(11/10/2019) Patriotic Songs To Worship?

This Sunday, as the observance of Veterans Day approaches in America, November 11, 2019, reply is on the use of patriotic songs during Christian worship. The Spirit imparted to make divinity present and knowable is different from a man or woman’s fighting spirit, esprit de corps, pride, the sense of brotherhood, and the special camaraderie among soldiers and others who together are the defenders of homes, communities, and states (we say, emergency first responders, militia, police). It is not an error or transgression of sacred law that men unite as a geopolitical nation or sovereign state appealing to GOD for benefits, blessings, deliverance, and privilege. Also, achievements, hardship, mourning, suffering, and victory all are to be celebrated and lifted up to GOD by united peoples. Even so, the church of Jesus Christ is to operate on earth as ambassadors from the kingdom of heaven. Men, women, and children are to become filled with spirit substance from the makeup of GOD. As though they had no other country of origin, or place of birth other than heaven, sinners will be set apart to exist as life companions to divinity by their repentance and acceptance of permanent change. As those “born again”, sanctified and vessels of divine fullness, developing Christian believers will be acknowledged as “peculiar” because of their godly lifestyle and daily routines, rather than for their business, family, political, or social affiliation. It is written: 2^nd Acts 17: 24-31, King James Version (KJV): 24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 25 Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; 26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; 27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: 28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. 29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. 30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shared) posted the following:

At Mass, should we Really be singing patriotic songs instead of worshiping God?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For the grace of God that bringer salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (Titus 2: 11-14, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Kings, Popes, Priests, Prophets? (09/22/2019); Messiah Already Has Come (04/14/2019); Being A Holy Nation (02/20/2018); Eternal Praise and Worship? (01/30/2018); Righteousness Exalts A Nation (07/04/2017); Politics and The Kingdom? (05/31/2017); Beliefs, Customs and Racism? (09/24/2014); GOD Speaking Through Song? (11/01/2013); Why Not One Bible? (11/02/2013)

“Anonymous”, among Christians, activities and gatherings for worship must address a broad range of needs within the community of believers, and are intended to provide encouragement, guidance, and nourishment to those having multiple levels of commitment, maturity, need, and understanding. The up-tempo music of the marching band, patriotic songs, and sermons to rouse the elan and shared national spirit are often used in church services with the intent of crystallizing and expressing gratitude, hope (i.e., an expected end; the fulfillment of divine promise), joy, and all the other inseparable aspects of spirit endowment from the makeup of GOD. Included are faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

In Christian gatherings for sacred acknowledgment and praise, there should be no effort by worship leaders to influence politics and social platforms, or to identify and make thrusts against other ethnic and racial groups, other nations, or those having different national origins. Rather than a focus on carnal reasoning, material objects and social behavior, the primary focus is to fellowship with and through Jesus Christ. Sinners who return to GOD through the salvation offered by his Son are not approved on the basis of their nationality, tribe, skin color, employment, poverty, wealth, or their status as citizens and immigrants. Born-again believers are granted fresh endowments of life essence and are to exist as the new creation. Developing believers are to receive Christ-likeness, eternal purpose, mercy in judgment, justification, and glorification through an ongoing relationship that will continue even despite the occurrence of death. Prayer that includes confession of errors, faith, and material needs should appear along with prophecy (i.e., comfort, edification, and exhortation). Thanksgiving may be made and memorials for specific events in ones collective and public life as well as ones personal and private life. Consider the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

(1.) 1^st Chronicles 16: 8-12, King James Version (KJV): 8 Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people. 9 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works. 10 Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. 11 Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually. 12 Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;

(2) 1^st John 1: 1-10, KJV: 1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. 5 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. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 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. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

(3.) Hebrews 10: 23-27, KJV: 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. 26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D02LsAp8xow.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 7:40 AM, November 10, 2019 @ https://2012patriot.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/one-nation-under-god.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(11/03/2019) Christian Celebration And Rejoicing

Returning Home with Victory, Washington Nationals 1^st Baseman, Ryan Zimmerman displays the 2019 World Series Trophy

Today, reply is on authentic Christian celebration. Many Christians will not celebrate Halloween and popular holidays that appear to continue fear, gluttony, idolatry, misery, rebellion, wickedness, and willfulness. Even so, Christians are committed to celebrating liberty, life, and prosperity. To acknowledge the home team winning the 2019 World Series baseball championship, the Nation’s Capitol, Washington, D. C., held a public sports rally on a Saturday (Sabbath) afternoon that was attended by thousands. Among the followers of Jesus Christ, rejoicing does not have to appear as colorful and loud social gatherings that feature eating, drinking, excitement, and carnal pleasure. Because joy is an aspect of divine fullness, where genuine joy appears, divinity always is present; and joy that also is invisible may be discerned by balance, modesty, quiet, restraint, silence, and rest. Divinely provided joy is inseparable from faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Joy will appear as the expression of gratitude and reverence to divinity through actions such as affirming accord and agreement; confessing ones own accountability, commitment, limits, needs, and infirmities; declaring the name (accomplishments; reputation), personhood, and works of divinity; displaying humility; bestowing gifts, offerings, praise, sacrifice, and worship on behalf of divinity; and yielding to GOD for reconciliation, resolution of conflict, and the settlement of disputes and quarrels. It is written: Psalms 45: 6-8, King James Version (KJV): 1 My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer. 2 Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever. 3 Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty. 4 And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things. 5 Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king’s enemies; whereby the people fall under thee. 6 Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. 7 Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. 8 All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. (1^st Peter 4: 12-14, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Divine Anger at Harvest? (05/26/2019); Sabbath Acknowledges Divine Personhood? (05/14/2018); Chocolate Bunnies! Easter Eggs! (04/18/2017); Why An Easter Season? (04/19/2017); On Wearing Sports Jerseys? (11/20/2015); Spring-training (04/11/2014); Kill the Blog Writer! (04/12/2014); Will GOD Bless My Team? (12/31/2012); Put Every Man His Sword By His Side (01/01/2013)

While Christian belief is to be firm, grave, and sober, believers are not to be dark, depressing, morbid, and scary. It is no sin, and it is not wrong to work hard, to become excellent, to be pleased with your own performance, and to seek fair and meaningful incentives, payment and wages along with correct measures of respect and support. However, many, today, pursue goals of becoming outstanding, prominent, and special on the basis of covetousness, deceit, envy, and exaggerated pride. The greater part of their lifestyle and daily routines may be devoted to accomplishing objectives, and measuring up to standards that are not shared by family, friends, and others, and that they may experience as attacks, unfair criticism, judging others, and thrusts against themselves. Ones determination, focus on personal goals, practice that results in growth, and adhering to self-discipline should provide great satisfaction, yet, lasting joy, happiness, and success will continue to be elusive. The working of appetite, desire, lust, passion, and sensuousness come and go, so to speak, and emerge as displays from ones flesh that can only be brief and episodic. Genuine joy abides, is organic (part of what and who you are), and is unending; even so, joy, may be denied, dismissed, ignored, neglected and unseen. There must be a correct acknowledgment of divinity as the origin and source of joy through endowments and operations of spirit content imparted from divine fullness. Joy shared within the Godhead may appear among men as cheerfulness; comfort during bereavement; dancing; discovery; ecstasy; forgiveness; healing of depression and melancholy; inebriation; jumping for joy; laughter; newness; receiving and speaking truth; remembering; recovery; restoration; music and song. Consider the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) Psalms 100: 1-5, King James Version (KJV): 1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. 2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. 3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

(2.) Nehemiah 8: 8-11, KJV: 8 So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading. 9 And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. 10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. 11 So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved.

(3.) Psalms 150: 1-6, KJV: 1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. 2 Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. 3 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. 4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. 5 Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. 6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, a selection from the music ministry of Donnie McClurkin (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXmOK8MpaeU.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 11:45 PM, October 31, 2019 @ https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EIPaGHtWkAAsqV0.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(01/11/2019) Biblical Replies On Forgiveness?

Today, reply is on the practice, principles and substance of forgiveness. In modern society, many rely on exposing and sharing hidden emotions and feelings as one of the highest forms of honesty in relationship, and the most sincere act they may perform to show the depth of their love. These continue the error that expressions from our organs and tissues (we say, the brain; the flesh; the mind) are more vital to human survival and living together as families and groups than the acknowledgment and application of imparted spirit content from the makeup of divinity. The flesh ages and decays continually; is temporal; is ever-changing through growth, injuries, and variations in weight; is centered on its own process (e.g., appetite; elimination; reproduction; sensation); and the flesh contributes to imbalance, irrational behavior, and spiritual confusion in the same way as dependency on the workings of finite human willpower. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality public forum using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shared) posted the following:

In practical terms, what does it mean to forgive those who trespass against us?

Is it enough that I am not acutely angry at anyone, that I'd welcome reconciliation? Or am I required to root out any and all resentment I hold and apply forgiveness to each thing I can remember? Honestly, I can forgive people more easily than I can forgive the things they've done.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: (Luke 6: 28-38, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Divine Forgiveness and Justice (01/01/2019); Applying The Divine Standards (10/02/2018); Divine Forgiveness Not Enough? (09/22/2017); Balance, Forgiveness and Justice (08/08/2017); The Practice of Love (07/27/2017); Salvation Goes Beyond Forgiveness (06/30/2017); Forgiveness, Grace and Merit (06/22/2017)

“Anonymous”, because forgiveness is a spirit substance that exists within the full makeup of divinity, forgiveness is inseparable from other aspects of divine fullness such as forbearance, holiness, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Christian believers are to acknowledge that the active presence and power of forgiveness are most properly discerned where there is the clear sorrowing for sins, and the open expression of gratitude and love. The practical behavior and conduct to bestow forgiveness always will be spiritual in its character and nature; and forgiveness will be received only through operations of faith. Therefore, among Christians, the following that uses language from the Bible are relied on for correction and guidance:

1. Luke 7: 40-50, King James Version (KJV): 40 And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. 41 There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. 42 And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? 43 Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. 44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. 45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. 48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. 49 And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? 50 And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

2. Mark 11: 22-26, KJV: 22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. 23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. 24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. 25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. 26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 3. Colossians 3: 12-17, KJV:  12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/15/2018) The Gift Of GOD

Today, the reply is on salvation as a gift from GOD that rewards, yet, challenges and chastens those who receive it. Salvation is a divine process not one that has been fashioned by mankind. Salvation serves against sin, and does not satisfy every finite desire or temporal lust. The immense value of salvation comes by its inclusion of such elements as balance; being accounted as someone having great worth and value; becoming Christlike and displaying his image; completeness; focus; forgiveness; life; and eternal life. Believers are encouraged to “stir up the gift,” however, correctly understood it is the process of GOD that it is the believer who is to be stirred up, and that, by the gift. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality public forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

Is my life worth living anymore?

I listen to people like Paul Washer, David Platt, etc and they say things like Jesus does not love everyone or did not die for everyone. I guess I was not worth dying for to him so maybe my life is not worth much. It sucks to be like this. I just want truth. I can barely cry out for repentance and I can't stop sinning. I need to forsake all sin. I am ready to give up.

Update: This is so hard... Who is telling the truth? I do not want to commit suicide over religion

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. (James 1: 16-18, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Given Us From Heaven? (09/25/2018); First, Become Born Again (09/21/2018); Blessed Assurances Are Provided (09/19/2018); Believers Must Become “Ripe” (09/02/2018); Rendering Our Reasonable Service (06/15/2018); Forsaken Upon The Cross? (03/17/2016); We Are Still Sinning (11/30/2013); Like A Thief? (12/01/2013); Struggling (05/11/2013); Through Much Tribulation (05/12/2013)

“Anonymous”, here are some thoughts shared among mature Christian believers who acknowledge that life as a follower of Jesus is often difficult, distressing, and perplexing. Developing believers are to acknowledge that the multiple operations of divinity within their own lives are freely given gifts from GOD. The nature and process of sharing divine gifts is one that goes beyond simply igniting gratitude or lending fuel to obligation. Those who become endowed are also to display accountability, decision-making, dutifulness, longsuffering, patience, restraint, quiet strength, trust, and zeal. Believers are to avoid overly relying on the counsels and opinions of clergy, family, friends and one another by acknowledging instead the teachings from Scripture as their sacred standard and measuring rule. Thus, consider the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) 1^st Corinthians 2: 1-5, King James Version (KJV): 1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

(2.) Jeremiah 29: 11, KJV: 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

(3.) Joshua 1: 9, KJV: 9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

(4.) Ephesians 2: 1-10, KJV: 1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

(5.) 2^nd Corinthians 4: 6-10, KJV: 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. 8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (6.) 2^nd Corinthians 4: 17-18, KJV: 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(11/23/2017) Abundance, Plenty and Harvest!

Today, thoughts are shared on divine abundance and plenty as well as America’s annual harvest celebration, Thanksgiving Day.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:



What are you doing to be thankful for Jesus Christ and all the wonderful things he has done on this great day of thankfulness?



THE GOLDEN ARROW:  So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.  And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.  Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared:  for this day is holy unto our Lord:  neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.  So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved.  And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.  (Nehemiah 8:  8-12, King James Version, KJV)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  One Root, One Harvest (11/12/2017); Gratitude Appears By Grace (09/11/2017); ...Gathered In My Name (05/29/2017); About the Second Coming? (01/18/2014); Unprofitable Servants? (01/19/2014); Are Holidays Bad? (11/16/2013); Denying GOD by Eating Shrimp? (11/17/2013)



“Anonymous”, here are some thoughts I would like to share:  For many mature Christian believers abundance, plenty, and outpourings to express gratitude are manifestations that make us aware of the unseen active presence who is GOD.  The imparted Spirit from GOD that appears to reveal the fullness of divinity (we say, the Godhead) and establish rebirth in water baptism also generates consciousness of healing, hope, joy, a lawful reward for ones labor, and the return of Jesus Christ (we say, Advent, the harvest, the Rapture, the Second Coming).  In Bible days, the times of anointing to sanctify and consecrate kings and priests, in-gathering and sheep-shearing were experienced as days of harvest celebration and thanksgiving.  Even so, because harvest is a season, not merely a one-day event, those who labor receive accord, cooperation and harmony (we say, fellowship, teamwork), resources for the cancellation of debts, the dispelling of fear and uncertainty, times of rest after reaping as well as refreshing, resolution of conflict and reuniting within the family.  Thanksgiving, therefore, is anticipated, occurs, and is acknowledged throughout most of the entire world at the same (and overlapping) time, and so is understood to be a season of Peace.  Surely, as encouragement to those who labor in the Lord, the following prophecies to comfort, edify, and exhort are written:

(1.)  Psalms 100:  4-5, King James Version (KJV):  4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise:  be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
 
(2.)  1st Chronicles 22:  14-16, KJV:  14 Now, behold, in my trouble I have prepared for the house of the LORD an hundred thousand talents of gold, and a thousand thousand talents of silver; and of brass and iron without weight; for it is in abundance:  timber also and stone have I prepared; and thou mayest add thereto.  15 Moreover there are workmen with thee in abundance, hewers and workers of stone and timber, and all manner of cunning men for every manner of work.  16 Of the gold, the silver, and the brass, and the iron, there is no number. Arise therefore, and be doing, and the LORD be with thee.

(3.)  1st Chronicles 29:  20-22, KJV:  20 And David said to all the congregation, Now bless the LORD your God. And all the congregation blessed the LORD God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads, and worshipped the LORD, and the king.  21 And they sacrificed sacrifices unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings unto the LORD, on the morrow after that day, even a thousand bullocks, a thousand rams, and a thousand lambs, with their drink offerings, and sacrifices in abundance for all Israel:  22 And did eat and drink before the LORD on that day with great gladness. And they made Solomon the son of David king the second time, and anointed him unto the LORD to be the chief governor, and Zadok to be priest.

There is far more from our Creator and Savior that could be shared and shown acknowledging this day (for example, (4.)  2nd Corinthians 4:  13-18, KJV:  13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;  14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.  15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.  16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.  17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;  18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen:  for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/09/2017) Giving, A Divine Discipline?

Today, reply is to a teen on giving as a sacrament and sacred discipline within the body of Christ.  The questions I respond to in this sacred writings blog usually are taken from an Internet site that serves as a public forum.  While the writers there often are insulting by accusing divinity, making use of sarcasm, or even deliberately blaspheming, many pose questions very close to those I once asked as a young Christian believer, and that continue as hidden, suppressed and unasked among some who are long-time church members.  In the church, giving is a duty, an obligation, and a privilege that further establishes sacred balance, interdependence, maturity, and stability.  Money may serve as an emblem and token for a broad range of offerings that include allegiance, effort, esteem, labor, possibilities, reverence, and amounts of time.  Abundance and plenty promote confidence, joy, and security; and giving expresses eternal purpose and love by adding and imparting value to the beloved.  A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:


Why is money even a thing with church?

I know I'm only 15 and Adults think teenagers don't know anything, but this time I think it's the adults who are blind. Recently I stopped going to church with my mother because I started to find the collection bowl for God's offering and the pastor's offering offensive. I mean like what does God want with money? Nowhere in the bible does God ever ask us to render money unto him. So I ask the office lady at my Church what happens to the money collected as the Church and she says "Electricity, water, upkeep and other programs like the deconess breakfast don't pay for themselves." I then ask her why the pastor needed an offering and she said "The pastor is a hardworking man and we have to give what we can to help him out."

At this I ran out the church with my head sweltering. I mean why would we call an offering that's going to the church bank account an offering to God? It smells heavily of bait & switch. And then why would we give the pastor ANYTHING? A priest is supposed to spread the word because God commands his heart, not to line his wallets. To that end I thought priest were supposed to live a humble life never accepting money for themselves? It makes it seem like Church is more a business than a school of God. I don't think money should have anything to with Church because it brings greed and corruption.

Update: @Anon It's obvious you don't either, seeing as you failed to elaborate on your general remark.

Update 2: @James We're not in elementary. There is no need for name calling. I'm just trying to figure out the heart of this dilemma.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God the gold for things to be made of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and the brass for things of brass, the iron for things of iron, and wood for things of wood; onyx stones, and stones to be set, glistering stones, and of divers colours, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance.  Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house.  Even three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven thousand talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the houses withal:  The gold for things of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and for all manner of work to be made by the hands of artificers. And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the LORD?  Then the chief of the fathers and princes of the tribes of Israel and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the rulers of the king’s work, offered willingly,  And gave for the service of the house of God of gold five thousand talents and ten thousand drams, and of silver ten thousand talents, and of brass eighteen thousand talents, and one hundred thousand talents of iron.  And they with whom precious stones were found gave them to the treasure of the house of the LORD, by the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite.  Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD:  and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.  (1st Chronicles 29:  2-9, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  What Does Divinity Want? (03/13/2017); Fundraising A Sacred Practice? (01/01/2017); About Giving to GOD (12/13/2016); More On Sacrificial Giving (11/03/2015); A $1,000 Dollar Seed? (11/02/2015); Christ Receives the Tithes? (08/04/2015); A Price for Religious Liberty? (06/30/2015); On Being Good Stewards (12/17/2013); Traditional Marriage? (12/18/2013)


“Anonymous”, here are some important ideas for developing believers.  Giving within the church to the church is a work of faith.  Correctly understood, sinners become members of a church so they may be continually and regularly nourished and supported while they are being permanently changed and transformed through divine operations by the imparted Spirit of GOD.  Many of us have experienced and participated in programs offered by Christian congregations and assemblies of faith as aspects of our own family life, and a special form of inheritance from our parents or other caretakers.  In many cases, such beginnings have been only carnal, material, secular, and social.  Thus, we repeatedly hear, You must be born again.  There must be the death and burial of the inborn spirit, with resurrection having divine DNA, so to speak.  Well-meaning, yet, vain (lacking spirit substance) practices often are brought into the place for service and worship as though the church is only another community recreation center.  Thus, it is difficult to apply discernment (i.e., correctly recognize and respond to spirit content from the makeup of GOD that will appear within sacred events, oneself, other persons, prophecy, the holy writings, etc.).

In the same way obedience—putting aside ones own will to carry out and perform the will of another—is one of the most recognizable expressions of genuine love (and so is acknowledged in the vows of holy matrimony), other unmistakable marks of mature love among Christians are accountability, commitment, continually acquiring sacred knowledge, and outpourings of gratitude, respect, and thanksgiving.  The Holy Spirit must impart inseparable aspects of divinity to those who are “born again,” and they must “grow up again” enduring challenges, “growing pains,” and even suffering with Christ.  Included are faith, holiness, joy, hope, meekness, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Because every believer does receive some measure of fresh spirit content, believers are accounted as a new creation through Jesus Christ having oneness without sameness.  There can be great diversity within a congregation, for all do not have the same level of knowledge, maturity, and willingness to unselfishly serve.

Salvation is carried out and completed through divine operations, rather than through application of finite tools such as feelings, intellect, logic, philosophy, and science.  Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Law Giver, and the Creation grounded in sacred law.  Because the living accept sin as natural, normal, and in no way contrary their own makeup, sin may dominate awareness and self-will (willpower) within created beings and living creatures.  Sin can not influence or manipulate the divine will; thus, the living are granted fresh endowments of divine will to reinforce their character, focus, and process when identifying and resisting sin.  Through the Spirit, giving, stewardship, and other forms of service are aspects of sacrament (sacred practice), and are no longer inappropriate, irritating, and upsetting.  By continual practice, the discipline and order within the community of shared spirit is to become “second nature” like breathing in and out.  Consider again the following:

(1.)  Proverbs 19:  16-18, King James Version (KJV):  16 He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.  17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.  18 Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.

(2.)  Proverbs 19:  22, KJV:  22 The desire of a man is his kindness:  and a poor man is better than a liar.

(3.)  James 2:  14-19, KJV:  14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?  15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,  16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?  17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.  18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works:  shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.  19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well:  the devils also believe, and tremble.

(4.)  1st Corinthians 9:  11-14, KJV:  11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?  12 If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.  13 Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?  14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  1st Chronicles 29:  10-18, KJV:  10 Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation:  and David said, Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.  11 Thine, O LORD is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty:  for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.  12 Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.  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:)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(09/11/2017) Gratitude Appears By Grace

Today, reply is made on why people are thanking GOD following “divinely caused” disastrous weather events.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “SupaStar” (Level 5 with 8,173 points, a member since August 07, 2014) posted the following:


Religiously Speaking, having just come through Hurricane Irma here in Tampa Bay, why are people "thanking god" for saving their lives...?

...but not blaming that bastard for sending the killer storm in the first place?

How is this different from thanking someone when they stop hitting you on the head with a hammer?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;  Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.  For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.  (2nd Corinthians 1:  3-5, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Storms to Punish America? (09/08/2017); Testing and Divine Process (06/12/2017); Endurance, Humility and Obedience? (06/04/2017); Divine Delay and Prayer? (03/22/2017); What Does Divinity Want? (03/13/2017); Accepting the Divine Will? (12/06/2016); Unless You Repent (03/05/2013); The Childhood of Jesus? (03/06/2013); Faith for Facing Tragedy? (06/04/2013); Words Spoken By GOD? (06/05/2013)


“SupaStar”, the basis for correct relationship with GOD is receiving and containing divine spirit.  Mature Christian believers understand that gratitude, thankfulness, and works that acknowledge the grace of GOD appear in created beings and living creatures as provisions from divinity like life essence, “the spark of life,” breath, word, and “sacred utterance” through the Holy Spirit.  A very different framework for understanding must be used that is not carnal, material, secular, and social—that includes no bastards—and that center on spirit substance without relying on time or space.  The power of emotion (e.g., anger, fear, sorrow) must be suspended along with that of appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, sexual craving) and sensation (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching).  Gratitude will only appear as part of what and who your are in Christ, a new creation that is established in part through rebirth, gradual development, growing pains, and suffering.  In the same way, some continually display a character and makeup that is bitter, destructive, or suicidal, and have no control or willpower to permanently change themselves, sinners who yield their lives and personalities become vessels of sacred substance (we say, offspring, sons and daughters of GOD) through operations of the Holy Spirit, not of their own self-will.  Consider again the following that I’m sure you have seen before:

(1.)  Hebrews 12:  7-9, King James Version (KJV):  7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?  8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.  9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence:  shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

(2.)  1st Corinthians 12:  3, KJV:  3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed:  and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

(3.)  John 1:  11-13, KJV:  11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.  12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:  13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

There is far more to 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

(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