(02/16/2020) Mankind A Divine Instrument

Today, reply is on GOD’s use of mankind to perform the sanctions against sin that are proclaimed through divine law. GOD promised Abraham that, following a sojourn among the Egyptians, the Patriarch’s descendants would someday occupy Canaan. The seven tribes that first occupied Canaan were to be totally destroyed because of their betrayal, rebellion, and sin. The Amalekites also were among the tribes that opposed the occupation of Canaan by those who left Egypt under Moses to become the new covenant partners with GOD. In the judgment of GOD, evil and wickedness are not determined by gender; and the wickedness of children and females can be as great and greater than that of adult males. As the instrument of GOD, men are not only appointed officers of the divine court to carry out judgment on the earth (i.e., executioners), mankind is also the expression of consecrated balance, comfort, grace, impartial justice, mercy, and righteousness. It is written: Romans 13: 1-4, King James Version (KJV): 1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data shown) posted the following:

Why did God command humans to wipe out the Amalekites, rather than just do it himself?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And Saul came to a city of Amalek, and laid wait in the valley. And Saul said unto the Kenites, Go, depart, get you down from among the Amalekites, lest I destroy you with them: for ye shewed kindness to all the children of Israel, when they came up out of Egypt. So the Kenites departed from among the Amalekites. And Saul smote the Amalekites from Havilah until thou comest to Shur, that is over against Egypt. (1^st Samuel 15: 5-7, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Godliness Characterizes Authentic Humanity (02/06/2020); Accountable for Spreading Disbelief (02/02/2020); Judge Not The Appearance (01/12/2020); Do Not Spare Them? (12/15/2019); A Death Penalty Necessary? (11/27/2019); The Sovereignty Of GOD (11/24/2019); Eternal Judgment With Mercy (11/19/2019); Judgment Against The Canaanites (08/01/2018)

“Anonymous”, mankind is not merely a divine creation to populate and serve as a caretaker for the earth. Mankind is to exist as a divine instrument and sacred tool that makes otherwise immortal, incorruptible, unseen divinity known, “visible”, and approachable. Mankind displays the image of GOD, and is to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ. Through humanity there are expressions of divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) that include sacred dominion, active presence, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. The divine order and sacred law required for balance and stability of the universe must be acknowledged, carried out, and observed by mankind. The work of eliminating the operations of sin can not be accomplished through the finite tools of mankind such as intellect, logic, philosophy, carnal reason, science, and self-will (human willpower). The operations of GOD must appear that include atonement, correction, death, forgiveness, judgment, mercy, rebirth, resurrection, and the second death. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

(1.) Psalms 115: 15-17, King James Version (KJV): 15 Ye are blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth. 16 The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD’s: but the earth hath he given to the children of men. 17 The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence.

(2.) Lamentations 3: 39-45, KJV: 39 Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins? 40 Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD. 41 Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens. 42 We have transgressed and have rebelled: thou hast not pardoned. 43 Thou hast covered with anger, and persecuted us: thou hast slain, thou hast not pitied. 44 Thou hast covered thyself with a cloud, that our prayer should not pass through. 45 Thou hast made us as the offscouring and refuse in the midst of the people.

(3.) Ezekiel 16: 49-50, KJV: 49 Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. 50 And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.

(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 that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJ-iXt14nrg.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 3:22 AM, February 16, 2020 @ https://godanautobiography.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/1525208_570526823034082_431575956_n.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(04/08/2016) Love From The Cross?

The revelation of love by Jesus Christ upon the cross is in view, today.  Sin not only contends against the continued existence of divine law, sin also opposes all expression of divine love.  Through love, the focus of the cross must be seen as all heaven and earth, with issues that go beyond death, judgment, law, or punishment.  There is a defining demonstration of the principles for attitude and conduct to be displayed upon the earth made new.  Consider how this is stated in the language of the Bible, and within the presentation below.  Also, trust that, despite time and space, through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood and truth from the cross are flowing to here and now:

Romans 5:  6-11, King James Version (KJV):  6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.  7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die:  yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.  8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.  10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.  11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

Romans 5:  17-21, KJV:  17 For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)  18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.  19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.  20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:  21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

Colossians 3:  12-15,  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.

One of the many fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (required profile data not shared) posted the following:

Does true love exists?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Beloved, let us love one another:  for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.  He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.  In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.  Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.  Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.  No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.  Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.  And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.  (1st John 4:  7-14, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Answered by The Cross? (03/14/2016); Love That Is Spirit? (01/28/2016); Divine Love Seen As Hate? (01/29/2015); Love at First Sight? (08/28/2014); Family and Beliefs of Children? (08/29/2014)

“Anonymous”, for mature Christian believers, Jesus Christ dying upon the cross reveals perfected love, and that aspect of divinity whereby unity is established and maintained.  The foundation for all healthy love relationships among carnal beings and living creatures is presented in the crucifixion including those for brotherly love that comes by affiliation and shared commitment, family love, marital love, and romantic love.  Hidden dimensions, overlooked, and improperly valued aspects of love were made visible such as authority, empathy, generosity, grace, impartiality, inclusiveness, obedience, perseverance, restraint, suffering, and vulnerability.  The operations of genuine love are always directed to eternal life, therefore, love engenders permanent change for continuity, growth, learning, stability, and transformation.  Going beyond displaying affection, passion or other temporal emotions that come and go, the intent and objective of love is to impart lasting value to another.  In his example to us from the cross, Jesus displayed no anger, bitterness, or fear.  There was accountability, dutifulness, gentleness, kindness, and respect.  Rather than complain, moan his own predicament, or rant against Caiaphas, Israel, Pontius Pilate, and Rome, the Savior continued his ministry of reconciliation.  He provided further assurances there would be the required atonement for mankind, and acted to fulfill promise and prophecy.  Consider the following points shared through the Bible:

(1.)  John 3:  16-19, King James Version (KJV):  16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.  18 He that believeth on him is not condemned:  but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.  19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

(2.)  John 15:  12-13, KJV:  12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.  13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

(3.)  Luke 23:  39-43, KJV:  39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.  40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?  41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds:  but this man hath done nothing amiss.  42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.  43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  John 19:  25-30, KJV:  25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.  26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!  27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.  28 After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.  29 Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar:  and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth.  30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished:  and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
 Washington, DC

(07/19/2014) We Become Comforters?

Today, I expand upon a comment (see below) that I posted on Facebook in response to photographs posted by a younger cousin of herself and her brother from some years ago.  I shared a Scripture proclaiming the triumph of Jesus Christ.  The enemy not only wanted to take my mother’s life away from me; even the only photograph I had of her—kept in a special scrapbook within the privacy of my bedroom—was coveted.  Thus, it is by things revealed in Christ that I have continued with balance and wholeness from GOD; and more than once, I have been privileged to see and speak with my mother in dreams.  I continue to believe Christ had prepared me and strengthened me for the common ordeal of losing a family member (e.g., children, parents, spouse, etc.), one that threatens most believers throughout their lives until the time it finally occurs.  Even so, as I thought on this, I realized, we are rarely given instruction by our parents, our friends, or our neighbors on what to do or say that correctly comforts and nourishes others in their bereavement.  Some years ago, at the last funeral I attended, I was forced to speak angrily after an example in the Bible:  Then Job answered and said,  I have heard many such things:  miserable comforters are ye all.  Shall vain words have an end? or what emboldeneth thee that thou answerest?  I also could speak as ye do:  if your soul were in my soul’s stead, I could heap up words against you, and shake mine head at you.  But I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the moving of my lips should asswage your grief.  (Job 16:  1-5, KJV)  I have since learned that, because the power of death is repeatedly experienced as an emotional or mental breakdown (we say, people are not themselves) that is accompanied by doubt, fear and spiritual upheaval, the intervention of GOD through Jesus Christ absolutely must appear in order for created beings and living creatures to have place within the eternal order that is to exist throughout the universe:


Thanks for sharing these.  For many years I’ve had a large scrapbook that I filled with my favorite verses of Scripture.  After my mothers death, I kept 3 special photographs there, including one taken of her during the 80s.  When someone (an abomination who apparently did not know me, have compassion toward me, or respect me) removed the photos, I was reminded once again:  Luke 12:  4-6, King James Version (KJV) 4 And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.  5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear:  Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.  Be encouraged!


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.  And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer:  or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.  And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.  (2nd Corinthians 1:  3-7, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  A “Good” Verse? (05/09/2014); What GOD Demands (05/10/2014); Our Present Comfort? (06/28/2013); Come As You Are? (06/29/2013); Faith for Facing Tragedy? (06/04/2013); Words Spoken By GOD? (06/05/2013); Scripture at Funerals? (04/30/2013)


Here are a few points believers should consider regarding our duty as comforters:

(1.)  The time for service as one who heals, one who reinforces, and a valuable ally who helps others around them to overcome bereavement, loss, and separation does not begin with the onset of a crisis.  Long before the  death of any loved one, divine love is imparted by the believer as a subtle (barely visible; hidden because quiet) presence, that, like a seed buried within the earth, appears and blossoms as godly benefit at a later time—when comfort may be least expected (and perhaps not even welcome) yet, most needed.  Comfort is not to be an artifact of mourning; comfort is to be an aspect of eternal life established now and today through ones regular routines of life.

(2.)  Those who insisted upon cheap talk, condemnation, and gossip behind your loved ones back, are no different than those who denied them because of their poverty, did nothing to encourage their positive efforts to meet challenges and overcome their problems, and refused to share or lift them up when given opportunities by GOD.  Comfort is not to be from the recall of kindness to oneself so much as it is to be the memory of kindness to ones deceased.  The blessing from GOD is twofold, a double portion, where we look back upon good works, and where the believer continues having relationship with those who did serve, share and uplift their deceased during the times of their struggles and victories.

(3.)  While gentleness, floral bouquets, releasing memorial balloons, prayers, and kind words are nice and thoughtful, the most meaningful comforts are those that come by our being filled with the Spirit of Jesus to establish continuous and eternal life.  Because GOD is active and present in (we say, inhabits) praise and the aspect of prophecy that is edification (we say, building up and comfort), divinity is conveyed and imparted to those who endure loss by proclaiming the promises of GOD in Christ, even resurrection from the dead, and completion of their transformation to be immortal and incorruptible at his appearing.  Thus, believers should be alert to obey 1st Thessalonians 4:  13-18, KJV:  13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.  15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.  16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God:  and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  What believers are to do as vessels of divinity (we say, incarnations of Spirit) is demonstrate and manifest divine love.  Thereby the believer acknowledges Jesus as son of the Highest, and “comforts” GOD, who has suffered separation from Christ through death, sin, and slander.  Christ within the living is the comfort to GOD that refreshes the Almighty Father as the power from his resurrection, as the new life from his ministry of atonement, and as the affirmation that a believer is one redeemed and saved in the judgment of GOD.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/10/2013) Loving the Enemy?

Focus today is on the divine command to love, and more on whether all Christian believers must die on the cross. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Harold” (Level 3 with 1,511 points, a member since June 24, 2009) posted the following:


Jesus said to love your enemies; how come no one follow his commandment?


THE BATTLE AXE: Death Has Been Transformed (05/09/2013)—(6.) The life and work of Christ also has established knowledge of death as a divine tool used in support of holiness, law, faith, eternal life, immortality, incorruption, and righteousness. Rather than the end of ones being, death through baptism signifies the beginning of new life. While the ministry on earth of Jesus Christ did include his raising the dead, Jesus did not alter the effect and physical process of death. Where life process (e.g., circulation, elimination, respiration) that must go on as continuous and cyclic is interrupted or shut down, damage to organs and tissue may become irreversible, and poisons may accumulate that block further functioning, recovery and regeneration. Once emotional, mental and spiritual function all cease, ones mortality is completed. Jesus has demonstrated resurrection, and clarified the divine processes and sacred purposes of judgment, including the second death. See 2nd Timothy 1: 7-10 and Romans 6: 1-23, King James Version. (7.) The death of Jesus upon the cross was to portray sacred operations that included atonement, obedience, offering, purification, and redemption. Jesus served as a living sacrifice that was holy, sinless, and filled with the divine instrument of blood that conveyed the substance of human life and spirit. Because the need of mankind has been met by a single, eternal act of GOD, there is no need that all believers die upon the cross. However, every believer is to identify with Jesus, and understand his life, ministry, death, resurrection, purpose, and Second Coming. See Romans 6: 10-12, Galatians 2: 16-21, 2nd Timothy 2: 11-13 and 2nd Timothy 4: 1-5, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW: Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5: 38-48, King James Version)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A GOD of Love? (05/07/2013); Commanding the Storm? (05/08/2013); Evidence of the Unseen Spirit? (04/09/2013); A Guide to Salvation (04/10/2013); My Brother’s Keeper? (04/05/2013); Issues for Children’s Church? (04/06/2013); The Love of GOD (03/03/2013); Our Need for a Son (03/04/2013)


Harold, here are some thoughts you might find useful as you complete your understanding of how created beings and living creatures may experience and show divine love:

(1.) As an aspect of divinity, love consists in more than affection, attraction, and carnal feelings. Sacred content from the person of GOD (such as faith, humility, love, joy, wisdom and wrath against sin) is invisible to those who lack the imparted, indwelling Spirit of Christ. For many our human concepts of love center upon association, exchange and various material, sexual and social themes. Christian believers are not required to lust after, or have sex with their every enemy, nor are believers always required to behave as if brain dead whenever they are insulted or attacked with violence. (To respond as a martyr, and quietly surrender ones spouse and children to bears or lions in the arena is only one of many possibilities for Christians.)

(2.) There are many obedient to Christ, however, we are not to wear a flashing neon sign to draw attention to ourselves. Self-justification, self-promotion, and showing-off are rarely useful when sharing the Gospel. Every believer should experience GOD’s revelation of himself by discovery, discernment and direct recognition (we say, without being told) because human affirmation of the truth is by realization of what is inarguable and self-evident.

(3.) In the same way a person knows the unseen force of wind is present by its action upon the tree tops, a kite, a piece of trash, a cloud, divine substance must be realized through operations of the Holy Spirit upon the lives and understanding of created beings and living creatures as well as upon material and physical objects. Where you can see the effects and results of spirit presence (like my writing this response to a stranger), you can begin to know the love of GOD in the terms of a fellow believer. 
 
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Among Christians destroying enemies may be called “killing them with kindness” or purification (i.e., heaping hot coals upon their heads). Enemies are to be eliminated by converting them into friends through courtesy, forgiveness, generosity, godliness, humble service, and respect. See Proverbs 25: 21-22 and Romans 12: 19-21, KJV.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(04/22/2013) When GOD Controls?

      A believer’s place within Divine Person, “I AM” as the name of GOD, and getting free of spiritual confusion are topics, today. Also, there is more on kindness to Mary. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Republican catholic” (Level 1 with 0 points, a member since March 14, 2012) posted the following:

I am god so can you!?

If i let god into my heart does that mean i am god? In theory i could let god in me and control myself. If i do anything under the influence i can just blame it on him right? Who ARE YOU TO QUESTION GOD?

Additional Details

I mean let him control me.

i like to bend spoons when god controls me sometimes i do others thing some ppl hate but its gods choice they should respect that and thank me for giving them a chance to be close to god

THE BATTLE AXE: A Kindness to Mary? (04/21/2013)—(5.) In the same way respect to Jesus does not diminish or reduce the glory and honor to Almighty GOD and the Holy Spirit, and continues a believer’s acknowledgment of the authority and sovereign majesty of the Father, respect to Mary as the mother of Jesus does not conflict with or undermine ones faith in Christ, and takes nothing away from the glory of the GODhead. Typically, believers do not have complete and correct knowledge of sacred truth embracing Mary until they have made careful and detailed study. There are many subtle connections that must harmonize among the doctrines, the Gospel, and other teachings that are put forth; however, they all stand upon a single foundation, Jesus as the One Sent. (6.) In the public forum, many share their faith, or gospel (good news) thinking that every opinion is acceptable. They are surprised to find that even faith and “good news” must pass muster, and are evaluated and ranked according to fixed judgments that have been developed over many years, and tested within many cultures. Saying this another way: No childish insults, underdeveloped thinking, spiritual confusion, or vain rant may pass as benefit to others, comfort, encouragement, help, humility, kindness, mature insight, love, prophecy, religious belief, righteousness, understanding, or godly wisdom. (7.) From before the birth of Jesus there have been those who accuse Mary of prostitution, and question the virgin birth in order to justify their belief that GOD has not been righteous in covenant, has not fulfilled prophecy, and has not appeared in flesh. There were those who attacked Jesus to his face with those very slanders, and so we count it as “ancient evil.” Like many today, they sought to participate in a conversation regarding divinity that would be grounded only in carnal, material and social truth without also considering what GOD would speak about himself, his sacred operations, and his own divine purposes. Neither the things that offend GOD, nor the things that please him can be known and recognized by those who lack the holy spirit of life from GOD that should reside in every created being and living creature. One of the most distinctive features of mature faith is a reluctance to attack others, and a continuing restraint in dealing with errors and thrusts from those who are still developing. Mistakenly regarded as acceptance and approval of sin, it is an appearance of the peace that passes understanding. See 1st Timothy 6: 3-8, King James Version. (8.) Mature Christian believers obey a discipline that goes a long way toward eliminating gossip, slander and unkindness: Say nothing about anyone, even to GOD, that you can not say to their face. Where what you say will not benefit those you speak about, let it remain unsaid; and, do not talk about others, talk to them.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. (John 17: 17-23, King James Version)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why Would GOD Worry About Us? (04/16/2013); How To Accept Bible Truth? (04/17/2013); About Preaching the Gospel (04/18/2013); Faith, Language and “Mystery” (04/11/2013); GOD Knows Tomorrow (04/12/2013); Evidence of the Unseen Spirit? (04/09/2013); A Guide to Salvation? (04/10/2013); Girdle 10: By The Breath (11/25/2011); Binder 7: The GODhead (10/04/2011)
    
     Here are some points to consider that many have found helpful when getting free of spiritual confusion, and the destructive habit of bending spoons:

(1.) The phrase “I AM” appears in the holy writings to suggest the enormous breadth, depth and impact of divine existence upon created beings and living creatures. As a holy name whereby GOD is known and spoken of in the earth, casual use of “I am” is avoided. This is particularly so where a believer embraces covenant relationship with GOD, and the divine commandments to prohibit taking or using the name of GOD in vain displays.

(2.) The profound truth that GOD inhabits Creation cannot be correctly applied and understood apart from the ongoing operations of Divine Person deposited within the living as their anointing, or endowment. GOD is a spirit, and must be acknowledged through spirit substance and truth. Included are faith, holiness, humility, hope, joy, longsuffering, love, wisdom and wrath against sin.

(3.) Clear standards for recognition of divine presence, sacred purpose, and eternal judgment have all been “published” and made accessible in the earth along with an incarnate example of glory, obedience and reverence, Jesus Christ. Divine law, proclamations, promises, and prophesies have been given such that there should be “no question” when identifying what is, and what is not, holy intent. See 1st John 5: 17, 2nd John 1: 9-11 and 1st John 4: 6-8, KJV.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) When the word of GOD continues to have a controlling influence within a person’s awareness, Christ is said to abide within. The believer in Christ has place within the fullness of GOD, who is spirit; and GOD, who is spirit, has more than merely a place as co-existing. By eternal union of Creator, created, and universe, the living become expressions of Divine Person and instruments of divine will, rather than their own self-will and the self-will of others.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC