(10/23/2017) ...And They Will Know

Today, reply is made on discernment, and the benefits of both church attendance and ministry through activity on the Internet.  The liberty provided by the imparted Spirit of GOD allows sinners to acknowledge the atonement and propitiation for sin established by Jesus Christ through the cross, demonstrate repentance, and to pursue new life through ministry and service, not to answer the Father with fleshly lusts, do-as-you-please, pleasure-seeking, and self-promotion.  Freedom and liberty from GOD will never mean that sinners do not have to accept the consequences and results from their own actions and choices; and the alternatives granted as salvation are not to be taken lightly.  There is no provision from GOD that is a substitute for physically attending church.  Even so, believers may apprehend the inseparable aspects of fellowship, prophecy (i.e., comfort, edification, and exhortation), and ministry that are shared because they must be spiritually discerned and received.  Simply having a habit of church attendance accomplishes no more than ones private prayer life using unknown tongues for self-edification that does not also edify the church.  Mature believers all should put into practice the important declaration shared by Christ:  I came to minister, not to be ministered unto.  To be loved and ministered to by GOD is also to be loved and ministered to by his sons and daughters on the earth who are willing vessels of his Spirit.  The work of responding to others through the social media now available is no less important than the work once carried out by the first apostles who traveled by foot, and those of earlier times who served as missionaries to colonial peoples traveling, first, by great sailing ships and later by steamers.  Believers are correct to use the means provided by GOD through present day technology that allow personal contact, the making of brief, yet complete, presentations, and the ability to respond quickly to the direct questions and comments that arise when evangelizing.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

If christians on here are true christians what are they doing on here from 10-12 o clock ?shouldnt they be paying attention to the service?

Most church services are from 10-12

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  I will bless the LORD at all times:  his praise shall continually be in my mouth.  My soul shall make her boast in the LORD:  the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.  O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.  (Psalms 34:  1-3, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Becoming Joined To GOD (10/13/2017); In Spirit and Truth? (10/02/2017); Prophets and Christian Ambassadors (08/07/2017); ...Gathered In My Name (05/29/2017); ...Because GOD Loves You (03/05/2017); Become Like Jesus Christ? (10/27/2016); The Right Place to Get Knowledge (02/17/2014); Arguing Against the Bible in Church? (02/18/2014)

“Anonymous”, while the “name” of GOD is proclaimed throughout the holy writings, and divinity is made knowable, known, and present by describing the sacred deeds and works of GOD (his reputation, so to speak), Christian believers are to be identified and recognized primarily through “discernment” (the sacred practice of using ones own spirit content from the makeup of GOD as a standard to examine and respond to deposits of the same spirit within events, other persons, motives and purposes, promises and prophecies, doctrines and teachings, etc.).  Inseparable aspects of divinity will appear in those who are offspring of GOD and joint heirs with Christ that include faith, holiness, forbearance, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  The finite gifts of authority and office, intellect, carnal reason, and secular knowledge all have less value; and believers will be discovered by their displays of spirit content through words, deeds, outreach, and unselfish service more than by their formal spiritual practices and religious disciplines (such as observance of ceremonies, church attendance, and rituals intended for their own edification), their strict obedience to sacred law, and the peculiar good works they may perform (e.g., giving, healing, music ministry).  This being said, sinners who lack and do not practice divine discernment will fail to acknowledge and respond to believers as legitimate agents and spokespersons sent from GOD.  For the present time, many have found the unmistakable “mark of GOD” to be manifest as forgiveness, mercy in judgment, and faith that the return of Jesus Christ to harvest those belonging to him from the earth will be in our lifetime.  Consider again the following from the Bible:

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

(2.)  2nd Corinthians 3:  17, KJV:  17 Now the Lord is that Spirit:  and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

(3.)  Romans 8:  4-9, 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.

(4.)  John 13:  34-35, KJV:  34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.  35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

There is far more to be said, thoughtfully practices, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  1st John 5:  1-6, KJV:  1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God:  and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.  2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.  3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments:  and his commandments are not grievous.  4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world:  and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.  5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?  6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(08/01/2016) That Grace May Abound

Today, Scripture points are shared on grace, liberty, worldly pleasures, and youth.  Many Christian young people “flirt with disaster,” because they presumptuously believe they have permission to do so from GOD in the Scriptures.  They frequently misapply the words of an apostle (1st Corinthians 9:  19-23, King James Version, KJV:  19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.  20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;  21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.  22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak:  I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.).  Paul’s words are properly understood only in the light of other revelation (Hebrews 2:  9-11, KJV:  9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.  10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.  11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one:  for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,).  Youth tend to overlook that latitude granted to the apostle was consistent with his accountability, duty, and incarnation of Christ.  Being in the world, yet, not of it, many young people become convinced that they are to “blend in,” and conform to popular culture and standards from those who disbelieve.  More correctly, they are to yield their independence, and allow the agreement and oneness of their own will with that of Deity to become clearly seen and understood by others.  Once youth acquire balance, sobriety, and spiritual discernment, they realize that, only on the surface are things in the world in line with the legitimate aspects of life and goals for youth that include exploration, growing, learning, and overcoming fear as well as success through risk-taking and by trial-and-error.  Leadership from young people “mellows” as they become older, and more mature.  As they “ripen” they become those who are genuinely consistent, a strong example to others, reliable, selfless, stable and thoughtful, the standard-bearers who maintain godly order and process within the community of faith.  One of the many fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

Should we ever sometimes enjoy worldly excess in order to make a grace statement?

I've sometimes done that, with smoking, drinking, gambling, some partying having fun. I felt that it is my liberty though I be a Christian.

1Co_10:23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

I believe we come into a certain priviledge of liberty when we are born again that others don't qualify for.

What do you think?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,  Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,  Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof:  from such turn away.  For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,  Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.  (2nd Timothy 3:  1-7, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Why Is Lust Condemned? (07/20/2016); Presumption Is Never Helping (05/23/2016); Sin Must Be Personal (04/29/2016); Presumption, Pride and Sin? (11/24/2015); All Sin Is Willful? (10/20/2015); Law in Christian Belief? (09/03/2013); A Need to Know? (09/04/2013)

“Anonymous”, there’s good news, and bad news.  Your question is posed and answered in the holy writings; however, it expresses simplicity (i.e., ignorance, immaturity, underdevelopment, and antichrist sentiment).  All are not anointed and endowed to operate with the same privilege and process displayed by the apostle, who also calls himself “the prisoner of the Lord.”  The works of the flesh all are so grounded in deceit that they do not appear contrary to the character, nature, and substance of divinity.  Thus, what sinners must overcome includes complacency, excuse-making, indifference, peer pressure, pride, rashness, exaggerated self-approval, and self-indulgence.  In the same way, usually only the adults in a community correctly insist upon meeting the demands of law as a standard for daily living, and restraint as a high expression of love (where young people are far less exacting), every mature believer must acknowledge the indispensable guidance declared through sacred law, and completely reject the attitudes, behavior, and pattern that says, I’m right when I’m wrong “because…”.  Consider again how this is stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)  Romans 6:  1-7, King James Version (KJV):  1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?  2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?  3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?  4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death:  that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.  5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:  6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.  7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.

(2.)  Romans 6:  8-15, KJV:  8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:  9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.  10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once:  but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.  11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.  12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.  13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin:  but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.  14 For sin shall not have dominion over you:  for ye are not under the law, but under grace.  15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 

There is far more to be said, carefully examined, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (3.)  Galatians 5:  13-21, KJV:  13 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.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(06/30/2016) Natural and Spiritual Law?

Today, points are shared on the differences between natural and spiritual law.  Even those in Scripture who were anointed and used by divinity as apostles, judges, prophets and sacred spokespersons rarely attained the level of perfection required to implement the fullness of divine law.  While wrath against sin definitely has been revealed as a response of GOD to disobedience and rebellion within created beings and living creatures, multiple aspects of law from GOD also are in place that continue as expressions of divine love, and restraints upon impulses for annihilation, exaggerated condemnation, and indiscriminate destruction.  In addition to balance and continuity for ongoing process, sacred law contributes forbearance, forgiveness, grace, mercy, opportunities for change, the option of correction, eternal purpose, and righteousness.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Kodiak” (Level 1 with 19 points, a member since June 18, 2016) posted the following:

Why is it very hard for atheists and secularists to understand that gay marriage is wrong and against the natural law?

God hates sin. Period. Homosexuality is a filth and sin just like pedophilia and serial muerders. Those who are suffering from the psychiatric abnormality of homosexuality should be treated in hospitals to support and bring them up to God's standard of heterosexuality and join the mainstream society. If they are not willing to get treated in hospitals, the obnoxious obscenities that they are spreading must be wiped away from the face of the Earth to stop the filth from infesting the rest of America and other countries.

The bible says God can crush the heads of Satan. If so Why is He not just destroying the entire LGBT communities of America yet ???

Oh God, please may another Sodom and Gomorrah happen soon!!

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Do not err, my beloved brethren.  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.  Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.  Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:  For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.  Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.  But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.  For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:  For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.  But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.  (James 1:  16-25, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Sodom and Gomorrah Again? (05/30/2016); Sin Also Made Incarnate? (04/25/2016); The World and The Cross? (04/19/2016); By Law and Relationships (04/05/2016); Old Testament Laws Today? (08/06/2015); The Judgment Against Sodom? (04/10/2015); Human Law, Divine Favor? (03/23/2015); Science and the Laws of Nature? (03/23/2013); How To Love GOD? (03/24/2013)

“Kodiak”, for most mature Christian believers, the character, nature, process and substance of “natural” law that governs carnal, material, and social elements are not the same as those for “spiritual” law that governs exchange and interaction among the inseparable aspects of divinity.  The law for spirit content (e.g., faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, meekness, wisdom, wrath against sin) and spirit process (e.g., atonement, forgiveness, judgment, miracles, redemption, repentance, sanctification) are distinct from that for appetite, sensation, and emotion/mental functions (we say, the flesh).  Also, where law has not been codified, written down using standard expressions, and published using preset definitions and a fixed vocabulary, the law becomes diffuse, and a source of confusion and error that invites unregulated applications and conflicting interpretations.  While sacred law does give expression to the heart, mind, and will of GOD that is visible as “divine order” and as Creation, the law is not the most accurate and complete presentation of divinity.  Thus, the active presence of GOD has also been revealed through Incarnation (appearance in human form as Jesus Christ), Shekhinah glory, and the imparted, indwelling Spirit (we also say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth).  In general, those under various forms of law routinely operate on the basis of  “impressions”, instinct, and intuition in place of formal knowledge or comprehensive training.  Correctly applying the law requires ability to discern and respond to multiple subtleties (i.e., barely visible differences; hidden and unexpected shifts in meaning and value).  As a result, the precious blessing (free gift) of law from GOD may be seen as a “curse” that repeatedly entangles and overwhelms created beings, and living creatures.  Consider how some of this appears stated in the language of the Bible:

(1.)  Proverbs 14:  11-12, King James Version (KJV):  11 The house of the wicked shall be overthrown:  but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.  12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

(2.)  Isaiah 24, 1-6, KJV:  1 Behold, the LORD maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof.  2 And it shall be, as with the people, so with the priest; as with the servant, so with his master; as with the maid, so with her mistress; as with the buyer, so with the seller; as with the lender, so with the borrower; as with the taker of usury, so with the giver of usury to him.  3 The land shall be utterly emptied, and utterly spoiled:  for the LORD hath spoken this word.  4 The earth mourneth and fadeth away, the world languisheth and fadeth away, the haughty people of the earth do languish.  5 The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.  6 Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate:  therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left.

(3.)  Malachi 3:  13-18, KJV:  13 Your words have been stout against me, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee?  14 Ye have said, It is vain to serve God:  and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?  15 And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.  16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another:  and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.  17 And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.  18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

There is far more that could be said, must be carefully examined, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4.)  1st Corinthians 2:  12-14, KJV:  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.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC