(12/17/2020) Casting Pearls Before Swine?

 

Jesus Christ has cautioned his disciples and those who serve to spread the Gospel that efforts to transform sinners into Christian believers best bear fruit where there also are operations of the Holy Spirit. There is to be a sacred evangelism that will convey divine gifts, endowments of sacred substance, and godly guidance, rather than mere displays anchored in social activism and popular culture. Workers for the Lord are to be vigilant and alert, because they will be in the open and vulnerable to attacks by the children of disobedience, skeptics, and those committed to rebellion against divinity. The wheat we plant and the tares planted by the enemy will be allowed to grow together; even so, there is to be a thoughtful distribution of sacred resources that correctly addresses accessibility, opportunities, needs, preparation, and possibilities. It is written: Isaiah 30: 1, King James Version (KJV): 1 Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin: A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shown) posted the following:

Hey fellow believers, what does "cast not your pearls before the swine" mean Is there too much "casting"  being done on answers by believers?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. (Matthew 7: 6, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Appeals Directed to Spirit (11/08/2020); Why So Many Churches? (10/17/2020); Counsels On Shunning Sinners (05/03/2019); Be Not Unequally Yoked (04/16/2018); Not All Are Welcome (11/28/2017); Without Preaching The Cross? (02/21/2016); How To Treat Unbelievers? (01/13/2016);

“Anonymous”, those who take up the work of spreading the Gospel are admonished and cautioned by Jesus Christ that evangelism is a work to transform sinners while they are yet entangled by elements of the material and social world. The figure of dogs is used to describe assemblies and groups that continue and promote back-biting, competition, criticizing and judging one another, disrespect, gossip, slander, and quarreling. Unclean animals are unfit to serve as sacrifices and will defile a holy altar, and hogs are extremely dangerous because they have barely visible tusks (horns on the side of their snout) that they use as cutting weapons. An itinerant preaching ministry requires content, doctrine, and multiple operations from divinity that must be acknowledged as expressing sacred law, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. Those anointed, ordained, and sent by Christ are to resemble, reflect and reveal the Savior’s character and likeness. None are to despair when they encounter exaggerated pride, selfishness, stubbornness, and suffering among those who are ungodly and unteachable. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) Galatians 5: 14-16, King James Version (KJV): 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. 16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

(2.) 2^nd Timothy 3: 1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

(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 that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) 2^nd Timothy 2: 3-4, KJV: 3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(11/29/2020) Our Correct Sacred Priorities?

Correctness of members judging the clergy and others within the church, and the priority for clergy preaching the gospel compared to performing “good works” are topics, today. While all believers are to demonstrate and display the love of GOD, all are not called to serve as pulpit preachers. Those who talk about you yet do not speak with you can never correctly know the full extent of what you suffer for Christ, or the specific works he has chosen and fitted you to fulfill. Many within the church mistakenly regard works that are priority among those in the world as somehow vital to redemption and salvation. Such believers focus heavily on the giving of alms, ministering to families, relieving others in their distress and suffering, and devoting oneself to programs for change and social justice. They neglect the preaching of the cross; the needs for rebirth, sanctification, and reconciliation; and the necessity that all members of the church are to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ within their own lifestyles and daily routines. It is written: 1^st Corinthians 1: 17-24, King James Version (KJV): 17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. The user in “Yahoo! Answers” Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Sparkles” (Level 1 with 204 points) posted the following:

Should a pastor spend more time helping the homeless on Sunday mornings rather than preaching inside the church?

My dad is a fundamental Baptist pastor, and recently he's been spending his sunday mornings helping the homelesss rather than preaching his sermons. Some members of our church committee have suggested that he should spend more time preaching and let the missionaries take care of the homeless.

Updated 20 mins ago:

My dad believes helping the homeless is more important since he is sharing the gospel with the unsaved, and most homeless people are willing to listen.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. (2^nd Corinthians 11: 23-30, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Power We Receive (11/19/2020); Made Perfect By Divinity (11/10/2020); 22 Years Spent Preparing (05/20/2020); The Testimony From GOD (10/22/2019); How Can Christians Preach? (09/25/2019); Giving To The Homeless (03/13/2019); The Answer From GOD (05/19/2017)

“Sparkles”, Christian believers are to demand perfection from themselves before demanding perfection from the clergy or other members of the church. Because the workings of divinity are Spirit in process and substance, many in the church can become confounded and deceived by things that are human concerns and that do not express sacred law, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. There are those who mean well, yet, they continue to behave as instruments of the flesh (e.g., appetite, sensation (such as hearing, seeing, tasting, touching), and emotion/mental operations (e.g., anger, fear, imagination, recall) ). Putting aside the issue of whether you accept that your father has been ordained and is in a peculiar relationship with Jesus Christ as his head, your duty and responsibilities as a member in his flock do not include proclaiming his condemnation, performing judgment, or the posing of questions about his competence. Developing Christian believers must come to acknowledge that salvation is through acts of GOD such as baptism whereby a sinner’s inborn spirit dies, is buried, and is raised from the dead in rebirth and resurrection. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) Romans 14: 4, King James Version (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.

(2.) 2^nd Corinthians 10: 12, KJV: 12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

(3.) Luke 16: 10-15, KJV: 10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. 11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? 12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own? 13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. 14 And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him. 15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Romans 14: 16-23, KJV: 16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of: 17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. 18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. 19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. 20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. 21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. 22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. 23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 4:05 AM, November 29, 2020 @ https://i.pinimg.com/736x/f2/0a/a7/f20aa724ac0080b38b2850509d17a2b5.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(08/30/2020) Always Connected By Spirit

Today, focus is on the content and process of the church founded by Jesus Christ that now is to be continuing on the earth as a spiritual body, rather than as a man-made institution fashioned to secure human prosperity and well-being. All Christians are connected wherever they are located within the frameworks of time and space. Because the church has been fashioned to reflect the image of GOD and properties of the Holy Spirit, the church is more than merely a local organization. Those who now become saved also become celestial, eternal, individual, indivisible, international, virtual congregants, and those knowing Christ in the life through multiple denominations. Even so, just as Jesus prophesied, as a Christian believer who acknowledges an eternal connection to divinity through Jesus Christ, my friendship, spiritual gifts, sacred knowledge, my willingness to learn, my willingness to serve, my willingness to share, my willingness to teach, and even my love have been unwelcome among many other believers. Included have been fellow Americans, family, former schoolmates, neighbors, and those in other nations. To me having a commitment to Christ has not meant being a member in a church community that has a rich and respected patriotic, racial, or social history. Belonging to a local congregation, and becoming prominent through my financial donations or serving in many important and needed roles has not been meaningful for me. The spiritual transformation sinners are to seek from GOD requires repentance and permanent change of ones consciousness and self-will that result by workings of divinity. Despite speaking of law and social justice, often issues of our flesh and protests within the community where the church is placed (i.e. the world) such as BLACK LIVES MATTER (BLM) can be distractions and sources for error and spiritual confusion. The challenge of Christ to me has been to operate as the Savior does within the divine fullness (i.e., the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). While yet on the earth, I am to display the consecrated spirit of oneness without sameness that is inseparable from the other aspects of divine makeup that are imparted to mankind as the breath of life. Included are balance, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. In the holy writings, that one spirit is also called the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Prophecy, a spirit of judgment and burning, and the Spirit of Truth. It is written: Mark 6: 3-5: King James Version (KJV): 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. 4 But Jesus, said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. 5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (1^st John 1: 5-8, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: He Commanded Our Fathers (08/09/2020); Pure Religion And Undefiled (08/07/2020); The Sons Of GOD? (07/19/2020); Uniting In The Struggle (06/17/2020); White People Becoming Atheists? (10/03/2019); Catholic and Protestant Bibles? (10/11/2018); Fulfillment of His Dream? (04/05/2017)

Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, I responded to a clergyman who had written on the Internet that he is a “white Christian.” Using the technology that allows us to travel the globe in moments, I replied to him that such thinking placed a gulf between us: there are neither white nor black Christians, only “Christian Christians”. Many of the same persons who will agree that they have been created by one GOD also will argue their independence and separation from every other person created by GOD. Thus, I am impressed to say that commitment to share and work as a follower of Jesus Christ requires the practice of discernment to correctly acknowledge and respond to others who are authentic members of the Savior’s church and kingdom of GOD, rather than apostates, deceivers, heretics, slanderers, or counterfeit and unclean spirits. Even among the clergy, there now are many wolves in sheep-clothing. Believers are to recognize one another by the operations of the Holy Spirit, even where there are differences in age, ethnicity, formal education, gender, language, nationality, political affiliation, race, the practice of ceremonies, rituals, and sacraments as well as the possession of property and wealth. The Holy Spirit who is manifest in local COGIC (Church of God in Christ) congregations of Detroit (Michigan, America) is the same that must appear in cathedral worship at Protestant Canterbury (UK) and Catholic Sagrada Familia (Barcelona, Spain). Surely, every believer having a fresh endowment of the Spirit from GOD through Jesus Christ should find welcome within the gatherings for guidance, instruction, praise, and thanksgiving held among others naming Christ as their head. Most obstacles to godly communication can be reduced and removed through humility, meekness, and genuine reverence. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Acapeldridge:

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

(2.) Romans 8: 35-39, KJV: 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

(3.) Revelation 5: 9-10, KJV: 9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzVaX3wwUyE.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 5:48 PM, August 30, 2020 @ https://i.pinimg.com/736x/2c/13/1a/2c131a0735ec9f833f15280b8b9e92c4.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(08/07/2020) Pure Religion And Undefiled

 

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. James 1: 27, King James Version (KJV)

Today, reply is on the nature and process of Christian belief and practice appearing as overly conservative, self-centered, and asocial. Properly discerned and acknowledged, the goals of Christian belief do not include manipulating our family members and neighbors, oppressing and persecuting others, self-promotion, or seeking vainglory for oneself. Believers become sanctified (i.e., set apart for sacred service on the basis of their divine content) through the operations of divinity within their awareness, desire, intent, and self-will (willpower). Christians are those who were sinners that entered into new lives of repentance, rebirth, and the resurrection life provided by divinity in Jesus Christ. Often asking oneself, Am I worthy?, developing and mature Christian believers pursue lives of balance, consistency, and stability that will resemble, reflect, and reveal the character, likeness, and nature of Jesus Christ while also accomplishing the goal of providing unselfish service to others. In addition to contemplation, confession, listening, praise, prayer and prophecy, believers are to provide demonstrations, evangelism, guidance, sacred practice, testimonies, and witness in ongoing judgment. Focusing always on Jesus, his followers are to impart godliness, lovingkindness, wisdom and wrath against sin. It is written: John 6: 63-69, King James Version (KJV): 63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. 64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. 65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. 66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? 68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. 69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. The fighter at the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “shoeshopper3” (Level 3 with 1,850 points) posted the following:

Why does Christianity say that Christians are not supposed to do anything but stay at home, work, read the bible, and go to church?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD? Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward. Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day: And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. (Isaiah 58: 5-11, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Living Your Best Life? (07/05/2020); The Ones Called “Sheep” (05/29/2020); Spiritual Integrity and Maturity (05/12/2020); Demonstrating Dependence on GOD (04/20/2020); A Habitation of Spirit (04/05/2020); On Behalf Of Others (03/26/2020); Displaying A “Christian Personality”? (04/19/2019); Purity For Sacred Truth (12/17/2018)

“shoeshopper3”, among Christian believers preparing to receive Jesus Christ at his appearing to harvest the earth of those belonging to his kingdom the teachings on sanctification and separation from the world continue to be expressed in the lifestyles and daily routines of those acknowledging divinity. As spirit, GOD may exist within the consciousness and will (willpower) of created beings and living creatures. Thus, how Christians think of others and of themselves are influenced by powerful ideas that speak to the presence of GOD in the life. Included are the understanding that Christians receive the life of Jesus Christ within their own makeup through both his baptism and his resurrection. The Christian is the new creation that is to labor on the earth as part of the divine transformation of mankind to exist as immortal and incorruptible. Aspects of the full divine operation are admonition, atonement, forgiveness, rebirth, reconciliation, redemption, repentance, and salvation. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Chris Tomlin:

(1.) Proverbs 4: 7, King James Version (KJV): 7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

(2.) John 17: 13-21, KJV: 13 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. 20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:

(3.) 1^st John 2: 15-16, KJV: 15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, Is He Worthy? (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkRiYsTN7KY.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(05/20/2020) 22 Years Spent Preparing

Christ and the Rich Young Ruler by Heinrich Hoffman (1824-1911)

Today, reply is to a developing believer who was asked to lead the women’s ministry program within a congregation where she faces challenges and testing despite that her parent is the pastor. In all things there must be gradual growth and learning. Properly understood, his daughter has spent all her life preparing—not for an opportunity to lead others—for an opportunity to follow by serving the Lord. Rather than academic credentials, professional experience, or special social skills, the fundamental requirements for those serving one another within the body of believers are that one resemble, reflect and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ. Inseparable aspects of the divine fullness should be displayed including balance, commitment, decisiveness (the ability to make and hold to sound choices without showing stubbornness), faith, holiness, humility, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, perseverance, unselfishness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. It is written: Matthew 23: 11-13, King James Version (KJV): 11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. 13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Sparkles” (Level 1 with 109 points) posted the following:

If my dad (the pastor) thinks I am ready to lead the women's ministry...why are the other women at our church questioning my ability to lead?

My dad is the new pastor at our Fundamental Baptist Church, and he wants me to lead the women's ministry, even though I have no leadership skills whatsoever. I am only 22, and I am the youngest among the adults of our church. My dad also knows that I am not ready, and he only appointed me this role because I am his daughter, and he doesn't trust anyone else.

Updated 2 hours ago:

However, I will trust my father's judgment, and if he thinks I am ready...then I am ready.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. (James 1: 2-8, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: On Behalf Of Others (03/26/2020); The Meaning Of “Persecution” (02/12/2020); Make Me A Servant (04/08/2019); Nothing Impossible For GOD? (04/07/2019); Those Apt To Teach? (06/20/2018); Women Ordained to Minister? (10/27/2012); Does Everyone Go To Heaven? (10/28/2012)

“Sparkles”, where we seek counsel from Jesus, it is often best first to turn to either the Scriptures or to our private prayer chamber. Many of the challenges and problems we face will be resolved by careful meditation and reflection during prayer and study. The Bible presents many excellent examples of women who also were challenged to serve; choose to portray one of them. Included are Mary the sister of Lazarus, Mary Madalene, Dorcas, and Lydia. Where others have the knowledge and skill you yourself lack, seek their advice, their service, and their support in the Lord. The following scriptures are from the epistle written by the Apostle Paul instructing Timothy to recruit and ordain officers for the early church. Rather than continue relying on evangelists, fugitives from persecution and itinerant preachers, a core of Bishops and deacons were to be ordained as part of a stable structure to carryout the tasks of ministry.

(1.) 1^st Timothy 4: 16, King James Version (KJV): 16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

(2.) 1^st Timothy 4: 6-7, KJV: 6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. 7 But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

(3.) 1^st Timothy 4: 12, KJV: 12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, from the music ministry of Pastor Donnie McClurkin, “I'll Trust You, Lord” (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZotUuadtqs.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(03/26/2020) On Behalf Of Others

Today, reply is on whether during the present covid-19 health crisis Christians should pray for the world or only for themselves. There are no layoffs or shut-down of ministry among believers; the sacred work of praise, fulfilling the promises of GOD, and manifesting prophecy (comfort, edification, exhortation) will continue. Ordinarily, to avoid meddling and spiritual confusion, many believers pray only for family, friends, coworkers, and persons they know through direct relationships. However, for mature Christian believers, earnest and fervent prayer are to be offered continually. This is so even where prayer is understood as intimate and personal communication with divinity that allows one to confess and share their darkest and deepest feelings as well as their most private thoughts. In the same way the operations of sin are impartial, irrational, and attack all that exists indiscriminately, epidemic disease and sickness that obey mechanical process and natural law also dismiss many sacred distinctions, and violate consecrated boundaries. Even in times like these when their gathering in public may be cut off, Christian believers are to behave as those in ongoing judgment; and all are commanded to be faithful, sober, steadfast, unwavering, and vigilant. Their duty to serve and share with others is not lessened. It is written: Ezekiel 34: 15-26, King James Version (KJV): 15 I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD. 16 I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment. 17 And as for you, O my flock, thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I judge between cattle and cattle, between the rams and the he goats. 18 Seemeth it a small thing unto you to have eaten up the good pasture, but ye must tread down with your feet the residue of your pastures? and to have drunk of the deep waters, but ye must foul the residue with your feet? 19 And as for my flock, they eat that which ye have trodden with your feet; and they drink that which ye have fouled with your feet. 20 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD unto them; Behold, I, even I, will judge between the fat cattle and between the lean cattle. 21 Because ye have thrust with side and with shoulder, and pushed all the diseased with your horns, till ye have scattered them abroad; 22 Therefore will I save my flock, and they shall no more be a prey; and I will judge between cattle and cattle. 23 And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd. 24 And I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the LORD have spoken it. 25 And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land: and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods. 26 And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing. A fighter in the public forum on Religion & Spirituality at “Yahoo! Answers” who used the ID “REAL” (Level 2 with 815 points) posted the following:

Do anybody anywhere in the world pray ti his/her God to save the world from this pandemic or pray for themselves only?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not; And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away. (1^st Corinthians 7: 29-31, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Challenge of Covid-19 (03/22/2020); Leadership By The Church (03/18/2020); Believers Minister Through Prayer (09/23/2019); Fasting, Prayer and Sanctification (03/29/2019); Christian “Thoughts and Prayers” (03/01/2018); What to Do About Liars? (11/14/2014); Refraining Our Tongues? (11/15/2014)

“REAL”, there are unchanging aspects of eternal purpose that are to be fulfilled and performed by Creation that will not to be interrupted or suspended in response to conditions and events on the earth. Where divinity establishes evil (i.e., calamity; catastrophe; disaster; upheaval) it is for the further outworking of divine prerogative, sacred law, prophecy, and revelation. While a separation to identify and sanctify authentic authority must be continued, the divine example for men on the earth declares there also must be a manifesting of humility and unselfish service to others that includes intercessory praise and prayer specially on behalf of those who may be recognized as sinners in repentance. The primary focus for the church is to be salvation for those who are committed as members within the body. Thus, consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Hezekiah Walker:

(1.) Jeremiah 29: 4-7, King James Version (KJV): 4 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, unto all that are carried away captives, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem unto Babylon; 5 Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them; 6 Take ye wives, and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; that ye may be increased there, and not diminished. 7 And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.

(2.) Isaiah 45: 6-8, KJV: 6 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. 7 I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things. 8 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.

(3.) Romans 8: 26-27, KJV: 26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 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.

(4.) John 17: 9-17, KJV: 9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. 10 And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. 11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. 12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. 13 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

(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.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (6.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMcJL_UDAvw. Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloadable 1:06 PM, March 26, 2020 @ https://thelifeididntchoose.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/pray-for-one-another.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(03/15/2020) Salvation Is Not Predetermined

Today, reply is on divine predetermination (many say, destiny; fate), and whether the individuals who will be saved at the end of the world were chosen and named before, or during Creation. Salvation is decided among and for the living. Conditions and frameworks for the salvation of all mankind have been provided for the descendants of Adam, however, there are many factors that decide and determine who on the earth will be saved. In addition to how they have been influenced by sacred law, human affairs, chance, and the operations of sin that generate points for change, choice and decision, men will be examined for how they have displayed the image of GOD, and whether they resembled, reflected, and revealed the character and likeness of Jesus Christ. Divinely provided opportunities and possibilities exist that men are encouraged to acknowledge, embody, fulfill, and practice, yet, are not coerced or violently forced to obey. Attitudes, behavior, conduct, service, suffering, thoughts, and works recorded in the books of life are being used as indicators and identifiers for each individual. The focus of divine judgment will be their invisible, unchanging spirit content. Those who will be privileged to exist as immortal life companions of divinity secure their standing with GOD by the way they carry out their lives on the earth as mortals, as the new creation, and as those in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is written: Matthew 7: 18-23 , King James Version (KJV): 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “Blue Ridge” (Level 2 with 660 points) posted the following:

God Knows Who Is Saved?

Before the creation of time, God already knew who is going to heaven or not. So, what is the point of repentance?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great. (Luke 6: 44-49, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Was Divine Power Squandered? (01/14/2020); Ones Spirit Must Grow? (09/29/2019); Repentance Must Happen Now (06/07/2019); King Solomon and Predestination? (11/14/2018); Neither “All-knowing” Nor “Omniscient” (11/07/2017); To Forgive is Divine? (04/06/2016); After the Rapture? (11/01/2012); Opportunity to Repent (11/02/2012)

“Blue Ridge”, in the same way an elementary school principal knows, without having yet seen them, the age and grade for every child who will be in their care before the first day of school, and understands that not all the children will do well without special attention, GOD knew at Creation the possibilities for mankind without making the outcome of their efforts preset (we say, determined). Conditions, mechanical process, natural law, and diverse operations were established to continue the universe through divine order. Many apply “predetermination” (fate; destiny) as an idea to explain human life events, rather than individual achievement on the basis of ones knowledge, character, commitment, skill, talent, etc.

Divinity is spirit in form, process, and substance; and we are correct to say, divinity is immortal, incorruptible, and invisible. Even so, GOD exercises prerogative, purpose, and sovereign will. The inseparable aspects of GOD include balance, faith, holiness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. While many sinners and developing Christian believers are willing to describe GOD using commonsense and popular ideas that label the Creator as all-knowing, omniscient, and omnipresent, mature Christians heavily rely on the information that comes through the holy writings. Divine fullness (we also say, Deity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) may exist within consciousness and self-will (willpower). The Bible records the appearance of divinity on the earth using thousands of events, within thousands of human lives, over the course of thousands of years. In addition to sacred law, covenant relationships, divine proclamations, promises, prophecies, eternal purpose, testimonies, and recorded witness, otherwise unknown truth regarding divinity has been shared through Incarnation (i.e., appearing in human flesh), through revelation, and through the imparting of spirit matter from the makeup of GOD. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

(1.) Malachi 3: 13-18, King James Version (KJV): 13 Your words have been stout against me, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee? 14 Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts? 15 And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered. 16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. 17 And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. 18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

(2.) 2^nd Timothy 2: 19, KJV: 19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

(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 that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVM8eD-4pag.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 11:55 PM, March 14, 2020 @ https://i.pinimg.com/736x/25/be/3f/25be3f48e3733a62a64210d2c8f6e59d.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(01/20/2020) The Visibility of GOD

The Drum Major, Ernie Barnes

Today, reply is on Christ presenting both authentic humanity and complete divinity; and for many, this is a National day of memorial in America. Sunday morning, I listened to the last sermon Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. preached before his assassination, “The Drum Major Instinct” (February 4, 1968; Ebenezer Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA). Jesus Christ demonstrated that all men have opportunity and are called to serve their Creator in ministry on the earth by displaying the image of GOD in their lifestyles and daily routines. As we acknowledge and remember Citizen King, who was the son of a preacher, we can see the same truth was manifest within Marvin Gaye, also the son of a preacher. Sinners who turn to GOD through Jesus as their redeemer and savior all are to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of the Lord. It is written: Colossians 2: 6-10, King James Version (KJV): 6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: The writer at the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Princess” (Level 3 with 3,698 points) posted the following:

Christians claim Jesus was fully god and fully man. Isn't that like saying a person is fully male and fully female?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do. (Luke 17: 7-10, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Twenty, 20-20 (01/17/2020); The Light Of Life (12/04/2019); Godly Exercise of Authority (12/16/2018); Life And Divine Purpose (05/04/2018); George Washington Owned Slaves (08/17/2017); Divine Presence and Spirit (01/18/2017); What the Preacher Said…? (03/24/2015); About Good Sermons? (08/26/2014)

“Princess”, you use fully male/fully female, a contrast (showing differences between 2 things), where Christian believers use fully God/fully man, a comparison (showing likeness between 2 things). Through Jesus Christ mankind receives opportunity and possibilities to experience authentic humanity, and to exist on the earth as the children of GOD, heirs of divinity, and the new creation. The operations of divinity to draw sinners into a saving relationship are more correctly understood beginning at forgiveness, going on to acknowledge divine fullness appearing on earth using human form and flesh and blood as Jesus Christ, then, receiving into oneself a fresh endowment of spirit content from the makeup of GOD. Inseparable aspects of divinity will be imparted that include balance, faith, forbearance, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

GOD is a spirit, and the properties of spirit do not include measurable dimension (e.g., color; form; height; size; weight) and the regular excitement of sensory receptors within the living (e.g., ears, eyes, hands, noses). Through revelation that includes appearing in human form, divinity makes themselves knowable, known, accessible and approachable using sacred operations and material objects such as birth, sequential change, commitment, covenant relationships, emotions, death, discovery, gradual growth, humility, integrity, judgment, personhood, eternal purpose, sacred law, divine order, and discursive thought.

Divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) may be described as the summation of all spirit substance who is characterized by completeness, finality, perfection, and permanence. Divinity is immortal, incorruptible, and invisible. Spirit appears and is “visible” through human attitudes, behavior, and expressions of self-will that display awareness, direction, effect, existence, life essence, movement that is self-regulated (in its initiation, direction, tempo, and termination is modulated and self-controlled), meaning, quality, presence, and value. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry archives by Marvin Gaye:

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

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

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (3.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDxomUk52H4.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 10:35 AM, January 19, 2020 @ http://picture.xsrv.jp/sms/img/lineup_img_thedrummajor.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(12/26/2019) Where Is The Sacrifice?

Today, reply is on mankind’s acknowledgment of Jesus Christ as a lamb of sacrifice for atonement, and the spirit process and substance that resides within practices such as fasting, giving, offerings, and worship. For Christian believers, focus should not be on the monetary value of livestock, manpower, time, or other in-kind contributions of service and skill. Eternal purpose and Spirit substance are to be made manifest and returned to GOD such as commitment, compassion, fidelity, gratitude, holy boldness, personhood, vigilance, wisdom, and wrath against sin. It is written: 1^st Chronicles 29: 16-18, King James Version (KJV): 16 O LORD our God, all this store that we have prepared to build thee an house for thine holy name cometh of thine hand, and is all thine own. 17 I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee. 18 O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee: A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “Simon” (Level 1 with 8 points) posted the following:

Jesus supernatural spirit in human-form performs miracles and same spirit survives death and performs resurrection. Where's the sacrifice?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12: 1-2, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Appearing Above In Flesh? (09/16/2018); Divine Spirit Within Animals? (09/05/2019); How To Serve GOD (09/04/2019); One Died For All (04/05/2019); Fasting, Prayer and Sanctification (03/29/2019); Offering Yourself To Christ? (12/27/2018); Rendering Our Reasonable Service (06/15/2018); The Relationship As Servant (06/03/2018)

“Simon”, you are asking for information that has meaning only within a framework for speaking of sacred spirit. As they are preparing to receive Jesus Christ at his coming, developing and mature Christian believers increasingly acknowledge that the operations and substance of divinity pertaining to eternal life are immutable, incorruptible, and invisible, and, therefore, have been revealed using material objects, graphic events, and the imparting of spirit substance from the makeup of divine fullness. Included have been fresh endowments of life essence (breath; spirit; word); the burning bush that appeared to Moses; the divine law written by the finger of GOD on tables of stone; and divinity appearing in human flesh (we say, Incarnation) as Jesus Christ. While only those ordained as priests were to make the required offerings and sacrifices of blood within the tabernacle and the temple, the blood itself was only a device to convey and transport unseen elements within the living that include consciousness, existence, life, and self-will (willpower). Common fire may be used for cooking, heating ones home, providing light as candles, etc. Animal sacrifices and material things placed on the consecrated altars were purified using holy fire that simultaneously destroyed defilement, sin and uncleanness while releasing gifts to GOD such as glory, honor, obedience, personhood, readiness, repentance, respect, reverence, unselfishness, and willingness. Such gifts can not be apprehended using the finite human tools of academic and secular knowledge, logic, philosophy, carnal reason, and science. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Wintley Phipps:

(1.) Hebrews 13: 11-15, King James Version (KJV): 11 For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. 12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. 13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. 14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. 15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

(2.) 1^st Peter 2: 1-6, 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. 4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, 5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

(3.) Hebrews 7: 19-28, KJV: 19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. 20 And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: 21 (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:) 22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. 23 And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: 24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. 26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; 27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. 28 For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a87g9tNhYnQ.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 9:15 PM, December 25, 2019 @ https://image.slidesharecdn.com/06-atonement-in-symbols-i-sefeng-1232334420101921-1/95/06-atonement-in-symbols-i-sef-eng-10-728.jpg?cb=1232313111

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC