(08/26/2016) Love Whom GOD Loves

Today, focus is upon how those upon the earth are to demonstrate love to GOD.  The divine process whereby created beings and living creatures are to be in direct relationship with GOD who is spirit, in fact, is achieved by having active presence within GOD who is Son, Jesus Christ.  As believers become joined and immersed within the Savior through operations of the Holy Spirit upon their consciousness and self-will, the fullness of their love appears and is manifest alive and present with the Father.  Just as  Christ did, the believer is to be a blessing to others while upon the earth, and serve as a free gift from GOD.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “maxwell” (Level 1 with 87 points, a member since February 20, 2016) posted the following:

How do i gain god's love? I want to be more righteous. I want to have a relationship with God, but how?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:  old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;  To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.  Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us:  we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.  For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.  (2nd Corinthians 5:  17-21, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Learning From A Spirit? (08/25/2016); In Relationship With Divinity? (08/16/2016); Yet In My Flesh... (06/07/2016); (It Takes The Cross 04/22/2016); Love That Is Spirit? (01/28/2016); Diversity and the Church? (07/22/2015); When Asked to Serve? (01/21/2015)

“maxwell”,  the love of GOD is a free gift, however, everyone is required to tarry (patiently, quietly wait) for it.  Most mature Christian believers agree that there is no way for created beings and living creatures to draw, entice, hurry, or manipulate the feelings and thoughts (we say, heart and mind) of GOD.  Even so, revelation by divinity has shown that the expression of divine love from Deity is an ongoing sacred process involving communication, exchange, and interaction with the living, and is inseparable from the eternal purposes of continuing existence and life.  Sinners already have the love of GOD; therefore, their “issues” may be thought of as how to acknowledge, discern (i.e., use their own spirit content to recognize and respond to spirit from the makeup of GOD within actions, doctrine, events, oneself, other persons, sacred writings, etc.), and more completely and correctly show their own heartfelt gratitude and respect to GOD.  Believers are given methods and practices (we say, sacraments) to continue their focus, growth and lifestyle as Christians.  Included among them are church attendance, contemplation, praise, prayer, prophecy, receiving the Lord’s Supper, unselfish service, study of the holy writings, and suffering.  In the same way, we show our love to a close friend by also being an ally, a protector, a supporter, and a loyal friend to their parents, spouse and children, Christian believers are to love whom GOD loves, in the way GOD loves.  Thus, we show our love to the Father by our welcome to the Son whom he has sent, and we show our love to the Son by acceptance of the Comforter whom he has sent.  Godly and spiritual love are not demonstrated in displays of affection, hugs, or kisses so much as by comfort, forbearance, forgiveness, humility, meekness, sacrifice, sharing, and acts of reconciliation.  Consider how some of this is stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)  John 6:  24-29, King James Version (KJV):  24 When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus.  25 And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither?  26 Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.  27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you:  for him hath God the Father sealed.  28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?  29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

(2.)  1st John 3:  16-21, KJV:  16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us:  and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.  17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?  18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.  19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.  20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.  21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.

(3.)  Hebrews 11:  5-6, KJV:  5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him:  for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.  6 But without faith it is impossible to please him:  for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

There is far more to be said, carefully examined, and spiritually understood.  (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

(08/16/2016) In Relationship With Divinity?

Today, Scripture points are shared on different relationships provided by divinity that embrace created beings and living creatures.  In addition to being carnal and material objects for divine activity and focus, the living also may experience direct exchange, interaction, and continuing personal relationships with the Creator.  An example of this is seen with the Patriarch Abraham, who is known in Scripture as “the Friend of God.”  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Molly” (Level 1 with 95 points, a member since August 15, 2016) posted the following:

Did abraham have already a relationship with god?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:   Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of thy holiness and of thy glory:  where is thy zeal and thy strength, the sounding of thy bowels and of thy mercies toward me? are they restrained?  Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not:  thou, O LORD, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting.  (Isaiah 63:  15-16, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  GOD Within Christian Believers (07/31/2016); Access Through The Son (07/21/2016); Divine Inheritance and Resurrection? (07/06/2016); Many Sons of GOD? (06/28/2016); An Eternal Inheritance? (06/26/2016); Pie In The Sky? (06/23/2016); The Life Of GOD? (06/01/2016)

“Molly”, most mature Christian believers trust that all created beings and living creatures (including sinners) are in a relationship with divinity who has put forth duration (we say, eternity), existence, and form as well as spheres for life, and the frameworks of oneness, sameness, space, and time.  While GOD is the owner and sovereign authority over all that is, GOD has gone beyond divine law, formal and mechanical process, and impersonal separation to establish mankind as having genuine independence and integrity of being.  Such features as accountability, conscience, duty, performance under pressure (we say, trials to complete one’s formation, and establish their permanence), and privilege appear.  Also, the Creator has used personal relationships such as adoption, covenant, family, friendship, incarnation, and indwelling through Spirit to make Deity knowable and known among the living.  Multiple ongoing sacred operations were in place before the birth of Abraham that continue to this hour.  Included are admonition, affliction, calling, election, forgiveness, divine judgment, obedience, priesthood, repentance, and sanctification.  Consider how some of this is stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)  Romans 14:  8, King James Version (KJV):  8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord:  whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.

(2.)  John 8:  53-59, KJV:  53 Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead:  whom makest thou thyself?  54 Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing:  it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God:  55 Yet ye have not known him; but I know him:  and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you:  but I know him, and keep his saying.  56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day:  and he saw it, and was glad.  57 Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?  58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.  59 Then took they up stones to cast at him:  but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

(3.)  John 8:  39-45, KJV:  39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham.  40 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God:  this did not Abraham.  41 Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.  42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.  43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.  44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own:  for he is a liar, and the father of it.  45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.

There is far more to be said, carefully examined, and spiritually understood.  (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

(01/08/2013) When Does Gossip Become Sin?

      Harmless conversation, gossip, “judging others,” and slander are topics, today, along with more on the obedience of Abraham when commanded to sacrifice his son. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “purplestars” (Level 2 with 389 points, a member since May 8, 2011) posted the following:



Christians: when does it become gossiping....?

So you come home from school/work and you start complaining about an acquaintance of yours who's been treating you wrongly. You tell them everything they've said/done to you and say things like 'He's so annoying' and 'I can't stand him' etc.... Is this gossiping? It it a sinful conversation?... Or are you simply sharing your life with your family?

When does it become a sin? Opinions please!



THE BATTLE AXE: Therefore There Was Trust (01/07/2013)—Christian believers, today, receive the account of Abraham willing to sacrifice his son Isaac as an important type that clarifies promise and salvation from our Creator through the judgment, suffering and death of the Incarnate person of GOD, Jesus Christ. A ram was discovered entangled among thorn bushes, and served as a substitute provided by GOD to replace the living boy. Given his position as heir to the priesthood and the promises from GOD bestowed upon Abraham, the obedience and submission by Isaac (the son) may be seen having as great significance as that of Abraham (the father), who is called “the Friend of GOD” (see James 2: 23 and 4: 4, KJV). Intimate knowledge and relationship to GOD are through faith, a totally divine substance residing in the fullness of the Divine Person. Faith is inseparable from such other aspects of divinity as holiness, joy, love, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. While believers receive necessary increases of faith through the imparted, indwelling Spirit, they only come into consistency and mature understanding by practice, repetition, and self-regimen over the course of time. Many sacred experiences and years of spiritual growth may be required before one routinely operates with faith having the focus and power seen through Abraham and Isaac. The apostles who were chosen as witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus all had lived with him on a daily basis, had been eyewitness of his ministry and miracles, and received the Comforter at Pentecost. Those simple men could work as church-builders, preachers and teachers because they had gone through intimate experience to impart and nourish faith. Now, a spirit from GOD that always has been a part of created beings and living creatures, that would occasionally visit and leave selected persons, has become an abiding presence that will remain in all believers. Therefore there is trust.



THE GOLDEN ARROW: Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. (Matthew 12: 33-37, KJV)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Mockers in the Last Times (11/14/2012); Yet If I Judge (09/05/2012); Father Forgive (09/06/2012); About Being Friendly (03/09/2012); Faith Establishes Law (03/10/2012); (08/24/2011) Dispatch 16: The Ally (Wounded); Respect? (01/02/2011); Not Accepted? (01/03/2011)



      Sharing a “factual” report that describes another person’s behavior is not automatically an attack upon their character and reputation that would encourage listeners to deny cooperation, opportunities, privileges or respect to the person who has been spoken about. Also, requesting ideas and alternative responses from others is not the same as soliciting judgment. Even so, because we realize that what we say, and how we say it (using facial expression, gestures, body language and movement), are easily misinterpreted, taken out of context, and applied beyond the limited scope of a speaker’s intent, we “silently” agree to be careful, and restrict our speech. The lines among hints, insinuation, “unfounded accusations,” persuasion, and false witness are subtle (i.e., barely detectable; nearly invisible).

      Where the name “Satan” is held to mean “adversary”, the word “devil” is defined as “one who slanders.” To slander is to “bad mouth” someone in their absence (we say talk about them “behind their back”), and is called “character assassination,” gossip, “muckraking,” “murmuring,” “digging up dirt” and “whispering.” Given the intent and purpose of such behavior is to damage and hurt another, those who practice slander are accounted as servants to Satan. As such, they are the source of deceit, lies, and misinformation. While they promote their thrusts against another as righteous indignation and divinely directed judgment, unrighteousness characterizes their effort. Almighty GOD goes so far as to raise the wicked dead that they may respond to their only accuser in judgment, the record of their own behavior and deeds. (Satan, the accuser of the brethren, already will have been cast into the lake of fire, the second death.)

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, the person we would gossip about is the person we should pray will receive life-changing benefit from GOD. Believers should never speak about another person what they won’t speak to them face-to-face. The same discipline, tact, and skill they would use to avoid making someone angry, combative, insulted and provoked when speaking to them in private is to be used when speaking about them in public. Saying this another way, what you may not say when praying to GOD requesting that another person have benefit—that is, when showing love—is better left out of mind, and unspoken.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC