(11/11/2019) To Learn From GOD

From James Tissot, a depiction of Mary learning at the feet of Jesus.

Today, reply is on learning about the Greek philosopher Plato, and learning about what GOD has revealed and spoken concerning divinity. Secular knowledge and wisdom are expressions by created beings and living creatures that focus on such features as appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, cravings for sexual contact), sensation, (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching), and emotion/mind (e.g., anger, fear, imagination, recall). Human philosophy and science attempt to describe material objects, life experience, and the physical world using finite, man-made tools for measurement and sharing information. Intellect, logic, and carnal reason are not sufficient to completely and correctly explain such elements as the origin, process, and substance for existence, life, and divine fullness that include faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. It is written: Isaiah 55: 7-11, King James Version (KJV): 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shared) in the public forum on Religion and Spirituality posted the following:

Does God think that he is a mathematician?

                   Biologists think they are biochemists,
                   Biochemists think they are Physical Chemists,
                   Physical Chemists think they are Physicists,
                   Physicists think they are Gods,
                   And God thinks he is a Mathematician.
                                          -Plato

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. (James 3: 13-18, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Focus On Things Revealed (09/12/2019); The Existence of “Goodness”? (12/06/2018); Divine Knowledge And Wisdom (06/24/2018); Idolatry -- Exalting Human Devices? (09/21/2017); Tools For Knowing Divinity (05/12/2017); Abstractions, Atheism and I.Q. (08/18/2016); Was Jesus Literate? (10/04/2013); Everything a Lie? (10/05/2013)

“Anonymous”, to learn of Plato, one may consult brittanica.com that reports, “Plato, (born 428/427 bce, Athens, Greece—died 348/347, Athens), ancient Greek philosopher, student of Socrates (c. 470–399 bce), teacher of Aristotle (384–322 bce), and founder of the Academy,”. At stanford.edu, the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy one reads, “Plato (429?–347 B.C.E.) is, by any reckoning, one of the most dazzling writers in the Western literary tradition and one of the most penetrating,”; and .en.wikepedia.org states that “Plato was an Athenian philosopher during the Classical period in Ancient Greece...the Academy founded by Plato was the first institution of higher learning in the Western world.” To learn of divine fullness (Christian believers also may say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) look into the things shared by the ministry of Jesus, be alert to hear GOD himself as he has been recorded in the holy writings. The sacred operations of divinity on behalf of mankind include Creation, judgment, Incarnation, revelation, and salvation. Divinity has appeared on the earth using thousands of events, within thousands of lives, over the course of thousands of years. Men are to learn by sharing with one another their own discoveries, edification, praise, and testimonies that make GOD knowable, approachable, present and visible. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Bishop Walter Hawkins:

1. Exodus 3: 13-15, King James Version (KJV): 13 And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? 14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. 15 And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, the LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.

2. Exodus 34: 6-8, KJV: 6 And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, 7 Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation. 8 And Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped.

3. Job 38: 1-11, KJV: 1 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, 2 Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? 3 Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. 4 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. 5 Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? 6 Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; 7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? 8 Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb? 9 When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it, 10 And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors, 11 And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?

4. Matthew 11: 28-30, KJV: 28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

5. John 6: 41-48, KJV: 41 The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven. 42 And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven? 43 Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves. 44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. 46 Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. 47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. 48 I am that bread of life.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended (for example, (6.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UH2KvYrzZgA&list=RDUH2KvYrzZgA&start_radio=1&t=130.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded at 6:20 PM, November 10, 2019 @ https://4000jesuspictures.com/706-jesus-ministry/martha-mary/j-james-tissot-91.jpg.html

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/17/2018) Watching The Science Channel?

Education, a stained glass window by Louis Comfort Tiffany, depicts Science (personified by Devotion, Labor, Truth, Research, and Intuition) and Religion (personified by Purity, Faith, Hope, Reverence, and Inspiration) in harmony, presided over by Love. (see reference below)

Today, reply is on science, sin, and spiritual confusion. Given that broadcast television uses many of the same materials, standards, and production values for educational programs that also are used for features emphasizing amusement, entertainment, hilarity, and levity, Christian believers are to be discerning, thoughtful, and vigilant as TV viewers, also. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality public forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

Is it a sin for a Christian to watch the science channel?

Science seems cool. Maybe I should major in a science major or Heath care

THE GOLDEN ARROW: 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. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 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. (Romans 8: 5-9, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Gift Of GOD (10/15/2018); Comparing Sacred and Secular (03/15/2018); The Option of Atheism (02/11/2018); Mythology Opposes Christian Belief (01/08/2018); Wisdom In A Mystery (11/22/2017); Idolatry -- Exalting Human Devices? (09/21/2017); Growth Is Through Edification (06/20/2017); Double Standard? (10/12/2012); Family and Romance (10/13/2012)

“Anonymous”, here are some points that may be helpful:

1. Where education and inquiry are balanced, complete, and properly structured they do not transgress divine law, or become a source of spiritual confusion.

2. Mankind is not condemned by examining, measuring, or reordering aspects of their own sphere of life. Even so, errors that deny the divine foundation and sacred origins of mankind favor nonexistence and a return to the conditions of chaos and flux that were in place as preexistence.

3. Sin is not rational, is self-destructive, and opposes the continued existence of sacred law, the Lawgiver, and the Creation that has been put forth as an expression of divine order.

4. Developing Christian believers are to exist as the new creation from Jesus Christ, and are to continually display spirit substance from the makeup of divinity. Included should be faith, forbearance, forgiveness, holiness, integrity, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

5. The mechanical, natural, and spiritual life processes for created beings and living creatures on the earth all include directing ones awareness and self-will (we say, willpower) for discovery, evaluating and using information, gradual growth, learning, focused practice, and achieving stability.

6. Many are quick to accept as truth in place of sacred knowledge untested assumptions, conclusions from carnal reasoning that are intended as assurances, secular knowledge, opinions, and speculation.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, consider the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) 1^st John 3: 4, King James Version (KJV): 4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

(2.) Proverbs 24: 9, KJV: 9 The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.

(3.) Romans 14: 23, KJV: 23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

(4.) Colossians 2: 6-9, KJV: 6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

The image, Education, by Louis Comfort Tiffany, was downloaded from the article by Rachel E. Gross, Do Science and Religion Conflict? 11: 20 AM, 10/17/2018 from the Slate Internet Site http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2015/10/highly_religious_people_see_little_conflict_with_science.html

(04/30/2017) On Being Too Smart

Today, topics include carnal reason, intellect, and sacred versus secular knowledge.  Salvation is granted by GOD on the basis of our great need, not our “great knowing.”  Many Christian believers scorn formal education, organizational structure, and discipline within the church believing that the new life in Christ must come by honest sentiment and the depth of ones feelings.  These are no different than the theologians who have knowledge about the church, yet, make no commitment, or display spirit content as genuine believers.  Many abstract thinkers have knowledge, even so they are not productive as ministers and those interceding for others.  Sin may dominate awareness and self-will in the living.  Thus, among mankind, knowledge can vary in its meaning, usefulness, and value in accordance with such factors as its source, the intent and purpose it fulfills as well as its temporal duration (how long it remains accurate) as truth.  A standard for “right knowledge” is seen in the early commandment of GOD:  Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth.  Only by the operations of GOD who is spirit can created beings and living creatures have a continuing and correct consciousness of divinity.  GOD is made knowable, known, and “visible” by unchanging divine law, prophecy, and sacred revelation that interact with deposits of inseparable spirit substances from the makeup of Deity.  Included are faith, forbearance, forgiveness, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  As the children and offspring of GOD, born-again believers are heirs of GOD through Jesus Christ who are granted special knowledge through intimate relationship as adopted sons and daughters of GOD.  With this in view, it should be clear that rebirth and sacred operations are available to all sinners, to those who are humble, and to those who are simple despite their having limited academic education.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers (New Zealand)” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:


Will I go to hell for being too smart?

The bible says in a number of places that God shames the wise and exalts the foolish. Meaning God will bring shame to all the proud intellectuals, but he will bring honor to the humble. All those "crazy" religious people you see shouting hallelujah will be the ones in heaven, all those arrogant scientists & non-Christian philosophers will be the ones in hell. The 'foolish' recognize their dependency on God, whereas the 'wise' are focused on their own minds and the material world, not God. The foolish are innocent like children, the way Jesus said we must be to enter heaven. The wise are morally corrupt because they think they're their own gods so they willfully craft their own false moral code that violates God's law. Of course, these are sarcastic terms, not literal.

My problem is that I'm into philosophy, science, history & high concepts & I draw my understanding of God from an intellectual standpoint, it's not emotional & it doesn't feel like a genuine relationship. I understand that God is not impressed by my intellectualism, so there's no way I can be arrogant about it. However, I become fascinated by my own mind & often forget to give God credit. And focusing always on the mind seems to take away from the spirit, so I don't feel a true connection to God.

How can I balance the logic of biblical theology & apologetics into an actual relationship to God? Is mysticism involved at all, or is it all pagan?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  The secret things belong unto the LORD our God:  but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.  (Deuteronomy 29:  29,King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Operations of Christian Faith (04/28/2017); Becoming A Full Person (02/12/2017); Abstractions, Atheism and I.Q. (08/18/2016); A Learned Council of Elders? (05/10/2016); The Cross and Critical Thinking? (04/13/2016); To Study the Book of Judges (09/09/2015); Able to Become Gods? (01/11/2014); Why Christians Pray for Others (01/12/2014)


“Anonymous”, it is not a sin to be industrious and to work hard to achieve our life goals.  Yet, for many, good grades and excellence are the product of competitiveness, false assumptions regarding the nature and process of life, imbalance, insecurity, isolation, exaggerated pride, over-achievement, and self-importance.  In such instances, the label may be used that identifies scholars and thinkers as those who are “too smart for their own good” and  “educated fools.”  Failure to comprehend the basic facts pertaining to life and godliness “goes on your permanent record”, so to speak, and will affect your performance in every arena.

The achievement of maturity as a Christian believer requires a profound shift in ones mindset and approach to true knowledge.  GOD is a spirit, and a sinner must become transformed to continually respond to this truth.  One must master using discernment to correctly recognize and respond to spirit substance from the makeup of GOD that resides within events, oneself, other persons, prophecy, teachings, the Bible, etc.

Finite human tools such as carnal reason, logic, mathematics, science, and “critical thinking” are inadequate for processing sacred knowledge, the subtleties when applying divine law, and the simple yet profound truths of salvation that affirm oneness without sameness among the persons of GOD.  As a result, human intelligence can not be used to eradicate sin; and many of our brightest Ph.D. candidates and doctoral degree holders have been and will continue to be misled.  Consider the following points of instruction that use language from the holy writings:

(1.)  Matthew 16:  26, King James Version (KJV):  26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

(2.)  Jeremiah 9:  23-24, KJV:  23 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:  24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth:  for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.

(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.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  2nd Peter 1:  2-11, KJV:  2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,  3 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:  4 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.  5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;  6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;  7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.  8 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.  9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.  10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure:  for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:  11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(08/18/2016) Abstractions, Atheism and I.Q.

Today, focus is upon atheism as an approach through formal studies to acquire and exchange secular knowledge in contrast to being in relationship through Jesus Christ to receive sacred knowledge by multiple operations of divinity.  The finite human tools of analysis, intellect, logic, and mental discipline alone have not been enough to release even the most brilliant thinkers among us from sin.  The achievement and fulfillment Christian believers speak of can not be obtained through arrogance, competition, ignorance, self-promotion, or superstition.  Spirit matter and divine process must come into consideration for they are the true sine qua non of wisdom.  The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Ette” (Level 1 with 2 points, a member since May 11, 2014) posted the following:

Does atheism elevate the IQ?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:  When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.  Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.  So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)  Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.  But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.  For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;  While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.  For some, when they had heard, did provoke:  howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.  But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?  (Hebrews 3:  8-17, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Rise in Atheism? (07/07/2016); The Cross and Critical Thinking? (04/13/2016); More About the Trinity? (03/30/2015); Foolish For Not Believing? (03/22/2013); Science and the Laws of Nature? (03/23/2013); How To Love GOD? (03/24/2013); The Price of Humanity? (12/13/2012); Remembering the Holocaust? (12/14/2012)

“Ette”, standard scores for a person’s intelligence reported as their IQ might well be increased through atheism, for atheism is a disciplined approach or framework for philosophical exchange that relies heavily upon carnal, mental, and social process.  Narrowing one’s focus to the material and natural order, atheism denies the metaphysical and suppresses focus upon divinity.  Even so, you can not separate the wet from the water.  Atheism must be regarded as useless as a tool to increase a person’s spiritual awareness; their ability to apply one’s own spirit to discern and respond to divine spirit within events, oneself, other persons, prophecy, etc.; their self-will (we say, will power); or their divine spirit content that should include inseparable elements such as faith, holiness, humility, joy, longsuffering, love, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Finite tools such as academic discourse, debate, investigation, mathematics, science and technology require focusing upon abstract, immaterial and invisible features, yet, do not permit operational definition of sin, its, elimination, and its removal.  (Thus, we have sinners who also have Ph. D. degrees.)  To develop an ongoing personal relationship with GOD who is a spirit requires a higher level of consciousness that must be imparted as life essence (we say, breath, spirit, word) from the makeup of the Creator.  The indwelling Spirit then generates the necessary system of meanings, standards (we say, divine law), and values.  Consider how some of this is stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)  Jeremiah 9:  23-24, King James Version (KJV):  23 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:  24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth:  for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.

(2.)  2nd Corinthians 10:  17-18, KJV:  17 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.  18 For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

(3.)  Romans 1:  18-22, KJV:  18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;  19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.  20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:  21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.  22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

There is far more to be said, carefully examined, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4.)  Titus 1:  15-16, KJV:  15 Unto the pure all things are pure:  but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.  16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(02/07/2016) Possible For Intelligent People?

Today, points are shared on the importance of applying ones intelligence for success in new life as a Christian believer.  More often than not, those who can’t be reasoned with and who express disbelief in GOD are responding to and relying upon attitudes, emotions, impressions, and misinformation, and have made no mature or thorough examination—that should include some time spent living life in the Spirit—for the claims of GOD in Christ.  Given the need for operations of the Spirit from GOD, for the Christian, academic skills, secular knowledge, literacy, and popular culture often are irrelevant, or of little value.  Even so, the formal methods, process and techniques for formulating life questions and securing practical answers continue to have value, and are vital.  Hear again the Scriptures, and consider the presentation below:

Deuteronomy 29:  29, King James Version (KJV):  29 The secret things belong unto the LORD our God:  but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

Romans 12:  1-2, KJV:  1 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.  2 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.

Hosea 4:  6-10, KJV:  6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge:  because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me:  seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.  7 As they were increased, so they sinned against me:  therefore will I change their glory into shame.  8 They eat up the sin of my people, and they set their heart on their iniquity.  9 And there shall be, like people, like priest:  and I will punish them for their ways, and reward them their doings.  10 For they shall eat, and not have enough:  they shall commit whoredom, and shall not increase:  because they have left off to take heed to the LORD.

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.

Romans 8:  13-17, KJV:  13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die:  but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.  14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.  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 writer at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “Spunky” (Level 7 with 169,355 points, a member since August 08, 2009) posted the following:


How is it possible for Intelligent people to be Christians?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:  Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.  Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.  For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.  And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:  In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:  Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.  And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;  Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;  And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.  (Colossians 2:  6-15, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Why The Bible Makes Sense (09/19/2014); GOD and The Framework of Time (09/20/2014); Emotional Appeal? (04/02/2013); Life Given By Knowledge? (04/03/2013); A Spirit Church? (04/04/2013); Foolish For Not Believing? (03/22/2013); Science and the Laws of Nature? (03/23/2013); How To Love GOD? (03/24/2013)


“Spunky”, becoming a mature Christian believer can not be accomplished without correctly applying ones intelligence.  For the Christian, contemplation, dialog, and study are crucial.  Even so, the finite tools of logic, philosophy, science and technology are not enough to eliminate and remove sin from the earth.  Those who come to the Lord direct their awareness and self-will in a continuing process of growth and learning to acquire sacred knowledge as well as to nourish and increase their own spirit substance.  As a follower of Jesus, the born-again believer will encounter multiple issues having depth, range and scope upon a cosmic level that are characterized by subtlety (i.e., having barely visible differences, fine details, hidden shifts in meaning and value).  It is not impossible to gain a new and vibrant relationship with the Creator, however, such “new life” is only by the operations and provisions of divinity.  Those who are “born again” must go on to “mature again” by facing life challenges upon the earth.  In addition to rebirth that deposits spirit content from the makeup of Deity (e.g., faith, holiness, longsuffering, wisdom, wrath against sin), disciples of Christ are to cooperate with authority, endure suffering, continue study of the holy writings, practice fellowship with more mature believers, maintain praise and prayer, sacrifice, and serve unselfishly.  The life and work of a Christian believer is by no means mindless, or rooted in ignorance, animal instinct, intuition, and superstition.  There are to be balance, focus, and eternal purpose.  Consider how this is stated in the language of the Bible:

(1.)  John 3:  6-8, King James Version (KJV):  6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.  8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth:  so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

(2.)  1st Thessalonians 5:  20-22, KJV:  20 Despise not prophesyings.  21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.  22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

(3.)  Psalms 119:  98-103, KJV:  98 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies:  for they are ever with me.  99 I have more understanding than all my teachers:  for thy testimonies are my meditation.  100 I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.  101 I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.  102 I have not departed from thy judgments:  for thou hast taught me.

There are many other verses that should be carefully considered, correctly understood, and made a part of ones spiritual treasure.  (For example, (4.) 2nd Timothy 2:  14-16, KJV:  14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.  15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  16 But shun profane and vain babblings:  for they will increase unto more ungodliness.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX Washington, DC

(10/06/2015) Adulterating Scripture?

Today, points are shared on denying the spirit nature of Scripture, and suppressing the revealed names of GOD.  In my faith, mankind may never know all the personal names of GOD; and so, division and quarreling on that basis is crude and ungodly.  Ultimately, all Christian believers must accept that the name of GOD is received through revelation and intimate relationship.  Talking about divinity is less meaningful than talking to divinity (we say, prayer).  By GOD appearing upon the earth in the person of Jesus Christ, the process for mankind to acknowledge and address Deity is made incarnate, intrapersonal, interpersonal, and a matter of spiritual resonance.  For mature believers in salvation by GOD through Jesus Christ, efforts to remove mystery and mysticism can not be permitted to defile, pollute, and profane the holy writings.  Consider again the following from the holy writings that settle it for me along with the points shared below:  Revelation 19:  11-16, King James Version (KJV):  11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.  12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.  And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood:  and his name is called The Word of God.  And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.  And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations:  and he shall rule them with a rod of iron:  and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.  And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.  A fighter at “Yahoo Answers” using the ID “Rolando C l” (Level 6 with 19,562 points, a member since April 30, 2008) posted the following:


Why do the majority of the Bible translations try to adulterate the Bible ?

By replacing the sacred name of God Jehovah, Yahweh, or YHWH with simple or common titles like Lord and God. It's like asking your child what is the name of your school teacher? And he answers "teacher" and you ask him again what teacher there are 100 teachers in your school ? And he answers back all I know that he or she is teacher. Kind of childish to reason that way isn't it.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:  That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit.  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.  For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  Because the carnal mind is enmity against God:  for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.  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.  And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.  (Romans 8:  3-10, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Use Holy Names Not Titles? (08/17/2015); About Knowing the Name of GOD (09/21/2014); About Deluding Yourself? (09/22/2014); The Name(?) of GOD (04/09/2014); The “Miniature War”? (04/10/2014); How Was GOD Known Before Jesus? (10/06/2012); Jesus, King of Earth? (10/07/2012)


“Rolando C l”, explaining disbelief that dominates awareness and self-will within others is a tricky business, and so most Christian believers stick to declaring their own faith, and proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  When considering human process and the revealed names of GOD, here are some points that have helped many avoid error and spiritual confusion:

(1.)  In the same way the ancient Sadducees in the Temple at Jerusalem insisted upon the sanctity of divine law while refusing to teach the existence and operations of spirits (e.g., angels, demons, devils), many modern scholars and students of the holy writings seek to downplay focus upon doctrines on spirit matter, spirit process, and the purposes of GOD who is a spirit.  The High Priests who called for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, persecuted the early church, and suppressed the proclamation of the Savior’s resurrection, were both Sadducees (Caiaphas and Annas).

(2.)  The academic study of Natural Law, Philosophy and Science promote abstract reasoning, discursive thought, and methods that emphasize analysis, exactness, materialism, measurement, and precision.  Because their language is fashioned to describe and manipulate aspects of the environment, such readers of the Scriptures insist that GOD may not be spoken of using personal names, or existing within intimate relationships.  As a language process, personification (using such terms as he, she, they, himself) must be avoided, and should be forbidden.  Given that Spirit does not display measurable dimensions (e.g., breadth, depth, height, length, weight), GOD may not be acknowledged as existing within the environment, or the universe for observation, sampling and testing.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  Formal studies of the occult, the paranormal, and the supernatural have generated disinformation that heavily influences readers of the Bible, today.  To counter the multiple confusions through metaphysics, popular psychology, clinical psychiatry and the like, many have sought to establish the ancient holy writings as only a cultural artifact, and documentation of secular history.  In their effort to “clean things up,” and simplify the process of knowing divinity they repeatedly err (throwing out the baby with the bath water, so to speak).  In attacking the spirit nature of the Scripture, they deny the existence for all prophecy, sacred events (we say, miracles), operations of the Holy Spirit (we also say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth), the living ministry upon the earth of Jesus Christ (his birth, suffering, death, resurrection, and second coming), all the promises of GOD as well as the existence of the full GODhead.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(07/16/2014) On Christians Being Inclusive?

Today, reply is made to a writer who desires Christianity be a peculiar global philosophy, or secular “open” belief system.  Also there is more on the inseparable things from GOD.  The “Yahoo! Answers” member using ID “Colin” (Level 1 with 159 points, a member since July 04, 2010) posted the following:


Is it possible for Christians to be inclusive? 

I find that more and more fellow Christians I meet are open-minded when it comes to those who follow non-Christian religions. But I wonder: when a conservative Christian insists that Jesus is the ONLY WAY, are they accurate? The Bible seems to support such exclusive views (especially the Book of John but certainly other areas of the New Testament as well).

1) Can you be Christian and be inclusive toward those whose faith/lifestyle is different than what is laid out in the Bible? In other words, can you fully love and respect your Jewish neighbor, even though he/she does not believe Jesus is "the way, the truth, and the life"?

2) If not, then doesn't this support the atheists' arguments that Christianity, despite its messages of love and forgiveness, creates more division than unity in a world in desperate need of coming together?

3) If yes, then how can this be? How are you able to fully follow Christ while also feeling and exhibiting respect and love toward your Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, and atheist neighbors?
Thanks in advance for all thoughtful, respectful answers.


THE BATTLE AXE:  Inseparables? (07/15/2014)—
When speaking about the process for baking a cake, sharing the recipe, teaching a class, or demonstrating how it's done, it is correct to describe each of the ingredients.  However, a finished cake is more than just a collection of its ingredients.  The content must be blended in specific amounts and measures having a peculiar balance and proportion.  Thus, the cake may not be all flour, all sugar, or all vanilla extract without its other items.  The cake must have eggs, butter,  milk, and even a dash of poison commonly found around the house (i.e., table salt).  Simply placing all the ingredients in a single container is not enough to make them edible; yet, only together may the ingredients be spoken of as “cake.”  The ingredients must first be combined, and then undergo together a process that will transform them, and permanently bind and fuse them to one another:  They must be fired, as it were, in an oven or furnace, and endure together over time.  In the same way, some seek to analyze and describe a person’s salvation in terms of parts, portions, phases, and stages.  However, the whole may not be reduced to a formula, a mere “table of contents,” or a recipe.  Salvation embraces baptism, fellowship within a covenant community, obedience to divine law, repentance, resistance to sin, transformation of ones form, nature, and spirit, and more.  Their amount, measure and proportion, are known only to GOD; and the process wherein they are fired and fused is of the Holy Spirit.  Salvation is far more than simply a matter of attitudes, behavior, conduct, devices, lives, mechanisms, methods, opinions, traditions, or a fixed pattern of peculiar steps.  More than this, salvation can not be separated from other divine operations such as atonement, commitment, confession, divine love, judgment, revival, and eternal life.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?  And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?  And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.  Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.  And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.  (2nd Corinthians 6:  14-18, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Putting GOD First? (06/02/2013); Need for A New Holy Spirit? (06/03/2013); The “Jesus Way”? (05/17/2013); An Earth to Fix A Heaven? (05/18/2013); Jesus Lives! (05/04/2013); Experience Is Not Evidence? (05/05/2013); Illusion? (04/25/2013); Not of Legal Age? (04/26/2013)


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

(1.)  While all Christians must be drawn to GOD through Jesus Christ and must be set apart by the sacred knowledge they receive, by sacred practices they maintain (we say, sacraments), and by their endowment of Spirit content from GOD (taken together we say, by their being sanctified), all Christians are self-selected, and established in correct relationship to divinity through self-will and volition (we say, by their own choice).  No one is forced to love.

(2.)  In baptism (the death of ones inborn spirit, rebirth containing spirit matter from the make-up of GOD) believers begin the transformations needed for mankind to serve as an eternal companion to the Almighty Father.  Born again, believers must “grow up” again continuing to meet the same life challenges as all others upon the earth.  Realizing that all mankind must enter into a pattern for survival that will establish lasting change, growth, healing, freedom (rather than enslavement), and eternal life (rather than death), most Christian believers endorse the many teachings that counsel that followers of Christ have a duty to assist, minister to, and nourish the salvation of others.  Challenged to serve others, believers are not authorized to condemn, dominate, manipulate, and subordinate others.  On the one hand, believers are told, “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”  Yet, all are also commanded, “freely you have received, freely give.”  In either case it remains, commitment, integrity, self-esteem and respect to others, true reverence, and acceptable worship are only maintained through sound discipline, and one having internalized divine boundaries, sacred law, and godly limits.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  Until they are perfected (we say, mature), and contain more than an “earnest” of the imparted Spirit, Christian believers can not display flawless balance, completeness, consistency, fullness, and stability.  Thus, at first, love that appears among believers is an awkward mix that comes from flesh and intellect, and depends upon such earthly elements as desire, emotion, fantasy, feelings, imagination, and memory.  Divine love that appears among believers (to serve ones enemy, to encourage ones ex) is exclusively a product of divinity, and appears through such aspects of ones own divine makeup as faith, forbearance, forgiveness, holiness, humility, joy, longsuffering, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(04/18/2014) To Accomplish A Sacred Goal

Many are celebrating Good Friday, today, by observing sacraments of humiliation such as foot washing; others are observing the third day for the Feast of Unleavened Bread that celebrates the exodus and liberation for the tribes of Jacob (who are not yet in covenant) from Egyptian bondage.  A BATTLE AXE and a GOLDEN ARROW are presented sharing more on asking philosophical questions.  May we all prosper in this season for remembering and acknowledging GOD.


THE BATTLE AXE:  Philosophical Questions? (04/17/2014)—(5.)  Many are in the midst of the church who have not yet joined the church.  For followers of Christ, spiritual discernment is used to make sound choices and decision about when, and what to speak during gatherings for such purposes as cleansing, nourishment, refreshing, study, and worship.  Given the diverse levels of spiritual growth, and the broad range of emotional, financial, material, psychological, and other challenges that come against members of an assembly, every personal testimony or point of biblical information may not be acceptable, and appropriate to correctly address the most pressing needs.  Just as one should not expose ones spouse to censure and condemnation by sharing accounts of intimacy within ones home, or revealing private matters (we say, confidences, secrets), there are many times one should refrain from sharing details of their intimacy with GOD through Christ within their prayer closet, or from their times of contemplation (including dreams).  The objective of every gathering is the expression of divine love, and the building of trust.  However, sacred goals are not accomplished through argument, debate, interrogating others, pseudo-intellectual posturing, wordplay, or popular psychology and analysis (we say, mind games and “getting into another person’s head”).  Believers are to prophesy, and witness the appearance of Jesus among them in Spirit.  See Isaiah 5:  20-21, Matthew 7:  6, 1st Corinthians 1:  18-20, 1st Corinthians 14:  1-12, Colossians 2:  6-12, 1st Timothy 6:  20-21 and Jude 1:  14-21, KJV.


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.  See that ye refuse not him that speaketh.  For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:  Whose voice then shook the earth:  but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.  And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.  Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:  For our God is a consuming fire.  (Hebrews 12:  18-29, KJV)


There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, those who were heirs of a relationship with GOD through Abraham because of their standing as offspring of Jacob may be seen as coming forth from a bondage of death and the grave into covenant and new life as a nation.  Similarly, those who are heirs of a relationship with GOD through Jesus Christ by their standing as believers in promise and prophecy may be seen coming forth from bondage to spiritual ignorance and ungodliness, and the living grave of worldliness into the kingdom ruled by the Messiah, now to continue in eternal life.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to the measure of divinity that resides in you.


Your glorying is not good.   Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?  Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened.  For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:  Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.  (1st Corinthians 5:  6-8, KJV)


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(04/17/2014) Philosophical Questions?

Sharing spiritual knowledge, and philosophical inquiry among Christian believers are topics, today.  Also, there is more on GOD having a conflict of interest due to the divine roles in judgment.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “The Green Machine” (Level 5 with 5,152 points, a member since November 9, 2013) posted the following:


Why do Christians not like it when you challenge or question the Bible? 

The Bible study group doesn't like it when I ask questions like "Why did God an extra dimensional entity choose a small tribe on a small planet?" " If God is all knowing then he knew what Satan would do when he created him thus allowed the fall to happen?" " Why did the Garden have such terrible security from Satan?" " Isnt it selfish for God to punish those who don't believe for all eternity?" or even " Why does God who you say is spirit experience so many Human emotions?" They get tense and then say we will scrape that for now and come back to it later. Why would they do this/ I thought Christians encourage free thinking and questions. I mean they ask me biblical questions but cant answer my very simple ones.

Update : They just say my questions are philosophical.

Update 2: My questions are genuine, they are to criticize anyone. But they got deeply offended that I wanted to dig deeper into the truth.


THE BATTLE AXE:  A Conflict of Interest (04/16/2014)—(6.)  The holy writings record numerous instances where created beings and living creatures requiring GOD to judge divinity, or to submit to ones personal judgment.  Those who commit the errors appearing in the account of Job usually lack spiritual discernment (ability to use the spiritual things given by GOD to correctly recognize other spiritual events, objects, persons, and aspects of sacred process).  As a result, when they accuse GOD, most are unaware their presumption (assuming authority without lawful delegation or permission; taking to oneself authority that belongs to another; stealing) violates divine law.  While a person may commit offenses against GOD unintentionally and through ignorance of divine law, they are no less accountable for their own attitude, behavior, and conduct as well as for consequences and outcomes for what they do.  The divine operations of atonement and repentance must be fulfilled, and can only be completed once sins committed in ignorance are perceived and realized.

(7.)  Divine justice is not always accomplished through punishment.  Many are now guilty and tainted by sin; however, where Jesus Christ is acknowledged as ones Advocate, these may become certified as having their charges dismissed, or “time served.”  The ministry of Christ is held to be complete and thorough as a “settlement out of court” because through the Son of GOD full salvation is provided.  Included are such benefits as atonement, baptism (death of ones inborn spirit, rebirth from divine content), correction, forgiveness, repentance, sacraments that continue ones new spirit, and sanctification.  More than this, divine judgment is held to be righteous because the Son of Man has been appointed to preside in all divine tribunals.  In addition to balance that comes by both his experience within, and distance from the earth, there are benefits that further ensure justice such as compassion, empathy, impartiality, incorruptibility, insight, love, mercy, patience, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

(8.)  Within the totality of divine process, GOD is “indivisible”, yet, may not exist as an outside focus, an independent object distanced from divinity, or a unrelated divine entity.  Even so, for Christian believers, the appearance of GOD in flesh (we say, incarnate) as Jesus Christ to fulfill various eternal purposes does not violate the integrity of the full manifestation for divinity as GODhead, the sovereign majesty of Almighty GOD who is spirit, or the essential unity of divinity.  In the form of a man, divinity becomes an object to aspects of the full GODhead without conflict, damage or loss among the functions, persons, and roles of GODhead.  Divine consciousness and presence may be continued while using finite form, and such frameworks for created beings and living creatures as desire, feeling, sacrifice, self-awareness, self-will, space, and time.  The full expanse of possibilities for purposeful action by GOD in divine fullness are in no way contradicted, diminished, hindered, or narrowed.  See Job 40:  6-14, Deuteronomy 25:  1, Jeremiah 25:  31, Hosea 4:  1-3, Micah 6:  1-3, 1st Timothy 2:  5-6 and 3:  16, 1st John 5:  3 and 7-12, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,  Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,  Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof:  from such turn away.  For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,  Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.  (2nd Timothy 3:  1-7, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Philosophy of Free Will? (04/08/2014); The Name(?) of GOD (04/09/2014); Arguing Against the Bible in Church? (02/18/2014); Snake Handling? (02/19/2014); Was Jesus Literate? (10/04/2013); Everything a Lie? (10/05/2013); The Bible and Genealogy (09/10/2013); Need for A New Holy Spirit (06/03/2013); Faith for Facing Tragedy? (06/04/2013); Illusion? (04/25/2013); Not of Legal Age? (04/26/2013)


“The Green Machine”, here are a few points important to Christian belief that may help you serve your congregation more effectively:

(1.)  The process of spiritual inquiry within the church body is not the same as that for academic research, secular data gathering, and philosophical discourse.  Every baptized believer accepts a duty to share spirit matter through utterance (we say, breath, life essence, speech, spirit, or word).  Many things that we find challenging and interesting (March Madness, marriage equality, the Superbowl) are absolutely useless in our mission to spread the new life in Christ that comes by the Gospel; and we are taught to say, all things are lawful, yet all things do not edify.

(2.)  Knowledge of the holy comes by interactions and operations of ones own sacred content in response to divinity as opposed to the activity of ones emotional, intellectual, and psychological content.  Inseparable (where one appears, all may be found in some measure) spirit content may be exchanged and shared by “hearing” holy utterance.  Also, divinity may bestow and impart spirit matter.

(3.)  Through baptism (death of ones inborn nature, rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak), believers acquire the same substance that is understood as the permanent “makeup” of GOD.  Included are such spirit matter as faith, forgiveness, gratitude, holiness, joy, longsuffering, love, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Born again, a believer must gradually grow up again and mature while facing the same life challenges as all others upon the earth.

There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  It is natural for developing believers to be on guard against betrayal, deception, and false doctrine as well as those elements that draw them away from Christ, back to what they have escaped.  Where someone within the congregation repeatedly displays arrogance, divisiveness, indifference, lack of preparation, pride, and selfishness, that person’s purpose must be determined by careful examination.  Agents of the devil are willing to operate within church groups to generate dissatisfaction, misinformation, and spiritual confusion.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to the measure of divine faith that resides in you.


My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge:  because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me:  seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.  (Hosea 4:  6, KJV)


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC