(07/06/2018) Repentance Among Christian Believers

ACTS 2:  38

Today, reply is on the sacred operations of repentance that are carried out by the imparted, indwelling Holy Spirit.  Repentance is not a discrete behavior or task to be performed as ones duty so much as it is an ongoing lifestyle.  The salvation that is achieved through repentance is more than simply escaping mortality, for the punishment for sin unrepented of is the second death.  Created beings and living creatures are permanently bound and joined to the Creator through their own makeup, their pre-ordained eternal purpose, and their sacred substance provided for existence and life.  Even so, the operations of sin oppose the continued existence of divine law, the Lawgiver, the entire universe established through divine order, and all covenant relationship that joins by faith, love, promise, and trust.  As hidden aspects of the divine active presence are stirred within a sinner, their consciousness and self-will are drawn again to their source within the divine fullness (we say, the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit).  A sinner must discover and increasingly respond to the elements of godliness and Christlikeness within themselves that enable realization of elements such as contrition, conviction, loss, lovingkindness, and remorse.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum using the ID “?” (Level 1 (no points are shown); a member since November 09, 2017) posted the following:


What would motivate a killer to want to come to Christ and not a law-abiding atheist?

Why would someone who chooses evil want The Ultimate Good? Doesn't evil hate good anyway? So wouldn't that make them even more hard-hearted?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:  But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.  For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.  For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.  So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.  For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.  (James 2:  8-13, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Divine Knowledge And Wisdom (06/24/2018); Changed And Made Christ-like? (06/19/2018); Life And Divine Purpose (05/04/2018); Christianity Is A Relationship (04/05/2018); Repentance A Lifestyle Event (02/09/2018); Choosing to be Reborn (01/29/2018); Relying on Sacred “Evidence” (11/20/2017)


“?”, leaving the emotional and mental posture of damnation for atheists and murderers, sinners are to become developing Christian believers by the operations of the Holy Spirit that establish the continuing ministry of Jesus Christ as High Priest, Redeemer, Risen Lord, and Savior.  The concept of “motivation” pertains to various elements of the flesh, carnal reason, and the exercise of self-will (we say, willpower).  The sacred processes of repentance appear from the deposits and endowments of spirit substance imparted from the makeup of the Creator (we say, his breath; life essence, spirit; word).  Included are acceptance of accountability, commitment, discernment, perseverance, prophecy, sorrow for sin, and surrender to the sovereign will of GOD.  Those who are “born again” in water baptism are to receive inseparable aspects of divinity such as faith, forbearance, forgiveness, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Ezekiel 18:  4, King James Version (KJV):  4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine:  the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

(2.)  Ezekiel 18:  20-23, KJV:  20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son:  the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.  21 But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.  22 All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him:  in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.  23 Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD:  and not that he should return from his ways, and live?

(3.)  2nd Corinthians 7:  9-12, KJV:  9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance:  for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.  10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of:  but the sorrow of the world worketh death.  11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.  12 Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Romans 8:  5-9, KJV:  5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.  6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God:  for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.  9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(07/28/2014) No Mystery in Lawful Judgment

The completeness, integrity, and justice of divine and lawful human judgment are topics, today.  Also, there is more on Americans applying the Bible to themselves, and the Bible being all about GOD.  The “Yahoo! Answers fighter using ID “Maurog IV” (Level 7 with 84,564 points, a member since May 24, 2011) posted the following:


When a murderer claims God told them to kill, how do the police verify if they are crazy or genuine? 

God moves in mysterious ways, after all...


THE BATTLE AXE:  The Bible is All About GOD? (07/27/2014)—(5.)  Not all Americans are anchored in Christian belief.  Not all Americans are industrious.  Nor are all Americans what we might call “good” people.  Yet, every empire named in world history that successfully endured after conquering and consuming multiple kingdoms and nations prospered upon the earth by applying and copying the best strategies and techniques for life that were practiced among its many diverse peoples and cultures.  Similarly, Americans and all others seeking the best strategies and techniques to amplify and enhance the power of their inborn spirit have found so great an advantage by acknowledging Jesus Christ, that we say, they are born again, and exist as a new creation of GOD.  Power from divinity that is directed to healing, continued existence, and eternal life is received by believers that releases human awareness and self-will from domination by sin, and gradually establishes ones firm control over all their own action, awareness, behavior, desire, emotion, intent, and mental functioning.  Because a countless multitude of Americans have carefully studied, and yielded to the word of GOD conveyed by the holy writings, there has been indisputable achievement across the spectrum of human concerns including agriculture, fine arts, business, communications, education, medicine, popular culture, transportation as well as military defense and warfare.  Even more important than America’s record of material blessings for its people through those committed in Christ, America also boasts a record of emotional, psychological and spiritual endurance.  Not only has America been able to bear up, overcome, and recover when challenged by epidemic disease, fire, flood, storms, suffering, terrorism, and war; America has also reached out to comfort and help its many neighbors throughout the world.  The Bible is not a tool “made in America,” intended only for Americans, or designed to promote and “merchandise” America to the world.  Divine operations, sacred promises, and eternal purposes are revealed.  The Bible is intended to bind and seal all men of goodwill in right relationship to GOD, and to one another wherever they may be.  All are supplied with the same sacred knowledge, discernment, guidance, and proper expectations to permit overcoming adversity, conflict, distance, and separation.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  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.  Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God:  and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.  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:  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.  (Romans 13:  1-4, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Doing GOD’s Plan (02/20/2014); “Prayer Death”? (02/21/2014); The 2nd Prayer Death (02/22/2014); Moses Killed? (09/23/2013); Salted with Fire? (09/24/2013); A Guide to Salvation? (04/10/2013); Faith, Language and Mystery” (04/11/2013); GOD Knows Tomorrow? (04/12/2013); Why Mysterious” (11/11/2012); Attending Church? (11/12/2012); Justice Comes by Love? (10/01/2012); A Daily Revelation? (10/02/2012)


“Maurog IV”, please consider the following points.  For born again Christians who mature over time, there is no mystery regarding the operation and presence of GOD in the earth.  The holy writings document the fixed pattern whereby GOD has appeared and operated among mankind using thousands of lives over the course of thousands of years (a divine perspective):

(1.)  The “mystery” is being revealed and shared with those who receive a fresh endowment of spirit content through baptism (death of ones inborn spirit, rebirth having divine substance from the makeup of GOD) that enables spiritual discernment (recognition of divine content in life experiences such as events, messages, other persons, purposes).  Believers are to contain all the inseparable aspects of divinity such as dutifulness, faith, holiness, righteousness, truthfulness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

(2.)  Among enlightened nations, law enforcement officers may be charged to examine criminal intent and the motives of those committing offenses; however, the determinations in human judgment remain finite, and focus most heavily upon the series of alleged actions carried out along with material evidence that may include DNA, eye witness reports, fabrics, findings from ballistic tests, and fingerprints.  Psychological observation and testing may be carried out to determine the fitness of an accused person to participate in their own defense in a public trial; however, this may be very different than the medical examinations used to establish evidence for an “insanity” plea.  Even so, the spiritual content and the legality of the beliefs and worship of those accused are rarely at issue.  With this in view, the punishment for offenses is not dismissed, eliminated, or made less severe.

(3.)  There are specific procedures and rules to identify sacred events (we say, miracles).  Believers in Christ experience no visions or voices that can not be authenticated among those entrusted as leaders within the church, who are experienced in the things of prophecy.  For Christian believers, every genuine experience of divine revelation proclaims the operation of GOD through communion, incarnation (appearance in flesh as Jesus Christ), law, life, openness, and truth.  Conspiracy, deceit, misdirection, murder, slander, and subtlety (barely visible differences; hidden alterations and shifts) are tools used by agents of the devil.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Government (we say, the powers that be) with its institutions for maintenance of order and security are endorsed within the Scriptures as appointed by GOD, and the primary mechanism for believers to achieve the outworking of divine law and judgment as they center upon human attitudes, behavior, and conduct.  It is only the final judgment of GOD, and the things that pertain to the Second Coming of Jesus, that center upon the content of ones spirit matter imparted from divinity, and, therefore embrace things visible and invisible.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/14/2012) Mockers in the Last Days

     Use by some of mockery rather than love is the topic, today. Also, there is more on unexpected expressions of affection, service to widows, and a holy kiss. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Sept” (Level 1 with 149 points, a member since September 18, 2012) posted the following:



Why do people against faith in God often employ hate, prejudice, mockery, favorism, and scorn, more than love?

It is kind of sad that they are quick to use these foolish things and slow to love. Doesn't it make you want to turn to God more, who is quick to love, quick to forgive, and slow to anger?



THE BATTLE AXE: A Holy Kiss? (11/13/2012)—Through Jesus all believers inherit a duty to serve the fatherless and widows (James 1: 16-27, KJV). Just as a lifeguard at poolside must be vigilant and ready to deliver mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to save a swimmer who is drowning, and a firefighter must be prepared to rush into a building that is aflame in order for lives to be saved, those who serve in Jesus Christ must grow to a level of trust, unselfishness, and willingness to martyr or sacrifice themselves in order to recover souls. Mature believers do not question their own, or the motives of those clearly in need, and may not “second-guess” themselves. In the course of ministry, all that is said and done are taken on “face value,” and understood as lawful and legitimate expressions of the imparted, indwelling spirit of Christ. The work of the Spirit always conveys divine authority, confidence in GOD, faith, holy boldness, innocence, love, righteousness, truth and wisdom (see Philippians 4: 4-7, KJV). As with the casting of pur and the lot, the believer relies upon GOD for all that follows. This includes cleansing, healing for every injury or wound, the completeness and correctness for outcomes of interventions and responses as well as replenishment of all spiritual supplies (see 1st Peter 2: 15-16, KJV). Because sexual joining is an emotional, physical, psychological and spiritual expression, casual sex always results in a reduction of spirit power and purity; and should be regarded as fornication, a joining of ones spirit to other unknown and unseen persons. The perils to those who minister the gospel are not so much that they will be accused, sexually harassed, seduced and then punished as was Joseph. It is that they may fail to maintain the simplicity in Christ repeatedly displaying instead indifference, lack of balance, overconfidence, over familiarity, and presumption. Pastoral counseling and many other interventions are best performed by those having suitable training and experience in the things of GOD. It is very difficult for the novice to avoid inappropriate assumptions, premature and unauthorized judgment (i.e., condemnation) of others, and self-promotion (see 1st Timothy 3: 1-10, KJV).



THE GOLDEN ARROW: But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. (Jude 7-23, KJV)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Since You Asked (02/10/2012); Expect Healing (02/11/2012); Girdle 28: Grounded In Love (12/13/2011); Why Disobey? (03/18/2011); In The Rain? (03/07/2011); Q and A? (10/09/2010); A Demon Leader? (10/10/2010)



     Many choosing to use derision and scorn seek to disguise their ill-will against others (see Proverbs 26: 25-27 and Proverbs 27: 4-6, KJV). Because they fear exposure and punishment they “sugar-coat” their malice and venom, presenting the attack as humor, a joke, a casual remark, or even a heart-to-heart confidence that should bond and seal a friendship. Often, such persons are immature, presumptuous, and proud. They continue to repeat statements expressing contempt, disdain and disrespect against authority, family, law and sacred wisdom as though they truly were doing others a favor, or revealing hidden dangers, snares and pitfalls. Yet, what they speak emerges from anger, bitterness, and distrust rather than from godly insight, the sacred content of their own being, or genuine spiritual understanding.

     As an aspect of divine person and a dimension of existence, love is not a human device that can be applied, directed or manipulated in accordance with carnal, material and social concerns. Divine love is inseparable from other sacred substance, such as faith, holiness, hope, humility, longsuffering, righteousness, truth and wrath against sin. (So to speak, one cannot separate the wet from the water.) Through the indwelling spirit of GOD, mature created beings and living creatures experience love as an unselfish goal and godly motives that add value (edify), continue being, and ensure benefit to others.

     There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, many who mock and scorn when presented with the things given for salvation from GOD express anxiety, disbelief, embarrassment, and fear as very early indications that their development as a believer has begun. In the same way Moses was merely curious and unsuspecting when he turned aside to see the bush that burned without giving off smoke or turning into ashes, scoffers also are engaged with divinity where otherwise they are denied and rejected. Apart from their self-awareness and self-will, the Holy Spirit that brings created beings and living creatures into repentance may be introduced within their consciousness, prompt responses from their inborn spirit substance, and begin to dispel their spiritual confusion.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC