(10/25/2018) Transgression of Sacred Law?

Today, reply shares Christian beliefs regarding adultery, fornication, the betrayal of divinity, and the seventh commandment of the Decalogue. Husbands and wives are not merely to show respect to one another; they are to reverence (acknowledge) the sacred presence, eternal purpose, and divine qualities residing within one another. The fighter using the ID “GenuineGuy” (Level 1 with 1 point, a member since August 30, 2011) posted the following in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality public forum:

What is adultery?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband. (Ephesians 5: 22-33, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Two Become One Flesh (01/07/2018); Faithless Israel, Unfaithful Judah? (08/18/2017); On Law and Sin (06/07/2017); The GOD Named “Jealous” (09/15/2016); Iniquity Forgiven? (02/16/2016); We Call Him Jealous? (10/25/2015); GOD and Adultery? (06/11/2014); A Hardened Spirit? (06/12/2014)

“GenuineGuy”, many of the understandings among mature Christian believers at first appear harsh and imposing. Adultery is more than simply an issue of joint ownership of material property, forswearing oneself (we say, breaking your promise; not keeping the marriage vows), and sharing sexual behavior or pursuing romantic relationships outside of ones marriage. Adultery is conduct that opposes the continued existence of divine law (we say, iniquity; sin; transgression; wickedness). Adultery annuls, overturns, and undermines the integrity and soundness of personal accountability; duty; covenant relationships; proclamations of divine will; prophecy; sacred promises as well as the immutability and weight of final utterance (we say, breath; speech; spirit; truth) that establish lasting bonds. Adultery usually entails fornication (i.e., the defilement of ones own spirit makeup and that of their spouse through sexual joining with unknown and unseen partners who earlier had sexual contact with the adultery-partner that are not physically present and visible).

Throughout the holy writings, the dominion and sovereign rule of divinity over Creation is described and expressed using language and names that indicate GOD is not a mere abstraction or product from the human mind; and divinity operates through continuous relationship such as seen with marriage and parenting. While GOD, whose name also is Jealous, will remain immortal and invisible, Deity is to be known as accessible and approachable like ones own father, or their own spouse. Thus, the figures and types that created beings and living creatures are to use when speaking of GOD include, betrayal, divorce, fidelity, forgiveness, holy matrimony, inheritance, joining, permanence, playing the whore, and reconciliation. Consider again the following from the Bible:

(1.) Isaiah 54: 4-9, King James Version (KJV): 4 Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more. 5 For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called. 6 For the LORD hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God. 7 For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. 8 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer. 9 For this is as the waters of Noah unto me: for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee.

(2.) Titus 2: 1-8, KJV: 1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: 2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. 3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. 6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. 7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

(3.) Ezekiel 23: 36-39, KJV: 36 The LORD said moreover unto me; Son of man, wilt thou judge Aholah and Aholibah? yea, declare unto them their abominations; 37 That they have committed adultery, and blood is in their hands, and with their idols have they committed adultery, and have also caused their sons, whom they bare unto me, to pass for them through the fire, to devour them. 38 Moreover this they have done unto me: they have defiled my sanctuary in the same day, and have profaned my sabbaths. 39 For when they had slain their children to their idols, then they came the same day into my sanctuary to profane it; and, lo, thus have they done in the midst of mine house.

(4.) Galatians 5: 19-23, KJV: 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) Revelation 21: 1-3, KJV:  1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(01/19/2018) The Pattern To Follow?

Photo used announcing Sunday, October 22, 2013 “Friends and Family Day” at Victory Family Church (Belleville, Illinois).  All were encouraged to make a special effort to invite someone to this special service.  Jesus said to look up for the fields are white unto harvest.  Copyright © 2013 David Harbison Ministries

Today, focus is on the pattern that believers are to follow when sharing ministry with sinners.  I’m sure the Apostle Paul would say, the pattern to follow is the resurrection of Jesus.  It is written:  Philippians 3:  7-14, King James Version (KJV):  7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.  8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord:  for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,  9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:  10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;  11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.  12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect:  but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.  13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended:  but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,  14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.  The church is not looking to amuse, entertain, or have a “battle of wits” against disbelievers, infidels, and those having the anti-Christ spirit.  The followers of Jesus, made in the image of GOD, are to know the “spirit ye are of” and convey divine love by showing compassion, impartiality, and restraint, not by calling down fire from heaven.  That said, the divine work given the church to carry out is not the practice of condemning, identifying, labeling, and punishing sinners.  When acknowledging the universal needs for redemption and salvation by saying “all have sinned and come short,” the church also may say, There are only two kinds of people in the world, penitent (those who regret and sorrow for their sins) and impenitent sinners (those who practice iniquity, refusing to change and abandon sin).  On surface the people in the two groupings are identical, and can not be consistently, correctly distinguished apart except by operations of the Holy Spirit (we say, discernment) wherein ones own spirit content from the makeup of GOD is used to recognize and respond to the spirit content residing within events, other persons, prophecy, the holy writings, etc.  The church is to avoid the errors that come by pronouncing final condemnation on others, making false accusations, and promoting the “work of the Devil” (e.g., character assassination; deception and lying; imposing and presuming on others; slander; usurping sacred authority and dominion).  The focus of the church always should be clearly presented as nourishing spiritual growth and reconciliation.  A writer in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “-- John --” (Level 1 with 2 points, a member since October 24, 2007) posted the following:

 
Should christians occupy themselves with people who are sinning, but who are not followers of the christian faith?

What is the correct approach to this?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.  Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.  And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal:  that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.  (John 4:  34-36, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The First To Help? (12/22/2017); Called To Serve Unselfishly (07/06/2017); Reconciliation Provided By Christ (05/30/2017); Resurrected With The Lord (04/16/2017); Believers Are To Love (12/07/2016); About Revelation not Punishment? (11/25/2016); Instruments in His Ministry? (10/07/2016)

“-- John --”, many decisions on the work of the church must be made in accordance with swiftly changing opportunities and possibilities.  Consider this:  In the same way the church is a body made up from many different members, there are multiple ministries, streams of truth, and practical works that make up what the church achieves and represents.  The  confirmed, full members of a church congregation may be thought of as a household, family, or kinship group where, in place of blood, all are connected by their life essence (we also say, breath, spirit, Word), their own word of promise, their eternal purpose, and their shared oneness without sameness imparted from divinity.  Assignments to carry out and complete the many works accomplished through the church sometimes may be made by the clergy, those in the institutional structure, and those filling leadership roles (e.g., prayer leaders, those in the music ministry, parents, teachers in Bible study classes).  However, operations by the Spirit of GOD are the primary process that determine the spiritual gifts a member will receive, in what location they may serve, and the peculiar needs they actually are equipped to address.

As sinners who are made to be a new creation through Jesus Christ, all who become “born again” are to continue on the earth as “developing believers” who also must “grow up again” and become mature for harvest (we say, his appearing; the Lord’s return; the Advent; the Rapture; the Second Coming).  It is the complete ministry to mankind from divine fullness (we say, the GODhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) that was demonstrated by Jesus Christ that the church as his consort and bride continues to manifest during his physical absence from being on the earth.  Thus, included among the works of the church should be creating new assemblies, baptism, evangelism, exorcism, exposing sin (rather than exposing members to censure), forgiveness, healing, pastoral counseling and personal ministries (for example, to couples, families, newly weds, those returning from prison, youth), praise, prayer, proclaiming doctrine, recruiting new followers, revival, giving of thanks, worship, and preparing to acknowledge Christ at his coming.

Guided and assisted by the imparted Spirit, each member of the body may display the active presence of divine fullness, and respond to the needs of others through their own lifestyle and daily routine.  The church is to further generate divine order; therefore, its members may not operate as completely autonomous, separate and independent, or “loners” having no accountability to others who also are the people of GOD.  The outcomes for the workings of the church are derived from irreversible commitment, interdependence, “repentance not to be repented of,” and cooperation with the Holy Spirit (also called, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth).  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Luke 14:  25-27, King James Version (KJV):  25 And there went great multitudes with him:  and he turned, and said unto them,  26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.  27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

(2.)  Romans 15:  15-22, KJV:  15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,  16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.  17 I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.  18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,  19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.  20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation:  21 But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see:  and they that have not heard shall understand.  22 For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.

(3.)  Luke 16:  22-31, KJV:  22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom:  the rich man also died, and was buried;  23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.  24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.  25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things:  but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.  26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed:  so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.  27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house:  28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.  29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.  30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham:  but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.  31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  1st Corinthians 12:  4-13, KJV:  4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.  5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.  6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.  7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.  8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;  9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;  10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:  11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.  12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body:  so also is Christ.  13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

Washington, DC 

(12/13/2017) Having Personhood Without Gender?

A Depiction of the Three Aspects/Persons of Divine Fullness: 
The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit

Today, reply is on the absence of a “Mother” among the three spirit appearances of divine person.  Without re-opening the quarrels against Mary the birth-mother of Jesus being respected with a title (The Mother of GOD), the Trinity comes into view here as a spirit entity that should not be thought of as like any ordinary human individual.  The exalted character, makeup, and possibilities of GOD must be acknowledged as on a higher plane than that of the angels and mortal men.  Many Christian believers are appalled to think that men on the earth still dare describe the sovereign over all Creation by using “weak and beggarly elements” such as gender, ethnicity, nationality, politics, race, or the amount of earthly wealth men accumulate and squander.  A writer in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “Bubba” (Level 2 with 652 points, a member since November 24, 2016) posted the following:

 

Religion: Can someone give some insight to the below statement?

If God is referred to as the Father, then who is the Mother? Serious question.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;  To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;  Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.  (Hebrews 7:  1-3, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Thoughts On Divine Personhood (12/07/2017); GOD Appearing As Christ (12/03/2017); In Order To Understand (12/01/2017); All Divinity in ONE? (11/17/2017); The Mother of GOD? (12/09/2016); The Gender of GOD? (12/29/2015); A Kindness to Mary? (04/21/2013); When GOD Controls? (04/22/2013)


“Bubba”, GOD is a spirit who does not display gender except when using human form (we say, using embodiment; Incarnation).  Spirit substance can not be known relying on finite human tools such as emotion, intellect, secular knowledge, logic, and carnal reason.   Divine spirit is diffuse (i.e., may spread over a boundless expanse without loss of adherence, coherence, and integrity), is invisible to the human eye, and is without dimension (i.e., can not be measured in accordance with patterns from the frameworks of time and space like density, depth, height, and length).  The fullness (entire array) of divine spirit substances are being revealed to created beings and living creatures as the GODhead (the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit), and are not like the many material things we compare to spirit that have particles (e.g., clouds, fog, mist, smoke).  Included are inseparable spirit content from the full makeup of divinity such as faith, forbearance, holiness, humility, longsuffering, lovingkindness, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Because the church is a spiritual body created by divinity and endowed with those spirit gifts, only the church is spoken of as the “bride of Christ.”

Serious answers and responses to your question from Christian believers can take many forms, for the “active presence” (we also say, breath, life essence, spirit, Word) who is GOD indwells sinners who become “born again.”  As among the three persons of the single GODhead, believers will display accord and oneness without sameness.  The inborn spirit must die, be buried, and be raised from the dead; and the sinner must be reborn having divine DNA, so to speak.  Because developing believers have a fresh endowment of spirit substance from the makeup of GOD, Christians may be called the children of GOD, joint heirs with Jesus Christ as well as priests and kings, saints within the kingdom of GOD, and the new creation.  The reproduction of the image of GOD in mankind is a sacred process, rather than a mechanical or natural process such as we see in sexual reproduction.  What some count as the distinct expressions and traits from a mother (e.g., gentleness, obedience, patience, strength, sweetness, the ability to weep unselfishly for and with others) should appear through every member of the body of Christ (the church).  Consider the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  John 4:  23-24, King James Version (KJV):  23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth:  for the Father seeketh such to worship him.  24 God is a Spirit:  and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

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

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

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and made a part of our own spirit makeup.  (For example, (4.)  Revelation 19:  7-11, KJV:  7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him:  for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.  8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white:  for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.  9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.  9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.  10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not:  I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus:  worship God:  for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.  11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(06/02/2014) Finding Peace Through the Bible?

Judgment, revelation, peace and truth are topics, today, as we shift from consideration of poetry and the loss of such intangibles as culture, and creative possibility.  A “Yahoo! Answers” fighter using the ID “Mage” (Level 1 with 1 point, a member since May 08, 2014) posted the following:


Don't you just love how peaceful the bible is?

When thousands get massacred, animals killed for sacrifice, fear and mindless obedience is used.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.  And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.  ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”   (Revelation 21:  2-4, New International Version, NIV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  A Culture of Judgment? (03/20/2014); Beyond Punishment (03/21/2014); Understanding Peace? (11/20/2013); Adversary or Servant? (11/21/2013); A GOD of War? (03/12/2013); “Authorized Personnel Only” (03/13/2013); Mob Rule and Violence (09/27/2012); Suppose I Am Wrong? (09/28/2012)


“Mage”, where you are still teachable and your heart is not completely closed against Jesus, here are a few points every Christian believer must consider that may be shared with you also:

(1.)  Only those who seek peace find peace within the holy writings.  Those who are nourished, and who learn and grow by receiving divine substance through the Scriptures, all have first put aside various aspects of their self such as their usual attitudes, patterns of focus, knowledge, logic, pride and discursive thought.  There is little for those who approach in defiance, who are dominated by superstition, who jump to conclusions, who are centered upon their own inward bitterness against GOD, or who take authority without permission (we say, presume upon divinity, seek to overturn and steal divine power).

(2.)  The good news proclaimed from cover to cover within the Bible centers upon relief for mankind from an insidious, invisible influence that introduces and maintains death, decay, rottenness, and destruction.  Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, of Divine Person, and of all that has been created of GOD.  While GOD is a spirit, and has put forth material beings and the process and spheres of their existence, GOD has not generated sin.

(3.)  Despite that sin is made up of no physical or spirit matter, sin has direction, effect, and presence.  Sin may overwhelm awareness and self-will in created beings and living creatures.  The living cannot detect, eliminate or resist sin depending only on such finite tools as emotion, intellect, logic, mathematics, philosophy, reason, and science.

There is a lot more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Peace is only the outcome of judgment (not war).  Judgment is the resolution of conflict and the settlement of dispute through law; thus, judgment is always blessing.  The beauty, love, and righteousness of divine judgment are not fully visible to those who lack a correct knowledge of sin, how it separates the created from the Creator, and how divine order for the entire universe comes under threat due to sin.  The Bible provides a divine point of view (thousands of lives, over thousands of years), and thereby reveal the workings of death and sin that would otherwise be hidden and unfathomable.).  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith, and your readiness to truly receive Christ.


Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.  (Philippians 4:  8, KJV)


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/16/2013) How Do I Repent?

      Actions, feelings, and repentance are topics, today. Also, there is more on the church as “a bride,” and the “same sex” nature of Christian commitment. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Fly” (Level 1 with 120 points, a member since January 12, 2013) posted the following:


Christians please help?

How do I repent?

I know I have to feel sorry for my sins. I am very confused about my feelings, but I dont think I am truly sorry for my sins. I want to be sorry, and I want to truly repent for it. How do I do it? Since being sorry is a feeling, is it even possible to control my feelings?

But there’s one thing for sure – I am willing to change my ways and stop sinning (try my best), and obey God’s commandments. I just want to be real sorry (Godly sorrow). I really want to repent and receive forgiveness for my sins.

Please help me!


THE BATTLE AXE: The Church as a Bride? (05/15/2013)—(5.) Both ones awareness of GOD, and ones self-awareness must change for there to be acceptance of ones own existence as created by GOD, and to embrace the possibilities for relationship with the Creator established through the ministry of Jesus Christ. The complex changes that must occur include a person acquiring new knowledge (we say, learning), and eliminating earlier knowledge (we say, un-learning) at the same time. The believer must come to know the “person” of GOD as expressed in covenants, judgments, sacred operations, praises, promises, and eternal purposes. See Exodus 19: 4-6, Deuteronomy 14: 1-2 and 1st Peter 2: 1-10, KJV. (6.) The truths that center upon carnal being, the conflicts between flesh and spirit, and the management of human sexual appetite are not canceled and denied by the ministry of Jesus Christ as redeemer, savior, and Risen Lord. All who come to Christ must submit to change whereby all belief, conduct and relationships become visible in the light of divine person, and sacred purpose. It is not that believers feel no desire for adultery, casual sex, premarital sex, same sex experience, sexual fantasies, or other emotional, physical and psychological adventures. It is because, in our humanity, we do; and we humble ourselves to GOD for balance, change, correction, growth, insight, maturity, rebirth and sanctification. (7.) New Jerusalem is the gathering place where all believers will abide; and is called “the Holy City” and “the Bride of Christ.” Correctly understood, this is not a reference to some physical location that may be identified on the earth or in the heavens by using the frameworks of time and space so much as to the continuity, permanence and spirit-being of all who will continue to exist within the eternal sphere of divine person. See Exodus 23: 20, John 14: 1-3, Matthew 25: 31-46 and Isaiah 57: 15, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW: For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (Titus 2: 11-14, King James Version)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Repentance Must Come Before Resurrection (04/27/2013); Destroyed in Noah’s Flood? (04/28/2013); When Jesus Comes Back? (04/19/2013); How to Love GOD? (03/24/2013); His Burden is Light (12/10/2012); How to Have Conviction (11/24/2012); A Text for Lives Today? (11/25/2012); Knowing Who Your Real Friends Are (12/11/2012); The Gender of Angels? (10/09/2012); Sin Unknown? (10/10/2012); The Spirit by Measure? (09/22/2012); A Man in Heaven? (09/23/2012); Aliens? (09/24/2012); Wrong to Love? (08/17/2012); The Young Less Religious? (08/18/2012)

    
     Fly, please, consider the following. There are many points of truth that Christian believers must accept, and regularly apply in continuous practice before they gain certainty, personal insight, and full understanding. The examples below agree with Bible teachings, and the life experience of those who are born again:

(1.) Like forgiveness, love and genuine wrath against sin, repentance is an operation of the imparted, indwelling Spirit of Christ. These sacred operations are not merely outcomes of human emotions, and feelings. A person’s self-will must be transformed, and their process for selecting actions must be re-patterned to express being, change, and desired conditions while being anchored in a peculiar awareness of GOD, all at the same time.

(2.) Repentance is not an aspect of divine person or sacred content such as faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, righteousness, and wisdom. As with many sacred operations and eternal truths, repentance is operationally defined (i.e., known by actions taken; known through obedience); and created beings and living creatures must know repentance.

(3.) In the same way the Holy Spirit must complete the sacred operations begun in a human choice to be baptized (i.e., spirit death, burial, resurrection, and new birth), the Spirit also completes the process of repentance.
    
     There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Repentance is not what you feel; it’s what you do. Begin or step-up the discipline and practice of sacraments in your daily routines. Fast. Expand your prayer life. Enrich your study. Show greater respect to Christ, and all others in your life. Change every behavior that promotes gossip, inattentiveness, lying, malice, possessiveness, pride, or selfishness. That’s what GOD and others should be able to recognize as your repentance, and divinity working in you also.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/15/2013) The Church as a Bride?

      Focus, today, is upon the church as the “bride of Christ” and whether that title applies to the practice of homosexuality as an aspect of Christian belief. Also, there is more on TV portrayals of GOD that raise questions about divine immortality. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “flutter” (Level 6 with 12,680 points, a member since June 6, 2006) posted the following:


If the church is supposed to be considered the bride of Christ does that mean?

that christian men are gay


THE BATTLE AXE: Can GOD Die? (05/14/2013)—(6.) Television programs that offer ghost stories, horror tales, and supernatural thrillers cannot be trusted as sources for divine truth, sacred doctrine, and genuine spiritual insight. While many Christians regard TV fare as harmless and useful for sharpening the mind like brainteasers and crossword puzzles, others realize many dangerous presentations are broadcast that contain corruption, distraction from performing ones duties, encouragement of complaining and violence, half-truth, hidden messages, lies, poison, and open thrusts against sound belief. Their danger to young and developing minds is that they also introduce assumptions and false truths relied upon for emotional, psychological and spiritual strength that can not be removed without severe disruption and damage. New believers and those recently “born again” are encouraged to carefully reexamine their amusements, break some favorite habits for entertainment, or even completely avoid their old pleasures. As with science fiction, viewers must employ the mental device common to most story-telling called “a willing suspension of unbelief.” Such programs present the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the principles for righteousness given by GOD using errors, exaggerations, and unbalanced extremes. The various shared purposes among the actors, film crew, writers and others often center in arousing the sexual appetite of viewers, exploitation of human weaknesses, generating fear as a device to ensure excitement, self-promotion, and dispersing “the leaven of the Pharisees.” See Psalm 1: 1, 1st Peter 2: 1-3, Colossians 2: 18-29, 1st Corinthians 13: 1-13 and Luke 12: 1-5, King James Version. (7.) According to the standards for Christian believers, angels, the divine tool of death, demons and devils actually do exist. However, the fictional accounts that portray death as a man, a heroic figure, or a god are little different from the stories and tales that advance the Devil and other unclean spirits as exercising divine authority, and power. In fantasies, spirit beings may be used to display a mix of animal and human behavior at the same time, and so are repeatedly depicted as monsters. Characters that exhibit only blasphemy, defiance, rebellion and spiritual confusion properly are seen as abnormal, deformed, imperfect, powerless, ungodly, unnatural, and weak. No created being or living creature will ever have sufficient authority, content, knowledge, or power to end divine being and the existence of GOD. See Deuteronomy 32: 39-43, James 2: 19 and 1st John 4: 1-3, King James Version.


THE GOLDEN ARROW: Judah hath dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah hath profaned the holiness of the LORD which he loved, and hath married the daughter of a strange god. The LORD will cut off the man that doeth this, the master and the scholar, out of the tabernacles of Jacob, and him that offereth an offering unto the LORD of hosts. And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth it with good will at your hand. Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant. And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. (Malachi 2: 11-15, King James Version)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER: When Jesus Comes Back? (04/19/2013); What’s The Way Out? (04/20/2013); Girdle 5: Of Trust (11/20/2011); Binder 43: The Holy City (11/09/2011); Binder 41: Access to GOD (11/07/2011); Written Above? (02/18/2011); GOD’s Favorite? (02/19/2011)


      “flutter”, here are some points acknowledged by many mature Christian believers who are continuing to carefully examine the claims made by GOD upon mankind through Jesus Christ:

(1.) A bride is to be a life companion within a human relationship founded in choice, courtship and dating, divine/mature guidance, respect, shared purpose, and trust. Arbitrary and erratic features of human experience are dampened and removed through commitment, faithfulness, stability, and truth.

(2.) As the bride of Christ, the church serves as a confidant, an intimate partner, and a “sounding board” to sacred goals, divine operations, and eternal truths. The church is a beloved and primary co-worker with Christ in various roles of ministry to the earth. Included are apostle, comforter, family, healer, herald, judge, leader, model (i.e., example), pastor, prophet, spokesperson, and teacher.

(3.) While sexual behavior has great power to determine content, duration, fertility, prosperity, quality of life, and success for many human relationships, the salvation of GOD through Jesus Christ cannot be acquired or maintained on the basis of desires, lusts, and sexual practices. All believers upon the earth are privileged to share in the duties of a divine priesthood from the heavens. For maximum effectiveness, believers hold to strong discipline, giving, focused practice, prayer, study, and watchfulness. Together these remove spiritual confusion generated by the world as well as such obstacles to faith as self-contradiction, error, folly, inconsistency, irreverence, and pride.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Ones bride is also their partner for claiming their own inheritance, for lawfully bringing forth offspring, for endowing and equipping ones offspring to receive, preserve and continue the shared heritage, and for overcoming the challenges and limits of mortality such as corruption, fear, isolation, pain, poverty, and sickness.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/02/2013) Recognizing True Prophets

      How to recognize true prophets is the topic today. Also, there is more on why Jesus authored no books to keep his teachings “pure.” The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Andrew” (Level 1 with 58 points, a member since April 30, 2013) posted the following:


CHRISTIANS: What are the marks/signs of a true prophet?

In the bible God says he reveals himself in dreams, what other ways does God speak (if he still does) to people today?


THE BATTLE AXE: Why Jesus Authored No Books (05/01/2013)—(5.) The plan of GOD has long been the preservation of divine truth upon the earth through created beings and living creatures. The longevity of Adam (930 years, nearly one millennium) and that of the several Patriarchs ensured eyewitness accounts, and a living oral history would be in place along with the sacred priesthood for offerings and sacrifices. In the accounts of Noah (who was a husbandman, a farmer) and Abraham (who accumulated wealth despite being a nomad, yet avoided the baggage of books, and established no libraries), we continue to see GOD maintaining divine truth through flesh and mankind. Building upon the widespread herding, pastoral and oral traditions of the Jews, GOD introduced written law through Moses after first proclaiming the covenant to all those who had left Egypt. David and those who served after him, contributed the rich treasury of hymns, music, psalms and sacred song along with prayer and proverbs as further tools to preserve and transmit gifts and resources from divinity. Oral traditions rely upon face-to-face exchange, and communicate feelings as well as thought using body language, facial gestures and nonverbal expression. Christ encouraged and promoted specific forms of truth. Included were parables (we say “object lessons”), personal testimony, preaching, proclamation, promise, prophecy, and witness. Unlike the impersonal technology of writing used by governments and those of a merchant class, personal word of mouth provides interaction cues for trust, and continuing relationship. (6.) In the plan of GOD that is being carried out through Jesus Christ, faith comes by hearing, and is certified by miracles and other sacred works. The breath of life, and divine utterance, are the imparting of awareness, life and virtue. The Holy Scriptures convey spirit substance inseparable from faith. Included are forbearance, holiness, humility, joy, longsuffering, meekness, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. See Romans 10: 10-17, Nehemiah 8: 1-12, Ecclesiastes 12: 11-13 and Romans 8: 1-18, KJV. (7.) The union with GOD, and the oneness mankind is to achieve is not “sameness”. Diversity is the tool of Divine Person that must be used to establish the peculiar completeness and fullness of GOD, who is immortal, who is spirit, and who does not change. Thus, the revelation of GOD to created beings and living creatures is by their discovery of shared identity in Jesus Christ.


THE GOLDEN ARROW: And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. (Revelation 19: 5-10, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Confusion 2013 (01/13/2013); Why A “Spokesperson” (01/14/2013); No Contradictions? (01/15/2013); How To Have Conviction (11/24/2012); A Text for Lives Today? (11/25/2012); Pornography from the Bible? (11/26/2012); Signs of a Prophet (03/14/2012); The Rules for Sharing Christ (03/15/2012); The Prophets (02/24/2012); Bad Luck (02/25/2012); Prophecy Fails? (03/15/2011); Bible Benefit? (03/16/2011); Prophets? (10/28/2010)

    
     Andrew, in the course of their growth, most mature Christian believers also have asked the question you pose, because it’s in line with ones desire to know whom to trust for sacred truth, and how to be certain that ones own experience of what appears as divinity is truly coming from GOD. Where you will first acknowledge GOD in prayer with gratitude and respect, you will be more well prepared to recognize whether or not the following points are being shared with you in obedience to Christ:

(1.) True prophets are sent from GOD as messengers, and do not pursue a personal agenda, secular and social goals, self-justification, or self-promotion. Even so, they also provide eyewitness reports and personal testimonies (i.e., spoken evidence in judgment) that pertain to their experience of GOD.

(2.) In Christian belief, the proclamations, promises and prophecies declared by the true prophets are corroborated and harmonize with the words and works of all the prophets sent before them as well as that of those who will come after them. Even so, it is not the “sameness” of their message that reveals their genuine identity as holy and sent by GOD. It is the oneness of Spirit.

(3.) True prophets all operate through spiritual endowments from the makeup and substance of GOD. Included are faith, holiness, humility, longsuffering, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Where one of these sacred elements appear, all of them must appear; for they are inseparable. False prophets are recognized by their self-contradictions and display of such devices as accusations, covetousness, cowardice, deceit, envy, fear mongering, lying, pride, scorn and slander.
    
     There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) The holy writings serve as a proven standard that allows those endowed from GOD to correctly discern and recognize eternal purpose, sacred operations, and the anointed agents and representatives sent by GOD. Also, believers quickly and correctly recognize those under the Adversary (Satan), spiritual confusion, and sin. See Isaiah 8: 20, Hebrews 4: 12 and 1st John 4: 1-6, KJV.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC