(03/02/2020) Aspects Defining Human Life?

An image to depict the idea “multiple spheres of life”

Today, reply is on the operations of divinity as only a single source among the many different frameworks that shape and structure human life, and existence. The earth as a sphere of life has been created by GOD; and while there are many fixed elements and features making up the world system that man has created for survival, neither existence nor life in the earth have been made to be predictable by mankind. The causes and origins determining behavior, events, and occurrences that make us appear as salt and light or error and darkness also include appetite and emotion, evil (i.e., calamity; catastrophe; upheaval), covetousness, finite human knowledge, mechanical and natural law, misfortune, risk-taking, trial and error, inbred wickedness as well as indwelling spirits that may be defiled and profaned. Exchange, joining, interaction, and separation of the discrete elements for life have resulted in diverse challenges, recurring conditions, and fruits. It is written: Ecclesiastes 9: 10-12, King James Version (KJV): 10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. 11 I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. 12 For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who used the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data shared) posted the following:

Why does God allow murder, natural disasters, diseases, mental illness, wars, cancer, fatal accidents, disabilities, evil and child abuse?

Could he not stop them if he wanted to?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else. I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things. Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it. Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands? Woe unto him that saith unto his father, What begettest thou? or to the woman, What hast thou brought forth? (Isaiah 45: 5-10, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Light Of Life (12/04/2019); Divinity and Human Reproduction (11/08/2019); The Purpose Of Worship (10//10/2019); Believing That GOD Is (06/24/2019); The Impartiality of GOD (03/18/2019); Time and Chance Happen... (02/27/2018); The Administration Of Death (07/11/2017)

“Anonymous”, here are some points to consider: All do not acknowledge the sovereignty of GOD; the events in human life are not all caused and made to happen by divinity; and divinity should not be thought of as the origin and source for all human experience. A mature understanding of the spheres for life and the multiple frameworks for human existence requires acceptance of many fixed conditions, diverse operations consistent with the form and substance of material objects as well as a realization of continuous motion that is directed and harmonized with features that are not man-made, that are unseen, and that nonetheless exert influence and power. In addition, to divine prerogative, eternal purpose, sacred law, the sovereign will of GOD, and the immutable, unchanging operations of divinity (we also say, divine fullness; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) whose makeup is Spirit and active presence, the living are challenged to respond within life-frameworks that include relying on secular knowledge and information that are incomplete and unreliable, measurable dimension (i.e., form), finite self-will (i.e., limited willpower), time and space, mechanical process and natural law (we say, chemistry; history, physics, politics, etc.), mortality, chance occurrences (i.e., bad and good luck; unanticipated, unintended “random” events), and the operations of sin. Sin is no spirit substance or material object put forth by divinity; yet, sin has direction, effect, and presence. Even though sin is irrational, and does not appear in accordance with careful thought and healthy decision-making, the operations of sin can dominate awareness and self-will within created beings and living creatures. Sin promotes destruction, nonexistence, and a return to the conditions of chaos, confusion, and corruption that were in place before the founding of heaven and earth (we say, preexistence). Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Lawgiver, and the universe produced through divine order. The process of GOD appearing as Jesus Christ on the earth to alter the impact of sin upon the living has required thousands of years, and thousands of sacred events, within thousands of lives to bring us to our present state of readiness to receive Christ at his appearing to harvest those who are his from the earth (the Advent; the Rapture; the Second Coming).

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, consider the following from the music ministry of Steve Amerson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owkc0PZWigc). Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 11:15 AM, March 01, 2020 @ https://www.educationquizzes.com/library/KS1-Maths/Shapes-in-Real-Life-3.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(06/24/2018) Divine Knowledge And Wisdom

Today, reply is on the requirement of divine knowledge and wisdom among Christian believers.  Souls are won through diligence and love, not by accident, by chance, by bribery, fraud and lies, or through bad luck/good luck.  There must be an appearing of godly power and presence.  Those endowed with spirit substance from the makeup of GOD are used to impart divine knowledge and wisdom to those choosing to repent of sins.  Often the operations of sin are initiated through continuing ignorance that is taken to be innocence, rather than by defiance of the law, malice, and rebelliousness.  The eternal purposes of divinity can not be achieved and fulfilled by the servants of the Lord without them having correct sacred knowledge and an ability to apply godliness in practical ways.  The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum using the ID “Blind Freddy” (Level 1 with 2 points, a member since October 01, 2013) posted the following:

 
The Bible tells us to seek Wisdom (Prov. 4) above all, in God's word & commandments. Does accumulated knowledge, Atheists aquire,? 

amount to Wisdom?
Knowledge & wisdom are not the same


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


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Bible Language About Spirit? (06/13/2018); Comparing Sacred and Secular (03/15/2018); Salvation By Good Works? (03/08/2018); The Option of Atheism (02/11/2018); Wisdom In A Mystery (11/22/2017); Foolish People and Unwise (10/26/2017); Tools For Knowing Divinity (05/12/2017); Achieving Feats of Righteousness? (05/05/2017); Abstractions, Atheism and I.Q. (08/18/2016)


“Blind Freddy”, sinners who acknowledge that they are called to repentance also are to understand they have been recruited to serve as evangelists, priests & kings, teachers, and soul-winners for the Lord.  They must be given and taught to use godly tools that include discernment; empathy; expectation (hope); sacred knowledge in place of secular knowledge; prophecy; the promises of GOD; and divine wisdom.  Through baptism (i.e., death, burial, and rebirth of ones inborn spirit), sinners are to become vessels who contain spirit substance from the makeup of GOD.  Included are faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, righteousness, and wrath against sin.  Where a sinner becomes “born again” they are a new creation through Jesus Christ; even so, they must “grow up again” to become mature/ripe for harvest at the Lord’s Advent (we also say, his appearing; the Rapture; the Second Coming). 

Developing believers are to exist on the earth, and are to rely for their survival on such elements as balance, discovery, fellowship with mature believers, praise, prayer and regular study of the holy writings as well as unselfish service and heartfelt worship.  As the people of GOD living under the sovereign authority of the Creator, believers are to learn to apply sacred law for the resolution of all conflicts and the settlement of all disputes.  Consider again the following points from the Bible:

(1.)  2nd Chronicles 1:  9-11, King James Version (KJV):  9 Now, O LORD God, let thy promise unto David my father be established:  for thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude.  10 Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people:  for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?  11 And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king:

(2.)  James 3:  13-18, KJV:  13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.  14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.  15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.  16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.  17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.  18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  2nd Peter 1:  2-11, KJV:  2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,  3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:  4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.  5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;  6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;  7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.  8 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.  9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.  10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure:  for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:  11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/15/2017) Coincidence or Answered Prayer?

Today, reply is on discernment and recognizing chance occurrences as different from divine responses and answered prayer.  The frameworks of time and space promote the concepts of goals, random order, and the independent existence of operations that use numbers to describe secular reality (e.g., amount, dimension, sequence, statistical predictability).  However, these are often useless where sacred knowledge and spirit truth are to be shared.  Similarly, as tools to establish belief and conviction, conjuring and magic fail when used to establish the actuality of GOD (thus, the prophetic demonstration performed by Moses before Pharaoh, casting down his staff that became a snake, is followed by calamity and plague, divine displays of judgment and wrath against sin).  The immutable and unchanging aspects of divinity serve as fixed points of reference for created beings and living creatures that can not be altered or manipulated, and are “anchors” during times of confusion, tribulation, and turbulence that include sudden occurrences and unpleasant surprises.  Redemption and salvation through Jesus Christ are not a matter of “luck”, or being chosen out of a hat at random like a raffle ticket.  Multiple acts of self-will are required from sinners such as acknowledging divine judgment, making deliberate choices, heartfelt commitment, continuous communication and exchange in prayer, discovery, painstaking effort, focus, forbearance, forgiveness, rebirth, repentance, unselfish service, sacred studies as well as suffering, waiting and careful work.  The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Jay” (Level 1 with 95 points, a member since November 14, 2017) posted the following:


God s work or just a coincidence?

My family and I were at a Premium outlet yesterday. We arranged a time to regroup back then departed out ways in the mall. When it was time to regroup back, eveyone but my mom arrived. We waited for a while then started to search. I walked around the outlet for around 15 minutes and did not manage to find her. I bumped into my other brother searching but my mom was nowhere to be found. I decided to pray (I m not a strong Christian but my mom tells me to pray in times of trouble) that my mom will appear so that we can go home. Immediately, she popped up leaving me speachelss... I told her to wait in the car while I search for my brother who is somewhere in the mall still searching. Again I decided to pray (I was thinking if he showed up, this would be scary) and he popped out of nowhere. Is this God s work or a coincidence? I know this is a silly question but I am truly amazed and wonder if there really is a God.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:   Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.  I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.  For man also knoweth not his time:  as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.  (Ecclesiastes 9:  10-12, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Standing On The ABCs? (11/09/2017); Leadings of the Spirit (11/05/2017); GOD Is Imparting Truth (10/30/2017); Christ Our High Priest (10/25/2017); Miracles Are Not Everlasting (07/18/2017); Miracles Are From GOD (03/14/2014); Giving Forgiveness? (03/15/2014); Magick and Prayer? (10/29/2012); The Fear of GOD (10/30/2012)


“Jay”, the process GOD is using in our lives is one of revelation and making divinity known, not one of creating mysteries and puzzles, or hiding the truth.  During a person’s lifetime they will have many experiences where the cause or source is hidden and obscured, and that will be difficult to explain.  Often, random, strange, and unfamiliar events trigger behavior, fear, and reactions that are no less than idol worship (attributing divine power to man-made things, things in nature, and other persons), superstition (belief that one may influence outcomes of events by charms, spells, etc.), and fascination with the occult (such things as banshees, Egyptian mummies, and ghosts).  Consider again how Moses was on his way home from the day’s work as a shepherd when, out of curiosity, he stopped to get a closer look at a strange sight.  In fact, he allowed the sheep to continue on without him in order to see what appeared to be a bush that had caught fire.  When he turned aside, Moses did not intend to pray or have a religious “time-out” so much as to see why there was no smoke or ashes from a burning bush.

In agreement with the holy writings, Christian believers expect sacred events (we say, miracles) intended to make known the active presence, character, and purposing of divinity (1) will repeat earlier and recorded divine works (what God has done God can do); (2) will promote such responses as expressing gratitude, obedience, reverence, and thanksgiving; (3) will restore peace of mind by resolving conflicts and settling disputes; (4) will expose error and sin that seem natural and normal, yet, are contrary to human and divine nature; and (5) will be “marked” and have a divine “signature” that declares the author’s name (i.e., proclaim it is an act of GOD).

Born-again believers are to practice discernment wherein their own endowment of imparted spirit from the makeup of GOD is used as a standard to recognize and respond to deposits of divine spirit that reside within events, other people, prophecy, the holy writings, etc.  Water baptism depicts the death, burial, and resurrection of ones inborn spirit.  Thereby, a sinner becomes a vessel containing divine spirit, and is accounted an offspring of GOD, a joint-heir with Christ, and one who bears holy seed that must become ripe for harvest (the return of Jesus Christ).

Many mistakenly turn to Christ because they are seeking material benefits, good fortune, and selfish gain.  Just as there are divine gifts that operate in ones consciousness (e.g., a word of knowledge, a word of wisdom) there are operations of human mind that include instinct, intuition and premonition.  Also, there are such things as “chance”, “likelihood”, “possibilities”, and “probabilities”.  Even so, divine acts will carry out the divine will; will be in harmony with natural and divine law; and will fulfill divine proclamations, promises, and prophecy.  Thus, Christian belief does not endorse psychic powers, sorcery, wishing, witchcraft, and those who claim they have “luck” (a presence that influences the outcomes of events according to their own desire).  Here are some points using language from the Bible:

(1.)  1st Samuel 15:  22-24, King James Version (KJV):  22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.  23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.  24 And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned:  for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words:  because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.

(2.)  Romans 8:  13-17, KJV:  13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die:  but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.  14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.  15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.  16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:  17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

(3.)  Romans 8:  27-29, KJV:  27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.  28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and made a part of our own spirit makeup.  (For example, (4.)  1st Corinthians 14:  26-33, KJV:  26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.  27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.  28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.  29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.  30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.  31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.  32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.  33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(07/11/2017) The Administration Of Death

Today, thoughts are shared on death and righteousness within the ministry of salvation provided by Jesus Christ.  Divinity administers death through divine order, sacred law, and as the outworking of gradual processes that are cyclic, predictable, regular, and stable.  While there are many different immediate events (including terrorism) that can be associated with a person’s decease (we say, spoken of as the “cause of death”), death does not usually occur as a sacred event (miracle) expressing the authority and majesty of GOD.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:


Agree or Disagree? the reason God permitted the September 11, 2001 victims to die was because it was their time to die. If the terrorists?

didn't use their free will to commit the 9/11 terrorist attack these 2,996 people would have died by other causes.

- God found ways to save those people who were meant to live.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFBG8f-XZcw


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;  Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit:  for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.  But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:  How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?  For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.  For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.  For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.  Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:  (2nd Corinthians 3:  5-12, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Corruption of Ones Spirit? (05/14/2017); The Nature of Death (04/25/2017); The Comfort Through Christ? (01/13/2017); Reflections on Existence (12/19/2016); GOD Knows Tomorrow? (04/12/2013); Why Blood? (04/13/2013); Time Before the Sun? (04/14/2013)


“Anonymous”, many speak of death as a one-time event for each created being or living creature that is administered and ruled by GOD through biological or mechanical law and process.  As a result, they also allow for “exceptions to the rule,” the occurrence of specific divine interventions as well as intrusions for divine “arbitrary causes” (e.g., accidents, “blessing (!)” chance, fate, luck, predetermination).  Some even mistakenly speak of death as a tool used with divine law only for punishment, and not also for admonition, correction, and release.  Here are some thoughts you might find useful:

1.  In the understanding of many mature Christian believers, the use of death by divinity pertains to the accomplishment of eternal purposes that appear and are manifest as (1) the Creation, (2) the putting forth of existence, (3) the continuing of life, and (4) the ceaseless motions that are edification and growth.  Death is first introduced in the holy writings as “sleep” that allows a rib to be taken from Adam and be fashioned into a female.

2.  Divine law and sacred process see the continued presence of death among created beings and living creatures as (1) an inseparable condition and requirement for their existence (we say, mortality); (2) an aspect of divine order that influences awareness and self-will within the living; and (3) a tool that breaks off otherwise permanent joining and relationships that oppose the will of GOD (e.g., adultery, bondage, fornication, witchcraft).  The second death (destruction in the Lake of Fire) will be used to eliminate every person and vessel of divine spirit that has been warped by the operations of sin so much that they no longer bear the divine image, and are no longer capable of responding to the sovereign will of GOD.

3.  To say that Christ died so that we may live is to proclaim that, using the seed from Adam, special (yet, lawful) operations have been carried out by divinity to produce an entirely new creation.  Upon the cross, Jesus Christ (an embodiment of both divinity and mankind) also became an embodiment of sin; sin then was destroyed through death; and all who believe in Christ became released from their sins through his death.  For Christian believers, death has become a temporary interruption of eternal life (we again say, sleep).  Spirit content and substance from the makeup of GOD are being imparted to indwell the living.  Included are faith, gratitude, holiness, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, meekness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Consider again the following:

(1.)  Genesis 9:  5-7, King James Version (KJV):  5 And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man’s brother will I require the life of man.  6 Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed:  for in the image of God made he man.  7 And you, be ye fruitful, and multiply; bring forth abundantly in the earth, and multiply therein.

(2.)  Ezekiel 18:  23-24, 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.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  Luke 13:  1-5, KJV:  1 There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.  2 And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?  3 I tell you, Nay:  but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.  4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?  5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(08/30/2012) On Cults

      Considered today are cults, the benefits of wearing religious items on ones person, and the spiritual issues of owning manufactured tools and technology. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “foxy_R” (Level 1 with 210 points, member since June 24, 2006) posted the following:



When does religion become a cult ?

I know this question will anger some, I am really sorry it's not ment to. My little sister has joined a religious group through school and in the last 6 months has started to spiral out of controll. We were brought up religious, church on Sundays, ect. Now she is throwing all her things out, she said she is not suppose to have worldly possessions. She broke up with her BF of almost 2 yrs,and has stopped being friends with 90% of her friends because they are "non believers" (even if they are religious) she has to read and write bible verses every day. singing and dancing are sins. I just want my fun loving sister back but the more we try to steer her from this group the more she considers us the enemy. Any suggestions?????



THE BATTLE AXE: On Religious Items (08/29/2012)—Men and women take comfort from many objects used to reinforce awareness of doctrines and teachings of various belief systems. Included are depictions of angels, medals, rosaries, mezuzahs, phylacteries, and prayer rugs. Amulets, good luck charms, and talismans are associated with magic and witchcraft, and not with Christian belief. As such, these are objects that reinforce the superstitious idea that a person is endowed with a unique quality (i.e., luck) that enables them to influence the outcome of events, and that maneuvers every result to their benefit and favor. As an instance of power that is not derived through the Spirit of GOD, luck is to be classed with charms, deceits, enchantments, and spells promoted by demons and devils. In the same way money is an idol in the lives of many, drugs, guns, sex, and other people (for example, celebrities, ones children, ones spouse, ones employer) become idols, because fear and desire distort their true usefulness and value making them appear “all powerful,” controlling, and sovereign over life and death. Those who exaggerate the importance of body parts (breasts, buttocks, penis, etc.) also practice a form of idolatry no different than worship of the lingam, phallic worship, and worship of the yoni. Consecrated items (e.g., the rod of GOD used by Moses; the flesh hooks, ladles, gold and silver vessels, and other utensils used in service at the altar of sacrifice; the holy ground of Tabernacle and Temple) at first were common, and became holy only in the sense that they were to function strictly in divine service. Similarly, a man or woman is holy only to the extent they are filled with the imparted, indwelling spirit from GOD, function fulfilling sacred purposes, and make the Divine Person present and visible. Christians are correct to respect manufactured tools, and to carefully clean, estimate their value, store, and use them as needed. Included are automobiles, cell phones, computers, firearms, recording devices and televisions. Christians may occasionally wear festive clothing and jewelry; however, women are specially cautioned to never be without the adornment of a spirit that is quiet, and ready to receive instruction from GOD (1st Peter 3: 1-6, King James Version).



THE GOLDEN ARROW: The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. 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. (Matthew 10: 24-28, King James Version)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Mixing Islam and Christianity (03/26/2012); Girdle 3: Through The Fire (11/18/2011); Dispatch 44: Just A Closer Walk (09/23/2011); To Do His Will? (01/31/2011); Chewing Gum? (01/30/2011)



      While cults may be characterized by dietary laws, dress codes and strict social discipline, the elements that actually mark a group as a cult are its (1) departures from, and exaggerated focus upon selected doctrines and teachings of established belief systems; (2) dependence upon the human characteristics and personality of its leaders--as distinct from their spiritual anointing or divine endowment--who are typically aggressive, combative and defensive; (3) isolation and “quarantine” of its believers in communes, gated communities and “secure” facilities; (4) imbalance between recruitment programs and outreach or service programs for the larger community; (5) efforts to manufacture experiences of divine presence; and (6) that members are not entitled to leave the group.

      Generally, cults do not come under organized campaigns of attack by “mainstream” religious groups. Churches, synagogues and others dismiss their members who drop out to join cults as being apostates, heretics or simply immature and irresponsible persons. The cult is held to be a temporary phenomenon that cannot prosper, or be self-sustaining. Nevertheless, because they are seen as attacks upon civil law, “common sense” practice, customs, and tradition, cults quickly come under the condemnation of communities where they spring up.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, to the extent a cult maintains rules of secrecy they will be characterized as endorsing occult practices, superstition and unbelief. Also, while members of cults may be required to participate in fund raising activity, information regarding income, expenses, and the distribution of money are not routinely shared with donors, members, or government tax authorities.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC