(11/04/2016) Works of the Spirit?

Today, acquiring sacred knowledge, Incarnation (i.e., the conception of Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit are topics.  For things residing within the heart and mind (we say, consciousness) of GOD the Father to have discrete or separate existence as created beings, living creatures, physical objects, and temporal process they must be given dimension, form and presence through the Son who is Word as well as duration, permanence, spirit substance (we say, breath, life) and visibility through the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit was the agent of Creation who acted to fulfill the shared eternal purposes that put forth the heaven, the earth, and the material universe.  His ability to manifest divinity is unlimited, yet, his agenda and objectives always appear as from the Father, the Son, or the two in accord.  The many important sacred events and works by the Holy Spirit include establishing the firmament with multiple spheres for life, the birth of Jesus Christ, that Christ should embody sin in the flesh and die upon the cross, the Savior’s resurrection, the birth of the church on the day of Pentecost, rebirth and repentance by sinners, and the ongoing provision of spiritual gifts as a primary witness to the ministry of Christ.  The problem for mankind with exploring the unknown, and seeking sacred knowledge beyond what GOD already has revealed, is that human research and studies almost always also entail concentrating upon assumptions that are in error, embracing and endorsing the forbidden, exaggerating pride, and practicing presumption (attempting to exercise godly authority without divine license and permission).  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Breakthrough” (Level 6 with 14,987 points, a member since June 29, 2013) posted the following:

If God can impregnate a virgin does this mean that the Holy Spirit can do absolutely anything?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  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.  By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.  For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.  For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world:  and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.  Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?  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.  For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost:  and these three are one.  And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood:  and these three agree in one.  If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater:  for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.  He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself:  he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.  (1st John 5:  1-10, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Need for Incarnation? (09/29/2016); 3 Persons, 3 Minds? (02/03/2016); Spirit, Spirit Beings, Spirit Persons? (10/13/2015); About Praying to Mary (08/21/2015); The Three Wise Men? (08/05/2015); Divinity Has Person? (05/19/2015);  Evidence of the Unseen Spirit? (04/09/2013); A Guide to Salvation? (04/10/2013)

“Breakthrough”, the clearest, most useful information available to mankind regarding the Holy Spirit has been collected and preserved over the course of thousands of years, and is now available as the Bible.  The holy writings do not encourage asking questions about GOD, preexistence, and the many events before the creation of mankind, because they foster emotions and thinking that are disconnected, are inconsistent with revelation, and that promote spiritual confusion.  Even so, some things do appear from GOD that are intended as necessary sacred knowledge.  Mature Christian believers trust that the Holy Spirit exists within the oneness without sameness that is full divinity (we say, the GODhead).  The Holy Spirit (also called the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth) shares the same character, nature, makeup, and eternal purpose that is emanated from the Father and manifest as the Son.  Included are inseparable aspects of Deity such as authority, existence, holiness, life, personness, power, presence, and sovereign will.  Consider again the following:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 29:  29, King James Version (KJV):  29 The secret things belong unto the LORD our God:  but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

(2.)  Genesis 1:  1-3, King James Version (KJV):  1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.  3 And God said, Let there be light:  and there was light.

(3.)  Romans 1:  16-22, KJV:  16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:  for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.  17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith:  as it is written, The just shall live by faith.  18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;  19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.  20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:  21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.  22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended, here.  For example, (4.)  Colossians 2:  6-10, KJV:  6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:  7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.  8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.  9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.  10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:)  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

(08/26/2015) Justified Through Christ?

Today, Scripture points are shared on justification, divine law, license, and rebirth.  Rightly understood, Christ only has justified our godliness by growing, learning, and practicing the things of his faith and our surrender to divinity. The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Eagle” (a member since August 08, 2015) posted the following:


Is it ok to murder, rape and steal if you're a Christian because someone else has been crucified for your sins?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men:  but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.  And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him:  but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.  Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt:  for the tree is known by his fruit.  O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.  A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things:  and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.  But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.  For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.  (Matthew 12:  31-37, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Sinless Until Advent? (11/05/2014); Holy Wars? (11/06/2014); On Testing GOD (06/20/2013); GOD Grants License? (06/21/2013); Origin of Baptism? (06/22/2013); No Free Will (10/19/2010)


“Eagle”, all Christian believers start out with errors,  misinformation, and unchallenged assumptions that are gradually replaced with sacred knowledge, spiritual maturity, and their own life experience of encounter with GOD.  In ignorance, many approach new life through Christ, redemption, and salvation expecting to receive approval, endorsement, “freely given treasure and wealth” from GOD (we say, something for nothing), and a golden ticket (license) to “do as you please.”  Often, these persons dismiss all the law given by GOD, that they may never really have comprehended, obeyed and respected.  As they begin, such persons at best are honest and sincere investigators and seekers, who truly are motivated to find out more.  Through the various divine and human operations of baptism (e.g., commitment, death, love, trust), the inborn spirit of the new believer “dies”, and is replaced with spirit content from the makeup of GOD.  It is then that curiosity and intellectual inquisitiveness are replaced by the deep need within all created beings and living creatures to be in intimate association and right relationship with the Creator.  In a sense, only the new birth (being born again) and the following life processes for the believer (growing up again; becoming perfected) are justified by the blood of Jesus from the cross.   Thus, for the Christian, who now understands that we are in a process being carried out by GOD that will continue indefinitely, only such things will become “ok” as having to accept permanent changes in ones character and nature, to make confession, to fellowship with others in Christ, to repent, to daily offer prayers of gratitude, to make detailed study of the holy writings, to share the admonition and warnings given believers, and to speak in the authority and name of Jesus.  Here are a few points from the Bible that also should be helpful:

(1.)  Job 25:  1-6, King James Version (KJV):  1 Then answered Bildad the Shuhite, and said,  2 Dominion and fear are with him, he maketh peace in his high places.  3 Is there any number of his armies? and upon whom doth not his light arise?  4 How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean that is born of a woman?  5 Behold even to the moon, and it shineth not; yea, the stars are not pure in his sight.  6 How much less man, that is a worm? and the son of man, which is a worm?

(2.)  Psalms 51:  3-5, KJV:  3 For I acknowledge my transgressions:  and my sin is ever before me.  4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight:  that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.  5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

(3.)  Isaiah 43:  8-10, KJV:  8 Bring forth the blind people that have eyes, and the deaf that have ears.  9 Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled:  who among them can declare this, and shew us former things? let them bring forth their witnesses, that they may be justified:  or let them hear, and say, It is truth.  10 Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen:  that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he:  before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.

(4.)  Acts 13:  38-39, KJV:  38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:  39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

(5.)  Luke 7: 28-30, KJV:  28 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist:  but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.  29 And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.  30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.

(6.)  Romans 2:  12-16, KJV:  12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law:  and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;  13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.  14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:  15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)

There is far more that could be said, and that must be correctly understood and spiritually taken into account.  (For example (7.)  Galatians 2:  16-21, KJV:  16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law:  for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.  17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.  18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.  19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.  20 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.  21 I do not frustrate the grace of God:  for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(06/22/2013) Origin of Baptism?

Baptism, John the Baptist, Noah’s flood, and the Holy Spirit are topics, today, along with more on whether GOD grants license for sin.  The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Mario” (Level 4 with 3,339 points, a member since September 26, 2006) posted the following:


Where did John the Baptist get the idea to dunk people in water and call it baptism?


THE BATTLE AXE:  GOD Grants License? (06/20/2013)—The Kingdom of GOD is not the Land of Do As You Please.  To love us, GOD must suffer.  However, to be eternal, GOD must end divine suffering.  As an aspect of righteousness, GOD always responds to the image of himself residing in others with attention to detail, balance, benevolence, expectation, mercy, and vision.  Taken together, the sacred operations of GOD (e.g., blessing, communion, correction, curses, death, imprisonment, prosperity, punishment), do not permit created beings and living creatures to “get away with murder,” or to continue eternally in transgression of divine law.  The very existence of divinity establishes multiple dimensions for being, change, opportunity and possibility that remain unseen until actualized and revealed in accordance with divine will.  GOD is not blind, ignorant, lenient, or tolerant of sin, however, the processes for life and continued being for those within frameworks of time and space require measured change, the development of discretion, growth, flexibility, and resilience that appear only through ordered sequence.  A broad range of behavioral, emotional, mental, psychological and spiritual abilities and traits must be acquired that provide defining and permanent aspects of person along with an uninterrupted consciousness of GOD.  Included are accountability, dependence, dutifulness, faithfulness, interdependence, ownership, respect, and self-government.  (See Job 40:  1-14, Isaiah 57:  15-21, Jude 1:  5-7, KJV.)


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.  This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.  And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.  And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.  And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.  And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.  (John 1:  29-34, King James Version)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Destroyed in Noah’s Flood (04/28/2013); Both Born Holy? (04/29/2013); Scripture at Funerals (04/30/2013); The Dove (12/28/2012); Purchased With Blood? (12/29/2012); Caesarea Philippi (10/22/2012); Fire Baptism (08/24/2012); Why No Answer? (08/25/2012)


Mario, here are some points to consider that may enrich your understanding of the sacrament of baptism:

(1)  As a sacred operation accomplished through action of the same Spirit that worked in Creation, baptism is not merely a human event, a religious ceremony, or a formal ritual to dramatize a person choosing to become a member of a church community.  In the holy writings, the earliest mention of “washing” speaks to removing surface uncleanness as an act of hospitality (i.e., refreshing and welcoming strangers by applying water to their feet), and the washing of ones clothes.  

(2)  With the establishment of covenant, cleaning ones clothing and physical body become associated with anointing and holy oil to sanctify (cleanse, prepare to enter divine presence, and set apart for holy service) and to consecrate (install in holy office as priest or prophet).  An important feature of the Tabernacle was the laver of brass, wherein the priests were to wash before and after their service offering blood at the holy altar.  Atonement, sprinkling and remission of sins through blood come into view rather than washing by water.

(3)  The earliest and most important appearance of absolution, cleansing and washing away sin appears in the flood of Noah.  Hidden there are the full range of sacred operations we understand in baptism, today.  Included are death, judgment, preservation of divine law through the keeping of created beings and living creatures, rebirth, resurrection, and sanctification.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example,  (4)  Most believers in Jesus as Redeemer and Savior agree that John was separated and anointed by the Spirit of GOD to be a herald, a prophet and a witness to the divine consecration of Christ, instead of a mere priest or rabbi.  John was raised as a son and heir to the priesthood; and we even may say that John the Baptist grew up on holy ground, and was fed from the altar of GOD.  The discipline and training he received was probably conservative, traditional and very strict.  Nevertheless, in obedience to the Holy Ghost, John left the Temple at Jerusalem to carry out and perform the word of GOD.)   Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.



THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(06/21/2013) GOD Grants License?

Today, how believers must center their focus upon themselves to accomplish spiritual growth, rather than upon Satan or others, is considered.  Also, there is more on provoking and testing GOD.  The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Diet Cola” (Level 7 with 29,730 points, a member since August 22, 2007) posted the following:


Why does God let Satan get away with so much?


THE BATTLE AXE:  On Testing GOD (06/20/2013)—In a certain sense, the love of GOD is demonstrated by “how much we get away with” (see 2nd Peter 3:  15, KJV).  The compassion, forbearance, forgiveness, longsuffering, mercy, and patience of GOD combine as a shield for those who are otherwise defenseless against righteous judgment.  The wrath of GOD against sin is not directed against created beings and living creatures.  Spirit substance from the person of GOD must continuously operate within before such features as awe, fear of the Lord, humility, respect, and reverence can appear in their most complete and balanced measure.  Much of the foolish and insulting behavior that is displayed against GOD derives from ignorance, immaturity, and underdevelopment that are acceptable as features of our human condition because they are “brief,” do not continue, cannot be spread to others as with disease, and do not endure.  Some behavior expressing defiance and rebellion is necessary for development of confidence, independence, integrity and self-possession.  In this, created beings and living creatures are like toddlers in the stage of early childhood we call “the terrible twos” where small children repeatedly challenge authority with shouts, and emphatic “No!”  In the child, behavior revealing inner conflict, fear, lack of knowledge for correct responses, and uncertainty also may be displayed; however, rarely is there continuing destructiveness, hostility, meanness, or malice.  GOD is goaded and proclaims his holy name, Jealous, when he is provoked to wrath by denial of his active presence, by worship of false gods, idols and vanities, or where the created are unresponsive to divine utterance.  (See Deuteronomy 29:  16-20, Zephaniah 3:  7-9, Isaiah 55:  7-11, Isaiah 42:  6-8, Romans 3:  19-23 and James 2:  18-20, KJV.)


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,  And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.  And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world:  he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.  And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ:  for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.  And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.  Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them.  Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.  (Revelation 12:  7-12, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  To Find A True Christian? (06/17/2013); Unseen Sin? (06/18/2013); The Love of GOD (03/03/2013); Our Need for a Son (03/04/2013); When Does Gossip Become Sin? (01/08/2013); Understanding Hell (01/09/2013); An Attack Upon Creation? (12/08/2012); The Focus of Judgment? (12/09/2012); The Adversary? (12/05/2012); “Soul” Food? (12/06/2012); A Partnership? (11/05/2012); To See With New Eyes (11/06/2012); (08/26/2011)  Dispatch 18:  The Ally [Enmity]; (08/29/2011) Dispatch 19:  The Ally [Invasion]; (08/30/2011) Dispatch 20:  The Ally [Able to Stand]; Why Disobey? (03/18/2011); Two Opinions? (03/19/2011)


“Diet Cola,” here are some points to consider that come into view as part of spiritual growth for Christian believers:

(1)  The answer to many of our questions about GOD’s response to other created beings and living creatures are to be found through examination of our own experience, and testimony.  One must say, Why does GOD allow ME to get away with so much?

(2)  Divine judgment is an ongoing reality whereby all Creation continues under sacred scrutiny and review.  Judgment is revealed as truth-finding, the identification of patterns among truths, and the amassing of information as evidence (the books of life).  In the final judgment of mankind and the elimination of the wicked, there is no prosecutor or official accuser.  We must acknowledge a record of our own deeds that express the content of our spirit; and it is in this sense that neither men nor angels are permitted to “get away” with anything.

(3)  Given that accountability, duty, and faithfulness are aspects of personal expression, ones prayer should never be, “Oh GOD, change my wife (or husband, children, parents, Satan, etc.)” or  even “Oh GOD, change my circumstances (i.e., society, the world, other people, etc.).”  Instead, “Oh GOD, help me to help them achieve the change they need or seek; Oh GOD, grant of your Holy Spirit:  Boldness, courage, insight, longsuffering, patience, strength, wisdom, and understanding.”

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example,  (4)  There is only one revelation of GOD to all Creation, for divinity is immutable and unchanging.  The Divine Person does not alter from one relationship to the next.  Similarly, divine law, sacred operations, and eternal purpose does not vary from person to person.  All have been equipped to discover and realize a single set of interrelated truths.)   Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC