(08/30/2020) Always Connected By Spirit

Today, focus is on the content and process of the church founded by Jesus Christ that now is to be continuing on the earth as a spiritual body, rather than as a man-made institution fashioned to secure human prosperity and well-being. All Christians are connected wherever they are located within the frameworks of time and space. Because the church has been fashioned to reflect the image of GOD and properties of the Holy Spirit, the church is more than merely a local organization. Those who now become saved also become celestial, eternal, individual, indivisible, international, virtual congregants, and those knowing Christ in the life through multiple denominations. Even so, just as Jesus prophesied, as a Christian believer who acknowledges an eternal connection to divinity through Jesus Christ, my friendship, spiritual gifts, sacred knowledge, my willingness to learn, my willingness to serve, my willingness to share, my willingness to teach, and even my love have been unwelcome among many other believers. Included have been fellow Americans, family, former schoolmates, neighbors, and those in other nations. To me having a commitment to Christ has not meant being a member in a church community that has a rich and respected patriotic, racial, or social history. Belonging to a local congregation, and becoming prominent through my financial donations or serving in many important and needed roles has not been meaningful for me. The spiritual transformation sinners are to seek from GOD requires repentance and permanent change of ones consciousness and self-will that result by workings of divinity. Despite speaking of law and social justice, often issues of our flesh and protests within the community where the church is placed (i.e. the world) such as BLACK LIVES MATTER (BLM) can be distractions and sources for error and spiritual confusion. The challenge of Christ to me has been to operate as the Savior does within the divine fullness (i.e., the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). While yet on the earth, I am to display the consecrated spirit of oneness without sameness that is inseparable from the other aspects of divine makeup that are imparted to mankind as the breath of life. Included are balance, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. In the holy writings, that one spirit is also called the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Prophecy, a spirit of judgment and burning, and the Spirit of Truth. It is written: Mark 6: 3-5: King James Version (KJV): 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. 4 But Jesus, said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. 5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.

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. (1^st John 1: 5-8, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: He Commanded Our Fathers (08/09/2020); Pure Religion And Undefiled (08/07/2020); The Sons Of GOD? (07/19/2020); Uniting In The Struggle (06/17/2020); White People Becoming Atheists? (10/03/2019); Catholic and Protestant Bibles? (10/11/2018); Fulfillment of His Dream? (04/05/2017)

Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, I responded to a clergyman who had written on the Internet that he is a “white Christian.” Using the technology that allows us to travel the globe in moments, I replied to him that such thinking placed a gulf between us: there are neither white nor black Christians, only “Christian Christians”. Many of the same persons who will agree that they have been created by one GOD also will argue their independence and separation from every other person created by GOD. Thus, I am impressed to say that commitment to share and work as a follower of Jesus Christ requires the practice of discernment to correctly acknowledge and respond to others who are authentic members of the Savior’s church and kingdom of GOD, rather than apostates, deceivers, heretics, slanderers, or counterfeit and unclean spirits. Even among the clergy, there now are many wolves in sheep-clothing. Believers are to recognize one another by the operations of the Holy Spirit, even where there are differences in age, ethnicity, formal education, gender, language, nationality, political affiliation, race, the practice of ceremonies, rituals, and sacraments as well as the possession of property and wealth. The Holy Spirit who is manifest in local COGIC (Church of God in Christ) congregations of Detroit (Michigan, America) is the same that must appear in cathedral worship at Protestant Canterbury (UK) and Catholic Sagrada Familia (Barcelona, Spain). Surely, every believer having a fresh endowment of the Spirit from GOD through Jesus Christ should find welcome within the gatherings for guidance, instruction, praise, and thanksgiving held among others naming Christ as their head. Most obstacles to godly communication can be reduced and removed through humility, meekness, and genuine reverence. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Acapeldridge:

(1.) Ephesians 4: 4-7, King James Version (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. 7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

(2.) Romans 8: 35-39, KJV: 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

(3.) Revelation 5: 9-10, KJV: 9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzVaX3wwUyE.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 5:48 PM, August 30, 2020 @ https://i.pinimg.com/736x/2c/13/1a/2c131a0735ec9f833f15280b8b9e92c4.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(11/08/2018) A Possible "Home Remedy?"

Today, reply is to a teen on family prayer and shared Bible study as a remedy to conflict and division within the home. Because the goal is to establish family unity, a full reading aloud of as few as 12 books may be taken up and treasured as a family’s own sacred inheritance from divinity, and their own special anchor and grounding from GOD. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality, who uses the ID “Nicholas” (Level 1 with 41 points, a member since June 24, 2017) posted the following:

Am I crazy?

Ill try to make this quick. Im 19. Ive been a baptist for 4yr now. My Catholic parents dont allow me to go to the church i want and say under there roof i need to go to a catholic church. I finally decided to leave. I have 500.00 and no car. I dont have a job either. Am i crazy to leave home cause of religion? Am i in the right or are my parents? Im thinking of trying to get into job corps. Any advice on what i should do?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matthew 18: 15-20, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Sacred Ministry or Parenting? (05/10/2018); Honoring Our Own Parents (04/09/2018); What Young People Need? (06/26/2017); Becoming A Full Person (02/12/2017); In Her father's House? (02/08/2017); Many Forms of Christianity? (04/30/2015); Choosing a Church? (05/31/2014); Why Not One Bible? (11/02/2013); Why Jesus Used Parables (11/03/2013)

“Nicholas”, put your thoughts about leaving your parents aside until you have considered these points that have been helpful among mature Christian believers whose household needed a “home remedy” that would supply divine healing:

1. Sinners must be “born again,” become “developing believers,” and “grow up again” (i.e., there must be rebirth of a person’s inner character and makeup; they must receive a fresh endowment of life essence (breath; spirit; word) from the makeup of GOD). Water baptism depicts the sacred operations wherein the inborn spirit is slain, buried, and raised from the dead, so to speak.

2. Inseparable aspects of divinity are imparted to indwell and gradually increase within the believer. Included are faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

3. The followers of Jesus Christ are all admonished: In the same way religious customs and traditions have been mistakenly respected as though they were sacred law, young people often confuse conscience, independence, integrity of personhood, and self-will; while parents and other caretakers often confuse self-control and holding to personal regimen with discharging sacred authority and the ministry of divine will.

4. Within the home a primary, yet, often unmet need is for shared experiences of discovery, fellowship, learning, and service. Through cooperative communication and exchanges such as family prayer and Bible study, spiritual maturity can be nourished, and will become visible through such elements as accord, adult accountability, balance, completeness, consistency, sobriety, and stability.

5. Where those within the shared household can come together and agree that (1.) no one present is an enemy, (2.) there is a clear need for something that may provide spiritual benefit to everyone present, and that (3.) it is not likely to harm anyone to participate in a family reading of a minimum of 12 books from the Bible, take turns reading aloud and let the reader share their thoughts and feelings. The declaration from the Apostle Paul may help to get things started: I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. (1^st Timothy 2: 1-6, King James Version, KJV)

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 6. 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

(03/22/2017) Divine Delay and Prayer?

 

Today, focus is on prayer as a sacred process that grants the created access to the oneness without sameness that describes the GODhead.  The teaching that GOD answers prayer with No, Yes and Wait is not doctrine from the Bible, and can be attributed to an author and clergyman from the Reformed Church in America (RCA) in New York City, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, (1898-1993).  In an article from June 25, 2013, Christianity Today magazine calls RCA “the oldest Protestant denomination in America.”  Wikepedia reports that RCA was begun in 1628 as the North American branch of the Dutch Reformed Church, and presently has about 223,675 members.  The Encyclopedia Britannica credits Peale as having tried to instill a spiritual renewal in the U. S. following World War II.  Peale was raised as a Methodist, and first ordained to minister in the Methodist Episcopal church.  The best known of the 46 inspirational books he authored, “The Power of Positive Thinking” (1952), is reported by Britannica as “a classic that ranked (behind the Bible) as one of the highest-selling spiritual books in history.”  To date his book has sold some 5 million copies, and has been translated into 15 languages.  Because “some criticized Peale for oversimplifying Christianity in his uplifting sermons and avoiding deeper confrontations with sin and guilt,” the book was spoken of as “controversial”.  His radio program, “The Art of Living” lasted for 54 years; and his Guideposts Magazine continues with a paid circulation of some 4 million.  A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “JohnnyBravo” (Level 1 with 166 points, a member since November 16, 2010) posted the following:

 

Where did Christians come up with the idea that God only answers prayers in one of three ways (yes, no wait)?

That's not in the bible.

The bible says:

John 14:13-14

"Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. "If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Thus saith the LORD the maker thereof, the LORD that formed it, to establish it; the LORD is his name;  Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.  (Jeremiah 33:  2-3, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Teach Us To Pray (03/21/2017); On Expecting Quick Results (11/07/2016); Why Pray For Victims? (06/14/2016); Answered by The Cross? (03/14/2016); The Silence of GOD (01/31/2016); How GOD Answers Prayer? (01/09/2015); When Prayer Works (10/11/2012); Double Standard? (10/12/2012); Unanswered Prayers? (09/11/2012); When You Pray (09/12/2012)  

“JohnnyBravo”, the popular tradition of “three responses to prayer” (yes, no, wait) acknowledges that the prayer life of believers on the earth also includes delay and disappointment.  Many miss that prayer is more than simply a conversation, a dialog, or other verbal exchange between GOD and a believer.  Prayer is a sacred process that exposes, imparts, and intermingles spirit substance from the makeup of Deity with that within created beings and living creatures.  Prayer may include acknowledging faults and misdeeds, confessing needs, making requests, or declaring promises and vows, however, its primary work is the joining of self-will to divine will.  Prayer can express commitment, humility, repentance, respect and reverence, yet, can not be used to “change God’s mind” or manipulate divinity.  As born-again believers “grow up again” becoming mature as vessels of sacred spirit they must exercise importunity, longsuffering, patience, perseverance, and waiting for divine response as aspects of prayer.  The appearances and outworking of permanent change often are only by gradual and serial events.  Also, in our present state as believers, blessings, gifts, and endowments from GOD must be received as a deposit, a partial-payment, and an earnest of things yet to come.  The frameworks of time and space are to be set aside as we come to comprehend the full truth that GOD is a spirit.  Only following Advent (some say, the harvest, the Rapture, the Second Coming) and in the fullness of eternal life will certain answers to prayer and godly benefits finally be provided.  Included are healing, immortality, incorruption, perfection, and purity.  Consider again the following:

(1.)  Daniel 10:  12-14, King James Version (KJV):  12 Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel:  for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.  13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days:  but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.  14 Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days:  for yet the vision is for many days.

(2.)  Jeremiah 42:  4-7, KJV:  4 Then Jeremiah the prophet said unto them, I have heard you; behold, I will pray unto the LORD your God according to your words; and it shall come to pass, that whatsoever thing the LORD shall answer you, I will declare it unto you; I will keep nothing back from you.  5 Then they said to Jeremiah, The LORD be a true and faithful witness between us, if we do not even according to all things for the which the LORD thy God shall send thee to us.  6 Whether it be good, or whether it be evil, we will obey the voice of the LORD our God, to whom we send thee; that it may be well with us, when we obey the voice of the LORD our God.  7 And it came to pass after ten days, that the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah.

(3.)  Jeremiah 43:  1-4, KJV:  1 And it came to pass, that when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking unto all the people all the words of the LORD their God, for which the LORD their God had sent him to them, even all these words,  2 Then spake Azariah the son of Hoshaiah, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the proud men, saying unto Jeremiah, Thou speakest falsely:  the LORD our God hath not sent thee to say, Go not into Egypt to sojourn there:  3 But Baruch the son of Neriah setteth thee on against us, for to deliver us into the hand of the Chaldeans, that they might put us to death, and carry us away captives into Babylon.  4 So Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces, and all the people, obeyed not the voice of the LORD, to dwell in the land of Judah.

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

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  Romans 8:  22-25, KJV:  22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.  23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.  24 For we are saved by hope:  but hope that is seen is not hope:  for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?  25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/28/2016) A Child Is Born

 Today, topics include denominations, differences, and diversity within the household of GOD.  Catholic, Protestant, Baptist, Pentecostal, Methodist, Presbyterian:  there is a long list of names showing institutions who claim the Child that was born.  By the birth of Jesus, multiple streams of eternal purpose were combined and directed to continue in accord.  A child was born to remove enmity and separation between the Gentiles and the Jews, and a new access to the Father would be granted through his blood.  A new creation, the church, would emerge having one faith, one Lord, one baptism, one God and Father of all.  The authority as High Priest, Judge, Redeemer, and King continues to belong to the Son of the Highest.  Yet, the necessary acknowledgment of those who now also are children of GOD and joint-heirs with Christ may be completed only by the Father and the Holy Spirit.  A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Cato” (Level 6 with 22,705 points, a member since July 16, 2016) posted the following:

 

God is not a God of confusion.So with the soo many Protestant sects disagreeing with each other,doesn't this mean Protestantism is false?

1 Corinthians 14:33

33 For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.

As in all the churches of the saints,

What say ye?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;  That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:  But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.  For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;  Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;  And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:  And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.  For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.  Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;  And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;  In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:  In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.  (Ephesians 2:  11-22, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Birth of Jesus (12/27/2016); The Divine Christmas Gifts? (12/26/2016); The Peace of Christmas? (12/25/2016); Built Upon the Rock (12/23/2016); The Meaning of Christmas? (12/22/2016); Diversity and Prophetic Gifts (11/22/2016); The Cross and Arbitrary Differences (06/17/2016); Whatsoever Ye Shall Ask? (09/21/2015); Not Anti-Catholics, Antichrists? (09/22/2015); Many Forms of Christianity? (04/30/2015)

 

“Cato”, the existence of many denominations within the full household of GOD does not violate the “rule” of oneness without sameness that exists within the GODhead, and is little different from a father having many sons who are not the same age, do not share the same interests, and do not show the same willingness to do chores around the house.  Most mature Christian believers agree that divinity has appeared in flesh upon the earth as an answer to the many conflicts and questions that continually plague the living.  The aspects of revelation accomplished through the birth of Jesus Christ clarified, fulfilled, and also concluded various sacred covenants, proclamations, promises, and prophecies.  Even so, created beings and living creatures are not equipped to correctly recognize and respond to revealed truth from GOD until they receive a fresh endowment of spirit substance from the makeup of GOD.  Saying this another way, sinners must be born again; and once born again, believers must “grow up again” and mature by meeting life challenges upon the earth.  Diversity appears as an important device that is seen throughout Creation and among believers.  Without appearing in flesh (first as Jesus Christ, then, as his followers), divinity may only be known in relationship as immortal, immutable, invisible, and unchanging.  Through a human aspect, Jesus, the Son of Man, the Son of GOD, divine judgment is shown to center upon atonement, correction, forbearance, forgiveness, mercy, reconciliation, redemption, righteousness, and salvation.  Ethnicity, nationality, race, financial status, etc. are all “vain” (lack sacred substance).  Only GOD may make the necessary judgments of those who will be acknowledged as his offspring and heirs.  Thus, true believers will all patiently await the return of Jesus (we say, Advent, the harvest, the Rapture, the Second Coming, his appearing), and also practice restraint concerning condemnation, conflict, and differences.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/16/2016) My Sheep Hear My Voice

 Today, points are shared on diversity among believers and congregations, sacred knowledge, and that believers and followers of Jesus Christ still are called his “sheep”.  The essential things from GOD are immutable and unchanging, yet, the appearance of change and movement are fostered by diversity.  Similarly, the holy writings do not change in spirit, yet, are displayed in letter using multiple presentations, translations, and versions.  The “voice” of Christ as our master is to be “heard” and obeyed by believers using discernment to recognize and respond to the divine spirit content in doctrines, events, messages, practices, prophecies, etc.  Where the need is for sacred knowledge, only having an abundance of secular knowledge results in spiritual confusion, ignorance, and unawareness.  When guided by the holy writings, acquiring, expressing, and nourishing faith within others goes forward on the basis of tested and enduring truth.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Juli” (a member since March 04, 2016) posted the following:

Christians, are the Jehovah's Witnesses' leaders right in their interpretation of the "Sheep and the Goats" referred to in Matthew 25:31-46?

According to the March 2015 Watchtower (Study Edition), the sheep are those who show loyalty to the JW leaders. This article titled "Loyally Supporting Christ’s Brothers" actually refers to this scripture to support their claim, “To the extent that you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”—MATT. 25:40. 
There is not enough room here to go over every point, but here are a couple of quotes from the article and the link to it's entirety.

"And what of the reason why people will be judged as either sheep or goats? The outcome hinges on how they have treated the remaining ones of Christ’s spirit-anointed brothers on earth."

"He describes the sheep as “righteous” because they recognize that Christ has a group of anointed brothers still on earth, and the sheep loyally support the anointed during these critical last days."

"The growing number of prospective sheep count it a privilege to support Christ’s brothers not only in the preaching work but also in other practical ways. For example, they give financial contributions and help to build Kingdom Halls, Assembly Halls, and branch facilities, and they loyally obey those appointed by “the faithful and discreet slave” to take the lead."

https://www.jw.org/en/publications/magaz...

Update: JW anonymous, how is quoting straight from the watchtower and sharing the link to the article"spreading lies" about your organization? I refrained from giving my own opinion here because you JWs are always crying "Persecution". These are your leaders' words, not mine. LOL!

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch.  Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.  Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not:  the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me.  But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:  And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.  My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.  I and my Father are one.  (John 10:  23-30, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Bible and Salvation (09/14/2016); Sheep of His Pasture (09/09/2016); Learning From A Spirit? (08/25/2016); From Cover to Cover? (01/04/2016); Many Forms of Christianity? (04/30/2015); The Sheep Who Lost Their Way? (11/18/2014); Restoring The Lost? (11/19/2014)

“Juli”, there are many assemblies and denominations promoting diverse expressions and practices on the basis of belief in Christ and his apostles.  While sinners are to come together as “sheep”, and the flock of GOD, members of the body of Christ (the church) are made in his image, are to serve as an appearance (manifestation) of his divine presence, and are not to behave as dumb (speechless) animals living in ignorance.  In the early church, believers depended on the truth spoken directly and plainly by Jesus Christ, by those specially prepared and taught by him, and by operations of the imparted, indwelling Spirit (we also say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth).  In addition to the oral tradition carried out and provided through praise, prayer and preaching, believers were gradually given sacred documents and holy writings that require some careful memorization, reflection, and formal study.  Even so, among modern Christians, there are many believers and congregations that do not value the Scriptures.  In place of that sacred knowledge provided from GOD, such believers seek to acquire greater secular knowledge and express genuine faith by relying upon carnal reason, emotions, and forms intended to abbreviate, embody, or symbolically preserve and convey the things of ancient truth (e.g., ceremonies, church history, good works, liturgy, the music ministry, rites, rituals, practice of the sacraments).  Consider again the following:

(1.)  Ezekiel 34:  30-31, King James Version (KJV):  30 Thus shall they know that I the LORD their God am with them, and that they, even the house of Israel, are my people, saith the Lord GOD.  31 And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord GOD.

(2.)  John 10:  1-6, KJV:  1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.  2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.  3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice:  and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.  4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him:  for they know his voice.  5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him:  for they know not the voice of strangers.  6 This parable spake Jesus unto them:  but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.

(3.)  2nd Corinthians 4:  1-7, KJV:  1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;  2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.  3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:  4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.  5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.  6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.  7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

(4.)  1st Corinthians 12:  27-30, KJV:  27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.  28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.  29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?  30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  1st Peter 5:  2-7, KJV:  2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;  3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.  4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.  5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility:  for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.  6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:  7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX 
Washington, DC

(07/27/2016) Can A Church Not Be "Religious"?

Today, focus is upon features that identify assemblies and congregations of the Lord as “religious” or not.  For many, church exists in the modern world as another commercial business and secular institution having no mystical, or spirit aspect.  In addition to differences in manpower, division of labor, and use of specific clerical roles (e.g., bishops, deacons, elders, lay officials, pastors, priests, popes), groups of Christian believers may differ in terms of bylaws, doctrine, policies, practices, organizational units, and institutional structure (ecclesia, parishes, presbytery, etc.).  While the holy writings proclaim “one faith, one Lord, one baptism, one God and Father of all,” many feel the legitimacy of their own faith community is shown by its accomplishment of preordained “good works.”  Others, who are often labeled as “fanatics”, insist divine approval of a body is demonstrated only by appearance among and within its members of the Holy Spirit (also called the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth).  Even so, all the disciples and followers of Jesus have been given the same admonition against becoming complacent, self-centered, and vain (empty; lacking divine substance, therefore, fruitless, pointless, puffed up, unproductive) along with exhortations to remain industrious and vigilant:  James 1:   26-27, King James Version (KJV):  26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.  27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.   A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Luke” (Level 6 with 15,180 points, a member since February 06, 2014) posted the following:

Why do some Christians say their church is "not religious"?

I've heard them say God hates religion and that all the other churches are religious but not their one.

What does that even mean? How can a church not be religious?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;  And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.  But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;  Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient:  but rather giving of thanks.  For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.  Let no man deceive you with vain words:  for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.  Be not ye therefore partakers with them.  For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord:  walk as children of light:  (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)  Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.  (Ephesians 5:  1-10, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Be Ye Therefore Perfect (07/22/2016); Unto The Pure (11/15/2015); Religion And Moral Progress? (10/23/2015); Many Forms of Christianity? (04/30/2015); Faith not Politics? (12/02/2014); Ye Are Not In The Flesh (12/03/2014); Sprinkled, Immersed, Named? (02/01/2014); Forgiveness Through GOD? (02/02/2014); Before Getting Baptized? (11/28/2013); The Rich in Divine Relationship? (11/29/2013)

“Luke”, Christian belief for those who acknowledge the new creation through Jesus Christ centers upon displaying the character, nature, and substance of divinity; carrying out sacred operations to fulfill divine law, proclamation, promise and prophecy; performing unselfish service; providing spiritual comfort to others; and sharing sacred knowledge (we say, preaching the Gospel).  Exchange and interaction among such believers is very different from that among those who are merely continuing as caretakers of formal and inherited sacred practices (e.g., assembly, ceremonies, customs, rites, rituals, traditions); those seeking personal advancement, prosperity, and self-improvement; those pursuing a lifestyle promoted as “acceptable” and “decent”; and those maintaining a social center for families, and those in need assistance programs.  There is a broad range of attitudes, conditions and works that qualify to be spoken of as the “religion” God hates.  Included are coercion; hypocrisy (acting; performing in a way to misdirect commitment and understanding); idol worship; merchandising; oppression; persecution; and vanity (lacking spirit content from the makeup of GOD).  Consider again how this is stated in the Bible:

(1.)  Isaiah 1:  10-14, King James Version (KJV):  10 Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah.  11 To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD:  I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats.  12 When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts?  13 Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting.  14 Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth:  they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them.

(2.)  Hosea 6:  6, KJV:  6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

(3.)  John 2:  13-16, KJV:  13 And the Jews’ passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.  14 And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:  15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables;  16 And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.

There is far more to be said, carefully examined, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4.)  Ephesians 5:  25-27, KJV:  25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;  26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,  27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(07/05/2016) The Purpose of Resurrection

Today, points are shared to clarify the divine intent and operations of resurrection for the dead.  The resurrection of Jesus Christ after dying upon the cross and burial further served to authenticate his identity as an appearance and incarnation of divinity.  Resurrection is therefore acknowledged as an aspect of revelation wherein divinity is unveiled for the benefit of sentient creatures (those having ability to apprehend the content of existence by operations of their own awareness and self-will).  Resurrection also may be understood as a creation event like that wherein the breath of life (matter from the makeup of Deity, divine spirit, word) was imparted into a carnal form made from the earth (Adam).  In resurrection, as in Creation, a living soul comes into existence only as there is joining of a physical body to diverse aspects of divine Spirit.  In resurrection for the dead, the specific pattern of inseparable spirit content from the makeup of GOD that once existed as the character, nature and substance of a single person upon the earth is deposited within a reconstruction of their former body.  Even though many resurrected ones will be facing the wrath of GOD as those labeled the unjust and the wicked, they will be shielded and spared during their judgment by the love, mercy, restraint and righteousness of GOD.  One of the several fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

Christians, is it true that those who have died will be resurrected to get a second chance to be saved?

Update: I am not a Jehovah’s Witness, so what will happen to me when I die?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:  And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.  And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.  (Acts 24:  14-16, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Bridge To Heaven (01/27/2016); The Return to Dust? (06/14/2015); His Resurrection Still Relevant? (10/05/2014); The Testing of Job? (10/06/2014); A Guarantee of Heaven? (03/22/2014); The Bible is Unchanging? (03/23/2014); Genuine Repentance? (03/24/2014)

“Anonymous”, many mature Christian believers rely upon the holy writings for instruction on the divine process and purpose of resurrection from the dead.  Among such believers, the authority of the Scriptures is held to be “more correct” than that of the peculiar doctrine and practice specific to various denominations.  Here are some points from my understanding that you may find helpful:

1.  Because it is required both to complete the ongoing transformation of mankind to exist as an eternal companion of divinity, and further establish the lawfulness and righteousness of divine judgment for the wicked, resurrection is different from “raising the dead,” re-animation, or reviving the dead, where a person may stop breathing or have no heart beat for a short period.  This includes restoring persons maintained in long periods of unconsciousness such as comas and cryogenic states (i.e., frozen) as well as recovering persons from psychotropic drugs and continuous use of certain sedatives.  The mortal must put on immortality and incorruption.  Persons raised from the dead, such as Lazarus in Scripture, are alive again as only a temporary condition; and may go to their grave to be resurrected.  By contrast, persons in resurrection already have completed judgment, or are resurrected to immediately appear in judgment before divinity.

2.  The Scriptures proclaim two sacred events described as resurrection.  The first, spoken of as “the resurrection of the just, or justified ones,” will be at the appearing of Jesus Christ (many say, the Advent, the Rapture, the Second Coming).  All who are under the atoning, redeeming and saving blood of Jesus as having had faith, those who are thereby his disciples and followers, and those who are joint-heirs with the Son will be removed from the earth as “ripe” for harvest.   This includes the ones who are alive as well as those that must be recomposed from their grave after thousands of years, or other places of repose such as the sea, and areas where they have been scattered to by the wind in cremation.

3.  The second resurrection, spoken of as “the resurrection of the unjust” and “of the wicked,” will follow the one thousand year period wherein those from the first resurrection have lived with Christ in heaven.  The millennium is a time of further sacred works that include distributing allotments and populating the New Jerusalem, preparing for unbelievers and the wicked to appear alive in their own judgment tribunal, and preparing to be restored to the new earth that is to be the eternal dwelling place, not heaven.

You are encouraged to continue your studies of the Bible.  There is far more that could be said, must be carefully examined, and spiritually understood.  (For example, the second death that is the final destruction for created beings and living creatures condemned in sacred judgment will have begun before the second resurrection.  Satan, the false prophet, and others will have already been cast into the lake of fire, which is the second death.)  Even so, I am sure this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC