(06/12/2017) Testing and Divine Process

Today, focus is on divine grace, revelation, and testing from GOD to produce spiritual growth.  The outcomes and products of divine testing should be certainty, continuity, and conviction within sacred relationships.  In addition to confession, petitions, and prayers that expose and share their hearts and minds to divinity, believers are to commune with GOD through obedience to divine law, through fellowship with those anointed to minister and serve as well as by spreading the Gospel through ones own lifestyle and daily routine.  Believers are to acknowledge affliction, challenges, obstacles, set backs, trials, and suffering as special opportunities to occupy their true place as one dependent upon GOD and a new creation through Jesus Christ.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “john” (Level 1 with 3 points, a January 08, 2015) posted the following:


Why does god test people in the bible?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.  For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee:  for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake:  for when I am weak, then am I strong.  (2nd Corinthians 12:  7-10, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  On Law and Sin (06/07/2017); Salvation Takes A Lifetime (04/06/2017); His Children Are Sanctified (10/12/2016); Is Sin a Matter of Temptation? (04/22/2015); The Testing of Job? (10/06/2014); Knowing the Spirit is Inside? (10/07/2014); Continuously Tested (12/31/2013); Chosen To Serve As Prophets (01/01/2014)


“john”, mature Christian believers acknowledge that the process of GOD through their life experience is grounded in one-time events and unchanging truth, yet, also is continual and gradual.  Revelation (divinity becoming knowable, known, and “visible” to created beings and living creatures) occurs primarily by their acquiring sacred knowledge, discovery, growth, and learning.  The elements we speak of as judgment, testing, and temptation are not intended to determine ones grade, how much they may know, or how well they can perform certain tasks.  More correctly understood, those coming into correct relationship with GOD are given opportunities to display their inner endowment of spirit content that has been deposited from the makeup of divinity.  Included should be faith, forbearance, forgiveness, gratitude, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  In the language from Bible days, to “prove” or “test” is one of the final stages when creating and fashioning certain tools and weapons (like test driving an auto before purchase).  The tests ensure and reinforce the durability, fitness, and soundness of the device.  Consider again the following from Scripture:

(1.)  Exodus 16:  3-7, King James Version (KJV):  3 And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.  4 Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.  5 And it shall come to pass, that on the sixth day they shall prepare that which they bring in; and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily.  6 And Moses and Aaron said unto all the children of Israel, At even, then ye shall know that the LORD hath brought you out from the land of Egypt:  7 And in the morning, then ye shall see the glory of the LORD; for that he heareth your murmurings against the LORD:  and what are we, that ye murmur against us?

(2.)  James 1:  12-15, KJV:  12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation:  for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.  13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God:  for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:  14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.  15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin:  and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

(3.)  1st Peter 4:  12-13, KJV:  12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:  13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

Of course there is far more to be said, carefully considered, and fully embraced.  (For example (4.)  1st Peter 4:  17-19, KJV:  17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God:  and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?  18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?  19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(08/29/2016) About Judgment By GOD

The error that a person’s judgment by divinity begins only following their death is in view, today.  For Christian believers, judgment is a continuing aspect of divine existence, sacred expression, and eternal purpose.  Judgment is inseparable from the existence of divinity in the same way as faith, forgiveness, grace, holiness, immortality, incorruptibility, divine law, love, mercy, purity, and righteousness.  Saying this another way:  Along with the range of sacred operations that appear through the active presence of GOD (e.g., atonement, Creation, Incarnation, life, revelation, sanctification, and salvation), judgment is what exalts GOD above all as “GOD”.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Serve The Servants” (Level 7 with 29,492 points, a member since November 20, 2010) posted the following:

Why does God wait for us to die before he judges us?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,  And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:  (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart:  And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)  But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,  To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,  And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.  (Hebrews 12:  18-24, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The People You Meet? (08/11/2016); No Excuses For Judgment (07/26/2016); The Imminent Return of Christ? (07/19/2015); The Purpose of Resurrection (07/015/2016); The Cross Reaches Back (05/26/2016); A Guarantee of Judgment? (04/15/2016); Belief, Content And Works? (02/12/2016)

“Serve The Servants”, judgment is a continuous and ongoing divine process of assessment, assigning value, and providing correction.  Opportunity and possibilities for permanent change available to the living include confession, rebirth, redemption, repentance, and salvation.  With this in view, peace is the consequence of judgment, rather than death, destruction, or war.  The outcome of judgment is always accounted as divine blessing (a gift), for judgment is the settlement of disputes and the resolution of conflict by application of divine law (“the expressed will of GOD”).  A “closing” and “completion” of judgment does occur for those belonging to Christ should they “fall asleep” before he appears to harvest the mature (ripe) believers from the earth.  Until the trumpet sounds their judgment is “ongoing”.  For those who “meet him in the air” at his Second Coming (some say, Advent, the Rapture), the details of their life within Christ will already have been thoroughly reviewed and approved using the Books of Life.  Resurrection from the dead will be granted to the wicked, who also will be judged according to the books, and are permitted to appear in open tribunal before Christ (the condition of death can not continue in the active presence of divinity).  Mature Christian believers trust that, in the same way Creation and Salvation set divinity apart as distinguished, having power, sanctified, and exalted as sovereign, Judgment identifies divinity as balanced, comprehensive, righteous, prudent, and wise.  Consider again how some of this is stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)  1st Thessalonians 4:  15-17, King James Version (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.

(2.)  1st Corinthians 15:  50-54, 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.

(3.)  2nd Peter 3:  9-13, KJV:  9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.  10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.  11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,  12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?  13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

There is far more to be said, carefully examined, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4.)  Revelation 20:  4-6, KJV:  4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them:  and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.  5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.  6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection:  on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/19/2015) Eden’s Second Chance?

Further thoughts are shared, today, on the processes of divine prophecy, salvation, trust, and the coming of Christ.  The works of separation in harvest are for the wheat and the tares as well as for the wheat and the chaff.  The task of making response to those who harass your ministry must be carefully done.  On the one hand, your goal is to cut them off absolutely and decisively; to turn them away once and for all so that they never return.  On the other hand, your duty is to respond with substance from the Holy Spirit, as many times as they shall repent (demonstrated in their coming back, again).  Just as children often are hesitant to approach their parents after chastisement, punishment and rebuke, believers, investigators and those seeking GOD often shrink from further effort once challenged, embarrassed, or “put down.”  Following the example given by divinity, the wise parent is alert to recognize and respond to apologies, repentance and sorrowing for error that appears  silently expressed through changed behavior, perseverance, and renewed effort.  Consider again the following from the Bible, where the question, “When?” is answered in a way that conclusively satisfies and seals those Christian believers prepared to receive it.  There the same query has been posed using different words, “wilt thou at this time” and “how long”:   Acts 1:  6-7, King James Version (KJV):  6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?  7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.  Also Revelation 6:  9-11, KJV:  9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:  10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?  11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.  Moreover, we have:  Ecclesiastes 12:  13-14, KJV:  Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:  Fear God, and keep his commandments:  For his is the whole duty of man.  14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.  “wirelessguru1” again commented on (10/16/2015) Christ Coming Soon? and was answered with the following:


“wirelessguru1”                      Fanatic, what does “due time” mean!?
..and encourage by what!!!???


THE BLACK PHOENIX     “Brow” (I‘m sure you won’t mind when I call you that for short), be encouraged that someone cares enough to respond to you at all.  You are still “asking” without sharing.  Try this:  say what it means to your faith, then ask for clarification or correction of what others share with you.  That is how one  avoids the impression of being an empty vessel (one having no spirit content from Christ), and further welcomes the deepest, purest truth that others feel they have.  Consider again:  1st John 4:  6, King James Version (KJV):  6 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.


THE BATTLE AXE:  Wanting To Know When? (10/18/2015)—Continuing a godly understanding, see with new eyes:  The error of Adam (both the male and female) occurred when a judgment was made (i.e., value was assigned to knowledge) in a way that threatened to destroy continuing intimate relationship with the Creator.  As their Maker, GOD met with the pair demonstrating and revealing the divine character and nature through intimacy and person, not simply by authority and as exalted Being.  The pair were to always exist within a relationship of access, love, respect and trust toward Deity.  While sacred law was in place as the expression of divine will, correct and exhaustive knowledge of the law was not required.  There even was no demand for an  abbreviation of the law as seen with the Decalogue granted to Israel as their platform for covenant relationship.

GOD called, and neither would answer.  The pair could have asked, “When?” regarding the death sentence that was passed upon their denial of Deity and disobedience.  However, the priority of GOD must be seen as having been their recovery and restoration.  Were they to be given a second chance, then and there, what would GOD establish for them?  Followers of Jesus Christ believe, GOD would have made possible the original relationship he intended, one of access, love, respect, and trust.  Generations since then have been allowed to experience “Eden’s second chance.”

It should be no surprise that Adam’s response of distrust, fear and hiding among the things of the world (i.e., the Garden) is not correct for those who come to Christ.  Only with open confession, contrition, remorse and repentance may the divine operations of atonement, forgiveness, rebirth, and sanctification set up the full transformation that must occur—even the change from mortality to immortality and incorruption at the harvesting of the earth by Jesus Christ

The sacred process of establishing a church that we see in the Savior (from beginning to end, i.e., incarnation not impregnation, birth, death, resurrection, ascension) is to encourage more than an intellectual  awareness that GOD exists, or to draw men by curiosity as Moses was drawn.  Also, we are not speaking of a work through persuasion, and reasoning with philosophy or science.  The access to divinity now provided pertains to the content and makeup of mankind, that can only be altered for eternal purposes through rebirth, revelation, spiritual growth, and perfecting by the Holy Spirit.

In no way does a second chance mean going back to “business as usual”,  to “do as you please” or to “forget about it.”  There is to be permanent and irreversible change whereby GOD will be glorified, honored, known, and praised throughout the earth.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write:  and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.  And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven,  And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:  But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.  (Revelation 10:  4-7, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Christ Coming Soon? (10/16/2015); How To Measure Spiritual Progress?  (04/19/2015); Carnal Needs, Sacred Tools? (03/26/2015); GOD Is A Spirit (12/07/2014); The Mystery of His Appearing (12/08/2014); Like a Thief? (12/01/2013); Only While We Live? (12/02/2013)
 

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, the eternal development of mankind may occur through the framework of time.  Yet, to focus upon time would be an error.  Similarly, we speak of trust as that aspect brought to relationship by created beings and living creatures, instead of saying faith, because the one is carnal, and appears by the flesh and self-will (some say, volition); the other is spiritual and abides through divinity.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
 Washington, DC

(01/21/2015) When Asked to Serve?

Some points are shared for consideration among those who are asked to serve in worship.  Many fail to realize that serving the Lord also means what some account as difficult:  suppressing anger, not complaining, not continuing in fear, not lying.  A fighter challenging Christian believers at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no further information) posted the following:

 

Question for Roman Catholics!?

I volunteer at Little Sisters of the Poor, and recently one of the sisters asked me to read in mass every month. The problem is, I get really high anxiety when I read in front of people. (It's not just old people I'm reading to, it's my friends too) so I really want to get out of doing this! What do I say without looking like a chicken? ??

Update : I was thinking about starting a miniature girl's choir for the girls who don't want to read. (They desperately need better music)

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  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.  No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.  Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.  And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.  Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.  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.  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.  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.  We love him, because he first loved us.  (1st John 4:  10-19, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Asked to Carry the Cross? (07/25/2014); Good Intentions? (07/26/2014); Not A Matter Of Opinion? (04/24/2014); What Faith Makes Possible (04/25/2014); Bible and Spirit (04/26/2014); Unprofitable Servants? (01/19/2014); Should I Speak? (12/13/2013); Life Choices (12/14/2013); Chosen To Serve As Prophets (01/01/2013); Lawful Revenge? (01/02/2013)

 

Every believer experiences moments of hesitation and reluctance to participate in sacred activity that must be carried out in a public forum.  This may result from personal weaknesses and flaws such as fear of incurring divine wrath, speech impediments (like Moses), shyness, or lack of conviction and uncertainty concerning the many doctrines and teachings one is expected to know.  Nonetheless, each believer is to understand that their every opportunity to serve is also their opportunity to proclaim their gratitude, their love, and their respect to all divinity.

As with anything that demands we leave our “comfort zone,” new experience within the worship community also calls forth confession of need and intimate fellowship with Christ through prayer.  This is the example we see in the Scriptures for all those appointed as apostles and witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus.  Despite their years of companionship, instruction, and preparation by the Lord, following their anointing at Pentecost, the entire community of faith importuned before GOD that the full body would receive holy boldness to act, speak and correctly submit themselves to the unseen power.

When asked to respond to a specific need for the congregation believers are to assume the request has come through operations of the Holy Spirit.  The prophetic work they are to perform is intended to build up (we say, edify), comfort, and exhort (we say, encourage, urge on) the one who serves as well as the household of faith.  More than change in ones confidence and poise, the benefit to the one who serves may appear as an increase of their divine content such as dutifulness, humility, insight, joy, longsuffering, love, righteousness, and truthfulness.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, The sharing of oneself for those who are born again may be understood as merely “growing pains.”  What we are called to do must be seen in the light of the crown of thorns, and the Savior’s death upon the cross.  That we endure or suffer unselfishly for his name and reputation gains for us a more certain place as joint heirs, sons and daughters of GOD, and those who will abide with Christ eternally.)  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

(02/06/2014) On Youth Doing Enough

The duties of young believers are in view, today, along with more on apostolic succession.  The “Yahoo! Answers” writer who uses the ID “Miguel Carcamo” (Level 1 with 95 points, a member since July 22, 2013) posted the following:


Am I doing enough for jesus?

i am 16 yrs old I have gave my life to jesus and its been amazing, but as im learning more i ask myself if i am doing enough for jesus, Sometimes i feel guilty because i feel like i am not doing enough. I pray in the morning before anything, then after school i pray and give thanks, I later read 1 or 2 chapters of my bible. then pray before bed. please let me know if i should do more or add something.

Thank you .

~ Miguel


THE BATTLE AXE:  Succession (02/05/2014)—(4.)  The apostles were indispensable to the early church, not merely as those who had known Jesus personally, and had been taught directly by the Lord; not merely as those endowed with gifts from the holy Spirit to cast out unclean spirits, to heal, and perform miracles; nor merely as those who were free to travel as itinerant preachers baptizing and building new congregations, and expanding the new church.  The apostles all could authenticate the falling of the Holy Spirit, discern the full Gospel and doctrine from GOD; and identify genuine experiences of conversion, and new birth.  (5.)  Succession permits mankind to transcend death, and continue covenant through agents, heirs, representatives, and spokespersons (prophets).  Even so, in Scripture, sin is said to be the sting (or barb) of death.  Saying that another way:  It is sin that makes death an appendage (like ones hand or foot) that we accept and are comfortable with as part of our own being, rather than something foreign and strange.  Through sin, death becomes an aspect of ones full being that is inescapable.  Once sin enters and has penetrated a created being or living creature, death cannot be retracted or smoothly withdrawn.  Death becomes anchored and cannot be removed without damage, and rupture to sin’s living host.  Thus, the focus of apostolic succession is not merely that of attaining earthly authority, property, prosperity and wealth.  Believers must continue in the priesthood of Jesus Christ, and themselves demonstrate faith, obedience, purity, sacrifice, suffering, wisdom, wrath against sin, and the proper acceptance and denial of death.  (See Acts 15:  1-35, Acts 8:  1-25 and 1st Corinthians 15:  50-57, KJV.)


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  These things command and teach.  Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.  Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.  Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.  Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.  Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.  (1st Timothy 4:  11-16, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Unprofitable Servants? (01/19/2014); Going It Alone? (12/16/2013); On Being Good Stewards (12/17/2013); Kicked Out By Parents? (11/27/2013); Before Getting Baptized? (11/28/2013); On Being Merciful (09/01/2013); A Divine Trickster? (09/02/2013); Numberless (08/28/2013); Lost Without GOD? 06/26/2013); When Does Judgment Begin? (06/27/2013); Unexceptional Beginnings (11/22/2012); Believing Everything? (11/23/2012); Childlike Faith (10/18/2012); Why Did The Judges Fight? (10/19/2012)


Miguel, here are some points to consider about life as a Christian believer that you may find helpful in avoiding spiritual confusion:

(1.)  In Christ, the primary duty and responsibility for all young people is that they grow, and learn spiritually while encountering the same challenges and life experiences as all others upon the face of the earth.  Only while we are young, can our parents endure the hard work they must do to provide the materials, opportunities, and supports we need to continue in school, and begin our work careers.  Later, we do not have the freedom, and luxury to focus and learn in the same ways.  The many demands of our own jobs, our own developing relationships (such as dating, courtship, marriage, parenting), our own finances, our own health, often cut off our chances to further our own formal education and training.

(2.)  What’s “different” as the new life of a born-again believer is not their physical body, or the world around them as an environment for human existence.  Through water baptism, believers die to sin, and are reborn having divine DNA, so to speak.  What is “new” is their outlook on life, their awareness of possibilities established by GOD, their ability to recognize the active presence of GOD, and their willingness to practice and study the things given by GOD for salvation.

There is far more to be said, properly shared, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (3.)  Throughout their lives, many believers feel they are not giving enough financially to the cause of GOD, yet, they cannot beat GOD giving, so to speak.  Despite “thank you” being a simple phrase (like “I love you”) believers often feel great pressure not to repeat the words so much that they lose all meaning; and many are uncomfortable, because they feel they are not saying “thank you” enough to GOD, and are not doing and saying the things that declare “I love you” enough.  As a result many become uncertain and dissatisfied that their sins are totally erased.  Believers are to trust the word and not their own works.  They are to hear and rely upon the declaration of GOD in Jesus Christ, “I love you” (see John 3:  16, KJV).)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  But shun profane and vain babblings:  for they will increase unto more ungodliness.  (2nd Timothy 2:  15-16, KJV)


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(04/27/2013) Repentance Must Come Before Resurrection

      Focus today is upon whether one may repent at the time they appear in judgment, and there is more on the possibilities for humans to have binding contracts with devils. The “Yahoo Answers” writer using the ID “Matt” (Level 2 with 414 points, a member since March 28, 2013) posted the following:


When God Judges us after death and we have sinned.. will we have another chance to repent in front of him?

I know a friend who believes that…


THE BATTLE AXE: Not of Legal Age? (04/26/2013)—(5.) Devils do not benefit, defend, justify, protect, or serve the wicked. Because they have neither the mind of Christ, nor the mind of man, they are more likely to accuse, antagonize, attack, betray, and condemn the righteous, the wicked, and one another. No contract or covenant with any devil has legitimacy in the judgment of GOD.  Before the second resurrection and judgment of the wicked, the devil first is cast into the lake of fire. All sinners are then examined on the basis of their own sacred content, and the record of their own deeds written in the books of life. See Isaiah 28: 15-22 and Revelation 20: 6-15, KJV. (6.) Comparative studies of philosophies and religions are only safe where one is first anchored, centered and grounded in mature understandings that integrate and up-build ones defining spirit content. Otherwise, hopping between and among belief systems is inescapable self-destruction. See 1st Corinthians 9: 16-27, KJV. (7.) The devils promote a false equation that fun, joy and the full experience of youth, in fact, are the same as defiance, depression, lack of self-discipline, repeated failure, rebellion and sin. Deceivers insist that there must be such behavior as cursing and swearing, distrust, drug use, drunkenness, envy, fornication, intoxication, lying, faithless risk-taking, and violence. See 2nd Timothy 2: 22-26 and James 4: 1-10, King James Version. (8.) Neither angels nor devils carry on relationships with mankind apart from GOD. The account of Job describes the challenge and investigation of a man’s spirit substance that was carried out by Satan with the permission of GOD. As with plagues proclaiming divine judgment, and other displays of divine wrath against sin, all legitimate analysis and testing that comes upon mankind is in accordance with divine law, and continues to be under the authority of GOD. Christ has met all the legitimate demands of divine law that were against mankind; and while men have debt and owe one another in the economies of the World system, through the Son of GOD, mankind can never be indebted or obligated for its continuing existence to any other created beings and living creatures. See Revelation 19: 1-10 and Revelation 22: 8-9, KJV. (9.) The dark spirits that have lost their first estate can in no wise offer a future filled with light to mortal men. Devils are neither immortal nor mortal, and continue to exist by divine discretion, not by their own nature and substance. The devils have no part as joint-heirs with Christ, and will not be made immortal and incorruptible with believers harvested from the earth. The devils who have walked in the Garden of Eden, the Promised Land, and the courts of heaven, will never be allowed to set foot within the New Jerusalem. See Matthew 25: 41, Revelation 20: 4-10 and Revelation 22: 14-16, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW: For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. (Hebrews 9: 24-28, King James Version)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER: When Jesus Comes Back? (04/19/2013); What’s The Way Out (04/20/2013); After the Rapture? (11/01/2012); Opportunity to Repent (11/02/2012); After We Die? (10/04/2012); Does GOD Feel? (10/05/2012); Life and Death (09/26/2012); Mob Rule and Violence (09/27/2012); Chances for Change (09/15/2012); What He Died For (09/14/2012)


      Matt, here are some points derived from the holy writings that are endorsed by many mature Christian believers:

(1.) The “final judgment” is accomplished in three stages. The first is ongoing (i.e., happening now); and is our most important chance, because it is the only one we are given. The present judgment focuses upon all created beings and living creatures who have ever participated in covenant relationship with GOD as well as those that presently exist upon the earth, and within the heavens. This first stage of judgment is completed through what is called “the first resurrection,” and the harvesting of the righteous from the earth.

(2.) Jesus has been appointed as the Supreme Judge over mankind, and will oversee all stages of judgment (see Acts 17: 29-31 and 2nd Timothy 4: 1-2, KJV). Satan does not appear as accuser, executioner, jailer, King of Hell, ruler of the underworld, or prosecutor. Before the second resurrection, Satan is cast into the lake of fire to be utterly destroyed; this is an aspect of what is called “the second death.” (See Revelation 20: 1-15, KJV.) In effect, sinners appearing before Christ are only challenged to display their spirit content, and their own record of spiritual deeds from the books of life.

(3.) The righteousness of judgment requires that all appear to answer charges against themselves that come from the record of their deeds. Therefore, all who are not resurrected from the dead at the Advent of Christ (also called “his appearing,” the Rapture, and the Second Coming) will be gathered in the second resurrection to appear as living before the throne of judgment. The second resurrection is also called “the resurrection of the wicked,” and gathers those who were not approved in the first stage of judgment.

(4.) The third stage of judgment follows the casting of the wicked into the lake of fire, and focuses upon distributing rewards for service to those who have been approved for eternal life. Only those raised at the Advent of Jesus, who have been transformed and are now immortal and incorruptible appear in the third stage of judgment. See 1st Corinthians 3: 11-15, KJV.

(5.) Repentance is not a “one-time” event, and is achieved only through operations by the imparted, indwelling spirit from GOD, the Holy Ghost. A pattern must appear within the record of ones life whereby the spirit content that was in Jesus is seen through the behavior, conduct and substance of those in judgment.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (6.) Prior to the coming of Jesus in the Advent, all upon the earth will receive a mark that seals the spirit content of their being so that their spiritual substance can no longer be altered, or changed. The unsaved will receive the mark of the beast in their right hand, or their forehead. Those belonging to Christ will be known by not having the mark of the beast. See Ezekiel 9: 1-11, Revelation 13: 11-17 and Revelation 22: 10-12, KJV.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC