(12/23/2019) The Place to Start

Today, reply is on the sacred person of Jesus Christ as the proper primary focus for sinners who seek forgiveness and reconciliation to GOD. The law and the prophets together were to be the platform for continuing relationship for Israel as a nation, and for the continuing relationship with GOD. Where emphasis became placed on obedience to the covenant law, the benefits, demands, and gifts to mankind through spirit process and substance became obscured. Included are adoption, inheritance, promise, rebirth, resurrection from the dead, and new life. It is written: Romans 3: 20-27, King James Version (KJV): 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. 27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “Shai” (Level 1 with 225 points) posted the following:

Why don't Christians start with learning Torah, as Jesus was Jewish.?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Vessels Filled With Righteousness (11/06/2019); That Not Of Yourselves (08/13/2019); Scripture Has No Ethnicity (05/27/2019); We Begin Within GOD (02/06/2018); A Beginning And End? (06/01/2017); The Best Starting Point? (09/13/2016); Ye Are Abraham’s Seed (07/10/2015)

“Shai”, rather than begin a life-long study of the Hebrew language to read Torah, sinners now may start a life-long process to continue in ongoing relationship with divinity through Jesus Christ. Even though Jesus remains invisible and unseen, believers are to learn of him, and to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus in their own lifestyles and daily routines. Becoming a mature believer in Jesus is achieved through operations by the Spirit of GOD that reconfigure ones awareness and self-will (willpower). The life essence (breath; sacred endowment; spirit; word) within sinners is transformed through such devices as discovery, fellowship with like-minded believers, gradual growth, practice, study of the holy writings, unselfish service, and suffering. Those who become born again all must “grow-up again” and become mature/ripe for harvest by the Lord at his coming.

Many Christian believers acknowledge the Torah as the body of sacred law received over several generations by Moses, the tribes of Jacob, and the mixed multitude that left Egypt. As a written record of admonitions, divine commandments, outcomes from resolving conflicts and disputes, prohibitions, proclamations, and sanctions within the law, many regard the Torah as the platform for Israel to exist as a kingdom among the nations of the earth. Traditions developed that failed to continue the commitment that was to be maintained respecting both the law and the prophets (i.e., the authority of their nonverbal demonstrations and pronouncements as spokespersons from GOD; their rebukes; their appearance as vessels containing spirit substance imparted from the makeup of divinity; and the authenticity of the revelations and visions they received). Efforts to avoid mysticism, spiritual confusion, superstition, and pursuing the occult increasingly saw factions of Pharisees and Sadduccees arise among the Levitical priests that insisted there be strict focus on the offerings, sacrifices and ceremonial law from GOD, rather than on divine gifts, promises, prophesies, and testimonies. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of the Barnes Family:

(1.) Matthew 11: 28-30, King James Version (KJV): 28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

(2.) Romans 8: 1-5, KJV: 1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 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.

(3.) Romans 8: 14-18, KJV: 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjmgOuPjtJ0.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 8:45 PM, December 22, 2019 @ https://www.survival.org.au/images/Jesus.jpg

AN AFTERTHOUGHT: Where the emphasis on sacred law requires believers to focus on judgment, obedience, repentance and tradition, emphasis on the spirit of prophecy gives priority to such sacred elements as atonement, commitment, discernment, forgiveness, praise, unselfish service, suffering, and thanksgiving. The life-long study and work are not for mastery of finite academic and secular tools (e.g., languages, carnal reason, critical thinking, tongues), rather, believers are to operate as life companions to immortal, incorruptible, invisible divinity. Thus, the Apostle Paul writes: Philippians 3: 13-14, KJV: 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(11/11/2019) To Learn From GOD

From James Tissot, a depiction of Mary learning at the feet of Jesus.

Today, reply is on learning about the Greek philosopher Plato, and learning about what GOD has revealed and spoken concerning divinity. Secular knowledge and wisdom are expressions by created beings and living creatures that focus on such features as appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, cravings for sexual contact), sensation, (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching), and emotion/mind (e.g., anger, fear, imagination, recall). Human philosophy and science attempt to describe material objects, life experience, and the physical world using finite, man-made tools for measurement and sharing information. Intellect, logic, and carnal reason are not sufficient to completely and correctly explain such elements as the origin, process, and substance for existence, life, and divine fullness that include faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. It is written: Isaiah 55: 7-11, King James Version (KJV): 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shared) in the public forum on Religion and Spirituality posted the following:

Does God think that he is a mathematician?

                   Biologists think they are biochemists,
                   Biochemists think they are Physical Chemists,
                   Physical Chemists think they are Physicists,
                   Physicists think they are Gods,
                   And God thinks he is a Mathematician.
                                          -Plato

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. (James 3: 13-18, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Focus On Things Revealed (09/12/2019); The Existence of “Goodness”? (12/06/2018); Divine Knowledge And Wisdom (06/24/2018); Idolatry -- Exalting Human Devices? (09/21/2017); Tools For Knowing Divinity (05/12/2017); Abstractions, Atheism and I.Q. (08/18/2016); Was Jesus Literate? (10/04/2013); Everything a Lie? (10/05/2013)

“Anonymous”, to learn of Plato, one may consult brittanica.com that reports, “Plato, (born 428/427 bce, Athens, Greece—died 348/347, Athens), ancient Greek philosopher, student of Socrates (c. 470–399 bce), teacher of Aristotle (384–322 bce), and founder of the Academy,”. At stanford.edu, the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy one reads, “Plato (429?–347 B.C.E.) is, by any reckoning, one of the most dazzling writers in the Western literary tradition and one of the most penetrating,”; and .en.wikepedia.org states that “Plato was an Athenian philosopher during the Classical period in Ancient Greece...the Academy founded by Plato was the first institution of higher learning in the Western world.” To learn of divine fullness (Christian believers also may say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) look into the things shared by the ministry of Jesus, be alert to hear GOD himself as he has been recorded in the holy writings. The sacred operations of divinity on behalf of mankind include Creation, judgment, Incarnation, revelation, and salvation. Divinity has appeared on the earth using thousands of events, within thousands of lives, over the course of thousands of years. Men are to learn by sharing with one another their own discoveries, edification, praise, and testimonies that make GOD knowable, approachable, present and visible. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Bishop Walter Hawkins:

1. Exodus 3: 13-15, King James Version (KJV): 13 And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? 14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. 15 And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, the LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.

2. Exodus 34: 6-8, KJV: 6 And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, 7 Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation. 8 And Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped.

3. Job 38: 1-11, KJV: 1 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, 2 Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? 3 Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. 4 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. 5 Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? 6 Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; 7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? 8 Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb? 9 When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it, 10 And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors, 11 And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?

4. Matthew 11: 28-30, KJV: 28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

5. John 6: 41-48, KJV: 41 The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven. 42 And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven? 43 Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves. 44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. 46 Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. 47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. 48 I am that bread of life.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended (for example, (6.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UH2KvYrzZgA&list=RDUH2KvYrzZgA&start_radio=1&t=130.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded at 6:20 PM, November 10, 2019 @ https://4000jesuspictures.com/706-jesus-ministry/martha-mary/j-james-tissot-91.jpg.html

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/10/2016) How To Get Faith?

Today, focus is on how atheism, feelings of depression, and self-destruction can be overcome by receiving belief in Jesus Christ.  Secular knowledge and our dependence upon operations and practices from the flesh and the world must be replaced by sacred knowledge and cooperation with the works of divine Spirit.  A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers (Singapore)” ID “mrsrobot” (Level 3 with 1,005 points, a member since June 26, 2016) posted the following:

How to believe in god?

i feel like life itself has no meaning and everyone can just commit suicide whenever they feel like it. it has been this way ever since i realized i was an atheist ( im quite young) i just want to have faith in something...i want to have faith in god like i used to please tell me what to do?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.  (2nd Timothy 1:  7, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Church Attendance and Inheritance (09/11/2016); Simple and Mature Faith (09/05/2016); Not Through Human Will? (01/29/2016); How Can Christians Believe? (08/12/2014); The Sin of Pride? (08/13/2014); Foolish For Not Believing? (03/22/2013); Science and the Laws of Nature? (03/23/2013); Suffering for Suicide? (12/12/2012); The Price of Humanity? (12/13/2012)

“mrsrobot”, be encouraged!  The “believing” you’re talking about can only be put into place by GOD.  Every mature Christian believer has had to endure periods when they felt afraid, confused and uncertain about the importance, meaning, and value of their own lives.  Created beings and living creatures must begin being grounded only in things carnal, material, and social.  A transformation and permanent changes must occur whereby they also may focus upon “spirit”.  Once a sinner becomes anchored with the understanding that their lives matter to the Almighty Creator, who is spirit, many of the obstacles, sorrows and worries they suffer are permanently overcome, and put behind them.  The process of GOD for a person to have a new experience of life and their own inner makeup is called “becoming born again” and “rebirth” that also require gradually “growing up” again.  While growth (i.e., aging; biological and natural development of ones body, mind, skill, etc.) and learning (i.e., acquiring and using new information; applying finite intellectual tools such as logic, measurement, philosophy, science, and critical thinking) are involved, the most necessary feature is the imparted, indwelling spirit of GOD (we say, the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth).  Inseparable aspects of the divine makeup must be received and applied.  Included are faith, forbearance, forgiveness, holiness, longsuffering, meekness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Such spirit content is communicated and passed on through divine law, through fellowship as believers that may include attending church, through the holy writings, through preaching, and through performing good works.  Consider how some of this is stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)  Romans 10:  13-17, King James Version (KJV):  13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.  14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?  15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!  16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?  17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

(2.)  John 3:  6-8, KJV:  6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.  8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth:  so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

(3.)  1st Corinthians 2:  9-14, KJV:  9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.  10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit:  for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.  11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.  13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.  14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God:  for they are foolishness unto him:  neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

There is far more to be said, carefully examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  John 3:  17-21, KJV:  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.  20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.  21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/09/2015) Growing Up Again?

Today, reply is made to a teen requesting guidance for further growth as a Christian.  Like others, followers of the Lord do not always get to have their own way.  There is no formula, “magic words,” or single catchword for developing believers; and, for many, insight and understanding only will come as they endure regular life challenges and hardships.  The life of a Christian does not center in enjoying oneself and pursuing various pleasures.  Every believer is called (we may say, recruited) to participate in the work of spreading the Gospel, and preparing a harvest for the Lord.  Consider again the following from the Bible and the recommendation that appears below:  Hebrews 5:  7-10, King James Version (KJV):  7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;  8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;  9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;  10 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.  Also, 1st John 2:  15-17, KJV:  15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.  17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof:  but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.  1st John 4:  1-3, KJV:  1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God:  because many false prophets are gone out into the world.  2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God:  Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:  3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God:  and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.  The young writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “XX” (Level 1 with 90 points, a member since December 08, 2015) posted the following:


How to be more Christlike ( how to be a better man)?

Hello I'm 15 and experienced a calling from the lord yesterday, I found him, I'm sure of it. I can't explain it but I was in tears, of joy. I have been raised as a Christian but up until yesterday I haven't truly found him. Im not sure I worded that properly but that's the only way I can explain in words. I want to follow the teachings of god and desire to become the best man I can. My question now is how can I become a better mam, more Christ like. I know its not that simple but what can I do in my everyday life to become a better person? I also want other advice for a young man that I should hear


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  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:  43-48, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Ongoing and Unfinished? (11/22/2015); Temptations, Tests and Trials? (05/12/2015); How To Renew The Mind (11/22/2013); Prayer not Enough? (07/12/2013); A Tree Falls To The South (07/13/2013)


“XX”, every Christian believer must undergo a process of learning and growth to become “ripe”.  Following water baptism (death of ones inborn spirit, rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak), the disciples of Jesus gradually experience changes within their character and substance.  All are being prepared and made ready to be taken from the earth at the return of Jesus Christ (called Advent, the harvest, the Rapture, and the Second Coming).  Born again, believers must “grow up again” and become mature facing the same “growing pains” and life challenges as all others alive upon the earth.  To be mature is to be balanced, complete, focused, and stable.  More than this, believers must become perfected.  Because our efforts to accomplish self-improvement are finite, and only continue our focus upon the flesh and the world (e.g., ambition, prestige, status, success), to be made perfect believers submit to operations of the Holy Spirit that are eternal.  Believers must participate in and submit to operations that are completed by divinity.  Included are confession, communion, praise, repentance, and sanctification.  The believer should engage in such actions as fellowship with more experienced believers, continuing study of the holy writings, service to GOD, and unselfish giving.  We acquire and apply sacred knowledge in our routine activity and daily living that then serves as our own inner preferences, principles and standards.  With this in view, reading the entire Bible is a goal for many believers, and the teachings from the Book of Proverbs have been very useful.  Even so, consider the following points out of the Scriptures:

(1.)  2nd Timothy 3:  16-17, King James Version (KJV):  16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

(2.)  Galatians 6:  8-10, KJV:  8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.  9 And let us not be weary in well doing:  for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.  10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

(3.)  1st Peter 4:  12-14, KJV:  12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:  13 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.  14 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.

There are many other verses that should be carefully considered, correctly understood, and made a part of ones spiritual arsenal.  (For example, (4.)  1st Peter 5:  6-11, KJV:  6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:  7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.  8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:  9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.  10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.  11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

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

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


How can you measure your spiritual progress?


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


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


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

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

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

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

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

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/26/2014) Concerning Meekness

Focus upon meekness as a spiritual gift through the Holy Spirit is continued, today.  Meekness is to characterize and be visible in both the believer’s approach to learning from GOD as well as their approach to sharing and teaching the things of GOD to others.  Meekness is an appetite for spiritual nourishment, and appears as readiness to learn, receptiveness, and willingness to respond to divine instruction with enthusiasm, humility and zeal.  In the same way a small child may repeatedly express a desire to contribute to adult work, and to help their parents when they see them doing chores and tasks about their own home, mature believers will express a desire to cooperate in the spiritual work of those sent (i.e., the bishops, deacons, evangelists, pastors, praise and prayer leaders, and other servants of GOD).  While the gifts of prophecy and speaking in tongues are welcome within the church as supernatural manifestations of the Holy Spirit, meekness with willingness to learn and study should be understood as primary for the process of acquiring sacred knowledge on a day to day basis.  Because they have not “done their homework” and they lack correct spiritual knowledge, young people often are frustrated, and feel their prayers go unanswered.  Many developing believers mistakenly insist that they need not listen to preaching, or read such holy writings as the Bible, commentaries by anointed teachers, and devotional materials.  For them, GOD is to be experienced through episodes and one-time, rare events.  In their understanding, faith, feelings, intuition and miracles are to direct a believer.  More correctly, mature believers choosing to build up and edify the community of faith also will display lesser known spiritual gifts such as discernment, discipline, gratitude, hospitality, meekness, perseverance, restraint, and vigilance.


THE BATTLE AXE:  The Gift of Meekness (11/25/2014)

Isaiah 1:  16-18, KJV—Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;  17 Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.  18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD:   though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Isaiah 26:  8-10, KJV—Yea, in the way of thy judgments, O LORD, have we waited for thee; the desire of our soul is to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee.  9 With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early:  for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.  10 Let favour be shewed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness:  in the land of uprightness will he deal unjustly, and will not behold the majesty of the LORD.

Isaiah 29:  17-24, KJV—Is it not yet a very little while, and Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be esteemed as a forest?  18 And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness.  19 The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.  20 For the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off:  21 That make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of nought.  22 Therefore thus saith the LORD, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob, Jacob shall not now be ashamed, neither shall his face now wax pale.  23 But when he seeth his children, the work of mine hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel.  24 They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine.

Matthew 11:  28-30, KJV—Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart:  and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

John 7:  16-18, KJV—Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.  17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.  18 He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory:  but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.

Psalms 119:  40-45, KJV—Behold, I have longed after thy precepts:  quicken me in thy righteousness.  41 Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word.  42 So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me:  for I trust in thy word.  43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.  44 So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.  45 And I will walk at liberty:  for I seek thy precepts.

Psalms 119:  57-63, KJV—Thou art my portion, O LORD:  I have said that I would keep thy words.  58 I intreated thy favour with my whole heart:  be merciful unto me according to thy word.  59 I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.  60 I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.  61 The bands of the wicked have robbed me:  but I have not forgotten thy law.  62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.  63 I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.

Psalms 119:  98-105, KJV—Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies:  for they are ever with me.  99 I have more understanding than all my teachers:  for thy testimonies are my meditation.  100 I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.  101 I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.  102 I have not departed from thy judgments:  for thou hast taught me.  103 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!  104 Through thy precepts I get understanding:  therefore I hate every false way.  105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

1st Corinthians 12:  1-11, KJV—Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.  2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.   3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed:  and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.  4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.  5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.  6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.  7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.  8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;  9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;  10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:  11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

Isaiah 50:  4-10, KJV—The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary:  he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.  5 The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back.  6 I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair:  I hid not my face from shame and spitting.  7 For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded:  therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.  8 He is near that justifieth me; who will contend with me? let us stand together: who is mine adversary? let him come near to me.  9 Behold, the Lord GOD will help me; who is he that shall condemn me? lo, they all shall wax old as a garment; the moth shall eat them up.  10 Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.

Proverbs 15:  33, KJV—The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

James 1:  5-8, KJV—If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.  6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.  7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.  8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

James 3:  12-14, KJV—Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.  13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.  14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.

James 1:  16-22, KJV—Do not err, my beloved brethren.  17 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.  18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.  19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:  20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.  21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.  22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

Matthew 7:  7-8, KJV—Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:  8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Galatians 5:  13-23, KJV—For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.  14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.  15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.  16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.  17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh:  and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.  18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.  19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,  20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,  21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like:  of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.  22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  23 Meekness, temperance:  against such there is no law.

1st Corinthians 14:  1-5, KJV—Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.  2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God:  for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.  3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.  4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.  5 I would that ye all spake with tongues but rather that ye prophesied:  for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

1st Corinthians 14:  27-33, KJV—If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.  28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.  29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.  30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.  31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.  32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.  33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

Colossians 3:  1-10, KJV—If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.  2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.  3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.  4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.  5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:  6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:  7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.  8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.  9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;  10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

Colossians 3:  12-17, KJV—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.

Exodus 4:  10-12, KJV—And Moses said unto the LORD, O my LORD, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant:  but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.  11 And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?  12 Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.

1st John 2:  26-28, KJV—These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.  27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you:  but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.  28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

2nd Timothy 2:  15-16, KJV—Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  16 But shun profane and vain babblings:  for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

2nd Timothy 2:  22-26, KJV—Flee also youthful lusts:  but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.  23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.  24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,  25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;  26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

Galatians 6:  1-10, KJV—Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.  2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.  3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.  4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.  5 For every man shall bear his own burden.  6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.  7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked:  for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.  8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.  9 And let us not be weary in well doing:  for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.  10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

1st Peter 4:  9-11, KJV—Use hospitality one to another without grudging.  10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.  11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth:  that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(04/08/2014) The Philosophy of Free Will?

The correctness of free will as an idea when speaking of the “kingdom of heaven” is considered, today, along with more on the miracle of Jesus changing water to wine.  A fighter at  “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Ivan” (Level 1 with 24 points, a member since December 25, 2013) posted the following:


So is there free will in heaven? 

If there is, wouldn't there be sin in heaven? And if there's not, doesn't that mean that free will is a bad thing?


THE BATTLE AXE:  A Worthy Miracle? (04/07/2014)—(6.)  The account that appears in the holy writings (John 2:  1-11, KJV), reports only that the ruler of the feast (who tasted and approved the wine as excellent), gave credit to the bridegroom as being frugal and shrewd, yet, did not acknowledge Jesus, or give glory to GOD.  The disciples who accompanied the Lord, who already were beginning to grow in faith, and had been prepared by GOD, were the only ones who knew the source of the wine, were aware that the Lord had worked, and experienced the presence of GOD through praise.  Jesus used the miracle to proclaim the kingdom of GOD, not to promote his own popularity and reputation.  By proclaiming the kingdom of GOD, Jesus also declared new covenant based upon yet-to-be-fulfilled promises through the prophet, King David.  The miracle of water to wine signals divine abundance and sacred presence as a foundation for the security in marriage as well as for security within the new covenant relationship.  The identity and integrity of Jesus as heir to David is not yet at issue; however, in the same way David was anointed by Samuel to be king, and was reluctant to promote himself as monarch (especially after the popular acceptance of Saul), Jesus displayed a hesitance to “take up the crown.”   Through his new television program at iTBN celebrating the pioneering broadcasts of a Catholic Bishop, Fulton J. Sheen, the Franciscan monk, John Michael Talbot, has also shared that, physical labor (we may say, deeds, works) of bearing the water further points to the union of flesh and divinity as a combined power for the establishment of divine benefit and blessing.  The water into wine should also be recognized as a foretaste from a second sacred event, the great feast of Passover, with its miracles establishing the Lord’s Supper, where the wine becomes blood, and the bread becomes the consecrated body of the Son of GOD.  Consider Genesis 49:  10-12, Isaiah 49:  25-26, 1st Chronicles 11:  15-19 and John 6:  25-69, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;  And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.  (2nd Corinthians 10:  4-6, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Doing GOD’s Plan? (02/20/2014); “Prayer Death”? (02/21/2014); Freewill is Finite (06/30/2013); GOD Intervenes? (07/01/2013); No Free Will (10/19/2010); Speaking of GOD (10/20/2010)


“Ivan”, those who have not received Jesus as their Savior hate the answer I have to share with you, however, trusting that you are not spiritually blind, ignorant, or as stubborn as the Pharaoh of Egypt who insisted upon denying GOD and Moses, here are a few points you should consider:

(1.)  “Free will” is an idea that comes from human philosophy, political theory, and secular studies.  Christian belief and doctrine (we may say, the official teachings) do not speak to operations of will in created beings and living creatures so much as to operations of divine spirit.

(2.)  Participation in what is called “the kingdom of heaven” is not an expression of the finite will that appears in all created beings and living creatures.  Kingdom life emerges from the spirit matter that determines ones makeup and active presence (we may say, what you are, that you are) within any of the spheres for life established by GOD (e.g., earth, heaven, the universe).

(3.)  Sin was first found to exist among the holy angels of heaven, however, was not understood as destructive, harmful and malicious.  The process of sin has been “allowed” to crystallize and develop (become fully visible to all) as a further expression of divine righteousness (we say, judgment).  Sin is not a living entity, contains no spirit matter, and is not created by GOD.  Yet, sin may dominate and permanently change awareness and self-will in created beings and living creatures.

(4.)  Sin opposes the existence of heaven, of divine law, of the continued existence of divinity, and of all Creation.  As a nonmaterial, non-spirit aspect of experience, sin is subtle (i.e., displays barely visible differences, is covered and hidden), and cannot be detected, eliminated, recognized, removed or resisted without using special spiritual tools provided from GOD.  Human intellect, logic, philosophy, reason, and science are not enough.

There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  Not all human error is sin; and for mankind, learning may go forward by decision-making or trial and error as well as by imitation, modeling, and taking calculated risks.  (Consider, learning “mama” and “dada”, counting to ten, or first reciting the ABCs.)  The challenge is to internalize, and to make something from outside oneself a permanent part of ones own consciousness.  Because sin resides within the living, it may not be seen as abnormal, foreign, strange or unnatural.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to the measure of divine faith that resides in you.


I am crucified with Christ:  nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me:  and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.  (Galatians 2:  20, KJV)


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/09/2013) How Children Learn

THE BATTLE AXE:  Unguarded Chocolates? (11/07/2013)—All humans make mistakes in the course of growing up and maturing that will need forgiveness, forbearance, correction and acceptance, yet, that do not require damnation, punishment, or withholding love.  As well as for adults, GOD has set standards for minor children also, and all are to be held accountable.  Parents and caretakers are to encourage and guide the young understanding that children learn and internalize life lessons by answering challenge, copying, demonstration, discovery, imitation, play, having to make their own choices, repetition, risk-taking, trial and error, and “hands-on walk through.”  See Proverbs 20:  11, Deuteronomy 21:  18-21, Ecclesiastes 11:  9, Psalms 25:  6-9 and 1st Corinthians 13:  1-13, King James Version.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;  And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.  But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;  Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient:  but rather giving of thanks.  For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.  Let no man deceive you with vain words:  for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.  Be not ye therefore partakers with them.  For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord:  walk as children of light:  (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)  Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.  And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.  (Ephesians 5:  1-11, KJV)


There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood.  I trust this fragment will be useful.  Even so, be it unto you according to your faith.  Jesus is coming soon.  Grow in grace.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/02/2012) A Daily Revelation?

      Life experience as a continuing revelation of Divine Person is the topic, today; and there is more on justice by love. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Jesse” (Level 1 with 31 points, a member since September 1, 2012) posted the following:


Is it weird that everyday i feel i should have some kind of revelation?

Like i feel i dont have some kind of life changing experience or epiphany life seems pointless.Does anybody else feel this way?


THE BATTLE AXE: Justice Comes by Love (10/01/2012)—The proclamation of love in Jesus Christ includes that none living absolutely must come under the wrath of GOD against sin. Many mature Christian believers regard the judgment of GOD as continuous and immediate. Therefore, in their understanding justice is never delayed, and continually appears as the natural consequences of a person’s deeds. Injustice that results through such elements as dishonesty, hate, human error, ignorance, malice, and pride is overturned by the direct intervention, and intercession of GOD to uphold divine law and to ensure the correct sacred process of eternal life. GOD is jealous and active for justice, however, inestimable grace marks divine judgment as filled with surprise and unpredictable. Consider again the sign of Jonas (see Jonah Chapters 3 and 4, KJV). GOD does not impose the content of judgment upon created beings and living creatures so much as permits them to determine and select their own realities of justice. In the same way believers voluntarily choose for themselves the joy, freedom and peace of salvation through Jesus Christ, unbelievers willfully choose for themselves the condemnation, misery and shame of atheism, skepticism and non-belief. In general, the Scriptures report those who promote judgment against the people of GOD are those who insist upon denial of Christ, and are “dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie” (see Revelation 21: 8 and 22: 15, KJV).


THE GOLDEN ARROW: And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. (Revelation 21: 1-5, King James Version)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Scriptures To Reassure (03/05/2012); Girdle 3: Through The Fire (11/18/2011); Binder 44: Life Is A Classroom (11/10/2011); Heaven? (12/10/2010)

    
     In my understanding, all created beings and living creatures contain a measure of divinity that has been imparted from the person of Almighty GOD. The initial endowment from Creation includes such elements as consciousness, faith, humility, holiness, joy, wisdom and wrath against sin. This feature of human makeup permits us to say, mankind is made in the image of GOD, while GOD is a spirit, and not a material or physical being. Mortality is the finite condition of existence provided to beautify and distinguish mankind before GOD. The holy angels, sacred beasts and other life forms in heaven are not mortal, and neither are they immortal. The conditions of their existence include that they are finished and now possess all the divine content they may ever contain. Unlike creatures of the earth, they do not acquire information by gradual learning and experience; and mankind is understood as specially pleasing to GOD because the living continue to change, grow, and unfold.
    
     The character and nature of GOD cannot be altered by any external influence. Therefore, we say GOD is immutable, and unchanging. The will of created beings and living creatures may be dominated by the external influence of sin; the will of GOD is “immune” to sin. GOD does not develop or grow, however, the revelation of GOD does unfold through various divine processes (e.g., death, forbearance, forgiveness, judgment, rebirth, salvation, sanctification, truth). GOD thrives through directed change, diversity, and multiple person. More than this, GOD operates through and within multiple levels of awareness and sacred substance.
    
     For many, life is described as simple, and is made from strings of emotional, mental, and social events. Fantasy, hardship, poverty or prosperity—life is understood as the product of human thought and action. For others, life also includes spiritual dimensions whereby the fullness and richness of life are amplified, and possibilities for relationship include GOD as Creator, Father, Savior, Sovereign and Judge. The sense of expectation that we call “hope” further enhances life experience as energized, grounded, forward-looking, and intense.
    
     There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, one of the greatest excitements of human life is that we may learn continuously, and there are always surprises. This is also true where a person is spiritually reborn through repentance and baptism. So to speak, once you are “born again” you must grow up again. What upsets many is that there also must be spiritual “growing pains.”) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC