(11/30/2016) The Relationships With GOD?

Today, a reply is shared on requirements for continuing satisfying relationships with divinity.  For regular communication, exchange, and interaction with immortal, incorruptible divinity, created beings and living creatures must contain measures of the same inseparable spirit content that resides within the GODhead.  Included are faith, holiness, unselfish love, presence, purpose, righteousness, truth, and sovereign will replacing self-will.  Close relationships and intimacy with those in the home (parents, siblings, spouse, etc.) involve mutual acceptance and respect that, on the surface, may look to be equality or parity, yet, only occur through discipline and the lawful exercise of authority (e.g., allowances, concessions, forbearance, permission, restraint).  Family relationships are very different from those of couples sharing courtship, development, and exploration leading to marriage as well as different from relationships that are merely for sexual exploitation.  It is by the sovereign authority of GOD that the living receive divine forgiveness that expresses lovingkindness, and that also proclaims there is mercy in judgment.  Adoption of the Spirit, covenant, rebirth, redemption, and salvation are a few of the lawful mechanisms provided by GOD to establish created beings and living creatures as eternal companions with divinity.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! 7 Answers (Australia)” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

If having a relationship with God is a choice, just like having a boyfriend or girlfriend is, what makes it so different with God?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.  The LORD is good to all:  and his tender mercies are over all his works.  All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee.  (Psalms 145:  8-10, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  A Different Spirit Content? (11/29/2016); Choice, Duty, and Obligation? (11/17/2016); Eternal Life From GOD (10/24/2016); His Children Are Sanctified (10/12/2016); The GOD Who Loves? (10/02/2016);  Spirit Content From GOD? (09/26/2016); The Seed of the Wicked (10/27/2015)

“Anonymous”, you seem to be lacking sacred knowledge and some very important basic ideas about divinity.  GOD is a spirit who has put forth material existence, diverse created beings and living creatures, multiple life processes (e.g., birth, aging, learning, maturity, death) as well as the sacred law and divine order that continues as our universe.  The Creator is the origin, owner, and sole sovereign authority over the makeup, purpose, and substance of all that exists.  Just as being connected in relationship with their own parents is not a matter of the child’s choice, or by the allowance and permission of the child as their seed, being in relationship with GOD is not on the basis of desires, likes and dislikes, or personal preferences.  Being in a full and satisfying relationship with Deity requires “adjustments” in how we behave, think about divinity, think about ourselves, think about others, think about time and space, understand what it is that establishes “quality” in a person’s life, etc., etc., etc.  Believers will contain and display spirit substance from the makeup of GOD such as faith, holiness, longsuffering, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  There will be regular communication (e.g., confession, praise, prayer, thanksgiving, worship), exchange, and interaction that focuses consciousness of GOD, and directs self-will to conformity with the revealed will of GOD.  Many young people today express disrespect and rejection of parental authority while still living in the home of their parents.  Even so, the law continues to acknowledge a clear relationship, and requires accountability and restraint from both the adults and the child.  Similarly, many deny GOD, yet, continue under the provisions of divine law, forbearance, forgiveness, redemption and salvation.  There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, those who deny GOD gradually lose everything that makes them acceptable and pleasing to GOD.  Eventually, those rejecting divine love become abominations and rubbish that are to be utterly destroyed in the second death.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/29/2016) A Different Spirit Content?

 

Today, focus is on acceptance of sin, the destruction of sinners, and the treatment of those born again as offspring of GOD.  Through covenant, faith, grace, imparted Spirit, divine law, obedience, and the death of Jesus Christ upon the cross, those among mankind who return to GOD may have atonement for sin and place with divinity as children and heirs (e.g., see Deuteronomy 14:  1-2, King James Version (KJV):  1 Ye are the children of the LORD your God:  ye shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead.  2 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.)  While angels do not develop, grow, learn from their errors and mistakes, or increase in holiness as men do through adoption, rebirth, repentance and sanctification, angels may become defiled, profane and unclean through the operations of sin just like those who are in the flesh.  The heavenly messengers and servants of GOD are neither immortal nor mortal, and only continue duration as a matter of divine law, sacred process, and sovereign prerogative.  Eventually, all angels, men, and material objects that no longer contain the endowment from GOD necessary for existence, life, and eternal relationship will be cast into the Lake of Fire.  One of the many fighters at “Yahoo! Answers (Malaysia)” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

 

Why was part of gods creation a place where people can suffer for eternity?

What parent wants their children to suffer forever?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:   So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.  For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.  (James 2:  12-13, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Spirit Content From GOD? (09/26/2016); Judgment Focused On Content? (08/30/2016); By Law and Relationships (04/05/2016); Belief In Another World? (02/17/2016); Belief, Content And Works? (02/12/2016); The Spirit is Willing (10/20/2012); Spirit Matter (10/21/2012)

 

“Anonymous”, believers only show love, respect, reverence and worship to GOD because they have a different Spirit content.  The language we use to talk about divinity also allows us to speak of created beings and living creatures having relationships as children, sons, and daughters to GOD.  Even so, communication, exchange, interaction, and requirements for those who are companions to Deity, who is immortal, incorruptible, and invisible, are not the same as with carnal parents, and those that share our mortal concerns.  GOD may only be correctly known to those who have received such inseparable aspects of his makeup as faith, holiness, longsuffering, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Having a physical human form does not make someone a child of GOD.  Without divine DNA, so to speak, no person may claim to be an offspring, or child of GOD.  Because many regard sin as carnal, natural, normal, and a matter of self-expression, they fail to recognize that sin is contrary both to their own continued existence and that of GOD.  Sinners must be shaken and stirred to realize the “exceeding sinfulness of sin.”  The operations of sin make them merely filthy and unclean objects now separated from GOD, and later to be destroyed, for they are not those who are responding as the divine beloved.  Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, divine love, all divine order, and the entire universe.  Divine judgment is necessary for the preservation of life; and the place of destruction is only for ungodly things.  Consider again the following:

(1.)  Exodus 20:  4-6, King James Version (KJV):  4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.  5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them:  for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;  6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

(2.)  Matthew 25:  41, KJV:  41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

(3.)  Romans 8:  14-16, 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:

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Romans 8:  5-10, 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.  10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/28/2016) Events During Final Judgment?

Salvation and events during the times of final judgment are considered today.  No new alarm or further warning to prepare will be provided beyond the things already on record in the holy writings; thus, the “day of the Lord” will appear like “a thief in the night.”  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “2.718281828459045235360287471352662497757247093699” (Level 7 with 125,124 points, a member since February 26, 2006) posted the following:

I've heard it said that on Judgment Day the God may decide to save or damn us randomly. What do you think of this idea?

It goes like this. On Judgment Day the God and the Satan will be standing there in the great hallway counting out souls as they file by "One For You, One For Me, One For You, One For Me" and so on... If this turns out to be the case, and you were one of the holy people, and spent your entire life on Earth in a state of fervent belief and pious church attendance, won't you feel a little embarrassed to discover your salvation or damnation will be based purely on chance?

Earnest replies appreciated.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  The great day of the LORD is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the LORD:  the mighty man shall cry there bitterly.  That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness,  A day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high towers.  And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the LORD:  and their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as the dung.  Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD’s wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy:  for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land.  (Zephaniah 1:  14-18, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  About Judgment By GOD (08/29/2016); Belief, Content And Works? (02/12/2016); Destroying the Resurrected Body? (02/10/2014); For They Shall Be Ashes (02/11/2014); When Does Judgment Begin? (06/27/2013); Our Present Comfort? (06/28/2013); Teachings on Judgment (06/06/2013); Those Who Never Heard? (06/07/2013) 

“2.718281828459045235360287471352662497757247093699”, judgment is an aspect of the divine character, makeup, and substance, and should be understood as a continuous divine process that is occurring right now.  Mature Christian believers rely upon the holy writings from Genesis to Revelation for information regarding the final judgment that alone will fulfill many of the specific proclamations, promises, and prophecies from GOD.  No one knows the exact day or hour for what we also call “the close of judgment,” yet, all are to be certain of its nearness.  The “day of the Lord” is described as a day of awe, dread, terror, and weeping, for the wrath of GOD against sin will be unleashed upon disbelievers, the wicked, and those rebelling against the sovereign will of GOD.  The day of the Lord is often confused with the Advent (we say, the Rapture, the Second Coming) when the Savior will appear in the air to receive those who belong to him and are “ripe” (balanced, complete, mature) as GOD’s harvest from the earth.  The Scriptures speak of two harvesting events.  As the Scriptures speak of two resurrection events, where resurrection is the granting of life to the dead required for them to appear in the presence of GOD:  the first for the just (i.e., the righteous), and the second for the unjust (i.e., the wicked).  Similarly, the Scriptures speak of the first death where the living complete their mortality, and their physical body is separated from their inherited as well as their imparted spirit content received through baptism (death of ones inborn spirit, rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak).  In the second death, those who no longer have a spirit that is immediately recognizable as from GOD will be annihilated and totally removed from existence.  They will be cast into the Lake of Fire that was prepared for the destruction of the devil and his angels.  The devil will not exist as a prince or ruler over dead sinners in a place where he has authority, glory and privilege.  He will be cast into the Lake of Fire, and will neither be allowed to set foot in the New Jerusalem nor serve any longer as an accuser of the brethren.  All will be judged on the basis of the spirit appearing through their own attitudes, deeds, habits, and purposes as recorded in the Book of Life.  Consider the following:

(1.)  2nd Peter 3:  9-13, King James Version (KJV):  9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.  10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.  11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,  12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?  13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

(2.)  Revelation 20:  1-6, KJV:  1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.  2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,  3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled:  and after that he must be loosed a little season.  4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them:  and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.  5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.  6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection:  on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

(3.)  Revelation 20:  7-11, KJV:  7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,  8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog, and Magog, to gather them together to battle:  the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.  9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.  10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.  11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Revelation 20:  12-15, KJV:  12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened:  and another book was opened, which is the book of life:  and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.  13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them:  and they were judged every man according to their works.  14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.  15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/27/2016) Is GOD A Racist?

Today, reply is made to a question insinuating that GOD will continue bias, exaggerated pride, and racism on the earth as practices in heaven.  In the holy writings, GOD repeatedly proclaims his love to the Jews as a peculiar people whom he chose to be preeminent upon the earth.  Many mistakenly take this to mean that, denying sacred law and divine integrity, GOD will favor the Jews in judgment, and will be hostile and prejudiced against Gentiles.  Correctly understood, intimate relationships with the Creator are by covenant, incarnation, inheritance, judgment, divine law, promise, and truth.  Judgment is also an aspect of the full revelation of divinity, for just as authority, justice, mercy, and sovereign majesty must come into view, the righteousness of GOD also must become known and visible to all.  None need envy the Jews, for disfavor and the wrath of GOD has come against many of them through covenant-breaking, idolatry by worship of the Golden Calf, and rejection of Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah.  To say, GOD is “no respecter of persons,” is to declare the fairness and impartiality both of divine love and of sacred judgment.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

Is there a black heaven?

For black people?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father:  and I lay down my life for the sheep.  And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold:  them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.  Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.  (John 10:  15-17, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Can Christians Be Racists? (07/25/2016); The Provision Against Racists? (01/19/2016); Correctly Knowing Israel? (03/01/2015); The Curse of Black Skin? 02/05/2015); Not Yet Delivered From Racism? (12/21/2014); Racism Is Not From GOD (12/22/2014); Beliefs, Customs and Racism? (09/24/2014)

“Anonymous”, many Christians believe that the presence of racism indicates the love of the Father is not in a person (see 1st John 2:  15, King James Version, KJV).  The eternal purposes of GOD revealed through Jesus Christ speak to establishing enduring oneness without sameness.  Where blacks, or whites, or Native Americans, or Asians, or island people do not appear in heaven it will not be because of their origin, nationality, and race.  It will be that their lives did not display genuine godly essence (i.e., breath, spirit, word).  Mature Christian believers do not encourage or endorse the many political ideas intended to build a strong community through division, oppression, and persecution of a minority group.  Such practices and phenomena as “caste”,  “balkanization” (breakdown of larger regions into separate subgroups and mutually hostile units), “egocentrism” (belief that the world centers and revolves around oneself), and interracial hatred must be correctly recognized as promoting death and nonexistence, rather than eternal life, as opposing the continued existence of divine law, and as contrary to the character, nature, and substance of divinity.  Diversity appears in the earth, in part, as a device that reveals the endless possibilities of Deity who also remains immutable, incorruptible, unbiased, and unchanging.  The GOD we serve is a GOD of judgment, and therefore must display such qualities as balance, fairness, honesty, impartiality, patience, and truth.  More than this, the GOD we serve is a GOD of love and therefore will display compassion, kindness, forbearance, forgiveness, longsuffering, and respect.  There is nothing in the holy writings to suggest that there will be discrimination on the basis of ethnicity in access to housing, jobs, marriages, or building of communities within the City of GOD (the New Jerusalem) that will exist forever upon the earth.  Consider again the following points from the Bible:

(1.)   Isaiah 63:  15-16, King James Version (KJV):  15 Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of thy holiness and of thy glory:  where is thy zeal and thy strength, the sounding of thy bowels and of thy mercies toward me? are they restrained?  16 Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not:  thou, O LORD, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting.

(2.)  Colossians 1:  12-22, KJV:  12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:  13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:  14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:  15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:  16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers:  all things were created by him, and for him:  17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.  18 And he is the head of the body, the church:  who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.  19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;  20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.  21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled  22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  Colossians 3:  9-15, KJV:   9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;  10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:  11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free:  but Christ is all, and in all.  12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;  13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any:  even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.  14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.  15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/25/2016) About Revelation not Punishment?

Detail from Jan van Eyck diptych panel the Last Judgment (circa 1430)

The sacred processes of GOD to make divinity knowable, known, and memorable are in view, today.  Included are forgiveness, incarnation, inheritance, judgment, resurrection, and sanctification.  Consider again the holy writings:  9 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.  10 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.  11 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, (Hebrews 2:  9-11, King James Version, KJV).  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers (UK & Ireland)” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

If Jesus took the punishment for sin, why is he not burning in hell?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:  Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.  Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.  For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.  And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:  In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:  Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.  And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;  Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;  And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.  (Colossians 2:  6-15, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Eternal Life From GOD (10/24/2016); Law, Vengeance, and Punishment? (09/30/2016); Must GOD Hate Sinners? (09/01/2016); Eternal Mysteries and Revelation (08/31/2016); In Order To Believe (08/12/2016);  Punishment To Show Love? (11/29/2015); The Death Penalty for Sins? (11/30/2014); A Dispensation To Benefit (12/01/2014)

“Anonymous”, for mature Christian believers, sacred knowledge shared through Jesus Christ centers upon the active appearance of authority and power we call “the GODhead.”  The many operations of salvation from GOD are directed to the full revelation of divinity, and the focus of sinners has to be shifted away from sin.  While sin is no spirit or thing created by GOD, the operations of sin in created beings and living creatures may dominate awareness as desire and will power (we say, self-will) in such forms as covetousness, disobedience of the divine law, and lust.  Christ has shown that life is the divine intent, and death (also called sleep) with resurrection one of the tools to accomplish that specific eternal purpose.  Through the ministry of Jesus Christ having carnal form and dying on the cross, unseen and otherwise “secret” aspects of divine judgment have been carried out; and many beauties of divine judgment have been placed into view including impartiality, mercy, righteousness, thoroughness, and truth.  What is called the second death has been reserved for the absolute removal of those things that are no longer in the will of GOD, or contain the necessary endowment of sacred substance from the divine makeup (e.g., faith, gratitude, holiness, joy, longsuffering, wisdom, wrath against sin).  Carefully consider and ask GOD to supply everything you need to comprehend the following:

(1.)  Romans 6:  23, King James Version (KJV):  23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

(2.)  Hebrews 2:  14-18, KJV:  14 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;  15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.  16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.  17 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.  18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  1st Corinthians 15:  51-57, KJV:  51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,  52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump:  for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.  54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.  55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?  56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.  57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/24/2016) Belief, Faith and Assumptions

Today, points are shared on believing and being fruitful as followers of Christ.  Even though, during times of celebration cautions, reminders, and warnings often are dismissed as unwelcome, those who are born again must continue discernment, sound judgment, and vigilance in all places, at all times.  Because sinners want to speak “after the flesh” (i.e., according to what we know and understand by using carnal reason and our senses of hearing, seeing, touching, etc.) using secular knowledge, they think and speak of sin as being only disobedient actions, bad behavior, and forbidden conduct.  However, mature Christian believers acknowledge that sin also must be understood in terms of the attitudes, desires, and thoughts that proceed from a person’s inner nature.  Thus, transgressing the law of GOD includes applying definitions that are incomplete and unbiblical; embracing false assumptions; indulging hopes that are false and vain (lacking sacred content); lying and practicing deceit; “taking things for granted;” and presumption.  At a time when many are expressing heartfelt thanks with family and friends, we are to consider again the divine motives, sacred operations, and eternal purposes that make us who we are:  Proverbs 23:  6-8, King James Version (KJV):  6 Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats:  7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:  Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.  8 The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Tyrone” (Level 5 with 5,200 points, a member since January 13, 2016) posted the following:

Does belief in God make a difference in a person’s life?

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

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Who Will See GOD? (10/04/2016); Presumption, Pride and Sin? (11/24/2015); Judged For Acts and Thoughts? (08/14/2014); Sin in Mind not Deed? (01/06/2014); We Shall Behold Him (10/17/2013); Angels, Law and Sin (10/18/2013); Jesus Lives! (05/04/2013); Experience Is Not Evidence? (05/05/2013)

“Tyrone”, many say they “believe”, however, what they are speaking of only makes a difference as a personal and private concern focused upon “me, myself, and I.”  The kind of belief in GOD that makes a difference to others (we also say, makes a believer fruitful) is what we probably should call “continuing awareness.”  There are other names for it, including alertness, commitment, exclusive devotion, discernment (i.e., the ability to recognize and respond to spirit substance from the makeup of GOD as it appears within events, oneself, other persons, prophecy, the holy writings, etc.), dutifulness, faithfulness, fidelity, integrity, unselfish service, vigilance, and zeal.  The operations of sin may dominate awareness and self-will in created beings and living creatures.  Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Law Giver, and all divine order generated through sacred law. 

Many people, today, would describe “belief” and “faith” as what you exercise when you drive the car while your gas gauge is on empty.  Saying this another way:  the choice to ride an elevator to the 15th floor might not be deliberate (we say, can be made unconsciously).  We get into the car without a thought of falling or getting stuck between floors.  We might silently wait for the door to open, and never doubt or question that our foot will land on a solid platform of flooring.  In that and many similar situations, we “assume” that there’s no risk, and that we are safe (i.e., use an untested idea as though it were true; do not identify the connected and hidden ideas that also are active, present, and “unseen”; suspend requirements for formal evidence, examination, and proof to establish facts).  Many also call such unthinking acceptance “trust”.

Correctly understood, “belief” appears as an outcome or result from permanent changes made by divinity within a person’s character, makeup, and substance.  Through the ministries of Jesus Christ upon the earth, and from the heaven, sinners may receive a fresh endowment of the same life essence (we say, breath, spirit, word) that was granted to Adam and to Jesus living Incarnate (in flesh) as the Son of Man.  For Christian belief to appear in the life, inseparable aspects from the divine makeup of GOD must be in place such as faith, forbearance, forgiveness, gratitude, holiness, humility, longsuffering, lovingkindness, meekness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, such finite human tools as emotion, imagination, intellect, logic, philosophy, science, and technology have not been enough to eliminate sin as an influence in a person’s life.  Only a solution from GOD may completely, correctly and permanently end the problem of sin.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/23/2016) The Work of Forgiving

The practice of forgiveness among believers and clergy within the body of Christ are the topic, today.  Sinners must be assisted in connecting to Jesus Christ so they may obtain the forgiveness granted by the Father through the Son.  As agents, priests, kings, and spokespersons for the kingdom of GOD upon the earth, believers all are to comfort and encourage sinners and their fellow believers by making visible the operations of divine forgiveness that those who transgress the law may receive from GOD.  Thus, their forgiving others is neither an act of self-promotion, nor an act to be seen as presumption, rebellion, and usurpation.  Forgiving those who murder does not make murder less repugnant to the law; even so, the law as a sacred instrument to give life is acknowledged, confirmed, and made complete.  In addition to the authority, ownership and sovereign will of Deity, godly forbearance, lovingkindness, longsuffering, mercy, and reconciliation appear.  Similarly, to commit or submit to abortion is no less an offense against sacred law; and by forgiveness divinity is to become increasingly approachable, and divine grace is to become more visible.  A fighter at “Yahoo! 7 Answers (Australia)” using the ID “David” (June 25, 2016) posted the following:


Why did Pope extend to priests, the power to forgive abortions?  Does that mean abortion is a less serious sin now?


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.  (Romans 8:  1-4, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Practice of Forgiveness (07/03/2016); Sacred Operations To Give Life? (06/29/2016); Sin Must Be Personal (04/29/2016); To Forgive is Divine? (04/06/2016); Babies Given A Second Life? (01/25/2015); About “The Just” (10/29/2014);  Antidotes to the Poisons (10/30/2014)


“David”, for mature Christian believers forgiveness appears as a work of faith that removes various obstacles to spiritual growth and renewal that include fear of abandonment, fear of condemnation, fear of repeated failure, and the fear that divine love will be withdrawn and withheld.  The spiritual work of forgiving sin is immutable and unchanging, for it proceeds from eternal purposes and timeless operations to actualize and fulfill the unalterable will of GOD.  Forgiveness has not been abolished or reduced by the growth in understanding and broadening of practice now being expressed among Catholic believers.  The ministry Jesus Christ began upon the earth centered on revealing divinity through atonement, forgiveness, prophecy, reconciliation, and salvation.  The church he created then to prepare those in covenant to receive him as the promised Messiah now continues and makes visible his active presence as Risen Lord, High Priest, and soon-coming Lord of Glory.  Consider again how some of this is stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)  Luke 17:  3-6, King James Version (KJV):  3 Take heed to yourselves:  If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.  4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.  5 And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.  6 And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.

(2.)  Hebrews 2:  14-18, KJV:  14 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;  15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.  16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.  17 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.  18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

(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 to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  2nd Corinthians 5:  17-21, KJV:  17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:  old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;  19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.  20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us:  we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.  21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/22/2016) Diversity and Prophetic Gifts

Today, prophetic displays, signs, spiritual gifts, and the necessary works a Christian believer must carry out are in view.  Carnal reason and the usual standards for flesh must be put aside.  Otherwise, gifts become idols that are coveted, and salvation is thought earned or purchased by applying various gifts and by works.  Many of the differences among believers within the same congregation are the result of differences in their practice of praise, prayer, and what it is they pray for.  This includes ministry by the Holy Spirit, sacred knowledge through the holy writings, and what they receive as tools and spiritual gifts for the work they are assigned.  Where a believer has questions about another person’s gifts and how they use them, it is more correct to leave their own comfort zone, and speak to the other directly about their concerns and questions, then, spend quality time with them in order to learn and share experience, rather than repeatedly speak about them in their absence for complaining or witnessing against them.  Believers are to know that sin may dominate awareness and self-will in created beings and living creatures.  The operations of sin oppose the continued existence of divine law, the Creator, and all sacred order that supports Creation.  Under the influence of sin, the flesh (appetite, sensation, and emotion/mental functions) is directed toward consuming and exhausting its own environment and all it may contain (we say, self-destruction), directed to ignorance of divinity, to non-existence, and to rejection of sacred rest.  Until released from sin and established as a new creation through Jesus Christ, sinners can not correctly respond to lovingkindness, spiritual gifts, miracles, tongues, divine signs, and sacred works.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers (New Zealand)” using the ID “Shadow Spinner” (Level 3 with 1,084 points, a member since January 31, 2014) posted the following:

Whats the purpose of speaking in tongues in church in front of the congregation?

The bible says tongues have to be translated but I go to church and it's never translated. I maybe understand personal prayer and worship but I don't see the point when someone is preaching or singing and they just start speaking in tongues for everyone to hear. I don't get how that is supposed to affect me, since I have no idea what they're saying. I'm sort of turned off because I don't know whether it's fake or not and some seem to fit in that it looks just for show.

I remember I went to a special service about healing and during the ministry the preacher (she doesn't have the gift of healing but just prayed to God to heal them) started speaking in tongues at the end and for some just prayed for them in tongues and that was it. Unless there was some a strong spiritual connection, would the person have felt anything? Thank goodness when she got to me, she spoke to me in English so I could understand her.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:  Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.  Brethren, be not children in understanding:  howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.  In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.  Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not:  but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.  (1st Corinthians 14:  18-22, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Spirit Content From GOD? (09/26/2016); The Bible and Salvation (09/14/2016); Simple and Mature Faith (09/05/2016); All Having One Consciousness? (06/13/2016); The Forms of Prophecy? (04/26/2016); The Point of Experiences in the Spirit? (07/07/2014); Too Much Holy Spirit? (11/19/2013); Understanding Peace? (11/20/2013)

“Shadow Spinner”, the body of Christ is to demonstrate and display oneness without sameness.  While seeking to become grounded in the sacred knowledge necessary to be mature as a Christian believer, many of us have felt challenged, a bit confused, and even disappointed by seeing others in the community of faith  manifesting a gift of tongues in ways that seem excessive, inappropriate, and unbiblical.  It is my faith that genuine sacred events (we say, miracles) and spiritual gifts provided by the Holy Spirit (we also say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth) to members within the full body of believers are governed by sacred law, and do not appear merely on the basis of desire, flesh, imagination, or intellect. 

To be at peace within the body where many individual members are learning and serving at different rates, in different roles, with different levels of maturity and skill, believers must practice such disciplines as (1) discernment” (using their own spirit content from the makeup of divinity as a standard to recognize and respond to the spirit content in other persons, practices, teachings, etc.); (2) forgiveness, (3) “knowing by faith” (i.e., in accordance with eternal purposes, sacred operations (e.g., baptism, confession, rebirth, renewal of ones mind, repentance, sanctification, thanksgiving), and revealed truth); (4) lovingkindness (acceptance, respect); and (5) meekness.

It is important that spiritual gifts appear within the body, however, it is not necessary that every member (or even every congregation) personally or privately have every gift.  Sinners must be changed, and “see with new eyes” (i.e., have new focus; operate with new meanings and values).  Thus, the work of believers is more to serve as witnesses and to trust the divine truth, than to go about performing miracles, engaging in arguments and quarrels, or making displays that may draw attention, yet, will not address the needs for assurance, sacred knowledge, and shared vision.  Like miracles, tongues may nourish the growth of individuals, yet, for assemblies often are the source of division, doubt, fear, skepticism, and uncertainty.  Consider again the following:

(1.)  Ephesians 4:  4-7, King James Version (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.

(2.)  Ephesians 4:  11-15, KJV:  11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:  13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:  14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;  15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

(3.)  1st Corinthians 12:  4-14, KJV:  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.  7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.  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.  13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.  14 For the body is not one member, but many.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  John 6:  28-35, KJV:  28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?  29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.  30 They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?  31 Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.  32 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.  33 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.  34 Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.  35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life:  he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX 
Washington, DC