(04/01/2020) Trying To Stop Sins

Today, reply is on breaking habits, overcoming lusts, and the elimination of sin. Sinners become “perfect” with divinity by relying on the righteousness of Jesus Christ, rather than their own efforts to change, or become a different person. Properly understood, judgment, redemption and salvation from divinity are acts of GOD that continue the works begun in divine Creation. The makeup, process, and substance of all things are to conform to the unchanging eternal purpose, existence, life essence, and sovereign will of GOD. It is written: Isaiah 64: 4-9, King James Version (KJV): 4 For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him. 5 Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, those that remember thee in thy ways: behold, thou art wroth; for we have sinned: in those is continuance, and we shall be saved. 6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. 7 And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities. 8 But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand. 9 Be not wroth very sore, O LORD, neither remember iniquity for ever: behold, see, we beseech thee, we are all thy people. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Sherin Michael” (Level 1 with 50 points) posted the following:

It’s been 20 years I am trying to stop sexual sins ( porn & masturbation ) can anyone win this as Bible says?Or Christianity is cheating ?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised:  that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. (Romans 4: 3-13, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Salvation Through Jesus Christ (03/25/2019); Appetite and Human Sexuality? (10/19/2018); When Speaking Of Christlikeness (06/25/2018); Porn, Prostitutes and Salvation? (06/08/2017); Masturbation and Religion? (02/01/2015); GOD Does the Divine Part (01/05/2014); Sin in Mind not Deed? (01/06/2014)

“Sherin Michael”, eliminating sin is more than a matter of changing behavior (behavior modification) in response to desire. Mature Christian believers hold to revelation from GOD that proclaims the recovery of divine Creation from the effects and influence of sin will eventually include the full elimination of sin, however, the complete end of sin will occur only through a divine process that includes repentance, judgment, resurrection from death, sanctification, and the second death. Multiple benefits and spiritual gifts are being provided to mankind that supply cleansing, discernment, healing, and new life for those on the earth, however, the operations of sin are still able to dominate consciousness and self-will (willpower) within created beings and living creatures. For the living, sin is an enigma and a puzzle that has no solution. Sin is not a creation of GOD and has no spirit content or sacred substance, yet, sin opposes the continued existence of god-given law, the Lawgiver, and the entire universe that appears by the divine order emanated from GOD. Finite human tools such as academic achievement, intellect, logic, philosophy, carnal reason, and science are not sufficient to detect, destroy and remove all sin. What are otherwise divine extremes are in place that include forgiveness, forbearance, Incarnation (divinity using human flesh and life process to exist among men on the earth), monarchy (rule as king or emperor) and nation, priesthood, and the imparting of divine substance to indwell the believers, servants, and spokespersons who voluntarily acknowledge divinity. Inseparable aspects of divine fullness are imparted to the sinners who become born again believers, and who then must “grow-up again” and mature while on the earth. Included are faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of John Micheal Talbot:

(1.) 1^st Corinthians 15: 50-56, King James Version (KJV): 50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

(2.) Galatians 5: 18-25, KJV: 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

(3.) Romans 8: 1-9, KJV: 1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 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: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 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, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7j10za_3gQ.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 11:43 PM, March 31, 2020 @ https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjunLGEKE930qiaVxVbRpPVN_JbNJ7b5BT18kMMYVo5JX5mArCfLCL-fdkaohF7kyYh7l5tx3-XCUlQf7GN2bqtReap2TGkqPRBo4r5FbABPLJRaY64cOi8QsvdgniRBoHU54ZS4xRgErM/s1600/Create-in-me-a-clean-heart.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(06/08/2017) Porn, Prostitutes and Salvation?

JESUS ANOINTED WITH THE TEARS OF A HARLOT

Today, points are shared on pornography, prostitutes, and the kingdom of GOD.  Every prostitute is not guilty of having sexual activity with a married person (we say, adultery).  Even so, the spirit content of every prostitute does become defiled through fornication.  Sexual joining is always physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.  Through fornication and imbalance, even the relationships provided by GOD to display beauty, express commitment, and continue the sharing of devotion, respect, self-esteem, and tenderness may become permanently damaged, and then promote only corruption, disgrace, fear, selfishness, and shame.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Michael Vicks Dog” (Level 6 with 11,731 points, a member since June 06, 2015) posted the following:


Did Jesus protect the hooker from getting stoned because she was a line of income for him?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.  He answered and said, I will not:  but afterward he repented, and went.  And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir:  and went not.  Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.  For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not:  but the publicans and the harlots believed him:  and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.  (Matthew 21:  28-32, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Cast the First Stone? (01/12/2017); Law Requires Genuine Righteousness (07/28/2016); About The Great Whore? (06/24/2016); Anointed? (04/28/2014); No More “Mr. Nice Guy”? (04/29/2014); (Theoretical Forgiveness? (07/03/2013); The Return in Glory (07/04/2013); Pornography from the Bible (11/26/2012); More Than Salvation (11/27/2012)


“Michael Vicks Dog”, most likely, Jesus protected the prostitute (you say, hooker), because he recognized the woman did not have a strong, mature, committed man who accepted accountability within an adult relationship.  The Lord also probably saw there was an emergency, that her eternal life was being threatened, and that she needed the love and protection of GOD the Father.  Through operations of the anointing from GOD that rested upon him, Jesus was able to discern the spirit content within events, himself, other persons, the holy writings, etc.  Where we are supplied with that same endowment, we also are able to see what is otherwise invisible:  a confused child; a repentant sinner; a brother or sister desperately in need of our help; a fragile person who, reinforced by divinity, is capable of displaying an amazing love.  Every prostitute was once a virgin, and can still be made clean and revived by GOD.  Often, the men, women, and children featured in pornography, prostitution and sex-trafficking are victims of continuing verbal abuse, brutality, alcohol and drug poisoning, multiple rapes, and the defilement of fornication.  As servants to the Risen Lord, we are to intercede for them through prayer; and we are to acknowledge that he has made a place at his table for those who will come to him, even the male prostitutes, transgender she-males, twinks, and others being used as sex-objects, and despised in the world.  Because they become a new creation in Christ that contains inseparable spirit matter from the makeup of divinity, sex workers are no longer to be spoken of as hookers, sinners, and whores.  They are to be known as believers, Christians, the children of GOD, saints, and joint-heirs with Christ.  Consider again the following:

(1.)   Luke 7:  36-39, King James Version (KJV):  36 And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat.  37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,  38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.  39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him:  for she is a sinner.

(2.)  Galatians 5:  19-23, KJV:  19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,  20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,  21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like:  of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.  22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  23 Meekness, temperance:  against such there is no law.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  Luke 7:  40-48, KJV:  40 And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.  41 There was a certain creditor which had two debtors:  the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.  42 And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?  43 Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.  44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet:  but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.  45 Thou gavest me no kiss:  but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.  46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint:  but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.  47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much:  but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.  48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(02/01/2015) Masturbation and Religion?

Appetite, pornography, repentance, and human sexuality are in view, today.  In the same way we count it wisdom that we do not eat or drink everything we can put into our mouths, it is wisdom not to surrender our minds and bodies to every human feeling and impulse.  Masturbation is not simply a “bad habit” or physical act—it is a framework of exchange and interaction within relationship.  Thus, those who selfishly use their partner in marriage are practicing masturbation.  Where masturbation can not be separated from selfishness, it is a subtle (barely visible; unseen) influence whereby marriages may result in divorce.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “usrnameunav” (a member since January 07, 2009; Level 1 with 123 points) posted the following:


Masturbation and religon.?

Ok, so today I went to confession and confessed my sins, particularly masturbation and watching pornographic material. I usually confess every few weeks and for the same things, sexual sins. Well, I confessed today because I wanted to receive the host tomorrow at church. Well after being out all day, when I got home and was relaxing in bed, I unconsciously started looking at naked girls pictures on my phone and began to touch myself. Then the thought of confession came into my head and I immediately stopped, I realized what I was doing. I unconsciously was masturbating, but immediately stopped when I realized what I was doing. So my question is, since I committed the act unconsciously, did I commit sin, and am I still able to receive the host tomorrow at church or do I need to confess again before I receive it?



THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well.  Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets.  Let them be only thine own, and not strangers’ with thee.  Let thy fountain be blessed:  and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.  Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.  And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?  For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.  His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.  He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.  (Proverbs 5:  15-23, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Sermons About Good Sex? (08/25/2014); About Good Sermons? (08/26/2014); Denying GOD by Eating Shrimp? (11/17/2013); The Dead in Christ? (11/18/2013); The Church as a Bride? (05/15/2013); How Do I Repent? (05/16/2013); A GOD of Love? (05/07/2013); Commanding the Storm? (05/08/2013); Pornography from the Bible? (11/26/2012); More Than Salvation (11/27/2012); Appetite (10/14/2010); Why Clothing? (10/15/2010)


“usrnameunav”, here are a few points to consider that must also be shared with those who acknowledge the death of Jesus upon the cross for the benefit of those who would receive Him:

(1.)   Those outside the church are not able to give the advice that comes from Christ by the Holy Spirit.  Such persons only give advice and counsel against the holy writings, against the things provided from GOD for new life as followers of Jesus, and against the imparted Spirit that now resides in you.

(2.)  You are one who is entered into Christ, and He into you through baptism (death of ones inborn spirit, rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak).  The things of your spirit are permanently changed, yet, the things of your flesh, or the material and social world remain the same.  Just as humans are born experiencing hunger and thirst, we also have sexual cravings until death.  Appetite can not be dismissed simply by using intellect, logic, mathematics and science.  Yet, we can use “common sense,” discernment, discipline and regimen to make those choices for when and how we respond to any urgings.

(3.)  Born again, all believers also must “grow up again” by applying their own awareness and self-will to meet the challenges of life upon the earth.  All will be tested, and endure “growing pains.”  Coming into maturity and perfection is a gradual process, and there are many points where a believer will “hunger” for intervention and the active presence of GOD.  Ones spiritual appetite is to be answered through fellowship with other believers, praise, prayer, study of the holy writings, and unselfish service.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  You are not ignorant of the process shared by the church, and you need ask no questions from others regarding what your own personal faith and understanding demands from you.  Your act of “penance” to rejoin with Christ before the Father seems to require that you control your environment, and remove the things that generate unwanted excitement.  For all (male and female), it is not because we don’t enjoy our sexuality; it is because we do that we must exercise care.  All porn pertains to the snare of prostitution, and quickly becomes addictive.  More than this, all sexual joining is not physical; and will always be emotional, psychological, and spiritual as well.  Thereby, the defilement and destruction that comes by fornication is being joined to unseen spirits.  Thus, the bottom line for believers has to be something like this:  I know what I want for my Self; what do I want for Christ.  I know what Christ wants for me; I know what He has already done for me.  I know what I can do for me; what shall I do to acknowledge Him.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to the measure of your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/27/2012) More Than Salvation

      That the life, death and resurrection of Jesus pertains to more than simply salvation for mortal beings is considered, today. Also, there is more on difficult passages within the Scriptures that impress some as pornography, and the error of reading the Bible to locate spicy material. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “God’s Father” (Level 4 with 2,554 points, a member since October 20, 2012) posted the following:



Christians, was the whole Jesus dying for our sins thing just a token ceremony...?

...or did it literally alter God's brain in a way that he was able to let sinners into heaven, something that he would have been unable to do before this?

If someone does something bad to me, and I can't forgive them, but I then have a son who gets crucified, will it change my brain chemicals so I'm suddenly able to forgive the person who wronged me?



THE BATTLE AXE: Pornography from the Bible (11/26/2012)—Many of us have had the experience as children growing up of looking in the dictionary to find “forbidden” words (ain’t, cain’t, and hate) as well as those ending with the letter “k” (d i_ _, f u_ _, puss_k). Titillated and thrilled, we were eager to show off to our friends, who rejoiced and agreed it was “totally scandalous!” In a sense, that is a normative pattern in child development. Similarly, in spiritual development, believers are often mislead to read the holy writings as if they may be understood using only the frameworks of carnal, material and social living. Thus, for example, that Ezekiel records prophecy, a revelation of Divine Person, and sacred visions appears irrelevant to readers who are not yet mature. Those adults who are malicious, and who seek to overthrow the salvation of GOD through Jesus Christ, can not be regarded as in the innocence (or the ignorance) of children. Failing to realize the proper application and the eternal value of such writings as the Song of Solomon, the teachings that speak in terms of adultery, or the epistles identifying intimate relationship for Jesus and the Church, those who share negative critiques of the Bible presume to destroy divine condemnation and sacred judgment. However, what they offer in place of redemption and salvation must be recognized as finite, lacking divine substance, temporal, and weak. Most NFL fans would love to have a copy of their coach’s playbook when only the most trusted players are to have it.



THE GOLDEN ARROW: For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (Titus 2: 11-14, King James Version)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER: How Was GOD Known Before Jesus? (10/06/2012); Jesus, King of Earth? (10/07/2012); By Grace (09/04/2012); The Work of Jesus (03/13/2012); Signs of a Prophet (03/14/2012); Grace and Law (01/20/2012)



      Many mature Christian believers now understand the appearance of GOD upon the earth in human flesh (called the Incarnation) is more than a sacred process for the salvation of mankind. Apart from the intent of making divinity known and visible to created beings and living creatures, there are imperatives of divine existence that must be fulfilled for the balance, beauty and completeness of divine person. Saying this another way, for GOD to be all that GOD is, was and ever shall be, many possibilities of form and substance also must be made extant. Understanding that GOD is an eternal, unchanging spirit, we acknowledge Christ as a distinct appearance of GOD in flesh subject to both divine and natural law, and (therefore) capable of change, with the Holy Spirit, as the active aspect of divine will.

      Sin is not a material substance; and, despite that sin was first identified among the angels, sin is not a spirit, or substance having spirit matter. Sin has not been created by GOD, or by any living thing. Sin opposes the existence of divinity, and all the emanations from the divine. Included are authority, humility, law, love, person, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin. While sin is no “thing” that exists and lacks dimension, form and divine substance, sin may dominate the self-will of created beings and living creatures. Sin has effect, direction, and presence. Almighty GOD and his Christ have demonstrated that sin cannot overwhelm divine will; and the process for altering self-will to add divine substance, requires divine disclosure, revelation, consciousness and choice in the living.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, grace is the aspect of divinity whereby sin is dismissed through forgiveness, and a divine apparatus is put forth to reconfigure the Creation. Through grace death is established as a divine tool and is used in such divine operations as mercy, judgment, re-birth, regeneration, sanctification, and resurrection to secure both the dead and the living as well as make permanent a fellowship with GOD that may be spoken of as eternal life with GOD.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/26/2012) Pornography from the Bible?

     Sexual imagery and language found in the holy writings are a topic, today, along with more on the value of the ancient text for modern believers. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Philips” (Level 1 with 33 points, a member since December 24, 2011) posted the following:



How many Churches allow reading the pornographic Bible chapters to their masses?

Ezekiel Chapter 23

1 The word of the Lord came to me: 2 “Son of man, there were two women, daughters of the same mother. 3 They became prostitutes in Egypt, engaging in prostitution from their youth. In that land their breasts were fondled and their virgin bosoms caressed. 4 The older was named Oholah, and her sister was Oholibah. They were mine and gave birth to sons and daughters. Oholah is Samaria, and Oholibah is Jerusalem.

5 “Oholah engaged in prostitution while she was still mine; and she lusted after her lovers, the Assyrians—warriors 6 clothed in blue, governors and commanders, all of them handsome young men, and mounted horsemen. 7 She gave herself as a prostitute to all the elite of the Assyrians and defiled herself with all the idols of everyone she lusted after. 8 She did not give up the prostitution she began in Egypt, when during her youth men slept with her, caressed her virgin bosom and poured out their lust on her.

9 “Therefore I delivered her into the hands of her lovers, the Assyrians, for whom she lusted. 10 They stripped her naked............
This is only the first 10 verses - would the word of God contain such lewd language? Surely throughout time it has been changed
The language is so lewd that it had been banned in some countries; South Africa who did not know at the time that it was from the Bible.

"There she lusted after her lovers, whose genitals were like those of donkeys and whose emission was like that of horses." - Ezekiel 23:20

Why do Christian ministers not read it to their Sunday congregation then?

The rest can be found in the link below

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel+23&version=NIV



THE BATTLE AXE: A Text for Lives Today (11/25/2012)—In the same way that our carnal and physical needs continue by our living on the earth, mankind’s need for spiritual substance continues. Such elements as confidence, humility, joy, longsuffering, patience, righteousness, wisdom, and even holiness are transmitted by the holy scriptures to all who submit to its truth. The Bible may be viewed as a collection of precepts and principles pertaining to being and existence, and that make holy substance visible through actions and events. The power of scripture to influence choice and decision-making is a surface aspect of its full work within the believer. Clarity, consistency, focus, and purity of purpose are put into place as well as breadth, depth, dimension, and comprehensive vision.



THE GOLDEN ARROW: When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: (Colossians 3: 4-10, King James Version)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why “Mysterious” (11/11/2012); Before the Fruit? (11/10/2012); Attending Church (11/12/2012); A Holy Kiss? (11/13/2012); Mockers in the Last Times (11/14/2012); Spirit Matter (10/21/2012); Caesarea Philippi (10/22/2012); The Spirit is Willing (10/20/2012)



     In the experience of the church, those who seek to condemn teachings from the holy writings usually have not been guided by the Holy Spirit sent forth by GOD and his Christ. Respecting you as a believer, I ask you to consider the following:

     The Bible is not written to amuse, arouse, and entertain those who have prurient interests (we say “dirty minds”). The Scriptures are set apart (sanctified) as a tool to educate and inform mankind regarding the presence of GOD throughout Creation. Saying this another way, the Bible is a peculiar revelation that makes GOD known and visible to believers.

     GOD has, in fact, established reality and truth for sexual behavior among created beings and living creatures. Appetite for sexual activity is no different than appetite for food (hunger) or drink (thirst); and is with the living from birth to death. In the same way intelligence, logic and reason are used to discipline, limit and restrain hunger and thirst, yet may not fulfill either or eliminate the pair, cravings for sex must be directed, structured, and not allowed to rule through animal instinct.

     The Scriptures include many cautions and warnings regarding sexual behavior, because sin (an influence opposing the existence of divinity, sacred law, and divine Creation) may dominate self-will in created beings and living creatures. Sin cannot be detected without using special tools provided by GOD (e.g., law, sacred history, the life of Christ, the imparted indwelling Spirit). Very different from the idea of “original sin,” believers must come to discern and recognize the operation of sin upon and through the flesh (appetite, sensation, and mind). What seems to be “natural” and “normal” entails consequences for the content of the endowment of divine person deposited by GOD within ones spirit.

     There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, language describing marriage, sexual encounters and warfare are often used throughout the Scriptures because it is vivid, immediate, graphic and memorable. Most pastors and leaders choose the peculiar presentation of language that they use (just as you have) with the purpose of edifying, sharing insight, and uplifting others. They could stand in the pulpit using cheap talk, four-letter-words, slang, and “street language” to shock, shame and embarrass. However, in doing so, they would only wrongly portray themselves and their motives, and misrepresent the person of Jesus.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX 
Washington, DC