(05/20/2020) 22 Years Spent Preparing

Christ and the Rich Young Ruler by Heinrich Hoffman (1824-1911)

Today, reply is to a developing believer who was asked to lead the women’s ministry program within a congregation where she faces challenges and testing despite that her parent is the pastor. In all things there must be gradual growth and learning. Properly understood, his daughter has spent all her life preparing—not for an opportunity to lead others—for an opportunity to follow by serving the Lord. Rather than academic credentials, professional experience, or special social skills, the fundamental requirements for those serving one another within the body of believers are that one resemble, reflect and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ. Inseparable aspects of the divine fullness should be displayed including balance, commitment, decisiveness (the ability to make and hold to sound choices without showing stubbornness), faith, holiness, humility, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, perseverance, unselfishness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. It is written: Matthew 23: 11-13, King James Version (KJV): 11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. 13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Sparkles” (Level 1 with 109 points) posted the following:

If my dad (the pastor) thinks I am ready to lead the women's ministry...why are the other women at our church questioning my ability to lead?

My dad is the new pastor at our Fundamental Baptist Church, and he wants me to lead the women's ministry, even though I have no leadership skills whatsoever. I am only 22, and I am the youngest among the adults of our church. My dad also knows that I am not ready, and he only appointed me this role because I am his daughter, and he doesn't trust anyone else.

Updated 2 hours ago:

However, I will trust my father's judgment, and if he thinks I am ready...then I am ready.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. (James 1: 2-8, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: On Behalf Of Others (03/26/2020); The Meaning Of “Persecution” (02/12/2020); Make Me A Servant (04/08/2019); Nothing Impossible For GOD? (04/07/2019); Those Apt To Teach? (06/20/2018); Women Ordained to Minister? (10/27/2012); Does Everyone Go To Heaven? (10/28/2012)

“Sparkles”, where we seek counsel from Jesus, it is often best first to turn to either the Scriptures or to our private prayer chamber. Many of the challenges and problems we face will be resolved by careful meditation and reflection during prayer and study. The Bible presents many excellent examples of women who also were challenged to serve; choose to portray one of them. Included are Mary the sister of Lazarus, Mary Madalene, Dorcas, and Lydia. Where others have the knowledge and skill you yourself lack, seek their advice, their service, and their support in the Lord. The following scriptures are from the epistle written by the Apostle Paul instructing Timothy to recruit and ordain officers for the early church. Rather than continue relying on evangelists, fugitives from persecution and itinerant preachers, a core of Bishops and deacons were to be ordained as part of a stable structure to carryout the tasks of ministry.

(1.) 1^st Timothy 4: 16, King James Version (KJV): 16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

(2.) 1^st Timothy 4: 6-7, KJV: 6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. 7 But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

(3.) 1^st Timothy 4: 12, KJV: 12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, from the music ministry of Pastor Donnie McClurkin, “I'll Trust You, Lord” (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZotUuadtqs.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(06/13/2018) Bible Language About Spirit?

Today, reply is on language in the Bible used to describe the operations, personhood, and substance of the Holy Spirit.  Spirit substance must be used to identify, recognize, and respond to other spirit substance.  Many events and symbols are used to clarify and explain what is meant by “the Holy Spirit.”  Figures are used to depict “spirit” such as breath, clouds, a dove, fire, oil, rain, and water.   However, divinity actually becomes known to created beings and living creatures through revelation, and the divine imparting/indwelling of living content from the makeup of GOD.  Divinity must become known and visible by displaying acts that express his own sacred heart and mind as well as the various inseparable aspects of his full makeup.  Included are immortality, personhood, eternal purpose, and sovereign will.  The living are to discover, experience, and realize relationship with divinity by apprehending the active presence, provisions, and works of GOD.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data shared) posted the following:


Why, in Num. 11:17, does God need to take the spirit that is already on someone and place it on someone else if this holy spirit a person?

It should be able to do for itself. Is the Holy spirit like some kind of child?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God:  because many false prophets are gone out into the world.   Hereby know ye the Spirit of God.  Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:  And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God:  and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.  (1st John 4:  1-3, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Why Spirit Displays Personhood (06/06/2018); John Anointed To Prophesy (05/21/2018); The Household Of Cornelius (05/17/2018); The Meaning of “Faith” (03/28/2018); What Is A Spirit? (03/06/2018); In Order To Understand (12/01/2017); Leadings of the Spirit (11/05/2017); Human Nature, Divine Spirit? (05/18/2017) 


“Anonymous”, among mature Christians, rather than say, “God needs to do this or that,” it is more correct to consider, “What are the needs, possibilities, and preparation of mankind that require some specific action and intervention from God in this way or that?”  In frustration and ignorance, many accuse, blaspheme, and deny respect to GOD.  Even so, the process of the Scriptures is one that presents multiple streams of truth that come together and flow throughout the many collected writings that make up the Bible.  The holy writings actually provide a divine perspective (point of view) where GOD operates through thousands of events, within thousands of lives, over the course of thousands of years.  For this reason, the Bible also is respected as an emblem of the divine presence, and “the evidence of things unseen.”

Every reader of the Scriptures will discover that a single concept or word will be used as having many meanings (i.e., both denotations and connotations) as well as associations, references, and usages—even within a single sentence, verse, paragraph, or passage.  (For example, “law” may denote the Ten Commandments, the Covenant of Moses, or the standards created as determinations and outcomes of tribunal (we say, decisions and verdicts in judgment).  Abbreviations and shortened forms often appear that replace a phrase or title.  (Thus, “the manifestation of Holy Spirit,” the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth becomes simply “the Spirit.”

As those who are “born again,” developing believers also must “grow up again,” and become skilled in avoiding and overcoming the spiritual confusion that results from relying on the finite tools of the world (e.g.,  mechanical and natural law, secular knowledge, intelligence, logic, philosophy, carnal reason, science, technology) that do not permit discovery, gradual growth, practice, and learning of sacred knowledge.

The Holy Spirit who is a person within divine fullness (we also say, Deity; the Godhead; the Trinity) provides sacred substance to and through the living by such divine operations as baptism, rebirth, repentance, and sanctification.  Inseparable spirit matter is shared as divine DNA, Christ-likeness so to speak, that makes a sinner a new creation.  Included are faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  In addition to his workings being called “gifts” enabling, endowments, and supplies (from/of the Spirit), there are “fruit”, permanent changes in ones character and makeup spoken of as life consequences, outcomes, and products (from/of the Spirit).  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Luke 11:  13, King James Version (KJV):  13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children:  how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

(2.)  1st Corinthians 12:  1-7, KJV:  1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.  2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.  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.  7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

(3.)  1st Corinthians 2:  9-14, KJV:  9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.  10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit:  for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.  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.

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

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(06/03/2018) The Relationship As Servant

Today, reply is on fellowship with divinity, the beauty and fullness of servitude as demonstrated by Jesus Christ, and the character of service as love.  The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum who uses the ID “?” (Level 1 with 88 points, a member since May 11, 2018) posted the following:


Please explain this biblical teaching to me?
I went to church today and my pastor was talking about how the Son of God will wash the feet of the faithful if they so asked. Why would a man, who claims to be God's son, chose a life of servitude. If anything we should be washing his feet and shouting to the heavens that we had such an honor as to tend to Jesus' needs.


THE GOLDEN ARROW: 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?  (Romans 6:  16, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Endurance, Humility and Obedience? (06/04/2017); Genuine Spiritual Discernment? (03/27/2017); Carrying Out Divine Law? (03/20/2017); A Servant and More (08/17/2016); Humility and The Cross? (03/15/2016); Called Slaves by GOD? (02/10/2016); Called To Be Servants? (11/25/2015); The Ordinance of Humility? (08/12/2015)


“?”, many are not careful to discern divine attentions and benefits.  Here are some points on the meaning and value of servitude as demonstrated by divinity that are important among mature Christian believers:

1.  Where servitude is a voluntary and willful offering of ones personhood and full spirit content, there also is continuing communication, exchange, and interaction (we say, access; approachability; relationship) that displays other aspects of the Spirit imparted from GOD.  Included are accountability, faithfulness, humility, longsuffering, patience, respect, trust, truth, and unselfishness.

2.  In addition to commitment, discernment, lovingkindness, and self-restraint, those responding to divine law, sacred proclamations, and the eternal purposes of GOD will display obedience (the putting aside of ones own desires, goals, and objectives to carry out and perform those of another).

3.  Otherwise unseen aspects of the beauty, fruitfulness, goodness, and power in servitude to divinity are made visible through Jesus Christ as the lamb of GOD’s covering for Adam, and the ram caught in the thicket for Abraham.  Included are atonement for sin, endowing and adding value to others, grace (unmerited favor), and propitiation (appeasement; conciliation) as well as sacrifice (loss in giving up something valued).

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, the divine process for mankind being joined to Christ is through his works whereby the Savior was joined to the Father.  Included are circumcision, forgiveness, Incarnation, resurrection, revelation, ascension.  Thus, it is written:  John 14:   8-14, King James Version (KJV):  8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.  9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?  10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself:  but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.  11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me:  or else believe me for the very works’ sake.  12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.  13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.  Also, John 13:  13-17, KJV:  13 Ye call me Master and Lord:  and ye say well; for so I am.  14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.  15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.  16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.  17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(07/24/2017) Obstacles To Developing Believers

Today, ambivalence (being drawn in opposite directions at the same time), double-mindedness, hypocrisy, and self-contradiction displayed by entertainers, individuals, and nations are topics.  Many Christians of all ages seem to feel it is acceptable to behave one way in church, another at home, another in the workplace, another with close friends.  Praise, prayer, listening to sacred music, and even speaking the truth may be portioned out on the basis of “time, place, and who is in attendance,” instead of coming from ones commitment, conviction, and unchanging purpose.  (Like keeping ones word, and holding to promises, perseverance and continuing with purpose are often what provides our deliverance and salvation.)  Inconsistency, instability, and “conduct unbecoming” interrupt the smooth flow of exchange and interaction among the aspects of spirit content, and can promote spiritual confusion among those just beginning to seek their own salvation.  Sinners who come to Jesus Christ must receive divine seed from the makeup of GOD, and then pass through multiple seasons of development and growth.  Among those participating in the modern youth culture, many mistakenly approach life as a new creation through Jesus Christ thinking they are in a process of politicization, social experimentation, or self-mastery, rather than related sacred operations that require one to increasingly yield their inner makeup and substance to GOD.  The sinner who seeks the Lord, is to become a vessel containing inseparable spirit content from the makeup of GOD.  Included are faith, gratitude, holiness, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Ones personal truth is to be understood as having far less value than divine law, doctrine, prophecy, and sacred promise.  Even so, entertainers often rely on compartmentalizing (i.e., emotionally and mentally shutting people and thoughts out; giving expression to certain things only in specific settings), imagining, and pretending to create their persona (familiar characters and patterns), the face they show to the public.  A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Eve” (Level 1 with 1 point, a member since June 22, 2016) posted the following:


Why do you think some rappers act all religious and praise god and jesus while their music says otherwise and don't have the best messages?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.  But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.  For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.  A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.  (James 1:  5-8, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Becoming Free From Sin (07/16/2017); Discernment, Focus and Meekness? (07/07/2017); Transformation Not Obedience Alone (07/02/2017); What Young People Need? (06/26/2017); Christianity Is Not Mindless (05/02/2017); Becoming A Full Person (02/12/2017); Can A Church Not Be "Religious"? (07/27/2016)


“Eve”, here are some thoughts you might find helpful.  Many today experience the same problems that challenged our first parents in the Garden of Eden.  It is a defining condition, and an inescapable limitation, that created beings and living creatures must concentrate their own awareness, apply their own willpower, and make full use of their multiple endowments and sacred faculties to endure within continuous relationships with one another and with divinity.  Life experience and the operations of GOD provided for the living now include the acknowledgment of divine standards (e.g., sacred law, divine governance, covenant, priesthood); gradual acquisition of complete and correct sacred knowledge through aging, discovery, growth, and maturation as well as independently expressing ones self-will and separation from divinity (we say, self-discipline, self-government) with integrity, respect, and trust as well as without conflict.

For most of us, becoming mature as a Christian believer requires a lifetime of learning, trial and error, correction, renewal, risk-taking, and repentance.  The inborn nature (we say, the flesh) received from Adam and Eve inclines their offspring to seek carnal and material things, secular knowledge, and social companionship only; and does not properly direct mankind to share the oneness without sameness that exists among the three persons of divinity.  All Christians must be “born again”, “grow up again” and become fully transformed to be immortal, incorruptible companions of divinity.  This means enduring “growing pains” and accepting permanent changes in their makeup that will be made through the Spirit of GOD.

Many artists and creative persons who have become prominent and well-known give an appearance of “living double.”  This may be the result of many factors.  Young people often start out having acceptable desires to be accounted as expert, genuine, sincere, and truthful.  Their efforts may become grossly misdirected as they strive to acknowledge and conform to standards within the world system that primarily promote elements that are brief and episodic (such as appetite, feelings, carnal reason, and sense experience).  Young people often are burdened by inner conflicts and issues; however, the same life frustrations may apply to all without regard to age.  Your most heartfelt goals are more difficult to achieve where they are poorly described and expressed where you lack distance and perspective (we say, the big picture; how things are all fitted together), and where you have a limited sense of purpose and value.  Life tends to appear as only combat, disappointment, and pointless struggle where we lack the sense of possibility (we say, a vision, a future, eternal purpose) that comes by the Spirit of GOD.  Deceit, disguise, illusion, and money are repeatedly used by the world (we also say, the culture, fandom, society, the people) that generate a false sense of control—completion, happiness, hope, or success—that does not last. 

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/03/2015) More On Sacrificial Giving

Today, more is shared on sacrificial giving using examples from the Bible along with instances of daily offerings commanded by GOD, free will offerings (we say, optional gifts), and required seasonal offerings (we say, tithes).  Like the celebration of Passover, the daily burnt offerings were fundamental to the full range of sacred operations for covenant bond (e.g., atonement, expiation, forgiveness, memorial).  Free will offerings are given voluntarily, and are not demanded as duty and obligation.  Tithes (one-tenth) are required from continuous income (such as salary and wages) and from each harvest of livestock (such as cattle and sheep) as well as for crops from ones field.  Thereby tithing becomes understood as seasonal on an annual and semi-annual basis.  Sacrificial giving requires releasing and sharing despite burden to the giver as cost, damage, inconvenience, and loss.  With this in view, the “$1,000 dollar seed” also may appear as acts of compassion, courage, reverence, and unselfishness.

daily offerings

Numbers 28:  2-8, King James Version (KJV):  2 Command the children of Israel, and say unto them, My offering, and my bread for my sacrifices made by fire, for a sweet savour unto me, shall ye observe to offer unto me in their due season.  3 And thou shalt say unto them, This is the offering made by fire which ye shall offer unto the LORD; two lambs of the first year without spot day by day, for a continual burnt offering.  4 The one lamb shalt thou offer in the morning, and the other lamb shalt thou offer at even;  5 And a tenth part of an ephah of flour for a meat offering, mingled with the fourth part of an hin of beaten oil.  6 It is a continual burnt offering, which was ordained in mount Sinai for a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD.  7 And the drink offering thereof shall be the fourth part of an hin for the one lamb:  in the holy place shalt thou cause the strong wine to be poured unto the LORD for a drink offering.  8 And the other lamb shalt thou offer at even:  as the meat offering of the morning, and as the drink offering thereof, thou shalt offer it, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

free will offerings

Numbers 6:  13-15, KJV:  13 And this is the law of the Nazarite, when the days of his separation are fulfilled:  he shall be brought unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation:  14 And he shall offer his offering unto the LORD, one he lamb of the first year without blemish for a burnt offering, and one ewe lamb of the first year without blemish for a sin offering, and one ram without blemish for peace offerings,  15 And a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, and wafers of unleavened bread anointed with oil, and their meat offering, and their drink offerings.  16 And the priest shall bring them before the LORD, and shall offer his sin offering, and his burnt offering:  17 And he shall offer the ram for a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD, with the basket of unleavened bread:  the priest shall offer also his meat offering, and his drink offering.  18 And the Nazarite shall shave the head of his separation at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall take the hair of the head of his separation, and put it in the fire which is under the sacrifice of the peace offerings.  19 And the priest shall take the sodden shoulder of the ram, and one unleavened cake out of the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and shall put them upon the hands of the Nazarite, after the hair of his separation is shaven:  20 And the priest shall wave them for a wave offering before the LORD:  this is holy for the priest, with the wave breast and heave shoulder:  and after that the Nazarite may drink wine.  21 This is the law of the Nazarite who hath vowed, and of his offering unto the LORD for his separation, beside that that his hand shall get:  according to the vow which he vowed, so he must do after the law of his separation.

1st Chronicles 29:  13-18, KJV:  13 Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.  14 But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.  15 For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers:  our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding.  16 O LORD our God, all this store that we have prepared to build thee an house for thine holy name cometh of thine hand, and is all thine own.  17 I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things:  and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.  18 O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee:

Romans 12:  1-9, KJV:  1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  2 And be not conformed to this world:  but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.  3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.  4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:  5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.  6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;  7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering:  or he that teacheth, on teaching;  8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation:  he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.  9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

tithes

Deuteronomy 12:  17-18, KJV:  17 Thou mayest not eat within thy gates the tithe of thy corn, or of thy wine, or of thy oil, or the firstlings of thy herds or of thy flock, nor any of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy freewill offerings, or heave offering of thine hand:  18 But thou must eat them before the LORD thy God in the place which the LORD thy God shall choose, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that is within thy gates:  and thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God in all that thou puttest thine hands unto.

2nd Chronicles 31:  5-7, KJV:  5 And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly.  6 And concerning the children of Israel and Judah, that dwelt in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of holy things which were consecrated unto the LORD their God, and laid them by heaps.  7 In the third month they began to lay the foundation of the heaps, and finished them in the seventh month.

Nehemiah 10:  32-39, KJV:  32 Also we made ordinances for us, to charge ourselves yearly with the third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God;  33 For the shewbread, and for the continual meat offering, and for the continual burnt offering, of the sabbaths, of the new moons, for the set feasts, and for the holy things, and for the sin offerings to make an atonement for Israel, and for all the work of the house of our God.  34 And we cast the lots among the priests, the Levites, and the people, for the wood offering, to bring it into the house of our God, after the houses of our fathers, at times appointed year by year, to burn upon the altar of the LORD our God, as it is written in the law:  35 And to bring the firstfruits of our ground, and the firstfruits of all fruit of all trees, year by year, unto the house of the LORD:  36 Also the firstborn of our sons, and of our cattle, as it is written in the law, and the firstlings of our herds and of our flocks, to bring to the house of our God, unto the priests that minister in the house of our God:  37 And that we should bring the firstfruits of our dough, and our offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, unto the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes of our ground unto the Levites, that the same Levites might have the tithes in all the cities of our tillage.  38 And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes:  and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house.  39 For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the offering of the corn, of the new wine, and the oil, unto the chambers, where are the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests that minister, and the porters, and the singers:  and we will not forsake the house of our God.

sacrificial giving

1st Kings 17:  10-16, KJV:  10 So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman was there gathering of sticks:  and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.  11 And as she was going to fetch it, he called to her, and said, Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand.  12 And she said, As the LORD thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse:  and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.  13 And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said:  but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son.  14 For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth.  15 And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah:  and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days.  16 And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah.

Luke 21:  1-4, KJV:  1 And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.  2 And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.  3 And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:  4 For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God:  but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.

Acts 3:  1-10, KJV:  1 Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.  2 And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;  3 Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.  4 And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.  5 And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.  6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee:  In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.  7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up:  and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.  8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.  9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God:  10 And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.

Mark 14:  3-9, KJV:  3 And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.  4 And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made?  5 For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her.  6 And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me.  7 For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good:  but me ye have not always.  8 She hath done what she could:  she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.  9 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.

Of course, there is far more that could be said and shared.  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/26/2015) Tools for Revelation?

The importance of Jews as a people, and their use as a divine mechanism together with sacred law are the focus, today.  Many ethnic groups and nations have been used to reveal the character and nature of divinity displayed as the favor and disfavor of Deity.  Consider again the following from the Bible, and the discussion appearing below:  Galatians 3:  26-29, King James Version (KJV):  26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.  27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.  28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female:  for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.  29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.  Isaiah 63:  7-10, KJV:  7 I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, and the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to his lovingkindnesses.  8 For he said, Surely, they are my people, children that will not lie:  so he was their Saviour.  9 In all their affliction, he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them:  in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.  10 But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit:  therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them.  Also, Romans 2:  25-29, KJV:  25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law:  but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.  26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?  27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfill the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?  28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:  29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “sevil” (Level 2 with 330 points, a member since February 12, 2010) posted the following:


Jews, how can your prophets POSSIBLY be moral examples?

jacobs dad preferred his murderous son esau, and jacob had to trick him into getting his blessing for marriage...... david did nothing when his daughter tamar was RAPED, and also committed adultery and killed the woman's husband.... solomon charged such heavy taxes on his people for the building of fancy buildings that his people rebelled..... and finally, the jews exterminated the canaanites, killing every man, woman, child, and animal that belonged to them.... so, how on earth should your prophets be seen as moral?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,  That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.  For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:  Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;  Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.  Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:  Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children:  but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.  That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God:  but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.  (Romans 9:  1-8, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Religion and Moral Progress? (10/23/2015); Ye Are Abraham’s Seed (07/10/2015); Endowed With Spirit? (05/08/2015); The Decalogue A Moral Guide? (04/15/2015); Why Prophets Were Sent to Israel (11/23/2014); The Need for Prophecy Then and Now (11/24/2014); Gentiles and the Law? (09/19/2013); According to This Word (09/20/2013); Why Jesus Must Be A Jew (03/18/2013); The Benefit of Grace (03/19/2013)


“sevil”, most Christian believers have made the same mistake that appears in your question regarding the morality and uprightness of the Jews as a people.  The Jews were to be special to GOD, while not exactly so to mankind.  Because the critique is mistakenly narrowed to a single ethnic group, the opposition of sin as the common condition for all mankind is missed, and men fail to grasp the otherwise unmet needs for divine remedies for all created beings and living creatures to be in proper relationship to their Creator.  In the same way divine law has been provided to make sin known and visible, the operations of sin through mankind are to be seen as a device for sin’s exposure.  Sin opposes the continued existence of sacred law, the Law Giver, and the divine order maintained through the law.  Sin may dominate awareness and self-will in the living, and will not appear contrary to ones makeup and inborn spirit.  Through the Jews, GOD has appeared in the person of Jesus Christ to make possible humanity receiving a fresh deposit of life essence (we say, breath, spirit, Word) from the makeup of divinity.  The full revelation of divinity to the living, therefore, is through law and judgment as well as by Creation and salvation.  Consider the following points from the holy writings.  Correctly understood, the focus of the Bible is the eternal living GOD, not the Jews:

(1.)  John 4:  22-26, King James Version (KJV):  22 Ye worship ye know not what:  we know what we worship:  for salvation is of the Jews.  23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth:  for the Father seeketh such to worship him.  24 God is a Spirit:  and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.  25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ:  when he is come, he will tell us all things.  26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.

(2.)  Romans 3:  1-3, KJV:  1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?  2 Much every way:  chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.  3 For what if some did not believe? Shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?

(3.)  Romans 10:  16-21, KJV:  16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel.  For Esaias saith, LORD, who hath believed our report?  17 So then, faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.  18 But I say, Have they not heard?  Yes verily, their sound went unto all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.  19 But I say, did not Israel know?  First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation will I anger you.  20 But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.  21 But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands to a disobedient and gainsaying people.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Deuteronomy 7:  6-11, KJV:  6 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God:  the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.  7 The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people:  8 But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto you fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.  9 Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;  10 And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them:  he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face.  11 Thou shalt therefore keep the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which I command thee this day, to do them.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(04/19/2015) How To Measure Spiritual Progress?

Today, some points are shared on Christian believers recognizing change and growth within their own spirit.  Believers are to experience great joy for their redemption and salvation along with a profound sorrow for sin.  Some, in error, think that being spiritual means having a certain feeling.  Others err thinking their focus can be upon showing a positive attitude, religious behavior, and good works (e.g., church attendance, debating doctrine, charitable giving, handing out tracts, serving meals to homeless).  Those in Christ are cautioned against emotion, introspection (i.e., morbid focus upon ones own failures, faults, and sins that tends to depression and self-condemnation) as well as against self-justification and self-promotion.  While parents, pastors and other clergy, and fellow-believers are to be sources of comfort and spokespersons from GOD to the believer, none are to be taken as “heroes” and idols to be copied without prayerful consideration (many say, question or pause).  The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using “Counselor For Lost Souls” as an ID (Level with points, a member since June 10, 2013) posted the following:


How can you measure your spiritual progress?


THE GOLDEN ARROW;  For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves:  but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.  (2nd Corinthians 10:  12, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Relationship With Our Creator? (03/16/2015); Understanding Spiritual Growth? (03/13/2015); Those Who Read? (02/17/2015); To Walk As He Walked? (11/16/2014); To Continue In His Footsteps (11/17/2014); Made in the Image of GOD? (10/09/2014); All Who Read Convert? (10/10/2014); A Fallen Nature? (09/01/2014); In the Likeness of His Resurrection (09/02/2014)


“Counselor For Lost Souls”, here are a few ideas from a Christian believer’s point of view:

(1.)  Progress may be understood as positive change, growth, and the achievement of balance and wholeness as well as ones satisfaction with movement toward their own goals.  For followers of Jesus, many principles and fixed standards are in place to guide those born again in becoming mature (we say, perfected) after the model of Christ.

(2.)  Believers may not “grade their own report card,” so to speak; and the new life in Christ is not one of “do as you please.”  (Every believer is to do as pleases GOD.)  While believers are to learn together and share sacred knowledge, believers are not to compare themselves to one another, nor emulate others as the perfect example.  (This includes figures from the Bible such as Moses, David, Solomon and the Apostles.)

(3.)  Christians enter into an extended process of permanent change and transformation that must be carried out and completed by the imparted Spirit.  Included are confession, bonding with those of the body, rebirth, repentance, and sanctification.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4.)  For most of us, the process of new life in Christ appears as one of both learning and un-learning at the same time.  New patterns of behavior and thought are to be acquired while old patterns are eliminated, removed, and suppressed.  Growth as a believer can be gradual and subtle (i.e., marked by barely visible differences; having hidden and difficult to recognize shifts in meaning and value).  Thus, faith, persistence, perseverance, and trust are vital.  The transformation begun upon the earth in water baptism will be completed at the coming of Jesus.  As they are taken up to meet the Savior in the air, those who are committed and prepared to share eternal life as his companions and joint-heirs will be made immortal and incorruptible.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC