(08/09/2019) Having the Divine Perspective

Today, reply is on Christian believers having the divine perspective (i.e., being able to see the same sacred changes and divine process within themselves that divinity will see through the operations of judgment and Spirit). Every Christian believer comes to discern and recognize where they themselves are located within the sacred point of view and divine perspective. A confession that the divine nature is present within ones own life is not the result of brooding, introspection, self-examination, and efforts for self-improvement. Despite affliction, hardship, sickness and suffering, many Christians will affirm that the truth is certain and indisputable: divinity nonetheless is operating within their lives today. Proclaiming the authority and authenticity of the Scriptures, they declare: God said it; I believe it; that settles it. Awareness of invisible, unseen divinity being active and present within ones life requires a fresh endowment of imparted spirit substance from the makeup of GOD along with the development and maturity of ones spiritual consciousness: “You must be born again;” and those “born again” must “grow up again.” Balance, consistency, impartiality, and stability increasingly must operate within the many aspects of a believer such as their expectations, their lifestyle, purposes, and daily routines. It is written: Romans 8: 15-17, King James Version (KJV): 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. The fighter in the Religion and Spirituality public forum at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “✞ 2 ...hunter” (Level 7 with 45,461 points, a member since August 18, 2011) posted the following:

How does one know that they are growing spiritually?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3: 7-14, King James Version, KJV:

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Areas Where Change Appears? (10/24/2018); Claiming To Know GOD? (09/14/2018); The Meaning of “Faith” (03/28/2018); Certainty, Conviction and Faith (01/05/2018); Diversity and Divine Purpose (08/28/2016); Knowing? (05/24/2015); The Scriptures and Perfection? (10/27/2014); To See With New Eyes (11/06/2012); A Life Companion? (11/07/2012)

“✞ 2 ...hunter”, because Christian believers are in an ongoing divine process of transformation where their consciousness and self-will are being permanently changed so they will eternally exist as companions to divinity, their present “knowing” and “self-awareness” also undergoes shifts and transitions. Rather than rely on behavioral, carnal, material and social “evidence”, developing believers eventually depend on such elements as certainty of divine righteousness; conformity to divine word appearing in such forms as holy writings, divine law, proclamation, promise, prophecy and revelation; and conviction that immutable, unchanging principles are continuing as standards that describe the life condition of those following Christ through operations of divinity that can not be influenced or interrupted by finite actors and human events. Consider again the following that uses familiar language from the Bible:

1. Philippians 2: 5-11, King James Version (KJV): 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

2. 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.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 3. Romans 8: 28-30, KJV: 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 11:18 AM, August 08, 08, 2019 @ https://116boyz.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/0bac5e78e075b929926bbb5c931b74d5.jpg?w=690

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(01/10/2019) Anger Against Our Parents?

Today, reply is on a shared challenge of human development, that children manage judging others and restrain anger against their own parents. Among Christian believers, exaggerated pride, behaving in ways that are hateful, unwillingness to forgive, and spiritual wickedness can not be disguised or justified through claims of childhood abuse, cruelty, injustice, and mistreatment by ones parents. Given that otherwise hidden emotions that are openly shown to family are always accounted as the most authentic expressions of who we are, many rely on expressing their feelings as a primary tool for child-rearing; however, behavior driven primarily by feelings quickly becomes irrational and unbalanced. A child’s view of reality is not always distorted by fantasy, imagination, and immaturity. Even so, when pressured to condemn others (i.e., deny their humanity, value, and worth), children too are challenged to account for damage, pain, and streams of truth in the lives of those accused that can be invisible and unseen to those lacking adult and godly perspective. Children who continue a grudge against their parents by refusing to forgive and rise above the errors in their youth continue with baggage and bitterness, may not remain guiltless, and may ultimately destroy the best possibilities of their own opportunities as adults. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality public forum using the ID “Breakthrough” (Level 6 with 15,408 points, a member since June 29, 2013) posted the following:

Do I have a right to be angry at my mom?

My mom didn't want children and gave birth to me so my dad would stay married to her and I'm the only child she has

She has mistreated me and tried to sabotage my life ever since I was old enough to talk

When I was in high school I was trying hard to get into a good university and my mother told me that instead of trying to go to university I should just sleep with men for cash since its easier

She also denied me medical treatment when I had 2 diseases at the age of 9 because she wanted me to suffer

Today I made a mess in the living room by accident and my mother starts yelling at me and telling me how I'm a waste of time and resources because every week she has to waste her time doing things to help me

I was angry at her for having that type of attitude towards her child

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

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Divine Forgiveness and Justice (01/01/2019); Discipline and Sacred Meekness (11/30/2018); A Possible “Home Remedy?” (11/08/2018); Conversation In The World (04/03/2018); Starting A New Life? (11/21/2017); What Young People Need? (06/26/2017); Becoming A Full Person (02/12/2017); Benefiting From Your Childhood? (11/18/2016)

“Breakthrough”, here are some points to consider. All have come short—both parents and children—and few display the perfection intended by GOD. In the course of their communication, exchange, and interaction as life companions, there are many times when parents and their children will offend one another. Even so, it will be the primary goal of children who are developing as Christian believers to become Christ-like, and to continually display the image of GOD. In the same way becoming adult and growing up requires multiple changes, discovery, gradual growth, and learning, a young person becomes complete and full as a Christian by meeting life challenges on the earth that apply and make visible the inseparable aspects of spirit substance they will contain that are provided from the makeup of GOD. Included are faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, meekness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

Even those who are very young should be encouraged to express and practice attitudes and life skills that eventually will bear fruit as ministry to the lives of others. The young also are to prepare for the Advent of Jesus Christ and become ripe for harvest by the Lord at his appearing (we also say, the Rapture; the Second Coming). Teens and young adults who become impatient with the process of the church to provide instruction and support, often despair and leave before receiving the blessings, divine tools, and practical understandings they will need to operate successfully in the face of adult hardships, trials, and suffering. In general, the anger a child expresses against the conduct of their caretakers also expresses ignorance of conditions and the destructive presence of intense emotional, psychological and spiritual pressures that their parents may routinely encounter. Just as the heads of the family are to heal and dress the wounds of others within the home, the children are members of the household emergency response team and may have to serve as crisis assistants and “first-responders” for their parents, siblings, and others having place in their lives.

Maturity (i.e., balance, consistency, sobriety, soundness, stability) among Christians is discerned in the acceptance of accountability; commitment; carrying out and fulfilling ones own word of agreement and promise; correct use of sacred knowledge, secular knowledge, and the proper observance of sacred practices (sacraments) as well as the display of forgiveness and restraint. Consider again the following that shares instruction for those within the household of faith and uses language from the Bible:

1. Ecclesiastes 7: 9, King James Version (KJV): 9 Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.

2. Ephesians 4: 25-27, KJV: 25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. 26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27 Neither give place to the devil.

3. Ephesians 4: 29-32, KJV: 29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

4. James 1: 19-22, KJV: 19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. 21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. 22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 5. Ezekiel 18: 20-23, KJV: 20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. 21 But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. 22 All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live. 23 Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(08/28/2016) Diversity and Divine Purpose

Today, focus is upon the introduction by GOD of social conflict at Babel through the divine alteration of human communication and language performed to bring about the scattering of mankind to fill the earth.  Only through the operations of Adamic sin did the new patterns of affiliation and association become the source for continuing conflict, distrust, division, fear, hostility, insecurity, and suspicion.  Thus, topics considered include divine continuity, diversity as a device to compensate for lack of change by and within GOD, and mankind as a vessel for divine law.  Also, in view are counterfeit peace, eternal purpose, and the oneness of mankind.  There must be a peculiar separation of the created from the Creator both to establish the fullness and integrity of the living as independent beings as well as to maintain distance vital for the divine exercise of authority, preeminence, and sovereignty.  For men to live in heaven, and for GOD to live upon the earth, multiple sacred operations must be completed that establish a “new creation.”  GOD must permanently alter death, duration, existence, judgment, sacred law, life, time and space.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “JG” (Level 1 with 4 points, a member since July 10, 2011) posted the following:

Christians: Why did God confuse people's tongue and scatter them to different parts of the world if He knew...?

Things like like racism and cultural bias would be issues? Hello- I am a Born Again Christian and I am curious about this. The Bible says god knows everything. The reason for there being different cultures, languages and nationalities/ethnicities is because of what happened with the Tower of Babel. There was a group of people in the Bible who were in a desert somewhere, who were busy trying to build the Tower of Babel to reach Heaven. God saw this and was angry- He struck the tower down and spread the people out to various parts of the world and confused their tongues. Over time people adapted to the parts of the world they were in. Okay- this being said, why did God do this if He knew there would be dissension among and between certain groups of people? Things like racism and cultural bias goes back to Bible times- Moses was criticized for marrying a Cush women, i.e., and there were nations at war with each other in the Bible. Some of the nations were at war over CULTURAL issues. God wants there to be peace- He doesn't want people fighting. People fight if they have to. Please help- thank you.

Update: The Bible says God knows everything - fixed.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.  For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female:  for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.  And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.  (Galatians 3:  26-29, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Love Whom GOD Loves (08/26/2016); Cultural, Political, Spiritual Growth? (07/10/2016); The Provision Against Racists? (01/19/2016); Diversity and the Church? (07/22/2015); Different Strokes, For Different Folks? (06/22/2015); Not Yet Delivered From Racism? (12/21/2014); Racism Is Not From GOD (12/22/2014)

“JG”, among Christian believers, no one is privileged to “have all the answers,” and so the process of participating within the new creation is one of sharing sacred knowledge, prophecy, revelation, and personal testimony.  Mature Christians generally agree that the Creator, who is spirit, is immortal, immutable, incorruptible, and unchanging.  As an accurate and legitimate representation of the character, nature, and substance of divinity, all Creation is marked by oneness without sameness; and diversity appears as an important expression of divine intent that establishes freshness and newness while avoiding change.  The varieties among roses, tulips, and trees number in the thousands, as do the created beings and living creatures.

The focus upon sacred purpose requires a different perspective than that for human affairs centering in things carnal, material, and social.  Thus, the holy writings provide a divine “point of view” showing the active presence of GOD within thousands of events, from thousands of lives, over the course of thousands of years.  Even the feelings, prayers and thoughts of others are made open to us.  That this has been helpful to grant us understanding also is shown in your recognition that such errors as cultural bias, ethnic arrogance, discrimination, persecution, prejudice, and racism are not in accordance with divine law, with sacred process, or with eternal purpose.

Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Law Giver, and the divine order established through sacred law.  By grace, Noah and his family were chosen as vessels to contain and preserve the spirit within divine law.  The end (i.e.,) intent and purpose of the law is existence and life, allowing us to say, for those sharing eternal life there can be no “end” of the law.  Those who followed the flood of Noah as his descendants and the population of the earth failed to restore and correctly continue in the original commandments of GOD that most simply proclaimed the divine intent:  Be fruitful, multiply, replenish the earth.  Mankind’s goal to build a tower to heaven—that would be safety against the next flood, one that GOD denied would ever happen—would never allow the earth be overspread by the living.  Like thieves and murderers in a gang relationship, at Babel their agreement and being at peace was a conspiracy against GOD, and a consensus to do wrong.  The iniquity, sin and transgression there, then, is no less than the original error of Adam and Eve:  Their doubt, fear, and skepticism expressed no faith, respect, or trust in GOD.  Consider how some of this is stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)   James 4:  1-3, King James Version (KJV):  1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?  2 Ye lust, and have not:  ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain:  ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.  3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

(2.)  Galatians 5:  16-18, KJV:  16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.  17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh:  and these are contrary the one to the other:  so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.  18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

(3.)  Hebrews 4:  1-2, KJV:  1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.  2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them:  but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

There is far more to be said, carefully examined, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4.)  Romans 10:  2-4, KJV:  2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.  3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.  4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(07/01/2016) Once We Know Better?

The gulf between sacred and secular knowledge is in view, today, along with the idea of “progress” by shifts in language, and Scripture as an appearance of divinity.  One of the many fighters at “Yahoo! Answers (Singapore)” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

Isn't it suspicious that stuff that Christians took LITERALLY from the Bible for 1000s of years, becomes figurative once we know better??

Isn't it quite odd that stuff that Christians took LITERALLY from the Bible for 1000s of years, becomes figurative once we know better?
Just one example, in the ancient world people thought the HEART was responsible for thoughts and emotions. The Bible repeatedly says this. The Bible NEVER says the brain has anything to do with it. The Bible ONLY claims it is from the heart. So naturally, for a 1000+ years Christians literally thought the heart was responsible. Now that we know it isn't, suddenly the Bible is figurative on this point.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:  That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:  Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,  And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.  For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:  Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:  But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.  But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.  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.  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.  Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,  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?  Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.  (2nd Peter 3:  1-13, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Guided By Divine Truth (06/20/2016); Sacred Knowledge and Christ (05/16/2016); On Transmitting Sacred Truth (05/06/2016); Divine Meanings and Values? (03/31/2016); Revelation and The Cross (03/27/2016); In Times of Progress? (12/21/2015);  Religion And Moral Progress? (10/23/2015)

“Anonymous”, for mature Christian believers, there is no replacement or substitute for correct sacred knowledge that permits communion, exchange, interaction, proper reverence, and fruitful relationship with divinity.  Sacred knowledge is itself a spirit substance from the makeup of Deity, and a manifestation of GOD.  Thus, inseparable aspects of divinity are imparted through the Scriptures that include faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, meekness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Those who are “born again” must gradually “grow up again,” and acquire the divine perspective revealed and shared for spiritual maturity:  Believers also must apprehend the active presence of GOD appearing within thousands of lives through thousands of events over the course of thousands of years.

Secular knowledge is often developed and disseminated driven by the animal aspects of human character and its many base motives (e.g., consumerism, covetousness, fear, greed, grudges, materialism, pride, and even self-destruction).  As a result, the outcomes and products of increased information proliferate human error; endorse spiritual ignorance; prolong a lower quality of life for mankind experienced as an exaggerated focus upon death, the weakening of commitment, honor, personal integrity, and trust; and increase the sense of continual imprisonment within cycles of despair and frustration.  Consider how some of this appears stated in the language of the Bible:

(1.)  Ecclesiastes 1:  14-18, King James Version (KJV):  14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.  15 That which is crooked cannot be made straight:  and that which is wanting cannot be numbered.  16 I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem:  yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.  17 And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly:  I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit.  18 For in much wisdom is much grief:  and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.

(2.)  2nd Timothy 3:  1-5, KJV:  1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,  3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,  4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;  5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

(3.)  Daniel 12:  2-4, KJV:  2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.  3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.  4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end:  many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

There is far more that could be said, must be carefully examined, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4.)  2nd Timothy 3:  13-17, KJV:  13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.  14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;  15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/05/2015) A Correct Church?

Today, points are shared as council to a teenaged believer on the need for perspective that provides balance between sacred knowledge and active participation within a community of faith.  All believers are challenged to “create” and make the church to be what it must become by applying the resources and tools provided through Jesus Christ.  Because there are individual differences, diversity, and energy that must be properly channeled and directed, the duty of building a true communion and fellowship demands developed awareness and skill that allow focus upon multiple levels of spiritual experience.  In addition to the work of continuing in intimate relationship with likeminded believers, there is also the task of repelling and resisting false teachings, and those who approach to do a work of destruction and spiritual confusion.  A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “anthony” (Level 1 with 9 points, a member since April 06, 2015) posted the following:


Finding a biblically correct church?

So basically I'm a teenager, and I was raised a Catholic. Just a couple months ago, I made my own choice to take Christianity seriously, and now I have an advanced understanding of the bible, which made me realize the Catholic Church are false, and so are a lot of churches. My parents don't seem to understand this no nagged what I say, and how am I supposed to find a true correct church?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.  For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.  For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.   Now the just shall live by faith:  but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.  But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.  (Hebrews 10:  35-39, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Understanding Spiritual Growth? (03/13/2015); Those Who Read? (02/17/2015); Dating and Worship? (09/11/2014); Quality Time Together? (09/12/2014); On Youth Doing Enough (02/06/2014); Driving Under the Influence (02/07/2014); Hierarchy (11/14/2013); The Benefit of Law? (11/15/2013); Confessing Only to GOD? (04/08/2013); Evidence of the Unseen Spirit? (04/09/2013)


“anthony”, here are a few points to consider that have been helpful to many Christian believers:

(1.)  The holy writings provide sacred knowledge to believers in such forms as guidance, sacred history, divine law, principles for righteous living, and recommendations for sacred practice and relationship with GOD through Christ.  Because various teachings are specific to the covenant (also called, the law of Moses) and culture of the Hebrews as a people, many become misdirected and are carried into spiritual confusion by the multiple interpretations, readings and traditions that appear, that are “logical” or reasonable, and that seem to be legitimate.  The disciples of Jesus are cautioned against over emphasis upon obeying the “letter” of the law, and neglecting to execute its “righteousness by faith” through the Spirit of the law.

(2.)  Mature Christian believers often acknowledge that, for believers to assume only the early church has received direct correction, guidance and instruction from divinity, may not be as Christ would have it.  There now have been spiritual developments, ongoing process and continuing revelation since then.  Such features as apostolic succession, operations by the Spirit of Prophecy (also called the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth), and the accomplishments of church leadership in convocation and council can not be ignored as having genuine benefit.  Rightly understood, such features do not replace the Scriptures, rather, they amplify, authenticate, and make the holy writings alive in day-to-day practice as well as in worship.

(3.)  The full perspective a believer must acquire (we also say, becoming perfected) can not be achieved immediately, and comes only through fellowship with mature believers, service, study of the Scriptures.   Those who are born again also must “grow up” again encountering the same challenges, difficulties and problems (we say, growing pains) that come against all others who are living upon the earth.  More than this, such believers will endure much of that same suffering imposed upon the early church and its head, Jesus Christ.  Included are false accusations, condemnation for confessing belief, persecution, rejection, separation from family and friends, and slander.  Teens must be careful to continue their trust in parents, church leadership, and doctrine.  Where they leave the church before becoming fully grounded in their life as a new creation through Christ, they effectively lose their  special anointing and endowments from GOD intended to equip them to meet the inescapable challenges of adult life.  More than this, they have no spirit power, and can not serve effectively as priests and kings in the service of Jesus Christ.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  While salvation comes as a peculiar cooperation of flesh and spirit, the operations of divinity are uppermost.  So to speak, the contribution of finite created beings and living creatures is less than one in ten zillion, and the bulk of the work is done by divinity.  For this reason, we are seen restored as Adam, dependent upon faith, love and trust, rather than upon our own perfect conformity and obedience to ceremony, discipline, law, ritual and tradition.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/20/2010) Speaking of GOD

Anthropomorphism, and the use of language that humanizes GOD are the focus of today’s presentation.  The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the screen ID Buss W@nkers! says i love Liverpool FC” posted the following:


Why do people talk about God. like he's a man?


THE BATTLE AXE:  No Free Will? (10/19/2010)—Rightly understood, there is no such thing as free will for angels, for mankind, for any other created being, or for any living creature.  However, for all, there is the reality of self-will.  The problems surrounding application of will center in the distinction between self-will and the will of GOD.  In the same way all human beings are obliged to breathe oxygen (like it, don’t like it), all are obliged to operate under the influence of either sin, or divine will.  The presence and action of sin is invisible and undetectable to all human senses and faculties of mind.  Thus, sin’s dominion over human will is not a matter of human choice.  Rather, it is a matter of human content, existence, and the framework of all being.  Awareness of sin is only by the operation of the Spirit of GOD.  Just as men are not deprived by having no ability to breathe underwater, men are not damned and persecuted by having to acknowledge GOD.  Men are challenged; and meeting the challenge, men have applied human intelligence, and the focused operation of our full potential and will to develop diving gear, snorkels, and even submarines.  Similarly, men are challenged by sin and must continually direct conscious being and person to achieve right relationship where the will is properly surrendered and yielded to GOD.  When human will conforms to, expresses and performs divine will, mankind prospers.  When divine will is despised, forgotten, neglected, or refused the human condition becomes one of agony, desolation, misery and wretchedness.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,  Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;  (Hebrews 1:  1-2)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Two Wisdoms? (10/12/2010); Systems (09/10/2010); Sin Defined? (06/28/2010)



The task of providing a “language” that would allow us to speak about GOD in clear, direct, effective ways has best been met through the holy writings we call the Bible.  However, the use of holy scripture to know the fullness of divinity is comparable to the use of bananas in order to speak about watermelon:  On the one hand, the two are exactly the same—both are fruit, have the same function of distributing and protecting seed, and both are fairly tasty!).  On the other hand, there are major differences in their several characteristics (color, shape, size, texture, weight).  Where we maintain a strict focus on  their sameness, and for the sake of meaning ignore their various differences (counting them as insignificant, and irrelevant), we definitely can use bananas in place of watermelon, have meaning, still make sense, and connect in understanding.

When communicating to one another about GOD, and the things that exist totally as spirit, mankind is forced to apply language that basically comes from, and is designed to express carnal, material, and social realities.  In the same way, one must be born again to acquire divine substance that establishes correct awareness and consciousness of the active presence, intent, and purposes of GOD; one must be reborn in order to hear, grasp, and speak the new language given by the Bible for the revealed truth of GOD.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, the Bible provides a divine perspective on human experiences of GOD:  thousands of lives, and thousands of years are reported.  While many sinful acts come into view, the focus is less upon “crime and punishment,” and more upon the revealing divine person as the most complete expression of compassion, forgiveness, justice and righteousness.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/27/2014) The Scriptures and Perfection?

Today, some points are shared to clarify the “quick” and living nature of the holy writings; and how the Scriptures are made perfect as they operate with the imparted Spirit of GOD.  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers Canada” using the ID “Peter” (Level 1 with 73 points, a member since March 30, 2014) posted the following:


Christians: Are all the words in the New and Old Testament 100% truth and perfection, that you have zero doubt about?

Update : Skunky ..... BRAINWASHED
Update 2: Aleah ...... BRAINWASHED
Update 3: Gregory .... BRAINWASHED
Update 4: Robot ...... you provided the PERFECT answer.
Update 5: Somebody else ......... 99.99% BRAINWASHED


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  (Hebrews 4:  12, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Points on Bible Study (06/28/2014); Finding Peace Through the Bible? (06/02/2014); Disliking Other Christians? (06/03/2014); Bible and Spirit (04/26/2014); Personality? (04/27/2014)


“Peter”, here are a few points to consider that have helped many Christian believers escape the confusion, idolatry, ignorance and superstition often imposed upon the holy writings:

(1.)  The perfection and power of the Scriptures are not a matter of material and visible forms (e.g., alphabet, language, script, symbols, translations), sounds, and words so much as they are aspects of the makeup and spirit matter of divinity.  For this reason, only those applying their own endowment of the imparted Spirit from GOD (we say, using discernment) are able to receive the Scriptures correctly as an expression of the divine mind.  Believers must be grounded by such divine content as faith, holiness, humility, longsuffering, love, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

(2.)  For those lacking the spirit content established through the ministry of Jesus Christ, the Bible is no more than a mundane record of human events.  It is impossible to correctly see that the Scriptures reveal divine order for the entire universe in the forms of covenant and law; that multiple persons and various sacred operations are described whereby the invisible GOD appears, and is to be spoken of and known; or that the fundamental principles are shared for continuing all the exchanges and interactions of life experience that acknowledge and reverence GOD.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  Men are to seek perfection and power in the person of a living GOD, not in the abstract and material things that support human existence.  The Bible is a unique standard for measuring and realizing divine process and sacred substance.  Readers properly supplied with the Holy Spirit experience a divine point of view through the Bible, embracing thousands of lives over the course of thousands of years, that make visible the active presence of GOD both in heaven and upon the earth.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/06/2012) To See With New Eyes

      Today, I expand upon some ideas (see below) shared at thoughts.com in a reply to a comment from Southern_Grace re (11/03/2012) The “Lake of Mercy.” As developing believers we do not always display the balance, consistency and stability that identify mature faith. We must become rooted and secure in the divine perspective we call “the mind of Christ.”



Be encouraged. Believers have a tendency to embrace the contradiction. We say "GOD is love" and add "GOD is hate" for GOD is all things (?!!?*). Careful (i.e., prayerful) reflection cautions us to be consistent (i.e., mature). Once we agree "mercy" is not a feeling and emotion, we see its place in judgment a different way. We see with new eyes.



THE BATTLE AXE: A Partnership? (11/05/2012)—Curiously, what appears to mankind as a bitter conflict between GOD and Satan does not emerge so much from anger and malice as from insurmountable disparities between corruption and divine intent, sacred person and created being, or self-will and divine will. It has more to do with imperatives of being and existence than choice and volition. Thus, relative to mankind, Satan and his followers function as having no other purpose than to exercise authority and power in heaven and earth. Relative to Almighty GOD, the limits upon the angels may be spoken of as ignorance, lack of understanding, and simplicity. Through the exaggeration of self-will, what would otherwise appear as innocence becomes seen, instead, as deliberate disobedience, iniquity and rebellion. Christ and his church are to be a demonstration from the earth even to those of the heaven, and a more complete revealing of divine love, holiness, and sovereign majesty (Ephesians 3: 10-12, KJV). The partnership to recover both heaven and earth from sin—we may say “the series of covenants”—is not with Satan; the partnership is with mankind, and is directed to eternal life, forgiveness, repentance and salvation, rather than to punishment.



THE GOLDEN ARROW: Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. (2nd Corinthians 5: 17-20, King James Version)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Childlike Faith (10/18/2012); Why Did The Judges Fight? (10/19/2012); Double Standard (10/12/2012); Family and Romance (10/13/2012); Contradictions (09/21/2012); The Spirit by Measure (09/22/2012); Begotten not Made (09/08/2012); Beer in My Milk? (09/07/2012); About Conversion (09/03/2012)



      Believers in Jesus Christ “see with new eyes” where they consistently apply the frameworks and truths from the Gospel to recognize, understand and value experience and spiritual truth. When the Gospel is used to provide definition and meaning in making life choices and decisions, the foundations of logic and reason shift to maintain clarity and consistency for the things given to mankind through GOD incarnate as Jesus. The Gospel along with the full content of Scripture determines ones perspective, and resolves all questions regarding whether events and ideas are canonical/apocryphal, good/bad, false/true, holy/unholy, real/unreal, right/wrong and righteous/unrighteous.

      Believers come to know GOD as their human nature is transformed, as their sacred knowledge is expanded, and as they take on divine attitudes, goals, purposes and perspective. The conscience, mind and self-will of those who submit to the influence of Jesus are cleansed, purified and revived. The endowment of divine substance imparted at Creation is increased through the imparted, indwelling spirit, the Holy Ghost. Thereby, mankind becomes capable of operating through sacred proclamation, promise, and prophecy that speak to things that have been, are now, and are yet to unfold. (See Isaiah 42: 5-9, Isaiah 43: 18-20, King James Version).

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, the ongoing revelation of divinity to created beings and living creatures is an eternal process, and has no close or end. Along with the damage and weakness resulting from sin, the various limitations established with the initial deposits of sacred substance now require such divine operations as death, rebirth, repentance, and sanctification whereby the consciousness and makeup of all living are repeatedly reconfigured, and raised to higher levels.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC