(11/08/2020) Appeals Directed to Spirit

Today, I share a statement on Spirit as the process and substance for the divine conversion, salvation, and transformation of mankind. It is not that churchmen and clergy attempt to “dumb it down” or understate the lofty discourse and themes from GOD that pertain to the new life-process provided through Jesus Christ. Where there is a lack of vision or a poverty of spirit substance imparted from the makeup of divinity, believers repeatedly rely on such elements as accusing one another, complaining, debate, gossip, name-calling, pointing the finger, and slander. Properly understood, the process of GOD is one where divinity makes appeals to the spirit in mankind, rather than simply to human flesh. The flesh is not just the physical limbs, organs, and tissues that are the material body; and it is the flesh that is subject to the operations of sin. The flesh brings together aspects of human form and mind such as appetites, attitudes, dreams, emotions, habits, intentions, memories, motives, preferences, sensations, and thoughts. It is written: Galatians 5: 19-25, King James Version (KJV): 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

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

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Spirits Are Subject (10/28/2020); Awe Confused With Fear? (10/12/2020); Our Desires Are Weighed (09/01/2020); Always Connected By Spirit (08/30/2020); Divine Character Must Appear (08/13/2020); The Outcomes Of Judgment (06/28/2020); Knowing The True Messiah (05/31/2020)

Many in the church founded by Jesus Christ continue to use language to speak of divinity that describes GOD as no more than an unseen person who practices and displays the same emotional, psychological, and social needs as other men. For mature Christian believers, the processes of conversion, salvation, and transformation are discerned and recognized through sacred events wherein divinity communicates with mankind and becomes embodied within created beings and living creatures on the earth through spirit process and spirit substance from the heavens. Multiple operations by divinity that include immaterial, intangible, and invisible aspects of finite human existence and life essence (breath; spirit; utterance; word) are required that become manifest and present through sacred law, judgment, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. Believers are to realize that frameworks and structures for sacred knowledge are being provided from GOD that are simple yet profound, and that go beyond appeals to elements of the flesh and mind such as appetite, curiosity, emotion, imagination, intellect, logic, sensation, and superstition. The spirit in mankind must be addressed by the spirit that abides within divinity. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible and a selection from the music ministry of Sandi Patty:

(1.) Isaiah 66: 1-4, King James Version (KJV): 1 Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? 2 For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. 3 He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog’s neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine’s blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations. 4 I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not.

(2.) 1^st Corinthians 12: 3, KJV: 3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

(3.) Revelation 3: 20-21, KJV: 20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) There is a Saviour by Sandi Patty @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9qTQfuiqpg.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 6:25 AM, November 08, 2020 @ https://i.pinimg.com/originals/3b/12/25/3b1225e7783c08af27c1a35438a131fe.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/01/2020) Do We Follow Paul?

 A depiction of Christ appearing to Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus

Today, the blog reply not shared in the Yahoo forum is that the Apostle Paul is not the primary source of doctrine among Christian believers; the essential teachings of Christianity are contained in the four Gospels and the single, authoritative revelation of Jesus Christ appearing throughout the Bible (i.e., Genesis through Revelation). Jesus insisted on the integrity of the Law and the Prophets, for the earlier holy writings provided the necessary guidance and instruction for mankind to apprehend the depth and fullness of divinity appearing on the earth using human form and life process (we say, the Incarnation). The gifts and operations by the Holy Spirit (also called the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth) that were promised to mankind would appear as a fresh endowment of the same life essence (i.e., breath; spirit; utterance; word) that resided within Jesus. Sacred substance is imparted from the inseparable makeup of divine fullness (divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). Included are balance, commitment, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Therefore properly understood, those living on the earth are being transformed and joined to GOD through their own content of spirit substance from GOD. It is written: 2^nd Peter 1: 16-21, King James Version (KJV): 16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. 19 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: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 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. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who used the ID “Anonymous” (no profile was shared) posted the following:

@Christians Is this true? You are Paul's followers?

Because Christians (Paul's followers), were mostly Greeks who would not submit to absurd Jewish dietary regulations.

Jesus's followers (Followers of the Way -see Acts 9:2; 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22) were and remained Jews, like Jesus, who evidently observed kashrut ("Kosher" dietary laws).

But Paul was trying to convert Greeks and Romans to his new religion.

So Paul had to find a way to make his religion more "palatable" to his target audience.

Hey presto - - suddenly Paul gets a vision from Jesus saying exactly what Paul needed to get more bums on pews. More followers, more money and more power.

The church leadership realized that in order to grow they needed to make converts from non-Jews. However, requiring a change in diet and a circumcision was a barrier to making those converts, so they decided to drop the requirements that non-Jewish converts to Christianity follow the Old Testament laws. Eventually, there were more non-Jewish converts than Jewish and so the OT laws were dropped entirely. (Anyone who claims there is a Biblical justification is ignorant of the history of their own church... Jesus explicitly says, "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets." Matthew 5:17)

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: (Romans 1: 20, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Meat That Perishes (01/13/2020); Proof of The Resurrection (12/01/2019); The Testimony From GOD (10/22/2019); Following The Apostle Paul (09/24/2019); Prophets After Jesus Christ? (06/04/2019); A Single Sacred Revelation (01/09/2019); The Two-edged Sword (01/09/2017); Conversion is by GOD? (08/23/2016)

“Anonymous”, developing and mature Christian believers are not to confuse the testimony of Paul’s conversion with the revelation of Jesus Christ as divinity Incarnate (using the flesh and life process of a man on the earth). The things proclaimed by the apostle are in the nature of corroboration and light that clarify practices and teachings from Jesus that are spirit rather than law in their character, makeup, process, and substance. Necessarily, many points to manifest things invisible are conveyed using things carnal, social, and traditional as the stepping-stones and baby-steps on a path of permanent change and eternal transformation. Thus it is written:

(1.) Matthew 22: 29,King James Version (KJV): 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

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

(3.) Revelation 1: 1-3, KJV: 1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: 2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

(4.) Acts 20: 32, KJV: 32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, We Have Seen God's Glory from the music ministry of Steve Green (7.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvP19V3FmiU.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 10:45 PM, September 30, 2020 @ https://alfredntiamoah.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/500-paul-damascusroad22881.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/22/2019) The Testimony From GOD

The image depicts the Spirit of Prophecy using Moses and Elijah with Jesus at the transfiguration of Christ

Today, reply is on converting others, prophecy, the duty of believers, and the testimony serving as witness from divinity to mankind. The disciples of Jesus are commanded and ordained to proclaim the gospel from GOD to others on the earth. However, rather than a process of verbal exchanges among men, humans lecturing one another, or the divine voice being heard from mountains and from the sky, on earth, the testimony of GOD is shared as an embodiment of spirit content from divinity whereby the living are made Christ-like. Because words whisper and actions shout, believers are to display through their lifestyles and daily routines the spirit substance they contain, and do not serve only by sacred practice (e.g., fasting, praise, prayer, prophecy, suffering). It is written: 1^st Corinthians 12: 3, King James Version (KJV): 3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shared) posted the following:

Do Christians have a duty to attempt to persuade non-believers to convert to Christianity?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost. (Mark 13: 11, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Presence of GOD (04/02/2019); Bible Language About Spirit? (06/13/2018); Possibilities Through “Active Presence” (04/30/2018); Divine Holiness and Sanctity (12/25/2017); An Incarnation of Divinity? (10/12/2017); Conversion is by GOD? (08/23/2016); All Who Read Convert? (10/10/2014); Not Told in Advance? (10/11/2014)

“Anonymous”, Christian beliefs are not shared as a matter of influencing others, manipulation, and persuasion. Christian believers all are to acknowledge that they have been called and recruited to minister sacred knowledge, spirit gifts, and divine substance on the earth. The finite human tools for such academic and secular focus as argument, debate, carnal reason, and critical thinking may not be relied on for growth and nourishment of ones life essence (breath, spirit, word imparted from the makeup of divinity). Emotions, intellect, and logic are not enough to transform consciousness and self-will (willpower) within the living. Inseparable aspects of divine fullness must be received as fresh deposits and endowments from GOD. Included are faith, forbearance, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. The testimony from GOD who remains unseen is not merely an authoritative eyewitness account, proclamation, or statement of plain truth; the testimony is an active presence, and we say, an abiding, indwelling Spirit (the Comforter; the Holy Ghost; the Holy Spirit; the Spirit of Prophecy; the Spirit of Truth). With this in view, the birth, death on the cross, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus testify that the operations, purpose, and substance of divinity must be known through spirit existing within ones own character and nature. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a presentation from the music ministry of John Michael Talbot:

(1.) 1^st Corinthians 2: 1-5, King James Version (KJV): 1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

(2.) Romans 8: 15-17, KJV: 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

(3.) 1^st John 5: 9-13, KJV: 9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. 10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, the testimony of mankind can be “the Lord is my shepherd”, because the testimony of GOD has been, “This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.”, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s28s0_pAnRY&list=PLN-HWgUQXbLMTSzGiuTABz_u7Lqbc7AF8&index=6&t=0s.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 2:50 PM, October 22, 2019 @ https://aleteiaen.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/web-saint-aug-06-transfiguration-public-domain.jpg?quality=100&strip=all&crop=0px%2C38px%2C760px%2C374px&resize=620%2C310

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(09/06/2019) Judging Another Person's Conversion

A depiction of Christ repelling spiritual corruption and darkness from the life of a young sinner.

Today, reply is on the wisdom of judging the conversion of others among Christian believers; and that judgment, repentance and salvation are operations that may be managed and completed only by GOD. Judgment within the church of Jesus Christ is to be an operation of the Holy Spirit, not the emotions, opinions, and politics of the flesh. To arrive at justice, otherwise invisible elements and subtleties (i.e., barely visible differences; hidden shifts in focus, meaning, and value)—both good and bad—must be uncovered and revealed. It is written: 1^st Corinthians 4: 1-5, King James Version (KJV): 1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. 4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data shared) posted the following:

Christians: If Jeffrey Dahmer truly repented as he says on YouTube "What if Dahmer found God earlier", is he in Heaven? Isn't that unfair?

that atheists yet go to hell, and such an individual gets the chance to "Heaven" just for regretting 17 murders?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty. There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother. There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness. There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up. There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men. (Proverbs 30: 10-14, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Repentance Must Happen Now (06/07/2019); Become As Little Children (12/13/2018); Foolish People and Unwise (10/26/2017); Conversion is by GOD? (08/23/2016); Theoretical Forgiveness? (07/03/2013); The Return in Glory? (07/04/2013); About Conversion (09/03/2012); By Grace (09/04/2012)

“Anonymous”, mature Christian believers usually agree, it is unwise to judge the spiritual fullness and quality of others within the church; more than a change of attitudes, behavior modification, and good manners must appear. There must be an examination of the full spirit content within the other. Our focus as those also in need of salvation should be on displaying the image of Jesus Christ to the world, and on fulfilling ones own accountability, commitment, and preparation. The process and substance of human judgment emerge from and continue aspects of our lives on the earth that are carnal, material, and social. For believers to understand properly the divine process of judgment, of repentance, or of becoming joined to divinity through the resurrection of Jesus Christ first requires our acknowledgment that GOD is a spirit who operates on the earth within the consciousness and self-will (willpower) of created beings and living creatures. Divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) is present and active through law, sacred principles for exchange and interaction, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. Just as divinity is the origin of existence and life, GOD is the origin of forgiveness, mercy, redemption, repentance, and salvation. In addition to grace, impartiality and divine prerogative being elements in the administration of sacred law, the inseparable aspects of spirit substance within the makeup of GOD together determine the outcome of all divine reviews. Included are faith, holiness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Judgment appears as a further revelation of the unseen wherein the righteousness of divinity will appear, rather than emotion, favor, or feelings. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Ezekiel 18: 23-30, King James Version (KJV): 23 Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live? 24 But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die. 25 Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal? 26 When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die. 27 Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive. 28 Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die. 29 Yet saith the house of Israel, The way of the Lord is not equal. O house of Israel, are not my ways equal? are not your ways unequal? 30 Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.

2. Romans 14: 4, KJV: 4 Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.

3. James 4: 11-12, KJV: 11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. 12 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (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.

Image downloaded 10:58 AM, September 05, 2019 @ https://ignite4christ.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/repentance.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(03/05/2019) Ministry Is Through Relationship

Today, guidance and instruction from the Bible are shared that further prepare developing Christian believers for ministering to those who may respond to the name of Christ with anger, envy, or rejection. The redemption and salvation offered to sinners through Jesus Christ is available to all, yet, only those choosing to be embraced by the Lord will actually receive it. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shown) posted the following:

How do you help someone that gets envious and mad when they see people converting to Christianity and when they are told Jesus loves them?

They got angry when they even heard the name Jesus and when their partner believed in Jesus

THE GOLDEN ARROW: 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. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 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. (Revelation 21: 6-8, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Workings of Divinity? (01/15/2019); A Single Sacred Revelation (01/09/2019); Offering Yourself To Christ? (12/27/2018); Become As Little Children (12/13/2018); How GOD Speaks Today (12/10/2018); Recognizing True Christian Prophets (02/26/2018); Christianity Is Not Mindless (05/02/2017); Redemption Through Ordinary Flesh? (04/20/2017); Instruments in His Ministry? (10/07/2016)

“Anonymous”, Christian ministry and service for the salvation of others is carried out and properly performed through continuous and ongoing relationship. The authority, beauty, and divine power provided for mankind through Jesus Christ will not be fully apprehended and received by all those to whom it is sent; and those who minister in his name must be prepared to endure the same disappointment, discouragement, and rejection that was faced by the Master. Thus, where developing Christian believers properly acknowledge the guidance and instruction recorded in the Bible on how to minister to others they are provided with cautions and points to consider that include the following:

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

2. 2^nd Corinthians 4: 3-5, KJV: 3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.

3. Luke 8: 11-15, KJV: 11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12 Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. 13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. 14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. 15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

4. 1^st Corinthians 7: 10-16, KJV: 10 And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: 11 But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife. 12 But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. 13 And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. 14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. 15 But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace. 16 For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?

5. Matthew 7: 13-14, KJV: 13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 6. 2^nd Thessalonians 3: 1-3, KJV: 1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: 2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(12/13/2018) Become As Little Children

A depiction of Jesus as a small child

Today, reply is on becoming Christ-like through the death, burial, and rebirth of ones inborn spirit. Mankind is to display the image of GOD that was presented throughout the life of Jesus Christ. The hope of mature Christian believers is not merely to reflect the authentic humanity of Jesus revealed through his birth, childhood, ministry to others, suffering, death, and resurrection. Believers strive to manifest his new life as one resurrected, who is free from sin, no longer in an ongoing judgment, and who will never see the second death. Christians seek to be like Jesus, edified to serve as his new creation. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Malcolm” (Level 4 with 4,165 points, a member since June 06, 2010) posted the following:

"...except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." Matt. 18:3 What is the import?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. (Luke 2: 41-52, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: How GOD Speaks Today (12/10/2018); We Begin Within GOD (02/06/2018); Growth Is Through Edification (06/20/2017); Chocolate Bunnies! Easter Eggs! (04/18/2017); Proclaiming A New Kingdom? (04/13/2017); His Birth Signals Rebirth (01/03/2017); The Birth of Jesus (12/27/2016); About Conversion (09/03/2012); By Grace (09/04/2012)

“Malcolm”, mankind is being challenged and destroyed continually by severe problems that are carnal, material, social, and spiritual. Such finite human tools as intellect, logic, philosophy, reason, science and technology have not been powerful or thoroughgoing enough to resolve the many conflicts and disputes that characterize existence and life; and humanity has had to return to its origin (we say, divinity; the Creator; the Godhead) for guidance, protection, and survival.

The operations of sin may dominate consciousness and self-will (willpower) in created beings and living creatures; yet, sin has not been emanated or put forth as divine substance. Sin opposes the continued existence of sacred law, the Lawgiver, and divine order throughout the universe. Sin can not be totally eliminated and eradicated through a mechanical process of destruction, or reversal. What must occur is a living process of rebirth and transformation: The character and makeup within the living must be infused with spirit content from the divine fullness who is GOD. Included are faith, forbearance, forgiveness, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, purity, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

To become Christ-like (we also say, sanctified), sinners must endure the death, burial, and resurrection of their inborn spirit. Like Jesus—who existed in heaven as the Word, and was born on the earth, matured, ministered, died, and was raised from death by the Father—those turning to GOD through Christ are to be born from divine seed, and pass through the same stages of discovery, gradual growth, learning, and unselfish service. We say, those who are “born again” also must “grow up again,” and become mature/ripe for harvest by Jesus Christ at his appearing (we say, the Advent; the Rapture; the Second Coming). Consider the following that describes the sacred pattern using language from the Bible:

1. John 3: 1-7, King James Version (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.

2. Proverbs 20: 11, KJV: 11 Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.

3. 1^st Samuel 2: 26, KJV: 26 And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men.

4. Luke 2: 39-40, KJV: 39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. 40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

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

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(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

(01/09/2017) The Two-edged Sword

Today, reply is made to a question on conversion and the power of the Bible.  The Bible is a library and collection of holy writings that have been carefully examined and preserved on the basis of their oneness without sameness of spirit content and sacred origin.  In addition to divine law, legal covenants, sacred history, and tested counsel, the Scriptures share sacred knowledge of the operations and processes of GOD along with promises, prophecies, and eternal purpose.  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “daniel” (Level 2 with 338 points, a member since February 13, 2007) posted the following:

What is the power of the Bible?

Communist Encounters Christ
Zhao is one of China's foremost experts on Christianity. A former Communist Party member and atheist, Zhao converted after reading the Bible.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.  And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;  Whom Jason hath received:  and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.  And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things.  And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go.  And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea:  who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.  These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.  Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.  But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people.  (Acts 17:  5-13, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Conversion is by GOD? (08/23/2016); A Christian Dictatorship? (03/05/2015); The Scriptures and Perfection? (10/27/2014); All Who Read Convert? (10/10/2014); Not Told in Advance? (10/11/2014); The Nature of Scripture (03/27/2014); Divine Sleep (03/28/2014); About Conversion (09/03/2012); By Grace (09/04/2012)

“daniel”, many mature Christian believers rely upon the Bible as the most legitimate record of utterances (e.g., admonitions, commands, proclamations, promises) provided from GOD using patriarchs, judges, prophets, and kings as well as apostles, trusted spokespersons, and anointed witnesses.  So to speak, the Scriptures make GOD who is spirit, knowable, known, and “visible” to created beings and living creatures by sharing a divine perspective and view of sacred operations, eternal purpose, and sovereign will using thousands of events, within thousands of lives, over the course of thousands of years.  More than merely authority, sound counsel, sacred law, testimony (i.e., evidence of things unseen), and a standard for weighing truth, the Bible itself should be regarded as an appearance of holy substance that overcomes, replaces, and surpasses the flaws and limits of the flesh seen through academic and secular knowledge, dependence upon military force, politics, traditions, and the influence and operations of sin in the lives of mankind.  Through the Scriptures, born-again believers receive deposits of spirit matter from the makeup of GOD that nourish their “growing up again” to maturity.  Included are certainty, faith, forbearance, forgiveness, holiness, hope, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Consider the following:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 4:  2, King James Version (KJV):  2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.

(2.)  Deuteronomy 9:  9-11, KJV:  9 When I was gone up into the mount to receive the tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant which the LORD made with you, then I abode in the mount forty days and forty nights, I neither did eat bread nor drink water:  10 And the LORD delivered unto me two tables of stone written with the finger of God; and on them was written according to all the words, which the LORD spake with you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly.  11 And it came to pass at the end of forty days and forty nights, that the LORD gave me the two tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  Luke 24:  15-27, KJV:  15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.  16 But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.  17 And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?  18 And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?  19 And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:  20 And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.  21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel:  and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.  22 Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;  23 And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.  24 And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said:  but him they saw not.  25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:  26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?  27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC