(09/30/2016) Law, Vengeance, and Punishment?

Today, a reply is shared on the importance of law, judgment, and justice among Christian beliefs.  While atonement, redemption and salvation have overcoming and resisting sin as a major focus, the revelation of GOD through Jesus Christ centers more upon mankind becoming a new creation through the Savior’s blood.  Many now are in an ongoing process of permanent change that will be completed at the Advent (we say, the Rapture, the Second Coming) of Jesus.  Mortality is to no longer exist, and the committed believers will live as immortal, incorruptible companions of divinity.  On the one hand, every aspect of ministry and service to GOD must be understood as being in accordance with divine law.  Included are accountability within congregations, discipline within families, healing, inheritance, miracles, fulfillment of divine promises and prophecy as well as praise, proclamation of the Gospel, and preaching.  On the other hand, instead of being a formal codex or system of questionable demands, law is to be understood as “the force of truth” and the imperative that emerges by operations of the divine Spirit.  Thus, law is to be acknowledged as content from the character, makeup and substance of divinity.  Included are faith, forbearance, forgiveness, holiness, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  In no way does grace, mercy, and divine prerogative corrupt or oppose the delivery of divine justice.  A writer at “Yahoo! 7 Answers (Australia)” using the ID “John” (Level 1 with 1 point, a member since January 08, 2015 ) posted the following:

Is vengeance and punishment an important part of christianity?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.   For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.  For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:  That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  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.  (Romans 8:  1-10, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Presumption Is Never Helping (05/23/2016); Justice Not Revenge? (01/15/2015); A Culture of Judgment? (03/20/2014); Beyond Punishment (03/21/2014); A Guarantee of Heaven? (03/22/2014); Lawful Revenge? (01/02/2014); As GOD Loves Us? (01/03/2014)

“John”, throughout the holy writings, the word “vengeance” is used to speak of “justice”.  Mature Christian believers all acknowledge the sovereign authority of GOD—who is the Creator and owner of all that exists—to include administering judgment (we say, assigning value, determining quality, relegating purpose, and maintaining the extent of duration for the living as brief, finite, or eternal).  While divine law conveys the wrath of GOD against sin, it does so in agreement with divine love, promise, righteousness, truth, and wisdom.  Correction (i.e., demonstrations, encouragement, and added instruction to change attitudes, behavior, and knowledge) and punishment (i.e., penalties and reprimand that may include physical beatings and death) come into view where judgment is also (1) the resolution of conflicts and the settlement of disputes by applying divine law; (2) enforcement of the sanctions in the law (i.e., allowances, boundaries, limits, methods, and restrictions established); and (3) the continuance or restoration of balance, fairness, impartiality, and stability (that may include appeals and further adjudication).  The fullness of law to maintain and provide justice includes admonitions, cautions, and warnings; applying outcomes (e.g., process, sentences, verdicts) from earlier tribunals; commandments; confiscation; licensing; monetary assessments, fines and liens; ordinances and statutes; precepts and principles; registration of boundaries and property lines; removal and separation of violators from the community/prey/victims (e.g., banishment, death, exile, incarceration); as well as returning stolen goods and property.  Such elements as ceremonies, rituals, and traditions that seem to be arbitrary and pertain more to chance often are condemned as irrelevant and nonessential.  However, the character, nature, and substance of the law always is to be received as exalted, for sacred law is also the expressed will of GOD, and is to be a pure revelation of divinity.  Consider how some of this is stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)  Isaiah 5:  20-25, King James Version (KJV):  20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!  21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!  22 Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:  23 Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!  24 Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust:  because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.  25 Therefore is the anger of the LORD kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them:  and the hills did tremble, and their carcases were torn in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.

(2.)  Romans 7:  12-15, KJV:  12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.  13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.  14 For we know that the law is spiritual:  but I am carnal, sold under sin.  15 For that which I do I allow not:  for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.

(3.)  Romans 7:  21-25, KJV:  21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.  22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:  23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.  24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?  25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

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

(5.)  John 3:  16-21, KJV:  16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.  18 He that believeth on him is not condemned:  but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.  19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.  20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.  21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

There is far more to be said, carefully examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (6.)  Romans 12:  18-20, KJV:  18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.  19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath:  for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.  20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink:  for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(09/29/2016) The Need for Incarnation?

Today, reply is made to a question on the divine use of flesh and blood, mortality, and the death of Jesus upon the cross.  For those of us who accept that divine law expresses the heart, mind and will of GOD, existence, life, and the multiple eternal purposes of divinity (e.g., blessing, praise, replenishing the earth) establish and serve as sacred boundaries, limits, and restrictions upon the chaos and conditions that otherwise contend against divine order having place within the universe.  Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Law Giver, and the Creation that rests upon the platform of divine law; and, sin may dominate awareness and self-will in created beings and living creatures.  To fully accomplish, affirm, and proclaim the active presence of GOD as exalted even above sin, various divine methods, operations, and tools are being used.  Sin can not be eliminated or removed using the devices to destroy an ordinary material object.  Instead, sacred works must appear that counteract sin and erase its effects.  Included are atonement, forgiveness, rebirth, sacrifice, sanctification, and suffering.  A fighter at “Yahoo! 7 Answers (Australia)” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

Why was it necessary for god to send his son on a suicide mission?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  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.  Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.  (Galatians 4:  4-7, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Focus Upon Spirit (09/12/2016); Eternal Mysteries and Revelation (08/31/2016); Becoming A Christian Believer (08/08/2016); The Life Of GOD? (06/01/2016); Sacred Knowledge and Christ (05/16/2016); The Cross and Mankind (05/13/2016); In The Image of Man (05/04/2016)

“Anonymous”, mature Christian believers recognize your question as one that has been asked by angels in heaven as well as by mankind upon the earth.  Divinity can not be legitimately challenged or condemned by finite beings for using carnal form (we say, Incarnation), mortality, divine prerogative, and sovereign authority.  The continuing existence of created beings and living creatures has required many unseen operations and sacred works.  The things that have been displayed as divine revelation to make divinity knowable, known, and visible to the living, therefore, include elements that also are carnal, material, and social.  The mortality of Jesus Christ understood by his birth, ministry, death, and resurrection are no less necessary for complete and correct sacred knowledge than his immortality and purity witnessed through his ascension, his provision of atonement and spiritual gifts through the Holy Spirit, his installment as judge and king through a testament of blood, his service as High Priest within the temple in heaven, his coming to harvest from the earth those who belong to him that are “ripe” (we say, the Advent, the Rapture, the Second Coming), and the establishment of the city made in heaven (the New Jerusalem) upon the earth.  Using ideas generated by the flesh (e.g., appetite, form, sensation, emotions, mental functions) the notion of “suicide” may seem acceptable.  However, sinners must go to “higher ground” to have the same broad and inclusive point of view that allows genuine Christian belief.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(09/28/2016) Divine Knowing, Finite Will?

Today, focus is upon the confusion and familiar errors associated with “free will”, divine knowing, and “predestination”.   While there are “freedom”, “latitude when applying the law”, “liberty”, and self-will within the living that may be understood as provided from GOD, there is no such thing as “free will” that makes a person exempt from divine judgment, or releases the living from having to respond to conditions for existence, the fulfillment of sacred promises, and the accomplishment of prophecy in place from before the foundation of the world.  One of the many fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:

Are free will and omniscience a contradiction?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;  As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:  But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;  Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.  And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:  Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;  But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:  Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,  Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.  (1st Peter 1:  13-21, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Cross and Critical Thinking? (04/13/2016); Knowing? (05/24/2015); The Philosophy of Free Will? (04/08/2014); The Name(?) of GOD (04/09/2014); Doing GOD’s Plan? (02/20/2014); “Prayer Death”? (02/21/2014); No Free Will? (10/19/2010); Speaking of GOD (10/20/2010)

“Anonymous”, lacking correct sacred knowledge, many of us have confusions about divine authority and “free will” (i.e., that there is no accountability or duty to answer and serve GOD; there should be no limits upon self-will in created beings and living creatures).  The issue is not one of contradiction; it is many and includes betrayal, defiance, disobedience, and rebellion.  Sinners must go beyond the idea that divinity “reads your mind,” “programs you like a computer,” and “knows all your private thoughts and secrets.”  Mature Christians will agree both that self-will within finite created beings and living creatures appears as a product from divine consciousness and sovereign will, and that self-will has been provided to the living so they may carryout and fulfill eternal purposes that have been established as basic to their own lives.  Sacred (rather than secular) knowledge is comprised of information, principles, and expressions of divine will such as law, miracles and sacramental events, proclamations and utterances by spirit beings as well as promise, prophecy, revelation, and relationships that have their origin and value through GOD.

The process of “knowing” that exists among mankind as a requirement to participate in the world is carnal, mental, and social, and relies upon such limited tools as appetite, emotion, imagination, logic, philosophy, science, and technology.  By contrast, awareness and “knowing” for divinity may be spoken of as a kaleidoscopic spirit process wherein inseparable content from the makeup of GOD are ceaselessly positioned, joined, patterned, and reconfigured.  As a movement of spirit substance, divine knowing is active, detailed, diffuse, organic, quickened and unspecified, yet, must be acknowledged as immutable, incorruptible, and unchanging.  Existing as a “godhead” (summation of all divine person and power) that displays oneness without sameness, Deity is incarnate as well as at once selfless and continually self-engaged.  Thus, we speak of divine knowing as categorical, comprehensive and unbounded even when appearing in communication, exchange, focus, interaction, and judgment.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(09/27/2016) The Divine Peace Process?

Today, peace is described as a result of divine operations that must occur within the living, and unfold like the gradual growth of a seed.  For mature Christian believers, peace is an inner condition as well as the social framework and lifestyle vital to relationships between and among nations seeking exchange, prosperity, and mutual support.  For modern nations, the peace process consists in such features as adjudication, conferences, diplomacy, negotiations, and talks.  Peace will result as the outcome of complete agreement, or consensus (i.e., accord achieved through acceptance, compromise, and consent).  Many heads of state and global councils adopt a “hard line” posture and refuse peace through consensus.  They prefer to pursue a war that may only spread bitterness, death, destruction, poverty, and revenge, and can never result in peace, because by a pact or treaty they also must lose advantages and benefits.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Harold” (Level 4 with 3,041 points, a member since June 24, 2009) posted the following:

Don't you just wish God Almighty would impose peace upon the world?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;  Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any:  even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.  And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.  And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.  And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.  (Colossians 3:  12-17, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  About Judgment By GOD (08/29/2016); Divine Focus and Process (07/19/2016); World Peace Is Coming? (05/08/2016); To Have True Peace? (11/12/2015);  Conflict Because of Religious Belief? (01/30/2015);  Understanding Peace? (11/20/2013); Adversary or Servant? (11/21/2013)

“Harold”, the divine operations to generate and maintain peace throughout the fullness of Creation also are aspects of the revelation of GOD whereby divinity is made knowable, known, and present for created beings and living creatures.  While ultimate authority, judgment, ownership and sovereignty only are to be found with GOD, the nature of divine control and governance are not coercion, external demands, and intimidation by outside forces.  Among Christian believers, peace is the outcome of judgment (i.e., applying law to establish balance, maintain fairness, resolve conflict, and settle disputes), and self-government under GOD, and is not the outcome or reward for warfare.  Personal peace must appear from within a person through the exchange, joining, interaction, and reconfiguration of inseparable aspects from the divine makeup that must reside within the living.  Included are faith, forbearance, forgiveness, joy, longsuffering, love, meekness, restraint, and wisdom.  With these points in view, one must understand that peace for the world must derive from within the world.  Consider again how some of this is stated using the Bible:

(1.)  Matthew 10:  32-39, King James Version (KJV):  32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.  33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.  34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth:  I came not to send peace, but a sword.  35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.  36 And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.  37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me:  and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.  38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.  39 He that findeth his life shall lose it:  and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

(2.)  Hebrews 4:  12-13, KJV:  12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight:  but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

(3.)  Matthew 5:  8-10, KJV:  8 Blessed are the pure in heart:  for they shall see God.  9 Blessed are the peacemakers:  for they shall be called the children of God.  10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake:  for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

(4.)  John 15:  17-20, KJV:  17 These things I command you, that ye love one another.  18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.  19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own:  but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.  20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

There is far more to be said, thoughtfully examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  Romans 5:  1-5, KJV:  1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:  2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also:  knowing that tribulation worketh patience;  4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:  5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX 
Washington, DC

(09/26/2016) Spirit Content From GOD?

Today the focus is on the divine gifts from the GODhead, and the fruit they produce in the life of believers.  Inseparable aspects of the Holy Spirit are imparted to those who obey that will build up (edify) and permanently abide within believers.  Included are awe, forbearance, forgiveness, joy, meekness, repentance, and reverence.  In addition to being necessary for the spiritual growth of those who believe, the Spirit is required for believers to  accomplish acts of faith and spiritual works.  A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

Christians can you explain the Gifts of the spirit and Fruit of the spirit?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:   Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.  And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.  (1st Corinthians 12:  27-28, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  To Him That Hath... (07/08/2016); Gifts As A Reward? (02/14/2016);  What True Believers Do (07/14/2016); Many Sons of GOD? (06/28/2016); As Agents of Divinity (06/12/2016); Priesthood and The Cross (03/20/2016); Belief, Content And Works? (02/12/2016); Called To Be Servants? (11/25/2015)

“Anonymous”, the process of GOD for the redemption, salvation, and transformation of mankind to exist as an eternal companion to divinity has required the revelation of the character, nature, and substance of the full GODhead using both flesh (we say, Incarnation) and imparted spirit from the makeup of Deity.  GOD exists as an active presence displaying inseparable aspects that include faith, holiness, longsuffering, patience, person, purity, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Through Jesus Christ, sinners may receive baptism (death of ones inborn spirit, and rebirth as a divine offspring and seed).  Once washed and cleansed, “born again” believers are to be nourished, prepare themselves, and serve divinity by continuing the ministry, presence, and priesthood of Jesus upon the earth.  The gifts from the Spirit (we also say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth) are to enable communication, discernment, exchange, ongoing relationships, sacred knowledge, correct practice of sacraments, and mutual support among and between the diverse individuals who come together as members of the body of Christ.  The fruit of the Spirit are the divine outcomes, permanent changes, and products in the life of a believer that result from the presence and operation of divine gifts.  Consider again how this is stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)  1st Corinthians 12:  3-6, King James Version (KJV):  3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed:  and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.  4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.  5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.  6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

(2.)  1st Corinthians 12:  8-12, KJV:  8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;  9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;  10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:  11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.  12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body:  so also is Christ.

(3.)  Galatians 5:  19-23, KJV:  19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,  20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,  21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like:  of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.  22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  23 Meekness, temperance:  against such there is no law.

There is far more to be said, carefully 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

(09/23/2016) The Witness of Conscience

Today, focus is upon conscience as an expression from the flesh and the World, rather than divine Spirit.  At one time, conscience was widely understood to be like artistry and talent, a gift given a person by GOD.  Conscience appeared as an operation of law detecting and exposing sin, making challenge as an accuser, and delivering correction and punishment in the form of despair and unending mental anguish.  Many in modern society are startled and disheartened knowing there are those among us who repeatedly show anger, aggressive and “hard-core” attitudes (the young say, gangsta), bitterness, enmity, frigidity, hostility, indifference to the suffering of others, lack of love, rage, self-destructiveness, and mindless violence.  Impenitent sinners, having exaggerated pride and refusing to show remorse or sorrow for sin, seem to be multiplying.  Their behavior and conduct shows no respect to law, to life, to judgment, to forgiveness, to kindness, or to love.  Because they are increasingly labeled as inhuman, monsters, psychopaths, and sociopaths, it often seems acceptable to say such sinners are “dead” in sin, can not be raised or restored, and will never be saved since they have no remaining scrap of conscience or humanity.  Yet, these are the ones who would benefit most through being “born again.”  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Bobby” (Level 1 with 1 point, a member since March 10, 2012) posted the following:

How can people not believe in God when our consciences testify to his existence?

Our conscience is like a fire alarm. It tells us when we are violating God's law. It can make us feel terrible, because that is God's way of warning us when we are in trouble.

How can someone ignore that and then insist that everything happened by chance and as such, morality is purely a societal construct?

It's like saying that a building just formed by chance and natural processes, instead of intelligence!

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:  How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?  And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.  (Hebrews 9:  13-15, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Spirit Process not Feelings? (09/21/2016); Judgment Focused On Content? (08/30/2016); Boasting In The Lord (08/19/2016); Where Society Is Headed? (01/11/2016); In Times of Progress? (12/21/2015); Punishment To Show Love? (11/29/2015); Sin in Mind not Deed? (01/06/2014)

“Bobby”, here are some thoughts I’d like to share:  As an emotional and psychological aspect of ones awareness (we may say, the flesh), conscience and self-will may be dominated by the operations of sin.  Conscience, that many take to be an inner standard that tells us right and wrong, may be the origin and source for our feelings and sense of condemnation, disgrace, embarrassment, guilt, and shame.  Thus, the testimony and witness of conscience can be more akin to the products of flesh and mind than to those from (we say, the fruit of) the imparted, indwelling spirit of GOD.  Therefore, for Christian believers, conscience is not a “thorn in the flesh” that reveals divine grace and the active presence of divinity, nor is conscience a device that increases sacred knowledge, and establishes eternal purpose. 

Conscience appears as if a complex and higher order response in created beings and living creatures because there is always a three-fold mix of emotional, intellectual and mental responses that persist, recur, and linger.  The mechanism of conscience appears to be a cycle wherein feeling triggers thoughts, followed by thoughts that repeatedly trigger the previous feelings.  Where conscience becomes corrupted, loses its forcefulness, and becomes unfocused, it does not operate as prophecy to comfort, edify (build up), and exhort (command immediate action; excite believers to “stir up the gifts”).  More than this, conscience may become seared.  (When fire (i.e., judgment) is used to cauterize (close) a person’s deep and unseen wounds, so to speak, a seal is created that stops the bleeding.  However, the seal that no longer allows anything out from the wound, also no longer allows anything in.  Thus, many are “ever learning,” yet, never coming to the knowledge of the truth.)

To the extent conscience in modern society may be seen as a result of carnal, material, and social elements, what we experience as being matters of “conscience” (or not) can be determined by such features as corporate advertising, gossip, politics, popular culture, government propaganda, slander, and even the “charm” and panache of criminal and nonconformist personality (bad boyz!).  Consider again the admonitions, examples, and how some of this is stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)  1st Timothy 4:  1-3, King James Version (KJV):  1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;  2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;  3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

(2.)  Titus 1:  15-16, KJV:  15 Unto the pure all things are pure:  but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.  16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

(3.)  1st Timothy 1:  3-7, KJV:  3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,  4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith:  so do.  5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:  6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;  7 Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.

(4.)  1st Timothy 1:  18-20, KJV:  18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;  19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:  20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.  

There is far more to be said, carefully examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  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

(09/22/2016) What Spirit May Choose?

Today, thoughts are shared on what it would mean to be controlled by divine Spirit.  Christian believers are not made to behave as automatons and machines by the presence and operations of the Holy Spirit.  The living continue to have authority, coherence, integrity, and power as self-will; and the ongoing transformation of their character and nature proceeds according to their own responses to GOD such as gratitude, humility, meekness, obedience, respect, and trust.  In no way are believers dehumanized, deprived, or dispossessed.  Outside the sovereign frameworks provided by divine spirit, the platforms for existence and order are anarchy, chaos, evil, ruin, and upheaval as depicted using surrealism.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (I could care less which one) posted the following:

If a spirit was controlling him, he wouldn't be choosing to be homosexual.?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  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.  For sin shall not have dominion over you:  for ye are not under the law, but under grace.  What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.  Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?  But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.  Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.  (Romans 6:  8-18, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Spirit Process not Feelings? (09/21/2016); The Focus Upon Spirit (09/12/2016); Use Spirit From GOD? (08/15/2016);  GOD Within Christian Believers (07/31/2016); The Flesh An Obstacle? (07/29/2016); An Habitation of GOD (07/24/2016); Flesh Against the Spirit? (06/19/2016)

“Anonymous”, how and what divine spirit may choose is not predictable using values centered in emotion, flesh, logic, reason, physical strength, sentiment, and sensation.  Because the character, nature, operations, and substance of divinity are “spirit” (we also say, life essence, breath, sacred utterance, Word), it is no simple thing for created beings and living creatures—who exist as independent (i.e., separate), and may be carnal, material, mortal (subject to death) and of limited duration (like both angels and mankind)—to correctly be in agreement and harmony with an immortal, incorruptible, invisible Creator.  In view of the fact that spirit matter is diffuse, immeasurable and unbounded, it is more fruitful and godly for mature Christian believers to focus upon abiding as a new creation through Jesus Christ, acquiring new life, rebirth, and repentance than to dwell upon concerns such as defilement through fornication and sexual joining, same-sex marriage, sexual orientation, and sexual preferences.  Sin, the influence that opposes the continued existence of divine law, also challenges the exchanges and interactions among the inseparable aspects within the makeup of GOD that pertain to eternal life.  Included are faith, holiness, longsuffering, love, purity, righteousness, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  For finite beings, where there is no law, preset conditions, focus, form, measurable dimension, and fixed standards, chaos and nonexistence are promoted that may appear disguised as benefit and freedom.  Where awareness and self-will are dominated by sin, the living do not truly demonstrate choice.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(09/21/2016) Spirit Process not Feelings?

Today, focus is on grace, guilt as a mechanism to stop sin, and the work of the imparted spirit of GOD.  Until they are “born again,” “grow up again,” and consistently operate as a new creation through Jesus Christ, mankind on the earth are driven and energized by emotional, mental, and physical forces, rather than by the power of their indwelling spirit from GOD.  A total transformation must occur that will allow the living to exist as eternal and sinless companions to divinity who is sovereign, immortal and incorruptible.  Change appears through such elements as awe, commitment, discernment, gradual growth, meekness, and sanctification.  It is written:  30 Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.  31 Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit:  for why will ye die, O house of Israel?  32 For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD:  wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye (Ezekiel 18:  30-32, King James Version, KJV).  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “Breakthrough” (Level 6 with 15,020 points, a member since June 29, 2013) posted the following:

Does God want people to feel guilty or does God merely want people to stop sinning?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son:  the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.  But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.  All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him:  in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.  Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?  (Ezekiel 18:  20-23, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Practice of Forgiveness (07/03/2016); Sin Must Be Personal (04/29/2016); Confession and The Cross (03/25/2016); The Process of Forgiveness? (10/21/2015); Guilt and Ignorance? (12/04/2014);  Joined To Christ Through Faith (12/05/2014); A Guilt Trip? (07/11/2013); Prayer not Enough? (07/12/2013)

“Breakthrough”, mature Christian believers prefer to acknowledge the process of GOD to recover the living from sin as sacred and set apart; infused with inseparable spirit substance from the makeup of divinity (e.g., faith, holiness, longsuffering, wisdom, wrath against sin); and imparting such benefits as divine law, divine love, sacred knowledge, and sacred practice (we say, sacraments).  The lasting and permanent changes that must be made do not occur on the basis of things carnal, material, and social.  Guilt, remorse, and shame appear through operations of the flesh and mind that include appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, sexual cravings), sensation (e.g., hearing, tasting, touching), and emotion/mental functions (e.g., anger, fear, imagination, recall).  The operations of sin oppose the continued existence of divine law, divinity as the law-giver, and all divine order necessary to maintain the Creation.  Sin is arbitrary, chaotic and random, yet, is an influence that may dominate awareness and self-will within created beings and living creatures.  While sin has no physical dimensions, sin does have direction, effect, and presence, and generates darkness, spiritual confusion, and nonexistence.  Sin can not control or manipulate the will of GOD, therefore, one of the highest benefits to mankind is that, through Jesus Christ, divinity provides a fresh endowment of spirit from the makeup of GOD.   Rebirth, repentance, and returning to GOD only are performed through the active presence of Deity.  Believers are not coerced, enticed, forced, or persuaded so much as they are edified (we say, built up), encouraged, forgiven, respected, and saved by grace.  Consider again how some of this is stated in language from the holy writings:

(1.)  Romans 5:  12-15, King James Version (KJV):  12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:  13 (For until the law sin was in the world:  but sin is not imputed when there is no law.  14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.  15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.

(2.)  Romans 5:  17-21, KJV:  17 For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)  18 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.  19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.  20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:  21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

(3.) Proverbs 9:  6-10, KJV:  6 Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.  7 He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame:  and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.  8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee:  rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.  9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser:  teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.  10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom:  and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

There is far more to be said, carefully 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.  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

(09/20/2016) Only One True GOD?

Today, focus is on judging others and the requirement for Christian believers that they acknowledge only one true GOD.  Given the operations by divinity to release mankind from certain demands of covenant and sacred law that many began to regard as contradictory, destructive, and oppressive, often those lacking faith from the makeup of GOD now mistakenly think that the purpose of salvation through Jesus Christ is the elimination of all divine law, the annulment of sacred judgment, the approval of self-will as the most correct standard for created beings and living creatures, and the accomplishment of their own private prosperity.  When their errors are made known to them, many feel they are being unfairly and unreasonably attacked and condemned.  Thus, mature believers are cautioned and encouraged by such holy writings as 2nd Thessalonians 3:  1-3, King James Version (KJV):  1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:  2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men:  for all men have not faith.  3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.  The fighter at “Yahoo! 7 Answers (Australia) using the ID “Trouble Maker” (Level 6 with 14,897 points, a member since May 11, 2013) posted the following:

Last time in church the pastor said that "we are worshipping the one true God"?

As if others worshipping a false God? I felt some pain in my heart because of such sectarian attitude, but I guess he was trying to make to congregation happy. What do you think?

THE GOLDEN ARROWS:  Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool:  what house will ye build me? saith the Lord:  or what is the place of my rest?  Hath not my hand made all these things?  Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost:  as your fathers did, so do ye.  Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:  Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.  When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.  But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,  And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.  Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,  And cast him out of the city, and stoned him:  and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul.  And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.  And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.  (Acts 7:  49-60, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The GOD Named “Jealous” (09/15/2016); Learning From A Spirit? (08/25/2016); Access Through The Son (07/21/2016); The Rise in Atheism? (07/07/2016); About Other People’s Beliefs (06/22/2016); All Having One Consciousness? (06/13/2016); A Guarantee of Judgment? (04/15/2016); A GOD of Judgment (12/01/2015); Pointing Out Error? (10/07/2015)

“Trouble Maker”, the goal of most mature Christian believers is to please GOD, who is a spirit, and who requires exclusive devotion (i.e., the acknowledgment of no other gods).  One of the reasons geneticists and those who conduct studies of DNA chains insist upon mathematical precision is that they are dealing with descriptions for objects within our sphere of life that may not include “hands on” and physical measurement.  Much of their work does not include common dimensions (e.g., breadth, depth, height, length, weight); focus will be on calculations, projections, and theoretical measurements, instead.  Similarly, sinners who begin study for their salvation as Christian believers must continuously apply specific tools provided from divinity to acquire fresh spirit content from the makeup of GOD, arrive at sacred knowledge, and to become consistent in responding to sacred practices (we say, sacraments).  Where they understand correctly, it is the goal of every believer to become one who serves through Jesus Christ, and through whom Christ serves and continues his divine ministry to the hearts, minds, and spirit of others.  Believers, therefore, must operate having certainty, conviction, and mature (some would say, stable or unshakeable) faith.  One’s declaration of faith may have power even when their manner and way of sharing is calm, is quiet, is without fanaticism, and makes no unusual outward display.  The lifestyle and ongoing routine of a believer should always proclaim their faith through actions and words that are plain, unambiguous, and unequivocal.  GOD is no more unrighteous for rejecting sinners than a young woman who refuses to grant a second date to those fellows who, in their time together, were disrespectful, insulting, overeager, and “long in the tooth.”  All who have been created have not been willing to abide as children of GOD.  Consider again how some of these ideas are shared using language from the Bible:

(1.)  Romans 10:  13-17, King James Version (KJV):  13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.  14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?  15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!  16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?  17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

(2.)  Ephesians 4:  4-7, KJV:  4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;  5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,  6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.  7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

There is far more to be said, carefully examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (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