(10/11/2017) All Have Come Short

Today, reply is on believers, clergy, and church members confessing their continuing need for salvation.  The holy writings declare that the standards of GOD are so high and exalted, even the holy angels do not meet all of his requirements.   The followers of Jesus Christ are to acknowledge that everyone in the earth has sinned and come short of the glory of GOD.  In the same way divine law works to expose sin and remind us that we are under the grace of GOD, evangelists, pastors and other servants of the Lord also may comfort, edify and exhort the church by admitting their own vulnerability to sin, and testifying of their own encounter with Christ that has resulted in their being made a new creation.  Developing believers who practice discernment (i.e., use their own spirit content imparted from the makeup of GOD to recognize and respond to the same spirit substance as it resides within events, in other persons, the holy writings, etc.) will not be alarmed or confused by remarks intended as personal testimony to encourage faithfulness.  Shared as prophecy, these utterances should not be received to spark condemnation of wrongdoing, or as someone bragging about escaping punishment for sin.  Thus, the Apostle Paul confesses to being “the chief of sinners,” and admonishes the church in his epistles by saying, “we all have had our conversation in the world.”  There is no boasting or self-promotion by this; rather, believers are being reinforced to endure a long process of change and growth that will include disappoint with oneself and others, opposition, and trials.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Trump Tweets Me” (Level 5 with 5,461 points, a member since May 07, 2007) posted the following:


My pastor said "Everyone has fallen short of the Hand of God. Even I have sinned, *I've broken all 10 Commandments." Should I be concerned?

I believe it was a mistake on his part, but this man said he's broken every commandment. Should I be concerned with him as a pastor regardless?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.  If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.  If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.  (1st John 1:  5-10, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Our Glory From GOD (09/24/2017); Confession Is Not Testimony (08/24/2017); Sin Must Be Personal (04/29/2016); To Give Glory? (11/11/2015); The Glory of GOD? (06/23/2015); Recounting Past Sins? (03/04/2015); Confessing Only to GOD? (04/08/2013); Evidence of the Unseen Spirit? (04/09/2013)


“Trump Tweets Me,” the recovery of mankind from sin requires they realize their dependence on divinity for the completion of works that may endure forever.  The living must humble themselves through confession, obedience, and repentance.  Most mature Christian believers acknowledge a need for salvation from the operations of sin that now appear within created beings and living creatures both in heaven and on the earth.  The operations of sin oppose the continued existence of divine law, the divine Law Giver, and the Creation that relies on natural and sacred law from GOD.  Sin promotes non-existence, and return to the conditions of chaos, disorder and flux that were in place before Creation.  The many operations of GOD to expose sin that may invisibly dominate awareness and self-will within the living include atonement, remission of sin using blood, forbearance, forgiveness, death, resurrection, using human form to make divinity accessible and visible (Incarnation), and the imparting of Spirit substance from the makeup of Deity.  Sin has not been destroyed or eliminated by these dispensations and methods; yet, mankind is enabled, reinforced and strengthened to recognize, resist, and triumph over sin.  Finite tools such as feelings, intellect, logic, and science are not powerful enough to remove the different burdens imposed by sin.  Thus, there must be a divine process of salvation that is not a “one-time” event.  GOD will use selected men and women in bringing their companions, peers, and others to salvation, however, all things carried out must be in accordance with divine law and the character and nature of GOD.  Salvation addresses the transformation of sinners throughout the course of their own lifetime using correction, punishment and challenges we speak of as temptations or trials as well as continual discovery, gradual growth, and acquiring sacred knowledge.  Affirming the word of GOD, pastors, prophets and other servants of the Lord will confess they too are condemned and have a need for Christ as their savior; and they do this to encourage developing believers to continue in hope.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Psalms 14:  2-3, King James Version (KJV):  2 The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.  3 They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy:  there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

(2.)  Isaiah 53:  6, KJV:  6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

(3.)  1st John 2:  1-3, KJV:  1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:  2 And he is the propitiation for our sins:  and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.  3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  1st Peter 1:  3-9, KJV:  3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,  5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:  7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:  8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:  9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(06/13/2017) Fellowship With the Father

Today, points are shared on fellowship and quality conversations within the church.  For the followers of Jesus Christ, fellowship may be described as inclusive (i.e., without restrictions to membership such as social and economic status, ethnicity, national origin, race), promissory (appears and continues on the basis of promises), and sacrificial (requires freely giving, willingness to answer every demand without regard to cost, and full surrender to divinity).  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers (Canada)” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:


As a Christian, how do you have conversations and not sin?

As a Christian, how do you have conversations and not be boring, because you can get to gossiping or judging people eventually if you talk too much. After a while you might run out things to talk about such as the weather, sports, etc. So as a Christian are we to be quiet most of the time?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.  But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.  (1st Corinthians 14:  39-40, New International Version, NIV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Quality of Life? (03/29/2017); Family Likeness and Traits? (11/08/2016); Presumption, Pride and Sin? (11/24/2015); An Eternity of Worshipping? (07/22/2014); Grace is Not Against Law (07/23/2014); Miracles and Visitations? (03/03/2014); All Lying Forbidden? (03/04/2014)


“Anonymous”, the same oneness without sameness that appears among the persons of the GODhead, also should appear among those who are members of the body of Christ (we say, the church).  What Christian believers are to say to one another should appear as expressions of their faith, discovery, duty, prophecy, sacred purpose, divine truth, and shared understanding.  Believers all begin as sinners who willingly acknowledge need for GOD to make permanent changes to the process and workings of their own consciousness and self-will.  There must be a death, burial, and resurrection (so to speak), of their inborn spirit, whereby they become sons and daughters of GOD by having divine DNA.  Once born again, the sinner is an offspring of divinity, an heir with Christ, and a new creation.  Even so, those “born again” must “grow up again” on the earth, and mature as vessels displaying aspects from the makeup of Deity.  Included are faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  There are many wonderful topics for discussion and exchange among believers.  Because everyone can pursue study of the holy writings, there are  many exciting lessons and thoughtful questions that provide focus for exchange and interaction with other believers.   Consider again the following counsels from the holy writings (Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®):

(1.)  Colossians 4:  5-6, New International Version (NIV):  5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

(2.)  Jeremiah 9:  23-24, NIV:  23 This is what the Lord says:  “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches,  24 but let the one who boasts boast about this:  that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness,  justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,”  declares the Lord.

(3.)  1st Corinthians 14:  18-20, NIV:  18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.  19 But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.  20 Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.

(4.)  Matthew 20:  27-28, NIV:  27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Of course there is far more to be said, carefully considered, and fully embraced.  (For example (5.)  Colossians 3:  1-10, NIV:  1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.  4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.  5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature:  sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.  6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.  7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.  8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these:  anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.  9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices  10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.)   Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/11/2017) Incarnate, GOD May Die

Today, points on the importance of divine truth and Christian conversation are shared.  As never before, Christian believers are to practice and maintain restraint and spiritual self-discipline to respond to challenges and confrontations from those who want to openly deny Christ, and boldly express malice toward the Savior.  Even within our assemblies, congregations, and communities of faith, there are such persons increasingly desperate for comfort, sacred knowledge, and saving truth.  Without making angry responses, cutting remarks, and counter attack, mature believers will carefully share the same truth they themselves acknowledge as sent forth from GOD.  Only thereby will the Son of GOD come into understanding as a sacrifice and a required aspect of atonement and remission for sin on the basis of supernal perfection, eternal purpose, and unseen sacred operations, rather than because of his form or substance as flesh and blood.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Michael Vicks Dog” (Level 6 with 11,649 points, a member since June 06, 2016) posted the following:


If god is Jesus, and they are both immortal, how the hell was Jesus pretending to die a sacrifice? Was it because there was a little booboo?


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


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Nature of Death (04/25/2017); Hope That Is True (02/20/2017); On Really Seeing Angels (10/09/2016); True and Living GOD (08/03/2016); Guided By Divine Truth (06/20/2016); On Transmitting Sacred Truth (05/06/2016); The Holy Spirit and Unity? (08/13/2015)


“Michael Vicks Dog”, the haughtiness and lack of respect in the way you have worded your statement indicates you are not willing to respond to instruction from the Holy Spirit, therefore, this reply is being posted less for you, and more on behalf of those readers who want an honest response that would meet the standards set for Christian believers:

The imperatives dictated by the existence of divinity (we also say, law, divine order, preconditions) are simple, yet, profound.  The operations for duration as immortal, incorruptible, and invisible are different in many ways from those critical to appearing in flesh (we say, incarnation).  When Deity appears using human form, divinity must operate acknowledging frameworks of time and space, natural law, recurring cycles, and ongoing relationship that demand communication, exchange and interaction.  While GOD must operate using distance and separation to assert authority, preeminence and sovereignty, there are multiple indications of divine acceptance and favor.  Included are atonement, correction, forbearance, forgiveness, healing, longsuffering, lovingkindness, grace, mercy, sacred events (we say, miracles), promise, prophecy, and sanctification.

In the system of Christian belief, divinity is the primary origin and source for all the assumptions, principles, precepts, propositions and essential purposes that supply meaning and value.  Both “actuality” and “possibility” are essential to the necessary fullness of truth pertaining to divinity, and to the godliness that may be displayed by created beings and living creatures.  Saying this another way:  The continuum of truth embraces the word originally breathed from GOD as having completed and fulfilled the eternal purposes whereunto it has been sent as well as the word continuing to have active presence within the various spheres of life, and to be now in process for future harvest and resolution (we say, the Advent, the Rapture, the Second Coming).  The persons of the GODhead (Father, Son, the Holy Spirit) are not the sources of disbelief and doubt that oppose Christianity.  Consider again the following using language from the Bible:

(1.)  1st Corinthians 2:  11-14, King James Version (KJV):  11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.  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.

(2.)  1st Corinthians 12:  3-5, KJV:  3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed:  and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.  4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.  5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.  6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

(3.)  1st John 2:  21-23, KJV:  21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.  22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.  23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father:  [but] he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.

(4.)  2nd John 1:  7, KJV:  7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, 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

(07/12/2016) Order Your Conversation Aright

Today, focus is upon the meaning of the word “conversation” as it is used within the holy writings.   Many of us take conversation to be communication, discussion, exchange, or talk.  One dictionary definition identifies conversation as from Latin conversare (“turn yourself around”).  With this in view, such terms as conform, obey and repent become foremost.  Even so, from my study of the Scriptures, the source words are con (with) and veritas (true) that yields “abiding in or living with the truth.”  In this light, for mature Christian  believers, ones conversation is their doing of the work, not their being hearers of the word.  A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “RU55311” (Level 1 with 22 points, a member since October 20, 2010) posted the following:

What does it mean, that we order our conversation aright?

Psa_50:23 Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.

If we order our conversation aright, do you thing God will teach us more?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:  That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;  And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;  And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.  Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour:  for we are members one of another.  Be ye angry, and sin not:  let not the sun go down upon your wrath:  Neither give place to the devil.  Let him that stole steal no more:  but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.  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.  And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.  Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:  And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.  (Ephesians 4:  21-32, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  To Him That Hath... (07/08/2016); Sacred Operations To Give Life? (06/29/2016); An Eternal Inheritance? (06/26/2016); Divine Meanings and Values? (03/31/2016); Any Way For Men To Behave? (09/06/2015); His Burden is Light? (12/10/2012); Knowing Who Your Real Friends Are (12/11/2012)

“RU55311”, for many mature Christian believers to “order your conversation aright” means to behave and conduct oneself in accordance with divine law (we say, the expressed will of GOD); fulfill divine will proclaimed through prophecy; and to continue in recognition of relationship with divinity through covenant.  With this in view, “conversation” is more than mere dialog, prayer, or occasional exchanges of words.  Rightly understood, words are in the nature of spirit (we say, breath, life essence, utterance), and have no material substance (we also say, words “whisper”, and actions “shout”).  The process of GOD, as demonstrated through Jesus Christ as Son of the Highest, is one of incarnation.  GOD uses flesh to make the character, nature, and substance of divinity knowable and known.  Sinners are to acknowledge access to GOD through confession, then demonstrate repentance, develop commitment, and enter into “baptism” (death of ones inborn spirit, rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak).  Once “born again,” the believer must “grow up again,” meeting life challenges upon the earth to become mature as the offspring and seed of GOD.  The disciples and followers of Christ are to become “ripe” for harvest (we say, the Advent, the Rapture, the Second Coming) when all who  belong to him will be removed from the earth.  Those chosen in the Lord will no longer be mortal; as they meet him in the air, their transformation for eternal life will be completed, and they will become “perfected”.  Consider again how some of this is stated in the language of the Bible:

(1.)  Philippians 3:  20-21, King James Version (KJV):  20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:  21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

(2.)  Hebrews 13:  5-6, KJV:  5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have:  for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.  6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

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

There is far more that could be said, must be carefully examined, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4.)  2nd Peter 3:  10-12, KJV:  10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.  11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,  12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/25/2013) With The Whole Heart?

Seeking to develop the most effective format for this blog intended to correct error and nourish faith, I introduce an alternative presentation approach, today.   It is necessary to replace the work of responding to questions from “Yahoo! Answers,” because the writers there do not seem to have a genuine hunger for the word from GOD.   When I began with the idea of a sacred writings blog, I wanted to share the holy writings as a way that would help readers realize that the Bible can be understood through the plain talk and healthy conversation of believers.  In order to be properly selfless, my approach was to be one of answering questions and replying to issues from others, instead of sharing only my own reflections upon my favorite Scriptures.  I’ve decided to put it before my readers, today, asking that you let me know after the next few posts whether the following, where Scripture answers Scripture, is more useful or not:

 

SOME THOUGHTS ON

1 Amaziah was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem.

2 And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart. (2nd Chronicles 25:  1-2, KJV)



2nd Chronicles 16:  9 (KJV)  9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly:  therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.


Psalms 111:  1-3 (KJV)  1 Praise ye the LORD.  I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.  2 The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.  3 His work is honourable and glorious:  and his righteousness endureth for ever.


Psalms 119:  33-35 (KJV)  33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.  34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.  35 Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.


Psalms 119:  144-146 (KJV)  144 The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting:  give me understanding, and I shall live.  145 I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD: I will keep thy statutes.  146 I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.


Jeremiah 24:  7 (KJV)  7 And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the LORD:  and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart.


Mark 12:  28-34 (KJV)  28 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?  29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:  30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength:  this is the first commandment.  31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.  32 And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:  33 And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.  34 And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.


Of course, there is far more to be said, correctly shared, and spiritually understood.  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.  Jesus is coming.  Grow in grace.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC