(02/18/2018) Being A Good Samaritan

The Parable of The Good Samaritan Defines Our “Neighbors” As Those Who Show Mercy When There Is Need

Today, reply is on whether there is a divine blessing for those who help others through what they do when they are at work.  During his ministry on earth, Jesus encountered many dietary laws, customs, and traditions among the Jews intended to sanctify (set them apart) as a people and possession of GOD.  Many features in their way of life were based on doctrines and judgments from the law received from divinity; however, the ethnic arrogance, continuing of grudges, prejudice, racism, and elitism that developed was in no way commanded from GOD.  Thus, using an object lesson (parable) Jesus spoke to the unwillingness of a priest and a Levite to help a wounded man they both saw lying in the road.  Many were insulted that Jesus—a rabbi from Galilee (an area considered the “boondocks”) and an outsider to both the Temple community and Jerusalem—would dare teach “love thy neighbor” also can mean love other peoples and tribes long accounted as enemies and strangers.  In the heat of their anger against him, they even accused Jesus of being a Samaritan, a demoniac, and a person having unclean spirits and devils.  The writer in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “Garfield the Cat” (Level 7 with 129,073 points, a member since January 23, 2012) posted the following:


Do you believe that helping those in need is a blessing from God?

The other day at work I've had a customer tell me that I'm a Godsend and a blessing to my job because I went above and beyond to bring a motorized cart to her vehicle so she wouldn't have to walk very far and she was really grateful and happy about it


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?  He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?  And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.  And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right:  this do, and thou shalt live.  But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?  And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.  And by chance there came down a certain priest that way:  and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.  And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.  But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was:  and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,  And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.  And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.  Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?  And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.  (Luke 10:  25-37, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Mankind's Priesthood in Heaven (02/16/2018); Truths To Live By (02/02/2018); Divine Priesthood on Earth (01/31/2018); The First To Help? (12/22/2017); Undergoing A Sacred Transformation (10/24/2017); In Spirit and Truth? (10/02/2017); Called To Serve Unselfishly (07/06/2017); GOD's Peculiar People (12/11/2016)


“Garfield the Cat”, simple things we do for others often have profound meaning and enormous value that address more than their visible needs that are carnal, material, secular, and social.  Among Christian believers, cheerful and generous giving, sacrifice that fulfills commitment and duty as well as unselfish service are indicators that divinity is present as an imparted spirit from the makeup of divine fullness (we say, the GODhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit).  Sinners who turn to Jesus Christ receive fresh endowments of life essence (breath, spirit, Word), are “born again,” must “grow up again,” and must become mature while living on the earth as vessels of divine DNA, so to speak.  Through discovery, gradual growth, learning, and sacred practice, the sinner becomes a developing believer, who can minister to others.

Not all believers serve as clergy, evangelists, healers, preachers, or teachers, yet, all are accounted as “gifted” and may share what they themselves have received as divine substance.  Many serve as caretakers, classmates, family, friends, parents, emergency first responders, or volunteers.  They will display inseparable aspects of divinity such as balance, faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Believers may not appear to be blessed by GOD for their service to another, for the presentation of rewards are scheduled for a later time. Even so, through their lifestyles and daily routines believers are to demonstrate and display godliness.  This is not intended to convert, proselytize, and recruit new church members so much as it is to make visible within and through the living the active presence who is GOD.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Matthew 5:  6-9, King James Version (KJV):  6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness:  for they shall be filled.  7 Blessed are the merciful:  for they shall obtain mercy.  8 Blessed are the pure in heart:  for they shall see God.  9 Blessed are the peacemakers:  for they shall be called the children of God.

(2.)  Mark 10:  42-45, KJV:  42 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.  43 But so shall it not be among you:  but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:  44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.  45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

(3.)  Luke 18:  9-14, KJV:  9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:  10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.  11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.  12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.  13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.  14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other:  for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  1st Corinthians 3:  11-15, KJV:  11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.  12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;  13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest:  for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.  14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.  15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss:  but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(09/27/2017) Gossip and Malicious Silence?

Today, reply is on the duty of believers through and with the law to help one another discern, recognize and resist error and sin.  Believers do not “snitch” or become betrayers and traitors by carefully helping each other identify error and sin.  Often, behavior that seems harmless and innocent to ourselves can be very damaging to others; and our mistakes will not be detected and correctly valued until seen through the light of divine law.  Also, when someone has been hurt or offended by another, and does not hold their attacker openly accountable, the result can be a dangerous and explosive build up of anxiety, bitterness, fear, suspicion, and uncertainty.  The provisions from GOD to expose the operations of sin have included sacred law; family; friendship; covenant nation; the Incarnation of divinity as Jesus Christ; the Savior’s death on the cross, resurrection and ascension; and the provision of fellowship for believers within the body of Christ (the church).  In an effort to avoid appearing to be unnecessarily judgmental and overly critical of others, many Christian believers “ignore” and behave as if they are blind to insulting attitudes and conduct from fellow believers that are disrespectful and offensive.  Obeying a rule from the World (live and let live), yet committing a serious error, many believers will make no complaint against what are clearly transgressions of sacred law.  Exaggerated pride influences the living to believe there is no need for law from GOD, and that they may be a “law unto themselves.”  In part the law has been given because the operations of sin can appear to be natural and normal as though they are the truest expression of ones own character and makeup.  Sinners do not discern the actual nature of sin, and that sin is contrary to their own continued existence.  By contrast, developing believers will increasingly agree that to maintain divine order and godliness we also require the vocal support and vigilance of others who are sharing in the new creation.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “GRANNY NORINE” (Level 1 with 40 points, a member since May 16, 2014) posted the following:


For those "PROCLAIMING" Christianity, What Does Leviticus 19:17 Mean?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Owe no man any thing, but to love one another:  for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.  For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.  Love worketh no ill to his neighbour:  therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.  (Romans 13:  8-10, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Deeds Of The Law? (09/10/2017); The Operations of Sin (07/25/2017); Obstacles To Developing Believers (07/24/2017); Christian Beliefs About Sin (07/20/2017); Fellowship With the Father (06/13/2017); A Fool of the Church? (01/26/2016); A Slip of the Tongue (09/17/2014); Which Things We Speak (09/18/2014)


“GRANNY NORINE”, gossip, grudge-bearing, and malicious silence are forbidden among those who are the new creation through Jesus Christ.  Formal statements recording the law from GOD appear throughout the holy writings.  In addition to exposing error, sin, and their consequences, the work of the law is to make the heart and mind of divinity knowable, known, and “present”.  Commandments, judgments (rulings to settle disputes), ordinances (required ceremonies and observances), prohibitions, and statutes are shared to amplify, “bring to life,” and detail the practices and principles provided to Adam and the Patriarchs as a divine inheritance.  Along with the words spoken by GOD at Mount Sinai, the written law would be developed and proclaimed as a living and organic aspect of communication, exchange, and  interaction within and between the tribes of Jacob as they were being transformed and permanently bound together as a single nation in covenant with GOD. 

For those who are mature, the expression of love always includes the acceptance of accountability.  Within the shared covenant, believers have standing as “brothers”, “neighbors” and “partners” (not siblings).  The rule [Leviticus 19:  17, King James Version (KJV):  17 Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart:  thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.] forbids being critical of others (their attitudes, behavior and conduct), yet, not answering directly to them to make them aware of their offenses against yourself, or their  transgressions against GOD and the divine law.  It is more an act of love to deliver admonition, caution, chastisement and warning, than to maintain a silence that may fester and become a “root of bitterness,” or that falsely will appear as approval and agreement.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 14:  1-3, King James Version (KJV):  1 Ye are the children of the LORD your God:  ye shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead.  2 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.  3 Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing.

(2.)  Proverbs 30:  11-14, KJV:  11 There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.  12 There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.  13 There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.  14 There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.

(3.)  Jeremiah 6:  13-15, KJV:  13 For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.  14 They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.  15 Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush:  therefore they shall fall among them that fall:  at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the LORD.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Matthew 18:  15-17, KJV:  15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone:  if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.  16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.  17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church:  but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/14/2017) A Ministry to Cripples?

Today, reply is to whether the love and ministry of Jesus included cripples (“the lame”).  Our ongoing relationship with the Creator now must rely upon sacred operations of faith, hope, and love through the Holy Spirit.  Therefore, conviction and trust for mature Christian believers may rest upon the events reported by the holy writings, and require no new instances, proofs, and statistics to describe the unchanging yet active presence who is GOD.  The fighter at “Yahoo! 7 Answers (Australia) using the ID “Steve” (Level 3 with 1,437 points, a member since January 25, 2017) posted the following:

Did the Bible include cripples in it's Love thy neighbor speech?

Past life sinners !!!!!!

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee:  In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.  And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up:  and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.  And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.  And all the people saw him walking and praising God:  And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple:  and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.  And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon’s, greatly wondering.  And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?  The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.  But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;  And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.  And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know:  yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.  (Acts 3:  6-16, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Saying “GOD is Love” (12/18/2016); Believers Are To Love (12/07/2016); The Work of Forgiving (11/23/2016); On Expecting Quick Results (11/07/2016); Become An Anointed Healer (09/04/2016); The Correct Prescription? (11/19/2015); Why Did Jesus Heal? (02/03/2015)

“Steve”, with GOD, love is more than a feeling or sentiment.  The present operations of GOD are understood by mature Christian believers as a demonstration of love, a “good faith” down-payment, and a “promissory note.”  GOD does not have to heal or directly prosper every last individual at this time, and, the fact that some among us have been released and touched is the anchor for our faith.  In Jesus Christ, the active presence, sovereign authority, and love of GOD for the full Creation are revealed by the Savior using a range of natural, practical, and sacred events (we say, miracles).  More important than simply granting blessing and favor, divinity also must address the operations of sin through judgment, for sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Law Giver, and all divine order.  Awareness and self-will in the living may be dominated by sin.  Sin has not been created by GOD, has no spirit content from GOD, and sin promotes death, misery, nonexistence, and return to the conditions that prevailed before Creation week.  Only the provisions of GOD make sin known and visible to created beings and living creatures as something contrary to their own intended character and nature.  Included are divine law, the embodiment of divinity (we say, Incarnation as Jesus Christ), and fresh deposits of the imparted, indwelling Spirit from GOD (we say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth).  Mankind’s reliance upon finite human tools such as emotion, intellect, logic, carnal reason, philosophy and science have not been effective for eliminating, correctly recognizing, and consistently resisting sin (thus, there are scientists and scholars who also are sinners).  Consider the following points from the holy writings:

(1.)  Isaiah 61:  1-3, King James Version (KJV):  1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;  2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;  3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

(2.)  Luke 7:  19-23, KJV:  19 And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?  20 When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?  21 And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.  22 Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.  23 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

(3.)  Mark 2:  16-17, KJV:  16 And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?  17 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick:  I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Mark 2:  3-12, KJV:  3 And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.  4 And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was:  and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.  5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.  6 But there was certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,  7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?  8 And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?  9 Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?  10 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)  11 I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.  12 And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX 
Washington, DC

(10/07/2016) Instruments in His Ministry?

Today, points are shared on the believer’s duty to love one’s neighbor by alerting them to the wrath of GOD against sin.  Those who take up the work of spreading the Gospel express a personal care for others, the love of GOD the Father as well as the same Holy Spirit and love that resided within the Son, Jesus Christ.  Anointed believers are accountable as judges, priests, and kings in service to GOD who are to demonstrate and share divine cleansing, healing, humility, and sacred knowledge through a lifestyle and sacraments that continue the ministry and works of the Lord.  Included are delivering cautions; comfort; exposing cherished, disguised, and hidden sin; giving; instruction; and reinforcing the faith of others.  Thus, it is written:  Leviticus 19:  16-18, King James Version (KJV):  16 Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people:  neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour; I am the LORD.  17 Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart:  thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.  18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself:  I am the LORD.  Also, Ezekiel 33:  8-9, KJV:  8 When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.  9 Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.  One of the many fighters at “Yahoo! Answers (Canada)” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:

Where is the contradiction except in your saying that we should never call a sin a sin. That is how you love your neighbor?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us:  for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;  Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:  Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.  For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.  For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.  Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.  But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.  And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.  Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.  Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.   (2nd Thessalonians 3:  7-16, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:   Must GOD Hate Sinners? (09/01/2016); Why Are Works Required? (07/18/2016); About Other People’s Beliefs (06/22/2016); Called Slaves by GOD? (02/10/2016);  On Doing Good Deeds (02/02/2016); On Being Merciful (09/01/2013); A Divine Trickster? (09/02/2013)

“Anonymous”, we are to “call sin by its proper name,” conscience is to be awakened and stirred, and the “exceeding sinfulness of sin” is to be made clear, however, not by self-promotion, coercion, and assuming authority over others that has not been granted by GOD.  Believers are not to be “busybodies” who impose their mind and will upon others, for the proper names given to uninvited and unasked for advice, assistance, and help are “interfering” and “meddling”.  Among Christian believers, all the counsel of GOD is to be applied with balance, circumspection, modesty, and respect.  The expression of love is to be more than the display of our own individual affection and feeling.  Where Christ is alive within the believer through the Holy Spirit, the ministry of our Risen Lord continues through our lifestyle and daily routines.  We are instruments in his ministry to the earth from the heaven.  Divine love is shown through genuine care for the redemption and salvation of others; by acts of kindness, intercession, and sharing; by admonition, consistency, forgiveness, humility, longsuffering, meekness, patience, and restraint; by prophesying (comforting, edifying, and exhorting the church) as well as by speaking the truth and using spiritual gifts with discernment, discretion, and tact.  Consider again how some of this is stated using language from the holy writings:

(1.)  Psalms 131:  1-2, King James Version (KJV):  1 LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty:  neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.  2 Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother:  my soul is even as a weaned child.

(2.)  Proverbs 26:  17, KJV:  17 He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.

(3.)  Philippians 2:  12-15, KJV:  12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.  13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.  14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:  15 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;

(4.)  James 4:  10-15, KJV:  10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.  11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law:  but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.  12 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy:  who art thou that judgest another?

(5.)  1st Peter 4:  14-16, KJV:  14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you:  on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.  15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.  16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

There is far more to be said, carefully examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (6.)  1st Peter 5:  2-4, KJV:  2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;  3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock.  4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/31/2015) Addressed by the Spirit, Not the Letter?

Today, points are shared on whether bestiality and other sexual practices were endorsed by Jesus Christ through “silence”.  Believers understand that the earthly ministry of Jesus was carried out as the proclamation and fulfillment of divine promises and recorded prophecy, rather than a teaching of Mosaic covenant and its demands.  Even so, Jesus promoted the law as legitimate and eternal.  Consider again:  Jeremiah 31:  33-36, KJV:  But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.  And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD:  for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD:  for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.  Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is his name:  If those ordinances depart from before me, saith the LORD, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever.  Also recall, Matthew 5:  17-19, KJV:  Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets:  I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.  For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.  Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven:  but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “James 1:1” (Level 2 with 754 points, a member since November 27, 2014) posted the following thrust:


Did Jesus, by not addressing these subjects, okay men having sex with men, and people having sex with animals.?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.  What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.  But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.  Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.  What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?  For ye are bought with a price:  therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.  (1st Corinthians 6:  15-20, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Human Law, Divine Favor? (03/23/2015); Condemned by the Church? (08/19/2014); Principles of Correct Belief? (08/20/2014); Recognizing Divine Wrath? (02/26/2014); Angels, Law and Sin (10/18/2013); Animals Do Not Sin? (09/29/2013); GOD is Acknowledging (09/30/2013); Law in Christian Belief? (09/03/2013); A Need to Know? (09/04/2013); The Spirit by Measure (09/22/2012); A Man in Heaven? (09/23/2012)


“James 1: 1”, here are a few points that have released many Christian believers from spiritual error:

(1.)  The Gospel is a complete teaching that has come forth as a revealing of divinity and Deity.  In place of a developed code of covenant law with ordinances, statutes and judicial decisions applied and enforced as our standard (we may say, the letter of the law), Christian believers have received an imparted spirit that operates through precepts, principles, prophecy, and spiritual imperatives (i.e., accountability, duty and requirements enjoined by ones own content from divinity).  Therefore, new life for the believer will express unchanging divine intent and eternal purpose.

Saying this another way:  (2.)  Hosea 6:  6, KJV:  For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

(3.)  Matthew 9:  13, KJV:  But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice:  for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

(4.)  Matthew 22:  36-40 KJV:  Master, which is the great commandment in the law?  Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.  This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.  On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

(5.)  Romans 13:  8-10 KJV:  Owe no man any thing, but to love one another:  for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.  For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.  Love worketh no ill to his neighbour:  therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood.  For example, (6.)  Romans 8:  9, KJV:  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.  Love has spoken.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(02/15/2015) Judge Thy Neighbor?

Divine love, judgment and the revelation of eternal righteousness are topics, today.  It has been suggested that, where Christian believers love their neighbor as they love themselves, they should also judge their neighbor as they judge themselves.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Some” (Level 1 with 8 points, a member since December 02, 2014) posted the following:


Should Christians change the saying love thy neighbor to judge thy neighbor?

I see more of them judging than loving


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  We are of God:  he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.  Beloved, let us love one another:  for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.  He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.  In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.  Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.  Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.  (1st John 4:  6-11, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  What to Do About Liars? (11/14/2014); Refraining Our Tongues? (11/15/2014); Scriptures and Judging Others (03/12/2014); Faith Given By GOD (03/13/2013); The Benefit of Law? (11/15/2013); Are Holidays Bad? (11/16/2013)


“Some”, here are a few points to consider that continue to challenge mature Christian believers, who agree they are made in the image of a god of Judgment:

(1.)  Divinity is being made known and visible to mankind through many different sacred devices and operations.  In addition to such process as birth, death, hope, love, promise, and prophecy, the character and nature of the Creator is further revealed and shown through judgment whereby direction, meaning and value are acknowledged and permanently assigned.  While condemnation and punishment may appear as aspects of judgment, features vital for continuity of life also appear such as approval, balance, correction, forbearance, forgiveness, impartiality, mercy, and righteousness.

(2.)  Those who are “born again” become altered through baptism (death of ones inborn spirit, rebirth having substance from the content of divinity).  Through unseen operations by the Spirit of GOD, believers are provided with a fresh endowment of such sacred substances from the makeup of Deity as faith, holiness, truthfulness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Believers must “grow up” again facing life challenges upon the earth.  Thus, all must gradually acquire sacred knowledge through study of the Scriptures; become skilled as having discernment (using ones own spirit content to recognize and respond to the spirit matter in events, experiences, other persons, statements, etc.); enter into fellowship with other believers; maintain practices for spiritual growth (we say, sacraments); and be in communication with divinity through prayer.

(3.)  The covenant with GOD shared through Jesus Christ is also an agreement to accept, display, and foster divine love expressed through sacred admonitions, instruction, law, proclamations, and warnings.  With the “good news” of Jesus having triumphed over death in resurrection, we also have it that Christ is our advocate, High Priest, mediator, and spokesperson in all divine judgment.  Sin appears as “non-material”, “non-spirit” phenomena that can not be eliminated using finite tools of intellect, logic, mathematics, philosophy, and science.  Atonement for sin that can only be accomplished through applications of holy blood has been completed through the sacrifice of the cross.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Believers share their knowledge of sacred law, and extend their own discipline and rule of truth to others as a divine gift.  Sacred judgment is always a blessing, for judgment is the resolution of conflict and the settlement of disputes through hallowed law.  Peace is never the outcome of war; war repeatedly promotes bitterness, distrust, fear, hate, loss, resentment, and more war.  Peace is the fruit of righteous judgment.  We say believers are the “salt of the earth” partly because, those having no direct part in the covenant of love with Christ may still receive benefit through the operations of judgment within his holy kingdom.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to the measure of your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/25/2013) With The Whole Heart?

Seeking to develop the most effective format for this blog intended to correct error and nourish faith, I introduce an alternative presentation approach, today.   It is necessary to replace the work of responding to questions from “Yahoo! Answers,” because the writers there do not seem to have a genuine hunger for the word from GOD.   When I began with the idea of a sacred writings blog, I wanted to share the holy writings as a way that would help readers realize that the Bible can be understood through the plain talk and healthy conversation of believers.  In order to be properly selfless, my approach was to be one of answering questions and replying to issues from others, instead of sharing only my own reflections upon my favorite Scriptures.  I’ve decided to put it before my readers, today, asking that you let me know after the next few posts whether the following, where Scripture answers Scripture, is more useful or not:

 

SOME THOUGHTS ON

1 Amaziah was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem.

2 And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart. (2nd Chronicles 25:  1-2, KJV)



2nd Chronicles 16:  9 (KJV)  9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly:  therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.


Psalms 111:  1-3 (KJV)  1 Praise ye the LORD.  I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.  2 The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.  3 His work is honourable and glorious:  and his righteousness endureth for ever.


Psalms 119:  33-35 (KJV)  33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.  34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.  35 Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.


Psalms 119:  144-146 (KJV)  144 The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting:  give me understanding, and I shall live.  145 I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD: I will keep thy statutes.  146 I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.


Jeremiah 24:  7 (KJV)  7 And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the LORD:  and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart.


Mark 12:  28-34 (KJV)  28 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?  29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:  30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength:  this is the first commandment.  31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.  32 And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:  33 And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.  34 And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.


Of course, there is far more to be said, correctly shared, and spiritually understood.  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.  Jesus is coming.  Grow in grace.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC