(11/05/2018) "Big Time Sinners" Receptive?

A depiction of the oil painting on canvas by Gustave Dore (1832-1883), The Pharisee And The Publican

Today, reply is on why harlots and publicans were receptive to the ministry of Jesus Christ. The multitude that came to Jesus for healing included many whose faith derived from “the law and the prophets,” and who acknowledged the workings of divine love and spirit, rather than the strict practice of customs, rites, rituals, and traditions by the Temple elders, Levites, Pharisees, and priests. The crowds baptized by John the Baptist also had been instructed to expect that one would be sent by GOD (Christ; the Messiah) whom they were to obey pertaining to the soon-coming kingdom of GOD. Because the gospel messages of acceptance by divinity, forgiveness, redemption, and new life were being demonstrated as actual and present, those who would be otherwise lost and impoverished began to believe they could be released from defilement, and were eager to embrace the vision shared by the Lord. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality, who uses the ID “Breakthrough” (Level 6 with 15,427 points, a member since June 29, 2013) posted the following:

In the bible, why were the big time sinners more receptive to Jesus than those who had committed less sins?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace. (Luke 7: 37-50, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Scripture Teachings On Repentance (10/16/2018); Consequences and Divine Love (07/05/2018); Christ Rejected By Pharisees? (06/17/2018); Conversation In The World (04/03/2018); Porn, Prostitutes and Salvation? (06/08/2017); About The Great Whore? (06/24/2016); Come As You Are? (06/29/2013); Freewill is Finite (06/30/2013)

“Breakthrough”, here are some points developing Christians are careful to consider regarding the ministry of Jesus Christ to sinners (we also say, to the mob; the multitudes; the crowds):

1. The practice of prostitution was a transgression of covenant law (we say, sin) wherein a person also denied family and marriage law, their birthright and inheritance from those who entered the Promised Land, and their sacred relationship with divinity. Harlots (also called prostitutes, strange women, and whores in Scripture) appear as representatives and symbols of cities, towns, and nations married to GOD, that commit adultery, betrayal, and idolatry by exalting and worshiping false gods and man-made images.

2. The publicans described in the Scriptures include those we now call celebrities, entertainers, professional gamblers, gladiators, government officials, politicians, socialites, “stars”, and tax collectors. Like the prostitutes, publicans as a class were those who carefully examine the behavior, character, and conduct of others in order to manipulate them, and have advantage. Like Jesus, these “knew what was in man,” and developed skill for mastery in exchange and interaction.

3. Jews who adopted the fashions of the Greeks (we say, Hellenization), those who integrated and intermarried during captivity and exile, and those valuing Roman citizenship were often condemned as publicans, and despised as traitors, turncoats and those who no longer had a share in the privileges of covenant inheritance.

4. Repentance for sin appears through operations of the Holy Spirit and often begins on the basis of unfulfilled desire for life change, rejecting secular relationships, and operations of the flesh that include conscience and remorse as well as sorrowing for sin.

Consider also the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) Ezekiel 33: 10-12, King James Version (KJV): 10 Therefore, O thou son of man, speak unto the house of Israel; Thus ye speak, saying, If our transgressions and our sins be upon us, and we pine away in them, how should we then live? 11 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? 12 Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth.

(2.) Ezekiel 16: 35-39, KJV: 35 Wherefore, O harlot, hear the word of the LORD: 36 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thy filthiness was poured out, and thy nakedness discovered through thy whoredoms with thy lovers, and with all the idols of thy abominations, and by the blood of thy children, which thou didst give unto them; 37 Behold, therefore I will gather all thy lovers, with whom thou hast taken pleasure, and all them that thou hast loved, with all them that thou hast hated; I will even gather them round about against thee, and will discover thy nakedness unto them, that they may see all thy nakedness. 38 And I will judge thee, as women that break wedlock and shed blood are judged; and I will give thee blood in fury and jealousy. 39 And I will also give thee into their hand, and they shall throw down thine eminent place, and shall break down thy high places: they shall strip thee also of thy clothes, and shall take thy fair jewels, and leave thee naked and bare.

(3.) Ezekiel 16: 48-52, KJV: 48 As I live, saith the Lord GOD, Sodom thy sister hath not done, she nor her daughters, as thou hast done, thou and thy daughters. 49 Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. 50 And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good. 51 Neither hath Samaria committed half of thy sins; but thou hast multiplied thine abominations more than they, and hast justified thy sisters in all thine abominations which thou hast done. 52 Thou also, which hast judged thy sisters, bear thine own shame for thy sins that thou hast committed more abominable than they: they are more righteous than thou: yea, be thou confounded also, and bear thy shame, in that thou hast justified thy sisters.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Matthew 21: 28-32, KJV: 28 But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. 29 He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. 30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not. 31 Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. 32 For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/29/2018) Having A Seared Conscience

A Seared Porterhouse Steak

Today, reply is on a person’s conscience becoming seared along with points on conviction of sin and sealing by the Holy Spirit. As the children of GOD and joint heirs with Jesus Christ, developing Christians are to display divine spirit content continuously without also diminishing, exhausting, or “using up” their full supply. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality public forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

Can someone who has a seared conscience believe in Jesus?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. (Acts 5: 29-32, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A “Feel Good” Lifestyle? (06/22/2018); Convinced/Convicted? (05/16/2017); Holy Fire From GOD? (04/27/2017); A Matter of Conscience (04/07/2017); The Witness of Conscience (09/23/2016); Only One True GOD? (09/20/2016); A Guarantee of Judgment? (04/15/2016)

“Anonymous”, in times past, it was held that the conscience is a divinely given process of the flesh for self-assessment and self-regulation while it is the Holy Spirit that establishes conviction of the divine judgment against sin. Even so, many developing Christian believers read the language from the Bible speaking of “a seared conscience” to mean having a “defective”, “defiled”, or “flawed” conscience. Branding (searing) cattle with a hot iron and forms of scarification have been used in order to leave a mark identifying ownership. Mature believers often go further by applying the idea that—as in cooking where one sears a meat from the oven in a fry pan atop the stove to give the protein color and a “crust” that provides texture to the outside, and that will seal in the flavors, juices, and moisture without frying, or overcooking the inside—ones inner content and spirit substance must become sealed through operations of the Holy Spirit so that the fresh endowment of spirit content they receive from the makeup of divinity will continue as enduring and permanent. In the same way that an injury is cauterized (i.e., burning and fire are used to close an open wound), GOD applies divine law and sacred judgment to repair damage to shared covenant, and the fullness of divine order. So to speak, sacred flames must be used to destroy the germs, stop the bleeding (coagulate the blood), and ensure that no further contamination may occur. The device that breaks off all further loss from the body also makes it that there can be no further correction or gain to the body. Hardness of heart and stubbornness may become a lasting condition where exaggerated self-focus, guilt, and shame are sealed within a conscience without either a place for its exit, or a place for the entrance and workings of the spirit of new life from GOD. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) 1^st Timothy 4: 1-3, King James Version (KJV): 1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

(2.) Galatians 5: 16-18, KJV: 16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

(3.) Ephesians 4: 29-32, KJV: 29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Revelation 22: 10-17, KJV: 10 And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. 11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. 12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. 13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. 14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. 15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. 16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(06/22/2018) A "Feel Good" Lifestyle?

Today, the reply focuses on moderation, sobriety, and whether there are “feel good” aspects of becoming and serving as a mature Christian believer.  Contentment, pleasures, and the fulfillment of ones sexual aspect are not denied to the people of GOD, yet, the church founded by Jesus Christ is to be “the evidence of things unseen.”  An important lesson from the Scriptures concerning appetite and conscience declares:  Romans 14:  22-23, King James Version (KJV):  22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.  23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith:  for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.  Where Christian believers become members of a church congregation, they agree to obey a code of conduct, follow counsel and guidelines from clergy and the appointed leadership as well as to perform specific duties that are required to continue in good standing (e.g., attend business meetings re church finances; participate in fund raising; pickup and distribute church fliers and programs).  Christian believers all are sinners called to repentance and a new life wherein they serve as priests and kings of the divine kingdom Deity is establishing upon the earth.  Every sinner must become transformed through life events and operations by divinity (e.g., cleansing, healing, repentance, sanctification) that may require their entire lifetime, and that will be completed for some only in an instant at the appearing of Jesus Christ.  A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum who uses the ID “?” (Level 1 with 231 points, a member since February 06, 2018) posted the following:

Would a life style with out any stimulants benefit you as a person or drive you crazy?

E.g no TV, no technology , no drugs / alcohol nothing that gives you "a feel good " boost. Just drinking water when thirsty and eating a light healthy meal when hungry. For fun or hobbies you could do something creative such as read or draw, or exercise.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:  By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also:  knowing that tribulation worketh patience;  And patience, experience; and experience, hope:  And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.  (Romans 5:  1-5, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Rendering Our Reasonable Service (06/15/2018); Christianity Is A Relationship (04/05/2018); A Matter of Conscience (04/07/2017); How Is Flesh Evil? (10/28/2016); Material Things in Heaven? (11/10/2016); The Witness of Conscience (09/23/2016); Freedom of Foul Speech (09/10/2014); Dating and Worship? (09/11/2014)

“?”, there is a great deal of diversity among the lifestyles and daily living routines of those who turn to Jesus Christ hoping to receive a new life from their Creator.  There are various principles and standards shared within the body of Christ (the church) that have been derived from divine law, sacred practices, and wisdom from the Scriptures.  Examples include regularly gathering and sharing fellowship with like-minded believers (e.g., attending church, Bible study, working to complete necessary tasks); Sabbath-keeping; praise within ones congregation; prayer in the home; evangelism, missions, and prison ministry; visiting shut-ins and those who are sick; and heartfelt worship.  Differences in age, commitment, sacred knowledge, secular knowledge, and spiritual maturity make it that there is no single set of attitudes, behavior, and disciplines that will be displayed by everyone in any given situation.

Those who become “born-again” in baptism (i.e., death, burial, and resurrection of the inborn spirit) must “grow up again.”  Their goal should be to acknowledge their own accountability, to become Christ-like, and to maintain self-government under the authority of GOD.  Sinners are to become developing believers who must mature/ripen to be harvested from the earth at the Advent of Jesus Christ (we also say, his appearing; the Rapture; the Second Coming).  All must meet “growing pains” and the life challenges that come by living on the earth.  Included can be bereavement, disappointments, duty (things you must carryout and perform, like it or not), hardship, sacrifice, and suffering.

The fresh endowment of spirit substance imparted from the makeup of divinity shields and strengthens a new believer, as they discover, gradually grow, undergo permanent change, and serve as true vessels of divinity, offspring of GOD, and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ.  Inseparable aspects of the divine makeup are received such as balance, discernment, faith, forbearance, holiness, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, restraint, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  These working together transform otherwise confusing, mundane, or painful life experiences in a way that allows the believer to operate as having assurances and certain victory, even though there are still obstacles and threats to be overcome, and they may still be in the midst of a storm.  Consider the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)   Proverbs 23:  29-35, King James Version (KJV):  29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?  30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.  31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.  32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.  33 Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.  34 Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.  35 They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not:  when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.

(2.)  Romans 6:  3-5, 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.  5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

(3.)  Romans 14:  13-21, KJV:  13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more:  but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.  14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself:  but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.  15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.  16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of:  17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.  18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.  19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.  20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.  21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

(4.)  Philippians 2:  12, KJV:  12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  Revelation 21:  7-8, KJV:  7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.  8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone:  which is the second death.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/05/2018) How Are We Justified?

Today, the topics include faith, grace, justification, and words.  Words that embody divine essence (we say, spirit) are the shared substance for existence within the church of Jesus Christ.  Truth and words from GOD are themselves divine substance, and will appear in many forms and groupings (e.g., confession; covenant; divine law; praise; prayers; proclamation; promises as well as testimony, witness and verdict in judgment).  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:


How are we justified by both our words (Matt 12:37) and grace (Rom 3:24)?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.  For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.  For your obedience is come abroad unto all men.  I am glad therefore on your behalf:  but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.  And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.  (Romans 16:  17-20, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Deeds Of The Law? (09/10/2017); Order Your Conversation Aright (07/12/2016); Justified Through Christ? (08/26/2015); Can The Bible Be Increased? (05/31/2015); The Words Are Spirit? (06/03/2015); Words Spoken By GOD? (06/05/2013); Teachings on Judgment (06/06/2013)


“Anonymous”, Christian believers are to be representatives and spokespersons of GOD and Jesus Christ.  Keeping in mind that the Scriptures often present the same lessons and points of truth using language that include subtleties (i.e., barely visible differences; hidden shifts in meaning, quality, and value), many mature Christians avoid spiritual confusion by continually acknowledging the oneness without sameness displayed through the Holy Spirit.  Believers must practice discernment whereby they recognize and respond to spirit substance from the fullness of divinity (we say, the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) as it appears within events, oneself, other persons, different messages and statements, prophecy, purposes, etc.  Iniquity, rebellion, and transgression of divine law are not justified by the blood of Jesus Christ, or any other dispensation from divinity.  Even so, repenting sinners and developing believers are justified in their seeking forgiveness, renewal, and eternal existence as the new creation of GOD on the earth by the righteousness of their own faith imparted from GOD through Jesus and the Holy Spirit, rather than through strict obedience to divine law on the basis their own awareness (conscience) and self-will (willpower). 

Believers only are “justified” before GOD by Christ as they manifest (i.e., embody and express) the life and “person” of Jesus Christ.  Within the fullness of sacred knowledge (rather than secular knowledge), words, speech, and utterance convey and impart divine life essence (breath; spirit; word).  Conversation and words that are vain lack spirit substance from the makeup of GOD.  In divine judgment, words move and transfer spirit substance, therefore, words have equal weight as actions.  Words may initiate or continue attitudes, behavior, desires, feelings, and unseen motives.  To say we are “justified by the grace of GOD” is not exactly the same as saying “we are justified by our practice of faith,” or “we are justified by love bestowed on us from GOD.”  However, correctly understood, divine grace is inseparable from the divine spirit content one receives as a fresh endowment from GOD at rebirth.  Included are balance, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Proverbs 18:  21, King James Version (KJV):  21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue:  and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

(2.)  James 3:  7-10, KJV:  7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:  8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.  9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.  10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

(3.)  Romans 10:  5-10, KJV:  5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.  6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)  7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)  8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart:  that is, the word of faith, which we preach;  9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.) 1st Timothy 6:  3-5, KJV:  3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;  4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,  5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness:  from such withdraw thyself.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/07/2018) Two Become One Flesh

Today, gender roles in marriage, holy matrimony, and being joined to GOD are topics.  Much of what we read regarding family and marriage in the holy writings speak to the social institutions made by mankind, not the sacred institution used to generate life and impart godliness to human couples.  Marriage in Bible times often responded to population events such as epidemic disease, crop failures, famine, and warfare that repeatedly might result in the destruction of from twenty to one hundred thousand or more males in a single battle.  Initially, polygamy (1 man, many wives) and polyandry (1 woman, many husbands) were practiced for survival, and to restore communities that otherwise would be wiped out.  Union of two Christian believers can be thought of as “arranged marriage” and “pre-ordained” in the sense that both partners of the pair already are committed and “belong” to a divine person, Jesus Christ.  Just as a couple becoming husband and wife does not eliminate their accountability and duty as individuals having their own parents, siblings, or an employer, their union as spouses does not remove all their privilege as distinct persons having separate self-will, and who are to maintain both self-government and integrity of conscience. A writer in the forum shared by “Yahoo! Answers” who  uses the ID “Krystal Rice” (the profile information was lost) posted the following:

Biblical roles as a husband and wife?

Me and my husband are both growing in our spiritual walk with God. But we are having a huge issue!!! He thinks the only role a woman plays is to submit to the man, which is true, but it’s not the only role. Bible says we are to submit to eachother out of reverence for the Lord & that the man provides and puts the woman’s needs first. With his issue lingering for the past week he has begun to be cold and dictates I do certain things. I want him to lead us as God leds the church but I also want to be heard. He posed that I either submit/ do what he says or leave the relationship.

What do you guys think and how should I handle this? Its more about understanding than anything. & perception.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, let not the wife depart from her husband:  But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband:  and let not the husband put away his wife.  But to the rest speak I, not the Lord:  if any brother have a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let her not leave him.  For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband:  else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.  But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart.  A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases:  but God hath called us to peace.  (1st Corinthians 7:  10-15, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  When Believers Practice Divorce (12/10/2017); Separate Yet Not Alone (06/28/2017); Conforming to Divine Standards (06/18/2017); Marriage Is A Sacrament? (06/11/2017); The Relationships With GOD? (11/30/2016); In Relationship With Divinity? (08/16/2016); The Wife of Your Youth? (12/22/2015);  Sermons About Good Sex? (08/25/2014); About Good Sermons? (08/26/2014); The Church as a Bride? (05/15/2013); How Do I Repent? (05/16/2013); A Life Companion? (11/07/2012); On Asking Why (11/08/2012)

“Krystal”, consider the following that comes from a focus wherein the divine purpose for marriage is to establish oneness without sameness.  In sacred marriage, the two become one flesh, and GOD is the other.

Even, within the body of Christian believers, today, spiritual confusion may be found regarding gender roles, and sexuality for men and women.  The church is to understand that, by the sacrament (sacred practice) of holy matrimony, a man and a woman undergo a divine operation—one akin to the creation of Eve from the rib of Adam, and that is not merely sexual joining (we say, coitus, congress, intercourse)—to become “one flesh” as life companions with divinity.  Where both members have lives in commitment to GOD through Jesus Christ, their separate obligations and relationships to the three persons within the GODhead (the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) are not annulled, canceled, diminished, or replaced.  Correctly understood, the two are even more the new creation in Christ, and are gifted to serve as those who display the imparted Spirit of GOD. 

There are other divine operations that are being carried forward.  Sinners are “recruited” to become reborn and endowed with divine substance through repentance, and water baptism.  The inborn spirit is to die, be buried, and restored from the dead; and a “born again” believer is to result.  Even so, the transformation for mankind to exist as immortal and incorruptible (we say, perfected) is not complete.  Salvation is not a “one-time” event; those who are born again must “grow up again,” and become ripe (mature) for harvest at his appearing (i.e., the Advent, the Rapture, the Second Coming of Jesus Christ).  They are to display their own divine substance as developing believers who are now offspring of GOD, and joint-heirs with Jesus.  Included are faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, respect, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

Husbands and wives are to be co-workers through their shared lifestyle and daily routines that can proclaim the good news (we say, the Gospel) of salvation, rebirth, and the return of the Lord for those members of his body (the church), who are to reside in the heavenly City (the New Jerusalem).  Arbitrary differences are put aside.  In the newness of his resurrection (rather than what men are quick to call “Christian law”), believers continue to encounter the same “growing pains,” life challenges, and suffering with others on the earth.  Through the imparted Spirit, the pair will experience permanent change that prepares them for the day of the Lord.  There must be discovery, fellowship with more mature believers (e.g., clergy, prayer leaders, their own parents), gradual growth, sacred knowledge in place of secular knowledge, as well as comfort, edification, and exhorting the church through prophecy.  The transformation will be completed “in the twinkling of an eye” as they are lifted up to “meet the Lord in the air.”  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Matthew 19:  4-6, King James Version (KJV):  4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,  5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife:  and they twain shall be one flesh?  6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

(2.)  Ephesians 4:  4-6, KJV:  4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;  5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,  6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

(3.)  Mark 10:  2-5, KJV:  2 And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him.  3 And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you?  4 And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away.  5 And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and made a part of our own developing belief.  (For example, (4.)  Galatians 3:  27-29, KJV:  27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.  28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female:  for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.  29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

Washington, DC

(04/07/2017) A Matter of Conscience

 

Today, reply is made on whether all who attend church should have the same access to the Lord’s Supper.  While the church founded by Jesus Christ often appears to be having an “open house” for sinners, there are many practices, programs, and pursuits provided only for those participating as members (e.g., baptism, judgment, ordination).  Many agree that the terms for membership of assemblies and congregations may vary among denominations and localities.  Even so, the conditions, sacred operations, and standards for existence and life with Christ and the Father are recorded in the holy writings as immutable and unchanging.  The Communion meal pertains to the fullness and unity of GODhead, and mature believers are commanded to become one with divinity by symbolically eating the flesh and drinking the blood of Jesus Christ.  The occasion of the Last Supper (the Lord’s final Passover meal with his disciples) occurred hours before his arrest and death on the cross, and saw the unveiling of an observance to cultivate and nurture the new creation that would appear on the day of Pentecost.  Properly understood, Communion is a sacred event wherein those who manifest the righteousness of the law through faith in Jesus Christ apprehend aspects of his relationship with the Father and the Holy Spirit.  While on earth, the living receive only an earnest or “good-faith payment” from the full spiritual treasure intended by GOD.  Thus, multiple sacred events have been provided to prepare mankind to exist with divinity who displays oneness without sameness.  The transformation of mankind to exist on the new earth is not simply a matter of managing formal  organizations, providing fellowship, and supporting social activity.  Men must receive the flesh, heart, mind, and spirit—the full makeup of Christ.  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Jim” (Level 7 with 38,359 points, a member since February 20, 2011) posted the following:

Is it right for all church goers to take communion?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.  I am that bread of life.  Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.  This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.  I am the living bread which came down from heaven:  if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever:  and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.  The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat?  Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.  Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.  For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.  He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.  As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father:  so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.  (John 6:  47-57, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Frequency of The Lord's Supper? (10/30/2016); Becoming A Christian Believer (08/08/2016); To Drink Holy Blood? (02/16/2015); Modern Communion? (08/11/2014); How Can Christians Believe? (08/12/2014); Eat His Body, Drink His Blood (03/21/2013); Foolish For Not Believing? (03/22/2013)


“Jim”, here are a few points I may share.  The Bible includes reliable instruction regarding the Lord’s Supper (we also say, Communion, the Communion Supper, the Eucharist), however, for many participation is a matter of individual conscience.  Consider the following points of belief and the Scriptures that speak to them:

(1.)  Many receive Communion as a memorial meal established to fulfill and continue an earlier sacred event (the Passover instituted by Moses).  The community of believers are to acknowledge the Incarnation of divinity as well as the provision of atonement, divine revelation, sacred events (we say, miracles), consecrated ministry and anointing as High Priest, sacrificial death, resurrection, ascension, the reign of Jesus as Risen Lord, and the commanded expectation (we say, hope) that those belonging to Christ will be harvested from the earth at his coming (we say, the Advent, the Rapture, the Second Coming).  1st Corinthians 11:  24-26. King James Version (KJV):  24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat:  this is my body, which is broken for you:  this do in remembrance of me.  25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood:  this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.  26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.

(2.)  Communion has been provided as a meal that signals and seals a believer’s entrance into covenant relationship. Everyone eating and drinking the emblems of bread and wine that represent the Lord’s blood and flesh accept the terms of a new covenant agreement between mankind and divinity.  The “new Passover” was not to annul or remove existing law, or the customs and traditions among the Jews so much as it was to provide an expression of the same meanings and values in clearer, more complete terms.  Hebrews 8:  6-10, KJV:  6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.  7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.  8 For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:  9 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.  10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts:  and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: 

(3.)  Communion speaks to sinners undergoing permanent change and receiving divine substance necessary for the transformation of mankind to exist as immortal, incorruptible companions to Deity.  Hebrews 9:  14-16, KJV:  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.  16 For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, those who receive adoption through the Holy Spirit and experience rebirth through baptism become sons and daughters of GOD as well as joint-heirs with Christ.  They are granted a fresh endowment of spirit substance from the makeup of divinity that includes faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Once “born again” believers are to display the active presence of GOD and are accountable as vessels of the Spirit.  (4.)  1st Corinthians 11:  27-29, KJV:   27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.  28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.  29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(09/23/2016) The Witness of Conscience

Today, focus is upon conscience as an expression from the flesh and the World, rather than divine Spirit.  At one time, conscience was widely understood to be like artistry and talent, a gift given a person by GOD.  Conscience appeared as an operation of law detecting and exposing sin, making challenge as an accuser, and delivering correction and punishment in the form of despair and unending mental anguish.  Many in modern society are startled and disheartened knowing there are those among us who repeatedly show anger, aggressive and “hard-core” attitudes (the young say, gangsta), bitterness, enmity, frigidity, hostility, indifference to the suffering of others, lack of love, rage, self-destructiveness, and mindless violence.  Impenitent sinners, having exaggerated pride and refusing to show remorse or sorrow for sin, seem to be multiplying.  Their behavior and conduct shows no respect to law, to life, to judgment, to forgiveness, to kindness, or to love.  Because they are increasingly labeled as inhuman, monsters, psychopaths, and sociopaths, it often seems acceptable to say such sinners are “dead” in sin, can not be raised or restored, and will never be saved since they have no remaining scrap of conscience or humanity.  Yet, these are the ones who would benefit most through being “born again.”  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Bobby” (Level 1 with 1 point, a member since March 10, 2012) posted the following:

How can people not believe in God when our consciences testify to his existence?

Our conscience is like a fire alarm. It tells us when we are violating God's law. It can make us feel terrible, because that is God's way of warning us when we are in trouble.

How can someone ignore that and then insist that everything happened by chance and as such, morality is purely a societal construct?

It's like saying that a building just formed by chance and natural processes, instead of intelligence!

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  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:  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?  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.  (Hebrews 9:  13-15, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Spirit Process not Feelings? (09/21/2016); Judgment Focused On Content? (08/30/2016); Boasting In The Lord (08/19/2016); Where Society Is Headed? (01/11/2016); In Times of Progress? (12/21/2015); Punishment To Show Love? (11/29/2015); Sin in Mind not Deed? (01/06/2014)

“Bobby”, here are some thoughts I’d like to share:  As an emotional and psychological aspect of ones awareness (we may say, the flesh), conscience and self-will may be dominated by the operations of sin.  Conscience, that many take to be an inner standard that tells us right and wrong, may be the origin and source for our feelings and sense of condemnation, disgrace, embarrassment, guilt, and shame.  Thus, the testimony and witness of conscience can be more akin to the products of flesh and mind than to those from (we say, the fruit of) the imparted, indwelling spirit of GOD.  Therefore, for Christian believers, conscience is not a “thorn in the flesh” that reveals divine grace and the active presence of divinity, nor is conscience a device that increases sacred knowledge, and establishes eternal purpose. 

Conscience appears as if a complex and higher order response in created beings and living creatures because there is always a three-fold mix of emotional, intellectual and mental responses that persist, recur, and linger.  The mechanism of conscience appears to be a cycle wherein feeling triggers thoughts, followed by thoughts that repeatedly trigger the previous feelings.  Where conscience becomes corrupted, loses its forcefulness, and becomes unfocused, it does not operate as prophecy to comfort, edify (build up), and exhort (command immediate action; excite believers to “stir up the gifts”).  More than this, conscience may become seared.  (When fire (i.e., judgment) is used to cauterize (close) a person’s deep and unseen wounds, so to speak, a seal is created that stops the bleeding.  However, the seal that no longer allows anything out from the wound, also no longer allows anything in.  Thus, many are “ever learning,” yet, never coming to the knowledge of the truth.)

To the extent conscience in modern society may be seen as a result of carnal, material, and social elements, what we experience as being matters of “conscience” (or not) can be determined by such features as corporate advertising, gossip, politics, popular culture, government propaganda, slander, and even the “charm” and panache of criminal and nonconformist personality (bad boyz!).  Consider again the admonitions, examples, and how some of this is stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)  1st Timothy 4:  1-3, King James Version (KJV):  1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;  2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;  3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

(2.)  Titus 1:  15-16, KJV:  15 Unto the pure all things are pure:  but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.  16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

(3.)  1st Timothy 1:  3-7, KJV:  3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,  4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith:  so do.  5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:  6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;  7 Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.

(4.)  1st Timothy 1:  18-20, KJV:  18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;  19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:  20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.  

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

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(08/19/2016) Boasting In The Lord

Today, points are shared on Christian believers expressing attitudes of aggressiveness, self-confidence, and toughness.  Without knowing all the peculiar details of another believer’s experiences, all mature Christians are careful to show respect and support to others, because everyone within the body continues to be vulnerable to challenge, unwanted change, and heartbreak.  Spiritual strength achieved through suffering has a very different look and feel than that from combativeness, defensiveness, enmity, and hardening of one’s heart.  Those who come to Christ include many who have had to be fighters and survivors within homes, schools, workplace and other settings that were marked by abuse, conflict, cruelty, deceit, destructiveness, divisiveness, hate, exaggerated pride, selfishness, stupidity, and violence.  Among Christian believers, what may appear as bragging, conceit, self-promotion, showing off, and vainglory, often are carefully prepared preaching, proclamation, and prophetic demonstration.  Born-again believers should continually display balance, holy boldness (courage), composure, dependability, firmness, meekness, perseverance, poise, resilience, sobriety, and stability.  Properly understood, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is a form and presentation of sacred truth that can not be transmitted by finite carnal, material and social operations such as argument, logic, persuasion, and reason.  The Gospel may be imparted only as a holy seed having the fullness of GOD, and as an unfolding presence of divinity.  One of the many annoying fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “Anonymous” (required profile information not shared) posted the following:

Religion- As surely as the truth of Christ is in me, nobody in the regions of Achaia will stop this boasting of mine" (2 Cor 11:10)??

^^As the good book says itself^^

I once served time in Leicester Prison on a vigilante rap, the same nick where Mad Frank Frazer and the Great Train Robbers was held before me, so that gives me braggin rights fer life..:)?

Who said christians weren't hard as nails? We got more about us than yer average atheist, not as gutless as them, amirite !!! ?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  I say again, let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little.  That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.  Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.  For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise.  For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face.  I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.  (2nd Corinthians 11:  16-21, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Use Spirit From GOD? (08/15/2016); The Testimony From Jesus (08/05/2016); What True Believers Do (07/14/2016); Knowing GOD For Yourself (07/13/2016); Humility and The Cross? (03/15/2016); Did Jesus Want Popularity? (06/11/2015); Humility Needed for Salvation? (08/15/2014); False Angels of Light? (08/16/2014)

“Anonymous”, what the apostle calls “boasting” in fact are exhortation, praise, proclamation, personal testimony, and thanksgiving shared to reveal the operations of divinity in the life of a sinner.  The sacred operations of GOD for extending and maintaining Creation also require the awakening of conscience, the proclamation of divine law, the imparting of sacred knowledge, and the nourishment of trust.  To properly “receive” this, a hearer or viewer must have discernment (divinely-given ability to use one’s own spirit content to correctly recognize and respond to sacred essence from the makeup of GOD within doctrines, life events, oneself, other persons, prophecy, Scriptures, etc.).  Through Jesus Christ sinners are to receive permanent change in the character, nature and substance of their own measure of divine spirit.  Thus, sinners become “born again” in  water baptism (death of one’s inborn spirit, rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak); and must “grow up again” maturing and meeting life challenges upon the earth.  Many of the carnal, material, and social skills and strengths once employed for success and survival gradually will be replaced by those for spreading the Gospel, or finally become weakened from disuse.  For example, hustling, lying, persuasion, scamming, stealth, and violence become obsolete; while decisiveness, insightfulness, leadership, quick-thinking, and resourcefulness continue to have great value.  As Christian believers endure affliction, hardship, suffering and testing, they also are being supplied for their transformation at the coming of Jesus to exist as immortal, incorruptible companions to GOD.  Consider how some of this is stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)   Romans 6:  16-18, King James Version (KJV):  16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?  17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.  18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

(2.)  Ephesians 2:  1-6, KJV:  1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;  2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:  3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.  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:

(3.)  Romans 6:  20-23, KJV:  20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.  21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.  22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.  23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

There is far more to be said, carefully examined, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4.)  1st Corinthians 2:  12-14, KJV:  12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.  13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.  14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God:  for they are foolishness unto him:  neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC