(11/30/2018) Discipline and Sacred Meekness

Today, reply is on divine chastisement, respect, and student responses to teacher autonomy and behavior to continue a formal atmosphere for learning. Lessons that fit us for eternal life are acquired on a regular basis through many of our ordinary, daily routines. Even so, Christian teens and young adults may express angry feelings of being unfairly imposed on in school settings, and may mistakenly receive assignments, discipline, practice, and study as detention, penalties, persecution, or punishment. Some are overly quick to complain and label as malicious the necessary requirements for instruction and classroom order. These may even attribute and label confiscation of their Bible, interruption of their time for prayer and praise, and restriction of proselytizing as malicious, and “from the devil.” Discernment of spirit content from GOD must be developed; and it is correct to acknowledge Hebrews 12: 1-8, King James Version (KJV): 1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. 4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. 5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality, who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shown) posted the following:

My teacher took away my Bible?

We were in class today during study hall. The teacher took away a Muslims book and then my Bible. She said no religious books, do it at home. Can I sue this old bat?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; (Philippians 2: 13-15, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: How GOD Is Communicating (10/31/2018); Those Apt To Teach? (06/20/2018); Opposing The Divine Will (03/30/2018); Proper Training For Belief? (01/10/2018); The Spirit of Meekness (12/15/2017); Discernment, Focus and Meekness? (07/07/2017); Discipline and The Cross (06/16/2016); Divine Discipline? (12/24/2015)

“Anonymous”, developing and mature Christian believers all have begun as sinners, and as those in need of transformation, guidance, sacred knowledge, and spiritual training (we also say, discipline). Multiple sacred operations must be completed that establish fellowship and joining among those entering covenant relationship with divinity, who eventually will appear as part of a community or household of faith; and there must be divinely provided opportunities and possibilities for discovery, gradual growth, continuous learning, practice, and unselfish service. Believers who are “born again” also must “grow up again” to become mature (balanced; complete; consistent; ripe; stable) for harvest by the Lord at his appearing (Advent; the Rapture; the Second Coming). Through the sacred operations of baptism that depict death of ones inborn spirit and rebirth from divine DNA so to speak, believers receive fresh endowments of life essence (breath; spirit; word) from the makeup of divinity. Included are faith, holiness, impartiality, longsuffering, lovingkindness, meekness, personhood, purity, restraint, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Increasingly, believers show themselves willing to be held accountable and “teachable” during the period for mastering skills and preparing to minister to others. Often for priests and kings, there are unwanted yet unavoidable challenges, duty, hardship, service, and suffering that will draw upon their inseparable deposits of godly strength. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) Zephaniah 2: 2-3, King James Version (KJV): 2 Before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the LORD come upon you, before the day of the LORD’s anger come upon you. 3 Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD’s anger.

(2.) 1^st Peter 2: 1-3, KJV: 1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, 5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

(3.) 1^st Peter 2: 19-25, KJV: 19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. 21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Romans 13: 1-8, KJV: 1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. 8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/04/2018) Holy Boldness and Humility

Today, reply is on the spiritual condition and sacred tools sinners must acquire in order to approach divinity, and be granted eternal fellowship with GOD.  A sinner's walk with GOD may begin when they choose, listen, and carefully reflect on the word of GOD while it is preached.  Also, their repentance and transformation may begin when they ask GOD to come into their own life by speaking to divinity in either private or public prayer.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data appears) posted the following:

How do I humble myself and come to Jesus?

My issue is pride. I admit that I am a sinner. I get these sharp sensations reading Romans 5:8 and when I read the gospel of Christ. I even get scared sometimes thinking about Jesus.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.  Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.  For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,  But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.  (Hebrews 10: 19-27, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: On Facing The Future (01/17/2018); Discernment, Focus and Meekness? (07/07/2017); Fellowship With the Father (06/13/2017); Endurance, Humility and Obedience? (06/04/2017); The Gift of Humility (02/19/2017); Humility and The Cross? (03/15/2016); Sabbath, Power, and Rest? (07/17/2015); Humility Needed for Salvation? (08/15/2014); False Angels of Light? (08/16/2014)

“Anonymous”, what you seem to be speaking of as “coming to Jesus” are obedience, “holy boldness,” and “humility” that are required to stand before GOD in final judgment. Because they are relying on aspects of the flesh (e.g., appetite, sensation, emotion/mind), and secular knowledge (e.g., intellect, logic, carnal reason), rather than sacred knowledge (e.g., divine law, prophecy, revelation), both sinners and developing Christian believers often mistakenly think that they themselves may reverse their separation from GOD caused by sin through their own efforts. They regard their spiritual condition as the result of their own ego, pride, and self-importance. Correctly understood, however, the operations of sin may dominate awareness and self-will within the living, for through Adam (the first pair), created beings and living creatures all have become subject to vanity (i.e., things that lack divine substance and sacred value). There now must be a process of transformation whereby the living are provided with spirit substance imparted from the makeup of GOD. Sinners who become “born again” receive fresh endowments of inseparable spirit content. Included are balance, completeness, faith, holiness, holy boldness, humility, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. A born-again believer must “grow up again” by facing life challenges, growing pains, and even suffering while living on the earth. Through discovery, fellowship, gradual growth, learning, practice, and unselfish service, the believer must become mature and ripe for harvest by Jesus Christ (we say, the Advent; his appearing; the Rapture; the Second Coming). Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) Isaiah 41: 10-11, King James Version (KJV):  10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God:  I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.  11 Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.

(2.) Isaiah 40: 28-31, KJV: 28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.  29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.  30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:  31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

(3.) Proverbs 21: 3-4, KJV:  3 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.  4 An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) 1^st John 4: 15-19, KJV:  15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.  16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.  17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment:  because as he is, so are we in this world.  18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear:  because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.  19 We love him, because he first loved us.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(06/20/2018) Those Apt To Teach?

Today, rather than attack the former First Lady, Secretary of State, and recent Candidate for President of the United States as many were doing in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum, my reply is on teaching and volunteering within the church of Jesus Christ.  Within the household of faith, there are four callings to ministry acknowledged among believers:  preaching, teaching, music, and hospitality.  It should not be surprising that many who are activists, elected officials, leaders in their homes and workplaces, and thought leaders of the community-at-large offer themselves to the church through roles as comforters, study guides, and teachers.  Included are the positions as deacons and deaconesses, godparents, and nursing attendants as well as Sunday School supervisors and teachers.  In many church congregations, the work of the Sunday school teacher is that of a moderator who encourages discussion of the major points provided from prepared lesson booklets, or verses and passages recorded in the holy writings.  Developing believers are not to answer the challenge to serve Christ and the people of GOD on the basis of having a shared ethnic or racial background, issues of gender and sexual behavior, or even the depth of affection for their own families, friends, and relatives who are part of the congregation.  The same alertness, vigilance, impartiality and righteousness displayed by GOD in judgment should appear through their service as the children of GOD.  Therefore, these workers rarely boast having greater knowledge and skill than others within the body; and they serve on the basis of their humility, their love for the divine fullness (we also say, the Godhead; the Trinity; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit), their acknowledgment of the needs for salvation among others, their desire to continue sharing what they themselves receive from GOD, their willingness to make meaningful offerings and sacrifices along with their zeal.  One of the fighters who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data appears) posted the following:

Is Hillary Clinton really a Bible scholar ? Hillary Clinton says she taught Sunday school Could Hillary Clinton be classified as pastor ?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:  That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.  The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;  That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,  To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.  (Titus 2:  1-5, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Conversation In The World (04/03/2018); Comparing Sacred and Secular (03/15/2018); Duties of a Christian? (03/13/2018); ...Gathered In My Name (05/29/2017); Understanding Spiritual Growth? (03/13/2015); The Gift of Meekness (11/25/2014); Concerning Meekness (11/26/2014); Driving Under the Influence (02/07/2014); Immortality (02/08/2014)

“Anonymous”, here are some thoughts I can share that may help as you continue to examine the operations and process within the body of Christ:

(1.)  Academic achievement, degrees, and titles are often acknowledged and respected among Christian believers; however, the primary requirements for pastors and teachers are aspects of divine personhood and Christ-likeness.  Included are faith, forbearance, forgiveness, gratitude, humility, longsuffering, lovingkindness, sincerity, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

(2.)  Many who have been professionals in classroom and school settings volunteer to serve in counseling and teaching roles within the church.  They bring secular knowledge, skills, and accounts of experience in the world along with such traits as adultness; skill using language and spoken word; and experience with curriculum development, classroom management, preparing lesson plans, and sharing through lectures and other forms of presentation.  In many assemblies those in these roles receive no money as payment for their work, and it is more in the nature of sharing and exchange than formal instruction.

(3.)  Clergy and leadership in the church family are respected and venerated as elders where they will continually display accountability, approachability, balance, completeness, mature perspective, sobriety, and stability.

  

(4.)  Commitment to Christ, faith, love of the Scriptures, and a host of other factors explain why a person believes and stands up to offer themselves in ministry.  This is true not only for Bible study classes; there are many roles demanding unselfish service such as praise and prophecy through music (i.e., the choir), church feeding programs, and programs for healing that focus on health, hygiene, and wellness.  Even so, many are called, and few are chosen.  Members do best when they acknowledge the eternal motives of divinity, avoid self-promotion, and continue in the discipline and works of prophecy.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(a.)  John 7:  14-18, King James Version (KJV):  14 Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught.  15 And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?  16 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.

(b.)  1st Corinthians 12:  27-29, KJV:  27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.  28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.  29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?  30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

(c.)  1st Corinthians 14:  26-33, KJV:  26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.  27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, andthat 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.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (d.)  1st Timothy 6:  3-11, KJV:  3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;  4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,  5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness:  from such withdraw thyself.  6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.  7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.  8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.  9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.  10 For the love of money is the root of all evil:  which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.  11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(12/15/2017) The Spirit of Meekness

Today, thoughts are shared on meekness as a divine spirit content imparted by GOD to believers who receive Jesus Christ so they may nourish the growth of godliness within others.  Unlike counterfeit and false professions of Christian belief, genuine godly behavior is generated and put forth only by divine spirit.  While meekness relates to gentleness, goodness, humility, and peace, many appear to be offended by the idea of meekness as a spirit substance from the makeup of GOD; and increasingly scriptures that speak of the fruit of the Spirit are presented omitting meekness as being associated with cowardice, intimidation, and weakness.  More correctly, meekness is a planting and product through the workings of GOD along with fervor, holy boldness, and zeal.  One of the many fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:

Christians, How does one qualify as meek?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.  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.  But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.  Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,  Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,  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.  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.  And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.  Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.  (Galatians 5:  16-26, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Jesus Demonstrated Perfected Humanity (10/29/2017); Meekness, Mortality and Salvation? (07/13/2017); Discernment, Focus and Meekness? (07/07/2017); The Gift of Humility (02/19/2017); As Newborn Babes.... (10/13/2016); Humility and The Cross? (03/15/2016); The Meek Will Inherit (10/16/2012)
 
 

“Anonymous”, here are some thoughts I may share that are expressions of Jesus Christ within me:

In the same way sinners are to be born again by receiving spirit content from the makeup of divinity through water baptism where there is the death, burial, and resurrection of ones inborn spirit, believers are to “grow up” again and become mature as children of GOD and joint-heirs of the Father along with the Son of the Highest.  Rebirth to exist as a developing believer requires that one receive inseparable aspects of imparted spirit substance from Deity that includes balance, completeness, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, meekness, restraint, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

Developing believers are to acquire sacred knowledge by fellowship with mature believers who may be clergy, leaders, their own parents and siblings as well as others who are  workers within the community of faith; by continuing communication with GOD through prayer; by observing sacred practices (we say, sacraments); by repentance and turning away from disobedience of divine law, from sin, and from wickedness; by study of the holy writings; by unselfish service; and by enduring hardship, persecution, and suffering.  With this in view, salvation is not a “one-time” event; salvation is a process of discovery, gradual growth, learning, and undergoing permanent change.

Every Christian believer does not receive an anointing that allows them to serve in the offices of apostle, healer, pulpit preacher, or prophet.  Yet, all are “recruited” to provide ministry wherein they share through their own lifestyle and daily routines, gifts that provide spirit content from GOD.  As a believer becomes “ripe for harvest” they become able to display and share sacred fruit (manifestations; outcomes; products) from the Holy Spirit (we also say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth). 

Believers who speak of Meekness as a fruit of the Spirit acknowledge that the many aspects of divinity can not truly be analyzed and treated as separate, secular objects.  Even so, meekness is often described as the voluntary expression of humility, praise, and submission whereby one continues in relationship with the Creator as teachable, and as having readiness, responsiveness, and willingness to be led by the Holy Spirit.  Jesus displayed the spirit of meekness by refusing to be appointed as king at Jerusalem, avoiding self-promotion, and ascribing his works to the Father.

Where the Bible speaks of Moses as having been chosen by GOD because of his meekness, we understand that meekness is essential to being used as an instrument in sacred operations to benefit mankind.  While the Spirit imparted to Moses was so abundant that GOD would supply 70 elders of Israel from the endowment the Prophet had received, and Moses continued with a greater measure than all of them put together, the spirit granted Moses was not the same fullness as was outpoured during Pentecost and for the beginnings of the new creation, the church.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and made a part of those who are responding to developing belief.  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(07/13/2017) Meekness, Mortality and Salvation?

 

Today, reply is made that highlights connections among meekness, mortality, and salvation.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “carmen” (Level 1 with points, a member since March 02, 2015) posted the following:


If God intended for us to die why does Psalms 37:11,29 say the meek and righteous will live forever on earth?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God:  and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air:  and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.  (1st Thessalonians 4:  16-18, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Discernment, Focus and Meekness? (07/07/2017); The Gift of Humility (02/19/2017); The Gift of Meekness (11/25/2014); Concerning Meekness (11/26/2014); Face to Face Like Moses? (01/28/2014); Covenants and Relationships (01/29/2014); The Meek Will Inherit (10/16/2012)


“carmen”, what mature Christian believers speak of as the “plan of salvation” goes far beyond merely teaching mankind to believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of GOD.  Correctly understood, created beings and living creatures are being entered into a process of transformation to become immortal, incorruptible companions of divinity.  The elect are those drawn to GOD; receptive to the Holy Spirit (meek); and who meet pre-set divine standards that address such elements as willingness to maintain covenant promises, acceptance of gradual growth and permanent changes introduced by GOD, acknowledgment of accountability within relationships as well as readiness to endure hardship and suffering to fulfill eternal purposes.

As the elect hear and respond to the gospel, to prophecy, and to the preaching of the cross, they are built up and nourished with spirit content from the makeup of GOD.  (We could say, a sinner’s inborn spirit dies, is buried, and is replaced with divine DNA.)  A believer undergoes an adoption of the Spirit, becomes anointed as a son or daughter of GOD, serves as a vessel that should be filled with divine substance, and is a joint-heir of GOD with Jesus Christ.  Inseparable aspects of divinity are imparted to indwell the developing believer such as gratitude, faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, meekness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.   The “born again” believer is not yet “perfect”, and must both “grow up again,” and be made ripe (i.e., mature) for the appointed time when the Lord removes all those who are his from the earth (we say, Advent, harvest, the Rapture, the Second Coming). 

Believers continue to be subject to aging, death, and other life conditions while on the earth; and also may complete their condition of mortality (die).  All who have lived on the earth (the righteous and the wicked) will be raised from the dead to continue their eternal life begun while alive on the earth, or to answer final judgment and what is called the second death (total destruction within the Lake of Fire).  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Numbers 12:  1-9, King James Version (KJV):  1 And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married:  for he had married an Ethiopian woman.  2 And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it.  3 (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)  4 And the LORD spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out.  5 And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam:  and they both came forth.  6 And he said, Hear now my words:  If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.  7 My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house.  8 With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold:  wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?  9 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them; and he departed.

(2.)  1st Corinthians 15:  21-26, KJV:  21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.  22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.  23 But every man in his own order:  Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.  24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.  25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.  26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  1st Corinthians 15:  50-55, KJV:  50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.  51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,  52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.  54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.  55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(07/07/2017) Discernment, Focus and Meekness?

Today, focus is on teens, and whether or not there are sacred events occurring in a secular world.  A sinner becoming a Christian is a developmental process (i.e., an extended series of events that yield gradual growth and learning), and occurs as a transformation completed by GOD.  Baptism, confirmation, and other events to acknowledge increased accountability, independence, and legitimacy for ones full membership within the church should not be taken as authority and license to pass judgment on and separate from the congregation.  Because of their impatience, presumption, and relying upon academic knowledge, secular reports and modern technology, many children and young adults in the church will become blinded, and robbed of their inheritance won through Jesus Christ.  Deceived, these will “drop out” and quit the church before they have been anointed and supplied with the tools for adult faith, and godly service.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data provided) posted the following:


Why is it that nothing spiritual or religious happens these days?

I mean there are no religious people doing miracles or anything. We don't hear stories of spirits or anything really. It almost seems like religion is becoming obsolete. This is probably why teens like me are moving away from religion more and more. The advancements in science and technology are very appealing and probably boosting this situation.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them:  but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.  (Hebrews 4:  2, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  What Young People Need? (06/26/2017); Growth Is Through Edification (06/20/2017); On Expecting Quick Results (11/07/2016); Discipline and The Cross (06/16/2016); Waiting For His Appearing (02/09/2016); Growing Up Again? (12/09/2015); Wanting To Know When? (10/18/2015)


“Anonymous”, it is not that “nothing is going on,” or that what’s going on is “top secret” so much as that it’s classified as “for___eyes only.”  GOD is a spirit who regularly uses materials and processes that are invisible and unseen to flesh.  Christian believers are given several gifts and tools to “keep up with” the ongoing spiritual changes, sacred events (we say, miracles), and proclamations of divine fulfillment for recorded promises and prophecies.  Every sinner who turns to GOD through Jesus Christ is to become endowed with spirit content from the makeup of divinity through baptism and rebirth.  Included are faith, forbearance, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Selected believers will serve having a “double portion” (so to speak) of such spiritual gifts as discernment, faith, insight, and meekness that are crucial to edifying the full church.

In the same way, one must turn their head to direct their eyes when using the gift of sight, one must concentrate their focus on the things from GOD when using spiritual gifts, rather than focus on things from the world, the flesh, or the occult.  The active presence and revelation of GOD can not be apprehended without using the primary tools for acquiring sacred knowledge and performing sacred practices (we say, observing sacraments):  there must be focus, discernment and meekness.  Discernment is the ability to use ones own spirit content from the makeup of GOD as a standard to recognize and respond to the spirit substance residing within events, other persons, the holy writings, etc.  Meekness (often called, humility) is the willingness to be led by and express divine guidance and instruction as well as to undergo multiple permanent changes carried out by the Holy Spirit. 

Many of the divine works necessary for sacred operations (such as atonement, resurrection, salvation and sanctification) have already been completed.  There is still “unfinished business” such as the conclusion of judgment using the second death, and the allotment of homes upon the new earth as well as within the New Jerusalem.  Even so, the divine processes for believers now center in displaying and maintaining revealed truth.  Foremost in Christian lives  should be elements indicating maturity and sobriety (e.g., balance, consistency, faith, respect, reverence, stability, trust).  Believers have been told “what to expect next” (we say, hope for) by a sovereign whose nature, will and word are immutable, incorruptible, and unchanging.  There are not likely to be any “surprises”.  Consider again the following:

(1.)  Psalms 25:  8-10, King James Version (KJV):  8 Good and upright is the LORD:  therefore will he teach sinners in the way.  9 The meek will he guide in judgment:  and the meek will he teach his way.  10 All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.

(2.)  Psalms 25:  12-14, KJV:  12 What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.  13 His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth.  14 The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.

(3.)  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.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  1st Thessalonians 4:  15-18, KJV:  15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.  16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God:  and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/14/2017) Corruption of Ones Spirit?

Today, corruption and defilement of ones flesh and the inborn spirit are topics.  Awareness and self-will in mankind may be dominated, made abominable and profane, or permanently separated from GOD by the repeated operations of sin.  Only through the active presence of divinity and imparted gifts of spirit do the living receive existence and the necessary substance that establish rebirth, and the new creation.  A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers (UK & Ireland)” who uses the ID “Infinite Lives” (Level 5 with 6,396 points, a member since April 01, 2015) posted the following:  



Is the spirit corruptible, like the body?




THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,  Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.  Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak:  for I am a child.  But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child:  for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.  Be not afraid of their faces:  for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.  Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.  See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.  (Jeremiah 1:  4-10, King James Version, KJV)




THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Passion of Christ? (03/16/2017); Thoughts on Sexual Relationships (03/07/2017); About The Great Whore? (06/24/2016); The Cross Condemns Fornication (05/20/2016); Sin Also Made Incarnate? (04/25/2016); The Return to Dust? (06/14/2015); Self-control and Law (04/15/2014); A Conflict of Interest? (04/16/2014)




“Infinite Lives”, acknowledging the connections among things written in the Scriptures that are provided to ensure discernment and self-government, “corruption” is understood primarily using  language focused on things carnal, material, and social.  We speak, therefore, in terms of decay, rot, and uncleanness that disqualifies a person from participation, service and worship within a congregation or group of believers.  Many mature Christian believers agree that the offspring of Adam all are born in a condition or state of “defilement of spirit,” and must be reborn through operations of divinity that include atonement, water baptism, healing, repentance, and sanctification.  As it were, the inborn spirit must die, be buried, become resurrected (we say, born again), and must develop and become mature (we say, grow up again) to be gathered to GOD in a harvest by Jesus Christ.

The spirit substance from the makeup of divinity that was originally imparted (we also say, breathed out) from God, who is immortal, immutable, and invisible can not be altered or changed through human awareness and self-will.  Included are faith, forbearance, forgiveness, holiness, hope, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Even so, the context and process for duration, existence, access to GOD, and interaction with Deity (we say, personal relationship) were changed:  Life in mortal man will be interrupted; man is subject to death (sleep), and to a second death (annihilation; perdition; utter destruction).  Fornication (the joining of spirits through sexual activity) introduces death and spiritual confusion to the inborn spirit; and engaging the occult should be understood as exposing ones spirit to corruption and defilement.

Given the operations to cleanse, perfect, and renew ones spirit all must be carried out and performed by divinity, the holy writings do not provide much “how to” and secular information for acquiring and maintaining a godly spirit.  Even so, there are admonitions, provisions, and warnings to nourish, reinforce divine law, sacred consciousness, and committed self-will.  Consider again the following:

(1.)  Isaiah 29:  9-11, King James Version (KJV):  9 Stay yourselves, and wonder; cry ye out, and cry:  they are drunken, but not with wine; they stagger, but not with strong drink.  10 For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes:  the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered.  11 And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee:  and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed:

(2.)  Romans 5:  13-15, KJV:  13 (For until the law sin was in the world:  but sin is not imputed when there is no law.  14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.  15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.

(3.)  Leviticus 19:  31, KJV:  31 Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them:  I am the LORD your God.

(4.)  1st Peter 1:  22-24, KJV:  22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:  23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.  24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:

(5.)  Proverbs 16:  32, KJV:  32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (6.)  Proverbs 25:  28, KJV:  28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.



THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/11/2017) Incarnate, GOD May Die

Today, points on the importance of divine truth and Christian conversation are shared.  As never before, Christian believers are to practice and maintain restraint and spiritual self-discipline to respond to challenges and confrontations from those who want to openly deny Christ, and boldly express malice toward the Savior.  Even within our assemblies, congregations, and communities of faith, there are such persons increasingly desperate for comfort, sacred knowledge, and saving truth.  Without making angry responses, cutting remarks, and counter attack, mature believers will carefully share the same truth they themselves acknowledge as sent forth from GOD.  Only thereby will the Son of GOD come into understanding as a sacrifice and a required aspect of atonement and remission for sin on the basis of supernal perfection, eternal purpose, and unseen sacred operations, rather than because of his form or substance as flesh and blood.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Michael Vicks Dog” (Level 6 with 11,649 points, a member since June 06, 2016) posted the following:


If god is Jesus, and they are both immortal, how the hell was Jesus pretending to die a sacrifice? Was it because there was a little booboo?


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, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Nature of Death (04/25/2017); Hope That Is True (02/20/2017); On Really Seeing Angels (10/09/2016); True and Living GOD (08/03/2016); Guided By Divine Truth (06/20/2016); On Transmitting Sacred Truth (05/06/2016); The Holy Spirit and Unity? (08/13/2015)


“Michael Vicks Dog”, the haughtiness and lack of respect in the way you have worded your statement indicates you are not willing to respond to instruction from the Holy Spirit, therefore, this reply is being posted less for you, and more on behalf of those readers who want an honest response that would meet the standards set for Christian believers:

The imperatives dictated by the existence of divinity (we also say, law, divine order, preconditions) are simple, yet, profound.  The operations for duration as immortal, incorruptible, and invisible are different in many ways from those critical to appearing in flesh (we say, incarnation).  When Deity appears using human form, divinity must operate acknowledging frameworks of time and space, natural law, recurring cycles, and ongoing relationship that demand communication, exchange and interaction.  While GOD must operate using distance and separation to assert authority, preeminence and sovereignty, there are multiple indications of divine acceptance and favor.  Included are atonement, correction, forbearance, forgiveness, healing, longsuffering, lovingkindness, grace, mercy, sacred events (we say, miracles), promise, prophecy, and sanctification.

In the system of Christian belief, divinity is the primary origin and source for all the assumptions, principles, precepts, propositions and essential purposes that supply meaning and value.  Both “actuality” and “possibility” are essential to the necessary fullness of truth pertaining to divinity, and to the godliness that may be displayed by created beings and living creatures.  Saying this another way:  The continuum of truth embraces the word originally breathed from GOD as having completed and fulfilled the eternal purposes whereunto it has been sent as well as the word continuing to have active presence within the various spheres of life, and to be now in process for future harvest and resolution (we say, the Advent, the Rapture, the Second Coming).  The persons of the GODhead (Father, Son, the Holy Spirit) are not the sources of disbelief and doubt that oppose Christianity.  Consider again the following using language from the Bible:

(1.)  1st Corinthians 2:  11-14, King James Version (KJV):  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.

(2.)  1st Corinthians 12:  3-5, 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.  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.

(3.)  1st John 2:  21-23, KJV:  21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.  22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.  23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father:  [but] he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.

(4.)  2nd John 1:  7, KJV:  7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  Romans 8:  5-9, KJV:  5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.  6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God:  for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.  9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC