(09/24/2018) Ye That Work Iniquity

Today, reply describes divine love, and the response divinity must make to those who deny Jesus Christ. The operations of GOD provide for mankind to become joined to divinity as the new creation of Jesus Christ. Those who acknowledge Jesus as High Priest, redeemer, and savior are to receive atonement and spirit substance from the makeup of GOD that include faith, holiness, oneness without sameness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality public forum using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:

If Jesus loves everyone, then why will He say 'Depart from me...'?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matthew 7:  21-23, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Consequences and Divine Love (07/05/2018); Whoso Keepeth His Word (03/09/2018); To Define “Godly Love” (08/20/2017); Who Deserves Divine Love? (06/23/2017); Divine and Unconditional Love (09/18/2016); The GOD Who Loves? (10/02/2016); Known by GOD? (10/16/2010)

“Anonymous”, among Christian believers, the expression and operation of divine love have to be accepted and recognized as coming from a GOD who is the origin of all existence and life, yet is also a GOD of judgment who provides divine law, sacred standards, eternal purpose and values for the continuance of the universe. To love as a mature partner within a relationship with divine fullness (we say, the GODhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) requires more than to simply show affection, respond to earthly desires, or center upon satisfying one another’s needs. Accountability, commitment, and discharging duty should appear along with obedience (putting aside ones self-will to carryout the will of another), and maintaining the genuineness and integrity of ones own personhood.

Mankind is being freely given every benefit, opportunity, and privilege required to live as companions to a GOD who is immortal, incorruptible, and righteous. Included are atonement for sin; endowments of spirit substance from the makeup of GOD (e.g., faith, holiness, impartiality and mercy in judgment, lovingkindness, wisdom, wrath against sin); forbearance; forgiveness; redemption; and salvation. To “walk in the Lord” is to conform to the example and image Jesus Christ has demonstrated for all the sons and daughters of GOD in heaven and on earth. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) Amos 3:  3, King James Version (KJV):  3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed?

(2.) Deuteronomy 28:  8-10, KJV:  8 The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.  9 The LORD shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, and walk in his ways.

(3.) Matthew 22:  8-14, KJV:  8 Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.  9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.  10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.  11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:  12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.  13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.  14 For many are called, but few are chosen.

(4.) Luke 13:  24-30, KJV:  24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.  25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:  26 Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.  27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.  28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.  29 And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.  30 And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.

(5.) 2^nd Timothy 2: 15-19, KJV:  15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.  17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;  18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.  19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

(6.)  2^nd Corinthians 6: 14-17, KJV:  14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?  16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.  17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (7.) Luke 12:  8-9, KJV:  8 Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:  9 But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(05./31/2018) When Prophecy Opposes Desire

Today, reply centers on the acceptance and finality of prophecy, and on the warnings in Scripture against false prophets.  The disapproval, skepticism, and unbelief of created beings and living creatures have no power to annul divine utterance, or make it vain (empty; without spirit substance from the makeup of GOD).  Sacred prophecies declaring divine prerogative, eternal purposes, and the sovereign will of GOD all are certain of fulfillment, and are dismissed or ignored only at great risk.  Included are prophesies that address Advent (we say, the harvest; his appearing; the Rapture; the Resurrection; the Second Coming), the end times, the final judgment of the wicked, the second death,  the elimination of mortality and sin as well as the descent of the holy city, New Jerusalem, from heaven to the earth.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum using the  ID “Skittles” (Level 3 with 1,292 points, a member since May 12, 2012) posted the following:


What does this verse mean: “Whenever it is that they are saying, “Peace and Security!” then sudden destruction is to be instantly on them.”?

1 Thessalonians 5:3
Who says this? How is religion and government involved? How will it affect us?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.  For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.  And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.  We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:  Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.  For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man:  but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.  (2nd Peter 1:  16-21, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  “The End Is Near” (03/14/2018); The Coming(s) of Christ (03/11/2018); Recognizing True Christian Prophets (02/26/2018); Sharing The Correct Message (01/30/2017); Why Is Lust Condemned? (07/20/2016); World Peace Is Coming? (05/08/2016); About The End Of The World (08/30/2015)
 

“Skittles”, many respond to prophecy with denial.  (For example, when Jesus prophesied that he would be crucified, the Apostle Peter insisted on voicing his own desire (it would not be so), and was severely rebuked by Jesus.)  Given the operations of the flesh will resist prophecy, the sacred wisdom developing Christian believers receive through the holy writings include multiple admonitions, advice, alerts, counsels, declarations of divine law, guidance, instruction, divine proclamations, warnings, and prophecies that provide comfort, edification, and exhortation.  Believers must practice discernment whereby they use their own spirit endowment from GOD as a standard to recognize, respond to, and connect with the same spirit content as it appears within events, exchanges, other people, relationships, the Scriptures, etc.  Often, legitimate messages announcing the will of divinity are despised, dismissed, and rejected because they do not agree with popular opinions, carnal reason, or material and social dictates.  Disbelievers, skeptics, and those bearing malice will contradict, distort, and oppose divine truth by offering alternative ideas and “what they want to hear” that are properly labeled and understood as “false prophecy,” even though they may contain useful information from such areas as philosophy, politics, science, and technology.  Consider again the following points that use language from the Bible:

(1.)  Jeremiah 23:  14-17, King James Version (KJV):  14 I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing:  they commit adultery, and walk in lies:  they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness; they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah.  15 Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the prophets; Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall:  for from the prophets of Jerusalem is profaneness gone forth into all the land.  16 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you:  they make you vain:  they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD.  17 They say still unto them that despise me, The LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you.

(2.)  Ezekiel 13:  1-3, KJV:  1 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,  2 Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word of the LORD;  3 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!

(3.)  Ezekiel 13:  10-14, KJV:  10 Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace; and one built up a wall, and, lo, others daubed it with untempered mortar:  11 Say unto them which daub it with untempered mortar, that it shall fall:  there shall be an overflowing shower; and ye, O great hailstones, shall fall; and a stormy wind shall rend it.  12 Lo, when the wall is fallen, shall it not be said unto you, Where is the daubing wherewith ye have daubed it?  13 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even rend it with a stormy wind in my fury; and there shall be an overflowing shower in mine anger, and great hailstones in my fury to consume it.  14 So will I break down the wall that ye have daubed with untempered mortar, and bring it down to the ground, so that the foundation thereof shall be discovered, and it shall fall, and ye shall be consumed in the midst thereof:  and ye shall know that I am the LORD.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Isaiah 30:  8-15, KJV:  8 Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever:  9 That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD:  10 Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:  11 Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.  12 Wherefore thus saith the Holy One of Israel, Because ye despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon:  13 Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant.  14 And he shall break it as the breaking of the potters’ vessel that is broken in pieces; he shall not spare:  so that there shall not be found in the bursting of it a sherd to take fire from the hearth, or to take water withal out of the pit.  15 For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength:  and ye would not.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/16/2010) Known by GOD?

Rejection, judgment, and denial by Jesus comes under consideration, today.  The writer “hopeof kingdom”  at “Yahoo! Answers” posted the following:

Christians: Jesus, speaking prophetically, said "I never knew you." Why would this be?

This is looking forward to the time when he returns and separates the sheep from the goats.


THE BATTLE AXE:  Why Clothing? (10/15/2010)—The use of clothing began with mankind’s use of leaves as aprons.  Through a perversion [i.e., turning away from truth; applying sacred objects and truths to profane, and secular purpose], the pair associated themselves with trees rather than animals or created beings, and sought to be covered and hidden through “rootedness” [i.e., inactivity, silence, stillness].  In place of leaves, GOD supplied Adam and Eve with a physical covering of sheepskin through the sacrifice of a living creature that still held its sacred content in innocence, a lamb.  The pair also required a “covering” for their minds.  Thus, the divinely prepared clothing was to serve as a memorial to the lamb that was slain, and a prophetic foreshadowing of Christ, the Messiah.  Thereafter, each time they looked on one another the pair was to be reminded of (1) the difference from their former status, (2) the difference in their accountability as female and male, and (3) that the divine person is revealed in judgment, just as GOD would see the blood and spirit-covering of Jesus eternally when looking upon the believers among fallen mankind.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Who can understand his errors?  cleanse thou me from secret faults.  Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.  Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.  (Psalm 19:  12-14)


*THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Two Wisdoms? (10/12/2010); Judgment Now? (10/06/2010); Holy Guidance? (08/24/2010); The Antichrist (07/17/2010)


Be encouraged as you consider the following:

Presumption is acting with unfounded confidence; assuming authority or privilege without concession or consent by others; taking to oneself the identity and  resources of another without permission (i.e., stealing).  The statement, “I never knew you,” is made in sacred judgment to those who presume upon GOD, and the servants of GOD.  Believers are admonished, cautioned, and exhorted [i.e., further energized to be alert; roused to action; urged on] by this statement.  The wicked, the unrighteous, and all unbelievers, are condemned and consigned to perdition, the second death, by this statement.

To be known of GOD is not the same as knowing about GOD.  Having information to describe divine acts, divine attributes, divine intent, or divine names is not the same as containing divine substance that would allow one to be recognized in sacred judgment as having proceeded forth from GOD.  The Scripture speaks to this point in many ways, including the language that says men must receive the mark of GOD, be sealed in their spirit, and be covered by the blood of the Lamb.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, “I never knew you” also rebukes the Antichrist, any imitation Messiah or counterfeits, every pretender, and all false prophets.  Such are not anointed, certified, empowered, endowed or endorsed of GOD.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC


*SEE ALSO THESE ENTRIES POSTED PREVIOUSLY AT YAHOO! PULSE

(12/22/2013) When People Covet

Covetousness and divine law are topics, today.  Also, there is more on resisting sin.  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers New Zealand” using the ID “2FollowHim” (Level 7 with 72,848 points, a member since 25 January 2010) posted the following originally asked at Yahoo Answers Canada:


Christians, why does God say in the commandments 'do not covet'?

I believe what God puts forward has good reasons, and we can know
them if we think about it.

What is wrong with 'coveting'?

What happens when people do covet?


THE BATTLE AXE:  Resisting Sin (12/21/2013)— (5.)  That we strive against sin in our individual life does not separate us from divine love.  Rather, the struggle supplies a language and comprehension that serves as a common focus for our communication and sharing with the Almighty.  Our Father in heaven cares, and lives in us and through us, just as parents oversee the development and achievement of artistic or athletic, and other skills in their children, take pride in their accomplishments, and commiserate with them in their disappointments and failures.  In the same way those coming under alcohol addiction deny being overcome and made subordinate, men typically are unaware, and deny operating under the influence of sin.  Many will concede and confess that they want a changed life, and need to do things differently.  There can be no enduring or lasting change until they first acknowledge that their need is to return to GOD.  (6.)  For Christian believers the process of destroying sinful habits begins in prayer, however, not by calling for deliverance and complaining for relief.   The desired change can not be achieved from the operation of ones self-will; escaping, and going outside of ones self is necessary.  Saying this another way, the self must be exposed and seen unadorned.  What is only inside, must continually appear outside as personal, demanding action, and unavoidable until right action is taken.  Thus, a person must use thoughts and words to focus, frame and materialize their own intent.  The intent is then repeated speaking aloud to oneself, repeated in public declaration, and maintained in print (using such devices as promissory notes, pledge cards, goal statements, progress charts, and action check lists).  The intent must be carried into daily and regular action that responds to a specific person or group (e.g., agents of the church, and the Lord), who serve as a “co-laborer” and “fellow-traveler” that will accompany one in their journey.  With prophecy (i.e., comfort, edification, exhortation), carefully selected companions provide correction, encouragement, feedback, perspective and witness that arises from outside of oneself, and from the Spirit of GOD.  The believer must exist within an environment that continually reflects godly intent.  (See Romans 6:  3-5, Ephesians 4:  22-32 and 2nd Corinthians 5:  17, KJV.)


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.  And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?  And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness:  for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.  (Luke 12:  13-15, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Balaam (10/15/2013); My Brother’s Keeper (04/05/2013); Issues for Children’s Church? (04/06/2013); Prosperity Destroys Fools (09/25/2012); Life and Death (09/26/2012)

“2FollowHim”, here are a few points useful to Christian believers:

(1.)  To “covet” is to repeatedly direct and fix ones attention (i.e., their feelings and thoughts) upon some carnal, non-spiritual event or material object.  A broad mix of mental and physical activity results that may include various combinations of conflict, envy, fantasy, greed, imagination, lust, passion, self-destruction, and wastefulness.

(2.)  As sin, covetousness opposes the continued existence of divine law, of divine person, and of all that has been created by GOD.  Sin is no carnal, material, or spirit “thing” that exists; yet, sin may dominate awareness and self-will in created beings and living creatures.  Sin does not respond to human logic, reason, or science; and can not be eliminated or totally remove without divine operations that overturn the existing universe of GOD.  Those who covet “forget GOD.”

(3.)  Most TV advertising calls covetousness into operations; and seeks to arouse a desire for goods and products even when they are not needed, or useful.  To desire an object you see because another person has it, to want one better than theirs, and to want one “better” than what you possess is often no more than covetousness.  Similarly, continual dissatisfaction with oneself, ones education, ones employment, ones own home, marriage and relationships also can be the expression of covetousness.

There is far more to be said, properly shared, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4.)  Apart from sacred law and the many provisions of GOD that now include the imparted, indwelling Spirit, humans are not capable of recognizing sin as contrary and foreign to their inherited nature.  Because sin arises from within, it appears to be an acceptable, authentic and harmless part of ones true self.  One of the basic causes of war is covetousness.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.

There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.  The desire of a man is his kindness:  and a poor man is better than a liar.  (Proverbs 19:  21-22, KJV)


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC