Today, response is shared on the benefits of church for young people through regular attendance and responsible membership. In the Scriptures, the church is spoken of as a bride and consort to the Savior, because the church is to be a living presence whose character, nature, and substance are compatible with that of Jesus Christ. Included are such aspects of priesthood as commitment, discernment, governance, humility, love, sacred knowledge, personness, eternal purpose, purity, and willingness to “give birth” to an eternal creation. Early disciples of Jesus and those led by his apostles gathered together as “the church” within the homes and households of baptized members. Ordinances and sacred practices were continued such as foot-washing, observing Sabbath rest, and sharing the Lord’s Supper. Often the youth are eager to have a personal relationship with the Lord that is secret and apart from that with family or with “the brethren.” Lacking maturity and prophetic vision, what they display and express may be little more than desire for control, independence, and separation from the primary mechanism provided by GOD for their highest spiritual development. Sinners are to learn what it means to be joint-heirs with the Lord by serving and sharing within a full community of faith. Those who break-off fellowship and study within the body are like a knight who rushes into battle without a weapon. Such young believers frequently leave before being sent, and must encounter the pressures and problems of adulthood having only the tools from their own childhood. A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:
Am I not a good Christian because I don't go to church?
I don't like any churches in my new town ever since moving...they're all focused on money and "events" and not prayer.
Can I have a holy sacrament in my home and serve my faith there?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; (Romans 12: 1-10, King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Church Attendance and Inheritance (09/11/2016); Can A Church Not Be "Religious"? (07/27/2016); Going To The Cross? (05/25/2016); Skipping Church A Sin? (11/17/2015); A Correct Church? (10/05/2015); Church Attendance for Prayer? (07/20/2015); Denying Mutual Need? (06/25/2015)
THE BATTLE CRY: Two selections from the music ministry are recommended. The first piece became one of my favorites immediately; however, I disliked the second, and felt it did not deserve so much attention after hearing it played repeatedly on radio. Finally, I listened to the lyrics, and was struck by the simplicity and power I heard in one of its lines. In that instant, I had to acknowledge the high value of the work as prophecy to all the church. Readers are encouraged to hear THE HERALDS, We Are An Offering, from their 1987 album “Honor The Lord.” No less worthy is Bishop Hezekiah Walker and the Love Fellowship Choir, I Need You To Survive, from the 2007 album, The Essential Hezekiah Walker. The works are available online as MP3 and YouTube video files.
“Anonymous”, how “good” a believer (i.e., effective as one who wins souls; fruitful; productive) a sinner becomes appears in divine judgment as a matter of rewards, rather than their redemption and salvation that can be carried out only by divinity. A person’s home always is to be a center and hub for their continual response to the ministry of Jesus Christ particularly for fasting, meditation, praise, prayer, and study. When becoming a member of a community of faith, Christian believers give their word (we say, pledge their honor) and promise to be present in worship services and other activities (e.g., missions, outreach, socials, study); provide necessary financial resources to maintain good works and ongoing programs as well as cleanliness and health within the place of assembly; show respect to GOD and all others through the works of salvation (e.g., intercessory prayer, observing sacraments, spreading the gospel); and willingly cooperate with leaders within the congregation who may be clergy and those otherwise appointed to give comfort, guidance and instruction (e.g., mothers of the church; the church Board; the choir director and prophets of the music ministry). While these are the very duties and responsibilities parents are hoping to demonstrate, instill, and require from their children by attending church together as a family, many young people leave the church before they truly grasp the full meaning of being held accountable, commitment, interdependence, love, mutual support, sacrifice, and unselfish service. More than this, many leave the church before they have received the necessary anointing that is given only by GOD (the imparted, indwelling Spirit) that enables genuine sacred knowledge, and adult spirituality. Being restricted to fellowship with those outside the body of Christ, believers must be anchored firmly in their own experiences and understandings from the Holy. Consider again the following cautions and counsels to both young people and the many congregations:
(1.) Jeremiah 5: 7, King James Version (KJV): 7 How shall I pardon thee for this? thy children have forsaken me, and sworn by them that are no gods: when I had fed them to the full, they then committed adultery, and assembled themselves by troops in the harlots’ houses.
(2.) Hebrews 10: 35-37, KJV: 35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. 36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
(3.) 1st Corinthians 15: 58, KJV: 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Revelation 3: 14-19, KJV: 14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Adornment, dress codes, indignation, and freedom in the church are topics, today. No mature Christian will agree that believers may enter the divine presence looking like a flash mob ready to destroy a convenience store? The sacred collective created by Jesus Christ is a body made up of spirits, and is not just another social organization rooted in material existence, personal preference, private opinions, and selfish choice. Churches do not have bouncers and security staff like night clubs, however, the deacons and ushers are empowered within the shared covenant to maintain necessary order. (I recall a fellow ejected one Sunday, shouting that he was a child of GOD, and it was his right to “come as you are.” They rebuked him saying, as a son he must practice obedience; and they were quick to literally lift him up and out.) Developing believers often are surprised that clergy and officers within their own assembly are endowed with divine authority, and also must demonstrate the wrath of GOD against sin such that the behavior of church members may come under censure for what appear to themselves as arbitrary, and a simple “matter of choice.” Rightly understood, those who willingly come to Christ do so surrendering choice and free-will submitting themselves to the diverse operations of GOD that pertain to having eternal life. Trusting GOD, believers may encounter divinity in settings that range from the bedroom to the battlefield, from the chapel to the burial place. Whatever the setting for praise, prayer, and obeisance, Christian believers seek to be sanctified (i.e., cleansed; set apart for divine service; made ready to be taken when the Savior comes to harvest his followers from the earth) at all times, and be seen by the Father covered through the blood and righteousness of Christ. With this in view, believers offer and present themselves sharing gifts made acceptable by faith, gratitude, humility, love, respect, reverence, simplicity, and truth. The fighter who uses the ID “Hugh” at “Yahoo! Answers” (Level 3 with 1,103 points, a member since March 10, 2015) posted the following:
Religion and spirituality. I was thrown out of church (by force) because I did not comply with the dress code, is this any way for men of?
the cloth to behave, as soon as he saw me started to go on about how I was dressed and I was a disgrace and that I was never to come back again.....You could have knocked me over with a feather when the Minister rushed at me screaming at the top of his voice 'put your trousers back on you heathen' and then threw me out. What has happened to the church in this day and age?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (2nd Peter 1: 2-11, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Should Men Take Their Hats Off? (05/15/2014); The Issue Is Not Accuracy (05/16/2014); Worship Wear? (01/23/2014); Mankind Destroyed? (01/24/2014); Why Clothing? (10/15/2010); Known by GOD? (10/16/2010)
“Hugh”, a church is more than an abstraction or secular organization only when the believers faithfully discharge peculiar spiritual duties unselfishly sharing their personal resources (including knowledge, money, skills, talent, time). GOD is to be approached as exalted, pure, and sovereign. The casual behavior that many enjoy as harmless in other settings is specially regarded as abominable, filthy, offensive to GOD, and profane when occurring in the Sanctuary—the largest area of a worship place set apart for members and their guests to gather and welcome the divine presence. Included are gum-chewing, gossiping, partial nudity and wearing clothing for sexual attraction such as shorts, skinny jeans, and swim gear, smoking, and whispering. For Christian believers participation in the activities of their assemblies, congregations, groups for praise, prayer, service and study as well as for full communities of faith are governed by by-laws composed and adopted by the body as well as by commandments, examples, guidelines, and principles written in the Bible. Those who voluntarily commit themselves to a church all are required to experience specific sacred events (e.g., baptism, confession, confirmation, instruction, offering, the ordinance of humility, the right hand of fellowship). In addition to being present for various ceremonies, rites, and solemn rituals for worship, members are expected to regularly attend sessions for decision-making and handling the financial and practical affairs of the group. Here are a few points from the holy writings that have helped born-again believers who must mature again understand their religious liberty, duty, obligation, and privilege:
(1.) John 14: 23-27, King James Version (KJV): 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me. 25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
(2.) 1st Timothy 3: 14-16, KJV: 14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: 15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
(3.) 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.
(4.) 1st Corinthians 14: 36-40, KJV: 36 What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? 37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. 38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. 39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
(5.) 1st Timothy 5: 19-22, KJV: 19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. 20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. 21 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. 22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.
There are many other Scriptures that should be carefully considered, correctly understood, and made a permanent part of ones own sacred knowledge. (For example, (6.) 2nd Corinthians 13: 7-14, KJV: 7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. 8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. 9 For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection. 10 Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction. 11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. 12 Greet one another with an holy kiss. 13 All the saints salute you. 14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
A young person’s accountability, achieving independence, church attendance, and parental responsibility are topics, again. Claiming that she understands, a young writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Marcy” (Level 1 with 2 points, a member since July 30, 2014) posted the following:
My dad doesn't understand... please help! (Religious question..)?
I told my dad I don't believe in organized religion and he told me I needed to go to church to believe and follow God.. but I don't him I didn't need to I can pray where ever I want and I don't need a priest or a church to do... So he said when God comes down to take us or if i'm standing before God in the end he's not going to speak for me he is going to speak for himself... So he pretty much told me to go to hell.
Me and my dad never had a stable relationship since he was never their for me when I was little and we never see eye to eye..But I don't know what kind of father would say that to their child..! This happened yesterday and I haven't talked to him since.. I'm to scared to go downstairs and talk to him..
I can't believe he doesn't support my religious chose.. The bible said that you do not need a priest or to be in a building to follow God, all you need to do is pray and ask for forgiveness and your set for life (Or when you pass away...)
He also said my grandfather was a bad person because he supported me... (my grandfather is more of a dad than my real dad ever was..) My grandfather has gone to catholic schools all his life and church all his life and he's read the whole bible more than once but here is my dad judging people, being selfish, and he use to smoke and drink!
I don't know what to do! Please help... He doesn't understand... :(
(Sorry if my grammar is bad.. I wrote this quickly and I don't feel like correcting because I need an answer now..)
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, (Hebrews 10: 23-26, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Understanding Spiritual Growth? (03/13/2015); Forced To Attend Church? (02/22/2015); Disliking Other Christians? (06/03/2014); Kicked Out By Parents? (11/27/2013); Before Getting Baptized? (11/28/2013); Church is Good? (06/15/2013); Feeling Loved By GOD? (06/16/2013); The Faith of Ones Parents? (11/18/2012); Reading Only The Red Part (11/19/2012)
“Marcy”, be cautious of those who are quick to give “advice to the lovelorn,” and personal counsel on faith that has not come forth from GOD through meditation, prayer, or the holy writings. The behavior you are describing threatens the solidarity and unity of the church, and is often labeled as apostasy (i.e., falling away), backsliding, and denying we need each other. Here are some points shared among Christian believers that have helped many avoid error and spiritual confusion:
(1.) The kingdom of GOD, and the church of Jesus Christ operate upon the basis of spiritual elements such as sacred knowledge, divine law, sacramental practices, godly principles, prophecy, and revelation. In baptism, the inborn spirit of a believer “dies”, and there is rebirth of a new creature, one having spirit substance from the makeup of divinity. All who are “born again” must “grow up again,” and become mature by meeting the challenges of life (we say, growing pains) upon the earth, and behaving in association with others who have similar spirit content from GOD.
(2.) As the offspring of Adam, all mankind has become defiled through the invisible operations of sin. Through the ministries of Christ upon the earth and from the heaven, men are now able to recognize and resist sin more completely and correctly; however, sin is not eliminated or totally removed. Believers must accept permanent change of their spirit content to become conformable to the model of Christ. Such inseparable aspects of spirit must be acquired and maintained in balance as faith, holiness, longsuffering, love, trust, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin.
(3.) All Christian believers are to operate as priests and kings, who also teach and spread the gospel through their “identity”, their lifestyle, manner of dress, speech, etc. within a closed community of those who are chosen. While established by new birth as sons and daughters to GOD, believers are not yet perfected (we say, finished, ripe, ready for harvest at the second coming of Jesus). In the same way new born babies must have nourishment and support from adult caretakers, young believers need support and encouragement throughout their growth and passage from level to level of accountability, authority, duty, responsibility, and understanding.
(4.) There are different benefits from participation in the church as a carnal, material and social body (you say, institution), and the church as a body comprised of only those spirits in eternal commitment to Christ. Because we remain in flesh, we continue to require experiences of being under authority, exchange, focus, hearing, providing leadership, sharing and taking initiative. Believers are to receive those prepared and sent from Christ with the same spirit they would receive the Master. Only the church may properly supply believers set apart for Christ with such resources as affirmation, comfort, companionship, communion, discernment, giving, gratitude, praise, service and zeal.
There is a lot more that should be said, correctly understood, and spiritually taken into account. (For example, (5.) Know that when your attitude and behavior become so combative and rejecting of parental counsel, the Spirit of Jesus Christ is not at work in you. Often, the problem is not that parents are in error, the error is with the one making complaint. This is specially true where we begin to condemn and regard family as tools of the Adversary, and can not discern a divine intent and sacred motives in those expressing their love by opposition. Our prayer should be that we may change (ask, listen, reflect, show gratitude), not that GOD change them so we can have our way.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
The basis for deliverance, judgment, and salvation along with what happens to those who lack knowledge about GOD and Christ are topics, today. Also, there is more on judgment as an aspect of divine revelation. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Lost Thyme” (Level 5 with 6,365 points, a member since April 11, 2010) posted the following:
What if you live in a place where you’ve never heard of God / Jesus? Will you go to hell?
THE BATTLE AXE: Teachings on Judgment (06/06/2013)— (6) In divine judgment, the inner spirit of created beings and living creatures are identified as depicted through life records that detail their behavior and conduct (we say, “deeds” and “works”). So to speak, all are rated and ranked according to aspects of conformity and likeness to the spiritual image of Christ; and focus is more upon what you are than what you do. Simply that one attends church, makes donations to charities, or spends hours in prayer is not sufficient for eternal life. Behavioral dimensions are examined such as authority, consistency, creativity, diligence, dutifulness, faithfulness, honesty, kindness, obedience, selflessness, sincerity, strength, and sweetness. However, those selected to have permanent existence within the sphere of divine person must also display an acceptable measure of inseparable divine substance. Thus, in addition to faith, holiness, humility, joy, longsuffering, righteousness, truth and wrath against sin, one of the most important features will be “charity” (also called “love”). See Matthew 7: 21-23, KJV. (7) Like Creation, Judgment is accepted by believers as a defining aspect of what makes GOD a unique Divine Person. Peace and restoration of order are the products of Judgment, not wars of conquest and expansion. Judgment is always a benefit and blessing to Creation, for Judgment is the resolution of conflict, and the settlement of disputes through law. Because law enforcement and rule through law may impose harsh penalties and severe punishment upon those who persist as rebels, many complain against Judgment and defy the law as being arbitrary, cruel, enslaving, excessive, unrighteous, and violent. With law (the expressed will of GOD), Creation and Judgment will continue long after the destruction of those who oppose the existence of GODhead, and who promote continuing sin as freedom and personal liberty. See Psalm 37: 1-40, Romans 8: 1-10, 1st Corinthians 13: 1-14, Galatians 5: 13-25, and Nahum 1: 7-9, King James Version.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous; I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know. And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD. And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked? Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein? That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? And the LORD said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes. And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes: Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five? And he said, If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy it. And he spake unto him yet again, and said, Peradventure there shall be forty found there. And he said, I will not do it for forty’s sake. And he said unto him, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak: Peradventure there shall thirty be found there. And he said, I will not do it, if I find thirty there. And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord: Peradventure there shall be twenty found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for twenty’s sake. And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten’s sake. And the LORD went his way, as soon as he had left communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned unto his place. (Genesis 18: 20-33, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A GOD of Love? (05/07/2013); Commanding the Storm? (05/08/2013); Repentance Must Come Before Resurrection (04/27/2013); Destroyed in Noah’s Flood (04/28/2013); Acknowledging Divinity? (03/30/2013); A Spirit Church? (04/04/2013); My Brother’s Keeper (04/05/2013); Understanding Hell (01/09/2013); The Golden Age? (01/10/2013); All Know Gospel? (03/20/2011); Not Accepted? (01/03/2011); Doing Nothing? (01/04/2011)
Dear Lost Thyme, here are some points of consideration often missed even by those who have embraced Christian belief for decades:
(1) Deliverance, judgment, and salvation by GOD through Jesus Christ are sacred events that appear as divine self-expression (we say, grace), and are not caused by a person’s beliefs, their knowledge of doctrine, scriptures, and teachings, their intelligence, their opinions, or any aspect of their mental functioning , including their imagination, logic, memory, and reason. Even so, those elements are vital for participation in families, sacred assemblies, congregations to serve the Lord, and worship communities. Harmony is fostered and further made possible only by collective experience, shared information, and common practice.
(2) In the judgment of GOD, behavior and conduct are examined and focused upon only as material indicators for the absence or presence of spirit content from the make-up of GOD, who is a spirit. While a person’s spirit content may be amplified or nourished by reading the Bible and completing religious studies, divine spirit cannot be acquired by any secular learning process. The Holy Spirit must be imparted (sent forth from GOD); and may only be acquired through baptism (we may say, death of ones sinful nature, followed by rebirth from divine DNA). More than simply a ceremony or ritual practiced only among believers within groups known as “churches,” baptism must be understood as a spiritual operation of GOD that may go out to all, everywhere, no matter what their belief system, economic status, language, or national origin.
(3) As those who acknowledge Jesus as the Son of GOD, Christian believers enter into a covenant agreement that establishes an intimate and personal relationship with GOD; and believers do not continue to exist as abstract objects manufactured by a remote Creator. Confidence, personal integrity, self-will, and volition (we say, choice) are aspects of continuing in right relationship. However, because GOD is immortal, immutable, incorruptible, and unchanging, all believers are challenged to embrace godly disciplines, non-negotiable laws, limits, sacred duties, spiritual operations, and eternal purposes.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4) At their Creation, all created beings and living creatures were endowed with spirit matter that was emanated and put forth from the person of GOD. Through sin (we say, corruption and error) the will of the living is defiled and weakened. GOD is not subject to sin, and sin is no material or spirit thing created by GOD. Yet, sin has dominated self-will in created beings and living creatures. Now, through Jesus Christ, added measures of divinity may be received that further enable mankind to detect, avoid and resist sin.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
