(04/09/2020) They Which Are Called

The image shows Jesus Christ serving as the divine High Priest in heaven who makes atonement for sin on the earth.

Today, reply is on the recovery of mankind from sin, and mankind’s transformation by divine fullness requiring the appearance of divinity in the earth using human flesh and life process as Jesus Christ. The process and substance of divinity appearing to mankind on the earth is one to establish unchanging divine order, permanence, and the eternal nature of consecrated truth. Only those who are called, who willingly respond, and who voluntarily endure will apprehend the high prize of GOD. Through the operations of divine judgment, and fulfillment of the second death, mankind is to be sealed as immortal and incorruptible. It is written: Hebrews 10: 26-29, King James Version (KJV): 26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “𝐸𝓂𝓂𝒶 ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ” (Level 2 with 964 points) posted the following:

Christians, why do we need to believe in Jesus to be saved?

According to the latter half of the old testament, God was already opened to forgiveness through repentance over sacrifice, centuries before Jesus. And according to the books of maccabees, it was already a strongly held belief that God would send the righteous to heaven though faith. In the second book of maccabees, a Jewish family consisting of a mother and her seven sons, were all tortured one by one for not giving up their faith, but they already believed that staying strong would land then a place in heaven.

So why is Jesus necessary for salvation?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 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, 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: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 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. 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, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3: 7-14, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Grace Abounds Much More (04/02/2020); Trying To Stop Sins (04/01/2020); “Because You Are Believers” (03/17/2020); Those Who Are Convinced (12/08/2019); In Relationship With Divinity? (08/16/2016); Products of The Cross? (04/27/2016); Called of GOD? (08/02/2015)

“𝐸𝓂𝓂𝒶 ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ”, more than salvation must come into view. Mature Christian believers acknowledge that mankind became subject to death and other unwanted conditions through the transgression of divine law, and may only be corrected and restored through multiple operations of divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). GOD appears among created beings and living creatures within consciousness and self-will (willpower) as active presence, and uses multiple devices and sacred operations to become knowable, known, accessible, and approachable. Included have been sacred law, expiation for sin, family and inheritance, covenant relationships, Incarnation (using human flesh and life process to appear on the earth), priesthood on the earth modeled after that in heaven, promise, prophecy, reconciliation, revelation, judgment, and resurrection of the dead.

It is the expression of divine prerogative, consecrated personhood, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD that mankind will exist as a companion to immortal, incorruptible, invisible divinity. Sin has not been eliminated by the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Even so, through the priesthood of Jesus, the living now may be transformed by receiving a fresh endowment of the life essence (breath; spirit; word) that was imparted to Adam at Creation. Men are to undergo the death and burial of their inborn spirit; and become “born again” as the offspring and children of GOD having divine DNA, so to speak. Inseparable aspects of the divine makeup are imparted such as balance, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. All are to “grow up again” on the earth, and become mature/ripe for harvest by the Lord at his appearing (the Advent; the harvest; the Rapture; the Second Coming.)

As vessels of divine seed, sinners who turn to Christ increasingly are to display the image of GOD, and are to resemble, reflect and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ. Such finite human tools as academic instruction, secular knowledge, carnal reason, science, and self-will can not bring about the salvation of mankind. As developing believers, joint-heirs with Christ, and the new creation, those who are “born again” display new lifestyles and daily routines that include discovery, gradual growth, performing sacred practices (e.g., praise, prayer; worship), study of the holy writings, unselfish service, and suffering. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

(1.) Jeremiah 31: 31-33, King James Version (KJV): 31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: 32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: 33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

(2.) Romans 6: 3-4, KJV: 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

(3.) Hebrews 9: 11-15, KJV: 11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; 12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. 13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: 14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlYp5ek4I4E.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 9:25 PM, April 08, 2020 @ https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xoQ9wID3Q82nlKtgSYxc1uFFA11kHKc9JXFA5C0KHdK_34iSP32lztfTBZq_WBftZRKNhcqL6CXuxzvELMeSRoDyduFmn8JKDgHykb9nyr1cZMvH0IajdhFSKw_h3dCzOpnJcs0vINZX/w1200-h630-p-k-no-nu/Jesussanctrb.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(12/08/2019) Those Who Are Convinced

Today, reply is on the comprehensive operations to reveal divinity on the earth as being characterized by concentration and focus, rather than being all-inclusive. GOD calls men and women into service as disciples, healers, judges, prophet, priests, and kings. Even so, all will not be chosen to reign with Jesus Christ as joint-heirs, and the new creation. In the same way that sacred tribunals for judgment expose and uncover otherwise hidden and unseen aspects of content and substance among and within mankind, where the living accept accountability, declare commitment, complete duty, and perform required service they also present the image of GOD and the likeness of Jesus Christ. It is written: Matthew 22: 8-10, King James Version (KJV): 8 Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. 9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. 10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. 11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: 12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. 13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 14 For many are called, but few are chosen. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “ImAtheist” (Level 1 with 2 points) posted the following:

If the Christian God is all knowing all powerful how come it has yet to convince even half of the population that it exists?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2: 8-10, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Ones Spirit Must Grow? (09/29/2019); The Saved Are Numberless (04/29/2019); Atheists And The Word? (09/11/2018); Chosen Through Sacred Process (09/06/2018); Life And Divine Purpose (05/04/2018); Salvation for Atheists? (06/14/2013); Church is Good? (06/15/2013)

“ImAtheist”, sharing things understood among those who declare what they believe instead of what they disbelieve, before the creation of the earth there were fixed standards in place; and only those meeting the standards will be continued in eternity. Mankind’s response to the operations of sin required mortality and separation as continuing conditions for the existence and integrity of created beings and living creatures on the earth. The sanctions against that appear within unchanging divine law make necessary such sacred works as atonement; birth, development to maturity, anointing for ordained ministry and priesthood, living as a nomad and an itinerant preacher, and the death of divinity on the cross (we say, the Incarnation of divine fullness as Jesus Christ); redemption; resurrection for the dead to appear in final judgment; salvation; sanctification; and the second death that eliminates and erases all sin.

GOD is a spirit, and the operations of divinity are spirit in process and substance. Spirit remains invisible and undetectable to those relying on finite human tools of flesh (e.g., sensations of hearing, seeing, tasting, touching, etc.), or mind (e.g., carnal reason, imagination, logic, recall, thinking). Divinity is made knowable, known, accessible, and approachable (we say, revealed) by inseparable aspects of divine fullness that are imparted to exist within the consciousness and self-will of the living. Included are faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

GOD maintains all Creation and the entire universe using authority, divine order, dominion, mechanical process and natural law, power, sacred law, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and sovereign will. Divinity responds to the presence of life essence (we say, breath; spirit; word) within created beings and living creatures as an aspect of divine fullness. The living are to be companions to immortal, incorruptible, invisible divinity; and they are to resemble, reflect, and reveal the image of GOD. Achieving the gifts of salvation and eternal life are not based on self-promotion and humanity choosing GOD, so much as GOD choosing mankind and responding to those who bear his mark. Therefore, mature Christians speak in terms of divine concentration and focus upon the living through adoption, grace, judgment, and purchase. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of John Michael Talbot:

(1.) Psalms 15: 1-3, King James Version (KJV): 1 LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? 2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. 3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.

(2.) Romans 6: 23, KJV: 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

(3.) Psalms 51: 15-17, KJV: 15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. 16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

(4.) Ephesians 2: 4-6, KJV: 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

(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=wnM4a3TKPro.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 2:45 AM, December 08, 2019 @ https://soulution101.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/chosen.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(04/29/2019) The Saved Are Numberless

A depiction of the sealed 144,000

Today, reply is on the number of those who will be saved by grace and taken up into heaven. The holy writings do not proclaim a total or specific number of sinners forgiven, of those who are the remnant from the Covenant of Moses, of those who are reconciled to GOD through Jesus Christ, of those who repent of their sins, or of those translated and otherwise taken up (e.g., Enoch, Moses, Elijah). In the same way the saved are not numbered, a number for those who lose their inheritance and welcome into the kingdom is not recorded. Even so, there are passages that developing and mature Christians are encouraged to consider prayerfully. For example, Jesus also used the following to warn those of the 12 tribes in permanent covenant as Jews who were not responding to the call of GOD delivered by his ministry. It is written: Matthew 22: 1-10, King James Version (KJV): 1 And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, 2 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, 3 And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. 4 Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. 5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: 6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. 7 But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. 8 Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. 9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. 10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Truth is within you” (Level 7 with 36,919 points, a member since January 28, 2007) posted the following:

What did Jesus say about heaven and hell? What do you think this means?

Lord, will only a few people be saved? —Luke 13:23

But remember, some who are now last will be first. And some who think they are first will be last. —Luke 13:30

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen. (Matthew 22: 11-14, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Mysteries Of The Kingdom? (09/28/2018); “I Never Knew You” (03/23/2018); Mankind's Priesthood in Heaven (02/16/2018); An Irreplaceable Nation State? (12/05/2016); Where Will Believers Go? (10/26/2016); A Perfected Body (03/09/2014); Immutable GODhead (03/10/2014); The Place for Eternal Life? (01/06/2013); Therefore There Was Trust (01/07/2013)

“Truth is within you”, consider the following that uses language from the vision of John in addition to the Gospel:

1. John 10: 14-17, KJV: 14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. 15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. 17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.

2. Revelation 1: 1-2, King James Version (KJV): 1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: 2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 3. Revelation 7: 1-10, KJV: 1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. 2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, 3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. 4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. 5 Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. 6 Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nephthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand. 7 Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. 8 Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand. 9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; 10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 10:28 PM, April 28, 2019 @ https://i.ytimg.com/vi/aZ6FL_DKR20/hqdefault.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/24/2018) Areas Where Change Appears?

Today, the reply identifies five areas wherein developing Christian believers should be able to see evidences that they truly have been called and granted redemption, salvation, and eternal life through Jesus Christ. The beginnings of permanent change that will be completed through operations of the imparted Holy Spirit become visible through fresh life experiences of accord, discernment, focus, spiritual growth, and eternal purpose. Other indicators that a sinner has become a “divine work in progress” by answering the call of Christ may be seen through the replacement of their traveling clothes of complaining, irreverence, mocking, and moping with the wedding garments of increased accountability, commitment, dutifulness, meekness, patience, respect, and restraint. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality public forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

How do I know if I am being called like the Bible says?

Matthew 22:14

THE GOLDEN ARROW: The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space. And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition. And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. (Revelation 17: 8-14, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Changed And Made Christ-like? (06/19/2018); To Bear Wrongs Patiently? (02/13/2018); Standards For Godly Behavior (02/01/2018); Proper Training For Belief? (01/10/2018); Standing On The ABCs? (11/09/2017); The Two-edged Sword (01/09/2017); Called To Be Servants? (11/25/2015); Many Are Called… (10/15/2015); Few Are Chosen (07/06/2015)

“Anonymous”, here are areas where repenting sinners will experience permanent change through the Holy Spirit to become Christlike, display the image of GOD, and exist as developing Christian believers:

1. Accord. Christian communities are characterized by such features as acceptance, agreement, consistency, and corroboration among their divine law, doctrines, practices, principles, and teachings. Given the focus is truth proclaimed and provided from the Creator—who displays himself through diversity, yet, is immutable, incorruptible, and unchanging—there will be a oneness without sameness that appears as continuing and interwoven threads throughout that join what may seem to be disparate and unrelated material. Believers come together with multiple levels of growth, knowledge, maturity, and skill. Therefore, the sacred process also is one of affirmation, communication, cooperation, exchange, interaction, and interdependence.

2. Discernment. Within the household of faith, increasingly all are to practice discernment (i.e., using their own spirit substance from the makeup of GOD to recognize and respond to the same spirit substance as it appears within events, other persons, themselves, the holy writings, etc.). Through water baptism that depicts the death, burial, and rebirth of ones own inborn spirit, the believer is given a fresh endowment of life essence (we say, breath; spirit; word) from the makeup of GOD. Included are inseparable aspects of divinity such as balance, completeness, faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

3. Focus. Among believers acquiring sacred knowledge and having a lifestyle that includes the performance of sacred practices (e.g., sacraments; praise; prayer; unselfish service; worship) increasingly will replace such interests as acquiring wealth; politics; seeking secular knowledge; study of philosophy, science, and technology; and pursuing worldly routines.

4. Spiritual Growth. Those who become “born again” through baptism are to be regarded as the children of GOD, joint heirs with Jesus Christ, and a new creation. Even so, all must “grow up again” and become mature/ripe for harvest from the earth by the Lord at his Advent (we also say, his appearing; the Rapture; the Second Coming). Developing believers are to endure “growing pains” living on the earth, and are built up (edified) through sacred tools that generate discovery; fellowship; prophecy; and suffering.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) Eternal Purpose. Believers will use discernment to recognize and respond to otherwise invisible and unseen spirit aspects deposited within life challenges, settings, and situations. The absence or presence divine intent (we also say, aims, motives, opportunities, possibilities, thoughts) are to be acknowledged at all times.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(03/26/2017) Judgment, Peace and Warfare?

Today, topics include connections among divine judgment, peace, and sacred warfare.  The life and ministry of Jesus Christ demonstrated Spirit growth.  The message Jesus proclaimed in the end of his ministry on the earth was not the same as what he was expected to share as a disciple of John the Baptist.  The doctrines of baptism, repentance, and the coming kingdom would be eclipsed by his announcement of a new testament in his blood.  Jesus would be built up, edified, and permanently changed in accordance to divine laws for human growth, maturity, and service as a vessel of GOD.  His life would include sacred events that crystallized and refocused his message such as 40 days and nights fasting and praying in the wilderness, being confronted and tested by Satan, and meeting with Elijah and Moses in the mount of transfiguration.  In addition to making the exalted character and spirit makeup of the Creator knowable and known, revelation also declares divine wrath against sin, the opposition of sin to the continued existence of divine law, and the ongoing warfare for, against and within the spirit substance of created beings and living creatures.  Desire for revenge, further fighting, and vendetta are often outcomes of war, however, peace is usually the outcome of judgment that sees the application of law for the resolution of conflict and the settlement of disputes.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Bob Johnson” (Level 5 with 8,978 points, a member since November 30, 2006) posted the following:

Why did Jesus say "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God"?

Then turn around and say “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword."

Update: Contrast "Blessed are the peacemakers" with "I did not come to bring peace."

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart.  God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.  If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.  He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors.  (Psalms 7:  10-13, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Sharing The Correct Message (01/30/2017); The Peace of Christmas? (12/25/2016); The Divine Peace Process? (09/27/2016); World Peace Is Coming? (05/08/2016); A Note On Spirit Warfare (01/06/2016); To Have True Peace? (11/12/2015); Prince of Peace? (07/18/2014)

“Bob Johnson”, lacking sacred knowledge that comes by study of the holy writings, maturity that comes by practice of the sacraments (e.g., confession, baptism, prayer) and regular fellowship with mature believers, those “born again” must “grow up again”, and can not correctly or consistently acknowledge and apply instruction provided through the imparted, indwelling Spirit sent from Christ.  Many assume the early teachings of Jesus are no different than his teachings during the period when he was approaching his death on the cross.  Similarly, many assume that his public teaching in the precincts of the Temple at Jerusalem were the same as his open discourses with the multitudes on the hillside or the sea shore.  In part, such error is repeated because the revelation from divinity was intended only for those who were called, chosen, elect, faithful to “the law and the prophets,” and who were to serve as eyewitnesses that he truly was raised from the dead.  Deity appeared to Moses as a god of judgment.  Jesus appeared as a more complete embodiment of divinity (we say, Incarnation) than Moses received, and directly spoke to more than simply covenant relationship, a divine inheritance upon the earth (the Promised Land), and the Ten Commandments law.  The ministry of Jesus also included judgment, death, rebirth, resurrection from the dead, and eternal life.  The wrath of GOD against sin is expressed in sanctions declared through the law, and carried out as correction, punishment, and warning.  The plagues against Egypt and warfare against the seven tribes who broke covenant with GOD are examples of judgment that appears through warfare.  The apostles and disciples of Jesus were to acknowledge that his ministry was not one of compromise intended to maintain a status quo described by complacency, indifference, negligence, the flesh, tradition, and worldliness.  Consider the following:

(1.)  Exodus 34:  5-8, King James Version (KJV):  5 And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD.  6 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,  7 Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.  8 And Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped.

(2.)  Romans 8:  29-30, KJV:  29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.  30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called:  and whom he called, them he also justified:  and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

(3.)  Matthew 13:  10-17, KJV:  10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?  11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.  12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance:  but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.  13 Therefore speak I to them in parables:  because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.  14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:  15 For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.  16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see:  and your ears, for they hear.  17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Revelation 3:  15-19, KJV:  15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot:  I would thou wert cold or hot.  16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.  17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:  18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.  19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten:  be zealous therefore, and repent.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(04/27/2016) Products of The Cross?

Points are shared on evolution, salvation, and believers as products of the cross.  The attitudes, behavior and thoughts within mankind that result from the operations of sin are not justified by the blood of the cross.  Only rebirth, permanent change, sanctification, and walking in the Spirit are atoned for and justified.  Thereby the disciples and followers of Christ are made to exist as “a new creation.”  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “R&S007” (Level 6 with 18,970 points, a member since June 28, 2010) posted the following:

Are religious people the most fit products of evolution ?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:  Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.  (1st Timothy 6:  20-21, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Cross and Critical Thinking? (04/13/2016); The Cross was Premature? (04/07/2016); Not Through Human Will? (01/29/2016); The Scale of Salvation? (12/13/2015); Growing Up Again? (12/09/2015); By More Than Believing (12/04/2015); An Eternal Plan and Process (07/05/2015); Believers and Evolution? (02/02/2015)

“R&S007”, through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood, correction, and truth from the cross are flowing to here and now, because sin can not be eliminated, removed or even resisted relying upon finite human tools of intellect, logic, mathematics, philosophy, science, and technology.  Mature Christian believers count themselves to be products of the cross (i.e., a spiritual process entailing, atonement, life, death, rebirth, judgment, forgiveness, mercy, resurrection, and eternity), rather than outcomes of “evolution”, a set of human ideas to describe the mechanical and natural processes recognizable as the order established by divinity through Creation.  By Jesus Christ appearing as divinity incarnate (we say, in flesh and bone), specific tools are provided for the transformation of created beings and living creatures to serve Deity as immortal, incorruptible life companions.  In addition to sacred knowledge, there must be sanctification, sacred practice, and the in-filling of believers with inseparable aspects of the spirit content that are the makeup of divinity (e.g., faith, holiness, joy, love, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin).  Consider again how these ideas are shared using language from the Bible:

(1.)  John 3:  6-7, King James Version (KJV):  6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

(2.)  John 4:  23-24, 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.

(3.)  Romans 8:  28-31, KJV:  28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.  30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called:  and whom he called, them he also justified:  and whom he justified, them he also glorified.  31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

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

THE BLACK PHOENIX 
Washington, DC

(02/28/2016) On Carrying The Cross

Today, points are shared to clarify the duties of carrying the cross as opposed to dying on the cross.  Believers in Jesus Christ as Messiah and Son of the Highest all are called to stand at the foot of the cross.  The work given from the cross to those born again is to care for and truly love mankind.  Believers are to become permanently centered in acknowledging, receiving, and putting forth blessing (gifts) from divinity.  The One Sent has commissioned every disciple and follower as Those Sent.  The crucifixion of Jesus is not the only one we learn of as young people growing up; however, it is the only one that offers forgiveness and reconciliation to GOD.  In the words of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon (see Daniel 3:  29, King James Version (KJV) ), “…there is no other god that can deliver after this sort.”   Readers are encouraged to consider the following, and the presentation below:

Jeremiah 23:  33-37, KJV:  33 And when this people, or the prophet, or a priest, shall ask thee, saying, What is the burden of the LORD? thou shalt then say unto them, What burden? I will even forsake you, saith the LORD.  34 And as for the prophet, and the priest, and the people, that shall say, The burden of the LORD, I will even punish that man and his house.  35 Thus shall ye say every one to his neighbour, and every one to his brother, What hath the LORD answered? and, What hath the LORD spoken?  36 And the burden of the LORD shall ye mention no more:  for every man’s word shall be his burden; for ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the LORD of hosts our God.  37 Thus shalt thou say to the prophet, What hath the LORD answered thee? and, What hath the LORD spoken?

Colossians 3:  12-16, KJV:  12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;  13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any:  even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.  14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.  15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.  16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.  17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

1st Thessalonians 4:  6-8, KJV:  6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter:  because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.  7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.  8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.

John 20:  19-22, KJV:  19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.  20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.  21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you:  as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.  22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Warren M” (Level 2 with 556 points, a member since April 12, 2008) posted the following:
 

How could Jesus ask others to carry their respective crosses, when he could not even carry his own?

Update:  Reference: Matthew 16:24-26
"24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life[a] will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?"


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.  And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required.  And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will.  And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus.  And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him.  But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.  For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck.  Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.  For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?  And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.  And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.  (Luke 23:  23-33, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Only One Sent? (02/19/2016); More Than Death Needed (12/07/2015); Saved by His Death? (05/13/2015); Called To Be Servants? (11/25/2015); When Asked to Serve? (01/21/2015); Asked to Carry the Cross? (07/25/2014); Good Intentions? (07/26/2014); Death Has Been Transformed (05/09/2013); Loving the Enemy? (05/10/2013)


“Warren M”, for mature Christian believers, through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood and truth from the cross are flowing despite time and space to here and now.  The death of Jesus Christ upon the cross is a “one-time event” that establishes a “one-of-a-kind” salvation whereby divinity has begun the ongoing transformation of mankind to exist as immortal and incorruptible.  Believers and followers of Christ are not asked to die upon the cross themselves; yet, they must accept that divine demands and provisions are made pertaining to their continued existence.  While as those “born again” believers are in death with Christ and have already begun eternal life in his resurrection, as mortals on the earth, we will complete mortality (die) in the framework of time.  All will be held accountable to appear in judgment regarding the specific duties and responsibilities that have been part of their redemption.  Humanity is to receive sacred knowledge, and an imparted Spirit (we say, breath, word) from divinity that will replace their inborn life essence (we say, a fresh endowment of substance from the makeup of Deity).  Mankind is required to acknowledge the suffering, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of the Savior as well as his appearances upon the earth to those chosen and prepared beforehand.  More than this, all who come under the blood of the cross must confess their infirmity and need for expiation, forgiveness, a substitute in the judgment that expresses divine wrath against sin, and the things commanded and prophesied as their expectation (we say, hope).  Thus, “carrying the cross” means living upon the earth as a new creation having an uninterrupted consciousness of divinity.  Commitment, faith and works, and willing submission must come into view.  Consider how this is stated in the language of the Bible:

(1.)  Hebrews 10:  5-10, King James Version (KJV):  5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:  6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.  7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.  8 Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;  9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.  10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

(2.)  Luke 9:  57-62, KJV:  57 And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.  58 And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.  59 And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.  60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead:  but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.  61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.  62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

(3.)  2nd Timothy 2:  11-13, KJV:  11 It is a faithful saying:  For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:  12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him:  if we deny him, he also will deny us:  13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful:  he cannot deny himself.

(4.)  Colossians 3:  9-11, KJV:  9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;  10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:  11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free:  but Christ is all, and in all.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.) Acts 10:  36-43, KJV:  36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ:  (he is Lord of all:)  37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;  38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power:  who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.  39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:  40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;  41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.  42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.  43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(02/02/2016) On Doing Good Deeds

Today, Scripture points are shared on good works by believers, and operations by divinity that establish salvation.  For those accepting Christ within the kingdom of GOD some attitudes, behavior, and conduct are strictly forbidden, and totally unacceptable.  Yet, many claiming to be saved persons seem to say and do the very same things done by liars, thieves, the wicked, and those outside of Christ.  In part, this is because once “born again” through water baptism, believers may only gradually “grow up again” to be given the gifts from the Spirit of GOD required before they are fully equipped to serve and share as mature examples to others.  Thus, in a sense, the good deeds and works are performed by GOD through the believer as a divine instrument and tool, not by the believer as one independent, separate, and “out on their own.”  Consider the Scriptures that follow, and the statements below:

Micah 6:  7-9, King James Version (KJV):  7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?  8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?  9 The LORD’s voice crieth unto the city, and the man of wisdom shall see thy name:  hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it.

John 14:  9-11, KJV:  9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?  10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself:  but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.  11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me:  or else believe me for the very works’ sake.

John 14:  22-26, KJV:  22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?  23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words:  and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.  24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings:  and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.  25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.  26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Titus 3:  8, KJV:  8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

1st Peter 2:  15-16, KJV:  15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:  16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.

A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “truth” (Level 3 with 1,188 points, a member since July 20, 2009) posted the following:


We do good deeds not to earn our salvation. Salvation is free gift of God thru Jesus. Why do Christians do good deeds?

n the year 1971, during our liberation war, I went to India with my family as a refugee. We were at the refugee camp. Day after day I use to see the Christians from different charity organizations serving the destitute people in the refugee camp. I was very much impressed by their dedication, their love for the people. I befriended some of them. One day one of the members of the Christian Medical team told me that because they were saved by the grace of God that's why they were doing good works. They were doing good works not to earn salvation. Their God is the God of love and His love was manifested in the person of Jesus. The man further added that Jesus said, "love your neighbor as you love yourself," and this teaching of Jesus had led them to serve all mankind, no matter what caste or religion. This idea changed my total understanding about God and His personality. It was the first time I heard about Jesus.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,  Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,  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.  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  Meekness, temperance:  against such there is no law.  And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.  Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.  (Galatians 5:  19-26, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Great Commission Obeyed? (01/12/2016); Repentance and New Life? (12/30/2015); By More Than Believing (12/04/2015); Saved by Faith and Works? (09/15/2015); Good Intentions? (07/26/2014); The Bible is All About GOD? (07/27/2014); Order My Steps (10/26/2013)


“truth”, even as a follower of Jesus Christ, I can not save you; however, I can share with you the divine gifts, sacred knowledge, testaments, and testimonies that are being shared with me.  Only divinity can complete the full set of sacred operations that establish a person as having salvation from sin.  Included are appearing upon the earth using the form of flesh and “person” (we say, incarnation); atonement; hearing confession; forgiveness; judgment; rebirth through water baptism (i.e., death of ones inborn spirit, regeneration having spirit substance from the makeup of Deity); enabling and performing repentance; perfection, (the condition of full immortality, spiritual purity, and stability) and sanctification (becoming set apart for exclusive service to GOD).  Disciples and followers of Jesus are recruited to be a clear example to others as vessels of divine Spirit, share a specific message, and live a peculiar lifestyle.  Like a restaurant menu that is preset for the diners, the various acceptable choices, “good deeds,” and works a believer may perform to exist as a companion to the Creator already have been “focused” and trimmed down by GOD.  This permits believers to say, The kingdom of GOD is not the land of “do as you please” so much as “do as pleases GOD.”  Consider the following points using language from the holy writings:

(1.)  Ephesians 2:  8-10, King James Version (KJV):  8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.  10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

(2.)  Matthew 5:  14-16, KJV:  14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.  15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.  16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

(3.)  2nd Timothy 2:  24-26, KJV:  24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,  25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;  26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

(4.)  1st Corinthians 3:  11-15, KJV:  11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.  12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;  13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest:  for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.  14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.  15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss:  but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  2nd Timothy 2:  19-22, 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.  20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.  21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.  22 Flee also youthful lusts:  but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC