(12/31/2017) Knowing What To Believe?

Today, reply is to a young person on the knowledge from GOD for becoming full believers.  All Christian believers should have correct information on the importance, meaning, and value of divinity appearing on earth Incarnate, Jesus Christ dying on the cross, his resurrection, and the sacred promise of his return and soon-coming.  Knowing that is certainty, having confidence, and being sure come by faith and trust toward GOD more than by experience, practice and study.  Spiritual growth is opposed by many influences and forces, such that becoming a mature Christian believer can be spoken of as “a good fight of faith.”  In addition to ignorance, sin and wickedness, developing believers must persevere against appetite, distractions, shifts in mood, self-centeredness, and exaggerated pride.  A new writer in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses the ID “Katy” (Level 1 with 80 points, a member since December 30, 2017) posted the following:

 
I'm catholic and dont know what to belive?

I was raised a catholic going to church and CCD. now I am unsure i still believe in god and Jesus. Wouldn't they had said something if they did exist? (Not saying they don't) And can Pope Francis talk to them? Can priests talk to them? I am also supposed to be receiving conformation soon. I don't know what to do.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Consider the lilies how they grow:  they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.  If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?  And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.  For all these things do the nations of the world seek after:  and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.  But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.  Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.  (Luke 12:  27-32, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Most Important Thing? (12/28/2017); Starting A New Life? (11/21/2017); Standing On The ABCs? (11/09/2017); Undergoing A Sacred Transformation (10/24/2017); Discernment, Focus and Meekness? (07/07/2017); Inheritance Must Become Commitment (05/15/2017); Growing Up Again? (12/09/2015); Understanding Spiritual Growth? (03/13/2015)

“Katy”, being a Christian is more a matter of consistently and regularly displaying content imparted from the makeup of GOD (who is spirit), than a matter of having finite human beliefs, intellect, logic, secular knowledge in place of sacred knowledge, carnal reason, or science.  Nobody “knows it all,” and, thankfully, it is not required that we be “all-knowing.”  The process of divinity for the salvation of mankind is one that brings together multiple streams of truth, and employs such elements as becoming mature, gradual growth, discovery, learning, observing sacred practices (we say, sacraments, for example, baptism, confession, praise, prayer), risk-taking, sacrifice, and unselfish service to others.  Being “born again” and becoming a full person (growing up again) as a follower of Jesus Christ is not a “one-time” event.  Church attendance and fellowship within the community of believers is vital, for Sin that opposes the continued existence of divine law, and “the World” system have great power to influence our consciousness and self-will when we are alone.

Just as Christian belief defines and puts forth specific spiritual meanings for right/wrong, good/bad, falsehood/truth, or what is possible/what is actual, other systems exist for emotional, mental, and social survival that counterfeit, oppose and undermine Christian standards and values.  The operations of sin may dominate awareness, desire, and ones willpower.  With this in view, growth for a sinner who turns to Jesus Christ (we say, repents) is often spoken of as a “good fight of faith.”  GOD supplies developing believers with inseparable aspects of his own character and makeup such as balance, faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, meekness, personhood, restraint, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

Believers are to become ripe for harvest by continuing the image of GOD on the earth through their lifestyle and daily routine.  At his appearing (some say, the Advent, the Rapture, the Second Coming) all who belong to Christ will meet him in the air; their judgment and transformation to exist as his immortal, incorruptible companions will be completed as they come out of their graves and are lifted up with the living.  Belonging to Christ is not a matter of being coerced or subjected to violence.  Yet, becoming “perfected” is very much a matter of commitment, discernment (i.e, using ones own spirit content from GOD to acknowledge the divine spirit as it resides in events, other persons, prophecy, the holy writings, etc.) and surrender (allowing the Holy Spirit to make permanent changes within you).

Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Matthew 13:  18-23, King James Version (KJV):  18 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.  19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.  20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;  21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while:  for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.  22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.  23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

(2.)  John 3:  1-10, KJV:  1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:  2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God:  for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.  3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.  4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?  5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.  6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.  8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth:  so is every one that is born of the Spirit.  9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?  10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?

(3.)  Habakkuk 2:  2-4, KJV:  2 And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.  3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie:  though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.  4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him:  but the just shall live by his faith.

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

Washington, DC

(12/29/2017) Fear Them Not Therefore

Today, reply is on prophecy and persecution, the deliberate, organized and systematic opposition to the existence of Christian assemblies and communities of faith.  Holy boldness, faith, and longsuffering are the tools granted for maintaining victory against persecution.  The church is commanded and encouraged to not be intimidated, and to continue to prosper despite persecution that sees the alignment of powerful and wealthy institutions that have controlling influence over vast numbers of people.  While persecution breaks up the body of believers; may bring false accusations, death, fear, martyrdom, pain, slander, and suffering; and does not allow development of centralized, open, and stable public worship (particularly as seen with “mega-churches”), persecution serves divinity by crystallizing “oneness” without “sameness”, and dispersing believers as missionaries to carry the sacred lifestyle and message to many different and new locations.  A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “HeLovesUsAll” (Level 4 with 4,268 points, a member since September 30, 2009) posted the following:



He that “endureth” to “the end” of what shall be saved?

“...but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” (Matthew 10:22)



THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake:  for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.  Rejoice, and be exceeding glad:  for great is your reward in heaven:  for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.  (Matthew 5:  10-12, King James Version, KJV)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Most Important Thing (12/28/2017); GOD Protects the Faithful (12/19/2017); A Threat Against Judaism (07/17/2017); The Peace to Endure? (03/28/2017); Sadducees and The Cross? (03/13/2016); Night Cometh (06/11/2013); Missing Information? (06/12/2013)



“HeLovesUsAll”, be encouraged!  There are many operations of GOD in covenant relationship with created beings and living creatures that are ongoing, endless and eternal (e.g., atonement, divine love, mercy, salvation, sanctification).  The phrase and verse you are focusing on appears as Jesus is delivering prophecy to his disciples regarding the persecution that will arise against his church.  He is giving guidance by describing the pattern of events that will follow his dying on the cross.  He is not foretelling or predicting future events, here, for he does not say the day and the hour, and he names no names.  Also, he is not teaching on the routine challenges and problems we encounter as life experience.  (For example, Some are quick to call it “persecution” when the landlord raises the monthly mortgage or rent, when they can not find a parking spot, or when the price of a bus ride is increased.)

Correctly understood, persecution pertains to the survival and uninterrupted service by the community of believers (we say, the body; the church).  With genuine persecution there is the coalition and combined attacks by government and religious institutions:  the church is a tool of the state, the state is a tool of false belief.  Policies, laws, and practices are put into effect intended to destroy, discredit, and eliminate the things from GOD through Jesus Christ.  Believers are to persevere, and to remain anchored, committed, and steadfast.

The process of prophecy continues revelation (making divinity knowable, known, accessible and approachable).  Prophecy imparts sacred knowledge rather than secular knowledge; and is one of many devices used by GOD to comfort, edify (build up; nourish; reinforce) the imparted Spirit, and exhort (move and stir the will; compel immediate action) believers.  Opposition to prophecy by religious institutions is buttressed through academic and scholarly institutions, popular culture, and the entire system of interrelated meanings, standards and values we call “the World.”  The Sanhedrin and Temple elders of Jesus’ day were ruled by the Sadducees, who denied the existence of angels and spirits; while the Pharisees, in their effort to uplift the law, denied the spirit of prophecy (also called, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Truth).  Their seeking support from the Roman governor and the laws of men intended to rule the then known world depicts the meaning and process of persecution.  Consider again the following:

(1.)  Matthew 13:  18-23, King James Version (KJV):  18 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.  19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.  20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;  21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while:  for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.  22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.  23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

(2.)  James 1:  12,  KJV:  12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation:  for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  Matthew 10:  26-28, KJV:  26 Fear them not therefore:  for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.  27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light:  and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.  28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul:  but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

Washington, DC

(12/28/2017) The Most Important Thing

Today, reply focuses on the fact that Jesus is alive right now, and will be seen soon by all upon the earth.  Because Jesus is alive, divine spirit substance is going forth from divinity that allows men, women and children on the earth to exist having a different sense of direction, purpose, and value.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:


What is the most important thing to know about Jesus?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.  And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.  Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you:  as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.  And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:  Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.  But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.  The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.  And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them:  then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.  Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side:  and be not faithless, but believing.  And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.  Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed:  blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.  (John 20:  19-29,King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Christ Is The Firstborn (12/26/2017); Heaven Temporal, GOD Eternal (12/12/2017); “Occupy Till I Come” (08/30/2017); Divinity Appears Using Form (07/26/2017); Waiting On The Lord? (06/16/2017); Become Like Jesus Christ? (10/27/2016); Word, Son, and Christ? (08/24/2016); The Imminent Return of Christ? (07/19/2015)


“Anonymous”, one of the simplest points of truth regarding Jesus—that also seems to be the most challenged, the most denied, and the most overlooked—is that he lives!  Like the tribes of Jacob and the mixed multitude (Gentiles) who left with Moses, who survived the slaying of the first born, who walked through the walls of water at the Red Sea, and who later behaved as disbelieving, faithless and skeptical, many today, who are not continuous in the fellowship, work and worship within the church community are quick to forget the accounts of Christ’s resurrection and return to heaven.  More than this, they usually are unaware of the rich promises and prophecies shared to prepare mankind for the Savior coming to harvest the earth.

Those who are “born again” also must “grow up again,” and as developing believers they are to display spirit content from the makeup of GOD (e.g., faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, wrath against sin) and maintain vigilance.  Because many respond to the true teachings shared by the church with fear, resentment, and spiritual confusion, the eternal life of Jesus is often dismissed along with his participation in the fullness of divinity (we say, the GODhead; the Father, the Son, and The Holy Spirit).

Where Jesus Christ appeared earlier as prophet, servant, healer, and teacher, he is next to appear as Judge, High Priest, Savior, and King.  The Advent of Jesus (also called, his appearing, “the Day of the Lord,” the Rapture, and the Second Coming) is a sacred event that must occur for the completion of ongoing divine judgment, revelation, and new creation.   Those who are ripe (i.e., spiritually mature) and belong to Christ will be taken from the earth.  Those who have died will be restored to life in what is called the first resurrection, and will “meet him in the air” with the living who are his followers.  Those who are left behind must be taken up in a second resurrection that focuses on judgment of the wicked and the final elimination of sin.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, 1st Thessalonians 5:  1-6, King James Version (KJV):  1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.  2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.  3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.  4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.  5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day:  we are not of the night, nor of darkness.  6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

Washington, DC

(12/27/2017) Law of the Spirit

Today, reply is on the character and process of divine law.  Sacred law is a tool of divinity used to impart, increase, and nourish the image of GOD and spirit content from within Deity to created beings and living creatures.  The living mistakenly seek to use the law as an instrument that serves appetite, the senses (e.g. hearing, seeing, tasting, touching), or workings of the emotions and mind (e.g., anger, fear, imagination, recall).  The ten commandments, judicial rulings (called, judgments), and other law used by GOD to fashion Israel as a nation addressed the conflicts, errors, and problems among those living together in intimate association as families and tribes, and was received more as a tool for practical living and to arbitrate day-to-day disputes than one for revelation of the character, makeup, and process of GOD.  Jesus Christ did not annul or eliminate divine covenant founded through sacred law so much as he brought new focus on elements that are co-eternal with the law expressing the Father’s heart, mind, and sovereign will.  Included were accord and unity rather than division and schism; forbearance and forgiveness rather than condemnation; reconciliation and repentance rather than punishment; opportunity and salvation rather than the second death.  To say, All things are lawful for me” does not exalt a Christian above the law of GOD, for they are declaring continual obedience and respect to the law by observing its principles and responding to the law’s intent (e.g., divine order, existence, godliness, life, peace, respect, truth).  The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses the ID “GRANNY NORINE” posted the following:


 
What is "the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus" mentioned in Romans 8:2?



THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law:  for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.  (Galatians 2:  16, King James Version, KJV)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Commandments of Jesus (12/17/2017); Seek First His Righteousness (12/06/2017); GOD Appearing As Christ (12/03/2017); Divine Wrath Against Sin? (10/17/2017); Divine Forgiveness Not Enough? (09/22/2017); Deeds Of The Law? (09/10/2017); Jesus And The Torah? (09/06/2017)



“GRANNY NORINE”, Christians are not to be lawless as though there are no shared duties and obligations to GOD.  Christian believers are to operate according to the “law” (imperatives; eternal purposes; standards) generated by indwelling of the Holy Spirit who establishes developing believers “in Christ.”  Water baptism depicts the death, burial, and resurrection of ones inborn spirit.  When sinners receive rebirth and new life through a fresh endowment of spirit content from divinity, they are to display spirit substance from the makeup of GOD as an ongoing part of their lifestyle and daily routine.  Included are balance, completeness, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

Using such finite human tools as emotion, intellect, and logic, mankind is able to describe the things of the earth and human experience, and have sought to measure and catalog their environment, and their own knowledge.  Their disciplines and science allow speaking in terms of patterns, regularities, and closed systems of mechanical and “natural law.”  When similar thinking was applied to divine law, requirements to obey the formal, official statement and “letter” of the law resulted in covenant relationship that promoted consciousness of condemnation, death, punishment, and divine wrath against sin.  The focus of the law became understood as behavior and conduct along with things carnal, material, secular and social.  Emphasis on those things made it more difficult for mankind to correctly discern and respond to compassion, forgiveness, the love of GOD, his mercy in judgment, and reconciliation that were being revealed through sacred law. 

Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)    Romans 7:  5-7, King James Version (KJV):  5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.  6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.  7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law:  for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.

(2.)  Romans 8:  3-9, KJV:  3 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:  4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.  6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God:  for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.  9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and carefully made a part of ones full belief as a follower of Jesus.  (For example, (3.) Titus 3:  1-9,  KJV:  1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,  2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.  3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.  4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,  5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;  6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;  7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.  8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.  9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

Washington, DC

(12/26/2017) Christ Is The Firstborn

Today, acknowledging the miraculous birth of Jesus, reply is on Christ as the head of the church and the first to provide demonstration of death and burial without corruption.  Jesus is the stand-in and substitute provided from GOD to fulfill the obligation proclaimed by sacred law to sacrifice and surrender the first born of all created beings and living creatures.  Prophetic demonstration of life being restored to the dead is first reported in the Old Testament (e.g., see the prophet Elisha in 2nd Kings 8:  4-6 and 2nd Kings 13:  20-21, King James Version, KJV).  This is not the same as the first and second resurrection that both pertain to the eternal purpose of judgment.  The language of the holy writings permit the use of the earth and the grave as a figure of the womb; and we may comprehend Christ as the divine seed planted and “born again” following his crucifixion.  The disciples of Christ enter into his death, his resurrection, and the judgment against him for sins as well.  A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “fixerken” (Level 7 with 30,210 points, a member since August 30, 2006) posted the following:


At Col 1:18 (AS) we read: 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. Firstborn (prō-to'-to-kos) is explained in the Bible concordance as being: the first born of all that is to follow. The dead (nekros) is explained in the Bible concordance as meaning: one that has breathed his last, lifeless, destitute of life, without life, inanimate. Christendom’s clergy says we have a soul/spirit that leaves our body wouldn’t Col 1:18 show that teaching to be false? If Christ was the first, what of all those before him that died in good standing before God?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.  If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?  And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.  And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:  That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.  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.  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.  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.  And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.  For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.  But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.  (John 3:  11-21, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Wages of Disobedience (08/04/2017); The Peace of Christmas? (12/25/2016); The Divine Christmas Gifts (12/26/2016); The Meaning of Christmas? (12/22/2016); Blessing and Inheritance from Abraham? (06/05/2014); On Christians Executing Judgment (06/06/2014); The Firstborn, Higher than Kings? (12/18/2012); The Ascension of Christ? (12/19/2012)


“fixerken”, just as Christian believers, today, are acknowledging the birth of Jesus Christ as a sacred event (i.e., miracle) in fulfillment of divine promises and prophecies, Christians acknowledge Jesus Christ as the “firstborn” (i.e., foremost; primary heir; lawful successor of GOD, the ruler over existence and life) through the sacred event of resurrection from the dead.  In agreement with The Most High (we also say, the Father), the church is a new creation established on the earth through the ministry of the Son of GOD, and the operations of the same Holy Spirit that worked to found heaven and earth.

Jesus is known as “the faithful witness” for he has testified (i.e., made statements “under oath” that have power as “evidence in judgment” (like fingerprints and eyewitness report) because they are “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth”) to mankind of things delivered to him from the fullness of divinity (we say, the GODhead), and of things seen and shared only among the three sacred persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) that include divine forgiveness of sin, mercy in final judgment, reconciliation, the coming of the Holy City (New Jerusalem) as well as the heaven and earth made new.

In accordance to birth order and human reckonings, Adam was the first man to appear on the earth as an offspring and “son of GOD.”  In accordance with the divine law provided through Moses, Jesus appears as “firstborn” and the son of Jacob, who became primary heir of Abraham and Isaac through grace, divine prerogative, and sovereign will.  Properly understood, the heir receives a double-portion of the inheritance that may be shared with many sons and daughters.  Thus, where there are six siblings, there must be seven shares.  The second portion to the heir is not to grant them greater wealth than the others; it is to ensure the heir may complete the unfinished business of the deceased.  Included may be providing for the burial and memorials; cancelling debts; and “giving the deceased a new name” (a positive and respectable reputation).

As for us today, those who died from Adam to Moses and others to the death of Christ, all may come under the atonement and propitiation for sin accomplished by Jesus dying on the cross, and returning to heaven as High Priest in the Temple, there.  Their salvation is not established in their having lived responding to the law given Moses.  It is by their lives of faith on the basis of what Adam and Eve overheard spoken to the serpent in the Garden of Eden.  Those who lived acknowledging the redemption declared by GOD (who does not lie) to be a promise certain of fulfillment, also belong to Christ, even the Friend of GOD (before Abraham was, I am).  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

Hebrews 1:  1-4, King James Version (KJV):  1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,  2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;  3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:  4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

(2.)  Galatians 4:  4-7, KJV:  4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,  5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.  6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.  7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

(3.)  Romans 6:  3-7, KJV:  3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?  4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death:  that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.  5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:  6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.  7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.

Of course, there is far more that could be said.  (For example, (4.)  Galatians 2:  19-21, KJV:  19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.  20 I am crucified with Christ:  nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me:  and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.  21 I do not frustrate the grace of God:  for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

   

Washington, DC

(12/25/2017) Divine Holiness and Sanctity

Today, focus is on the gift of holiness as an aspect of divine fullness that may be imparted to reside within the living.  Among Christian believers, a gift bestowed on one is a benefit to the whole body.  Jesus Christ has demonstrated that men on the earth are to be vessels of holiness.  When Moses approached a burning bush that gave off no smoke or ashes, he heard a voice command that he take off his shoes.  What appeared to him as common soil—the ground he was standing on—was “holy”.  Until admonished and instructed by GOD, the former prince of Egypt could not recognize that a sacred event was occurring, or that holiness was being made present and revealed.  Holiness only appears and is manifest by the active presence who is GOD.  That the makeup of the three persons of a single GODhead is entirely of spirit substance, and is exalted, immortal, incorruptible, and sovereign separates them from all created beings and living creatures.  Through the Incarnation divinity appears on the earth as Jesus Christ using the flesh and form of mankind; and the possibilities for humanity to contain endowments of divine spirit content have been permanently changed.  Sinners who continue under a sentence of death for their transgression of sacred law, now are granted forgiveness, atonement, cleansing, and rebirth whereby they become a new creation.  The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses the ID “Breakthrough” (Level 6 with 16,305 points, a member since June 29, 2013) posted the following:


The bible says you can't see God without holiness. So what is this holiness they talk about?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:  Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.  For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man:   but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.  (2nd Peter 1:  19-21, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Tools For Knowing Divinity (05/12/2017); Genuine Spiritual Discernment? (03/27/2017); The Joy of Christmas (01/05/2017); The Divine Christmas Gifts? (12/26/2016); The Problem of Faith? (05/22/2016); Holiness (07/01/2015); The Christmas Spirit? (12/23/2014); Peace The Gift of Christmas? (12/24/2014); To Keep It Holy (02/23/2014); 7 “Godly” Sins? (02/24/2014)


“Breakthrough”, perhaps you will discern that this reply is a gift from GOD to every honest heart that wants to know him this Christmas morning:

It is a mistake, and “human error” to analyze or seek to examine divinity using Aristotelian logic and science that seeks to classify, and describe nature in accordance with discrete elements and measurable parts.  Many mature Christian believers understand “holiness” to be one of the many inseparable (where you find one you find them all—however, perhaps not in the same measure and proportion) aspects of spirit fullness that describe the makeup of GOD.  GOD is a spirit whose substance includes balance, completeness, faith, person, presence, and other qualities that do permit communication, exchange, and interaction among sentient ones.  All created beings and living creatures have received existence, their defining nature, their material form, and distinctive traits from GOD by his imparting aspects of his own life essence (i.e., breath, spirit, Word).  Included are forbearance, gratitude, hope, humility, longsuffering, lovingkindness, meekness, purity, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

Holiness pertains to the absolute authority, consecration, purity, and sovereignty of GOD.  Without presumption, mankind may acknowledge holiness as appearing through such elements as glory; illumination and insight; Incarnation; love; miracles; praise; obedience (the voluntary putting aside of ones own will to perform the will of another); rebirth; resurrection from death; reverence; sacred knowledge as with divine law, proverbial wisdom, and prophecy; sacrificial giving (willingness to make offering that acknowledges divinity regardless of the cost or difficulty to oneself); vigilance; thanksgiving and truth.

Of course, there is far more that could be said.  (For example, Acts 4:  26-30, King James Version (KJV):  26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.  27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,  28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.  29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings:  and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,  30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


   

Washington, DC

(12/24/2017) Our Fitness To Continue?

Today, the reply addresses conversion, becoming a Christian, and being released from fear.  Correctly understood, conversion is a transforming of ones spirit content.  For GOD, wrath against sin is not merely an emotion or feeling that comes and goes; it is a permanent aspect of the fullness and makeup of Deity.  Christians worship a divinity who is a creator and a god of judgment.  GOD has put forth all that exists and has life; and already has pronounced a sentence of death and condemnation against sin that will persist, and not obey divine will to be gone from within either angels or mankind.  While many correctly shrink away from GOD and from showing proper awe and reverence, others offend by being defiant and rebellious.  Many want to forget about their sins, their own being “bad”, and their own bad experiences, and are not willing to confess their sins to GOD, and rely on his imparted Spirit to give them strength to repent of, reject, and resist sin.  There also are those who turn away from Christ when they discover his disciples must expect to endure opposition, persecution, and suffering without displaying anxiety, cowardice, despair, and vengefulness.  All Christians are not fully mature, and some do communicate and impart their own misgivings, personal opinions in place of authentic doctrine, unresolved inner conflicts, and uncertainty.  Even so, for followers of Jesus Christ, coercion, intimidation, and threats are not part of the divine process whereby sinners become cleansed and renewed to share communion and fellowship with GOD.  The sacred process for salvation to transform sinners into Christian believers is carried out by the Holy Spirit (also called the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth).  Instead of finite tools such as argument, debate, logic and carnal reason, the Spirit employs forgiveness; the Incarnation, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ; divine law; sacred events (miracles); multiple divine promises; prophecy; and the sharing of oneness without sameness.  The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “Solitary Wiccan” (Level 6 with 12,956 points, a member since May 06, 2014) posted the following:

Why do Christians use fear when converting people?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,  And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;  As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:  That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;  To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;  The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,  That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,  In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.  (Luke 1:  68-75, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Place of Torment? (08/21/2017); On Law and Sin (06/07/2017); No Fear In Love? (05/17/2017); Conversion is by GOD? (08/23/2016); Fear That Acknowledges GOD? (07/15/2016); Correct Awe and Respect (02/04/2016); Awe? (08/09/2015); About Conversion (09/03/2012); By Grace (09/04/2012)

“Solitary Wiccan” sinners fear the punishment that may come by judgment, the elimination of all sin and sinners who do not accept salvation.  Christian believers are required to share the full truth; and it is the plainly spoken truth that often makes hearers aware of their guiltiness, shame, and need for divine forgiveness.  Baptism, conversion, and new life do not result from bullying, politics, threats, and violence.  By the teachings of Jesus Christ, Christians do not implant or impart sin to those who do not have it.  All who live on the earth will be challenged and must pass through life experiences of change, disappointment, growth, loss, and suffering.  To many of us it is a fearful truth that we also are accountable to our Creator, and now, while we live, are being examined and reviewed by our immortal, invisible Maker for our maturity and readiness to continue existence as companions to divinity.

GOD revealed to Moses that the fullness of deity (we say, Godhead; the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) requires obedience to divine law, and also practices judgment.  The inseparable aspects of divinity include balance, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, person, presence, restraint, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Attitudes, behavior, and recurring patterns in ones life make visible the otherwise unseen spirit content residing within them from the makeup of GOD.  The operations of sin oppose the continued existence of divine law, the Law Giver, and the Creation maintained through sacred law.

When we start out on new journeys in life we often feel fear and uncertainty; similarly, those who become “born again” must “grow up again,” and become ripe (mature) for harvest at the return of Jesus.  Love that may be childlike and weak must become mature and strong.  Sinners who turn to Jesus Christ through baptism and rebirth come under a special umbrella of divine protection described in different ways (for example, as atonement and propitiation for sin, “his shed blood and broken body,” “the shield of faith,” and eternal life that begins while the believer is still living on the earth).  In addition to receiving sacred knowledge in place of secular information, developing believers are built-up (edified) to display “holy boldness,” humility, and reverence in judgment that complement and soften divine wrath along with impartiality, mercy, and righteousness.  Consider the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  1st John 4: 15-18, King James Version (KJV):  15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.  16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.  17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment:  because as he is, so are we in this world.  18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear:  because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

(2.)  Hebrews 10:  19-27, KJV:  19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,  20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;  21 And having an high priest over the house of God;  22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.  23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)  24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:  25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another:  and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.  26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,  27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

(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 examined, and made a part of our own spirit makeup.  (For example, (4.)  Revelation 21:  6-8, KJV:  6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.  7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.  8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone:  which is 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

(12/22/2017) The First To Help?

Today, thoughts are shared on almsgiving, charity, compassion, and unselfish service among Christian believers and the poor.  For most modern-day problems and troubles, money frequently turns out  to be a primary need; however, where careful and godly assessment are made, we also discover there should be humility, intercessory prayer, laying ones petitions before GOD, and displaying gratitude with giving of thanks.  Born again and developing Christian believers will be endowed with spirit substance from the makeup of GOD to enable their endurance of challenges, opposition, persecution, and suffering.  Even so, those living in distress and enduring hardship often practice bestowing respect, celebrating abundance and plenty, lending without interest or usury, sacrifice and demanding from oneself along with personal sharing as obligatory, precious, and indispensable.  Similarly, as those in covenant relationship with GOD through Jesus Christ and those joined to divinity as his sacred body on the earth, the church acknowledges a duty from GOD to supply its own members who are less fortunate.  Those having no income or savings generally include babies, minor children, the clergy, orphans, teenagers, the elderly, and widows, who in turn, make commitment to minister and serve others around them—even those outside the church—through personal outreach and sharing.  Creating, improvising, and finding new applications for old solutions become important, and further establish oneness without sameness.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:


Spiritually why do those less fortunate become the first ones to help in times of troubles?

Hoping those who have the ability wake up and help those less fortunate in the world and stop being so selfish.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.  Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.  Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do:  and the God of peace shall be with you.  (Philippians 4:  4-9, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Not All Are Welcome (11/28/2017); Giving, A Divine Discipline? (10/09/2017); GOD Within Christian Believers (07/31/2016); GOD’s Way Not Equal? (07/17/2016); Put On Charity? (11/16/2015); A Christmas Message, 2014 (12/25/2014); Giving Forgiveness? (03/15/2014); Cleansing the Temple, and the Body (03/16/2014); Struggling? (05/11/2013); Through Much Tribulation (05/12/2013)


“Anonymous”, here are some points of explanation that came to my mind that might have to be examined by careful research and study before we could agree that they truly apply:

(1.)  Many among those less fortunate are quick to support others because their principles and values for survival tend to emphasize cooperation, protecting and sharing with one another, and unselfish giving.  By contrast, survival among the wealthy and well-to-do often demands and legitimizes aggression, competition, discipline, and self-promotion.

(2.)  The focus of those less successful tends to be present conditions, and any crisis at hand; while successful people have been described as those who focus on goals, what is possible, where they want to be, and what they actually want to achieve within a set time frame.

(3.)  The lifestyle and daily routines of Christian believers often generate less anxiety over carnal, material, secular, and social issues.  Those who maintain a healthy, regular prayer life, can express great freedom from anxiety and other emotional, psychological, and spiritual conditions that generate stress and worry

(4.)  Among the poor and less fortunate, strength and wisdom also are accepting what comes, and timely surrender without abandoning faith or hope.  Focus on need is used as a defense by those less fortunate to limit ambition, distraction, greed, and exaggerated pride.

Of course, there is far more that could be said.  (For example, consider again the testimony of the Apostle Paul who describes the lifestyle and mindset for those helping to prepare the harvest for Jesus at his Advent (we also say, his appearing, the Rapture, the Second Coming):  (5.)    Philippians 4:  11-13, King James Version (KJV):  11 Not that I speak in respect of want:  for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.  12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound:  every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.  13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC