (Level 1 with 1 point, a member since September 02, 2015) posted the following:

You believe in God and then go heaven & get everything. Isnt that TO GOOD TO BE TRUE? You dont even have to work a day for that Lamborghini.?

Any one can believe if they will get EVERYTHING as a result.

Don't brainwashed religious people think its too easy & too good to be true?

All you do is BELIEVE and then you get mansions, Palaces, Lamborghini, Rolls Royce etc in heaven and you never have to work a day for it.

Are religious people dumb?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.  And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.  Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:  (For until the law sin was in the world:  but sin is not imputed when there is no law.  Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.  But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.  And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift:  for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.  For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)  Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.  For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.  (Romans 5:  10-19, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  About Other People’s Beliefs? (06/22/2016); Guided By Divine Truth (06/20/2016); Satisfaction by The Cross? (05/31/2016); A Guarantee of Judgment? (04/15/2016); Money Is No Object? (10/14/2015); Prosperity Destroys Fools (09/25/2012); Life and Death (09/26/2012)

“esachica”, for mature Christian believers the image of Jesus dying upon the cross calls forth truth that is inescapable for all who submit to GOD through his Son.  In addition to the “growing pains” they must endure as those who are “born again” and committed, believers are to expect the loss of loved ones to death, to unbelief, and to the pain of various separations as well as the routine life disappointments for those upon the earth, persecution, and personal suffering.  Through the operations of divinity, in water baptism the inborn spirit of a believer “dies” and is “buried”.  Because believers are reborn from divine DNA (so to speak), they must “grow up again” and become mature as divine offspring while still living upon the earth.  The sons and daughters of GOD are to become “ripe” and be gathered when the Lord takes his harvest of lives from the earth (some say, the Advent, the Rapture, the Second Coming).  In addition to the usual stress and tension that comes by hard work, believers who are developing as the seed of GOD in Christ also must face the many challenges that come when seeking to perfect a relationship.  Consider again how these points are stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)  1st Peter 5:  6-11, King James Version (KJV):  6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:  7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.  8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:  9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.  10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.  11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

(2.)  Hebrews 12:  7-9, KJV:  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?

(3.)  Ephesians 2:  8-10, 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.  10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

There is far more that should be carefully said, thoughtfully examined, and spiritually understood.  (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 am sure this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(06/22/2016) About Other People's Beliefs

Today, points are shared on comparing ones own and the beliefs of others, and salvation through grace rather than obedience to law.  Spiritual confusion can only be avoided by a person first becoming fully anchored, committed, and convicted through the operations of GOD.  The same wisdom we must exercise to correctly acquire the full range of doctrine and practice necessary within a chosen community of faith also must be applied when considering the beliefs that have been chosen by others.  Multiple subtleties (barely visible differences; hidden shifts in meaning and value) always are involved that may not immediately come into view.  Emotions and sentiment can break off the impartiality and sobriety vital to critical thinking and sound judgment.  A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “King” (Level 6 with 15,231 points, a member since November 25,  2015) posted the following:

How can christians say they are going to make it to heaven when they don't keep ALL the laws of the bible?

Christians are of the devil.

Christianity is the religion that slaughtered my people.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.  And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.  For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise:  but God gave it to Abraham by promise.  Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.  Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.  Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid:  for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.  But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.  But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.  Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.  But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.  For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.  (Galatians 3:  16-26, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  By Law and Relationships (04/05/2016); Belief, Content And Works? (02/12/2016); How To Treat Unbelievers? (01/13/2016); The Death Penalty? (10/08/2015); Pointing Out Error? (10/07/2015); Making Sin Appear as Sinful? (06/07/2015); Death, Forgiveness, Sin and Spirit? (05/28/2015)

“King”, where your people belong to GOD, it is in the hands of Deity, not any other people, how and if they die.  The GOD I serve has demonstrated that death can be endured, and made to have less damaging impact against created beings and living creatures through such features as atonement, forgiveness, divine grace, mercy, rebirth, resurrection, and sanctification.

In the same way it requires careful study, growth, and experience over time to accomplish balance, completeness, consistency, and stability (we say, maturity) as one having knowledge and who routinely practices a lifestyle within your own system of belief, it also requires discernment, fellowship, insight, and many years of gradual development to correctly recognize errors, imperfections, and weaknesses from the belief systems of others.

For mature Christian believers, redemption, salvation, and life as an eternal companion to divinity is received as a gift (we also say, blessing); and is not a prize from competition, a reward, or wages for their own attitudes, efforts, obedience to a formal system of laws, or their own “good works.”  With this in view, Christians declare their faith in the proclamations, promises, and prophecies that have been provided from GOD through the Scriptures.  The holy writings give believers a divine point of view, so to speak, and make divinity knowable and known by showing the active presence and operations of GOD through thousands of events within thousands of lives over the course of thousands of years.

There is far more that should be carefully said, thoughtfully examined, and spiritually understood.  For example, for Christians, the challenge is to display and perform the righteousness of GOD that is communicated and spoken in divine law.  The benefit and supply the living need from GOD is obtained by acknowledging the character, nature and spirit substance of the law more than by “going through the motions” and mechanical obedience to the formal letter of the law.  Even so, I am sure this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC