(11/29/2020) Our Correct Sacred Priorities?

Correctness of members judging the clergy and others within the church, and the priority for clergy preaching the gospel compared to performing “good works” are topics, today. While all believers are to demonstrate and display the love of GOD, all are not called to serve as pulpit preachers. Those who talk about you yet do not speak with you can never correctly know the full extent of what you suffer for Christ, or the specific works he has chosen and fitted you to fulfill. Many within the church mistakenly regard works that are priority among those in the world as somehow vital to redemption and salvation. Such believers focus heavily on the giving of alms, ministering to families, relieving others in their distress and suffering, and devoting oneself to programs for change and social justice. They neglect the preaching of the cross; the needs for rebirth, sanctification, and reconciliation; and the necessity that all members of the church are to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ within their own lifestyles and daily routines. It is written: 1^st Corinthians 1: 17-24, King James Version (KJV): 17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. The user in “Yahoo! Answers” Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Sparkles” (Level 1 with 204 points) posted the following:

Should a pastor spend more time helping the homeless on Sunday mornings rather than preaching inside the church?

My dad is a fundamental Baptist pastor, and recently he's been spending his sunday mornings helping the homelesss rather than preaching his sermons. Some members of our church committee have suggested that he should spend more time preaching and let the missionaries take care of the homeless.

Updated 20 mins ago:

My dad believes helping the homeless is more important since he is sharing the gospel with the unsaved, and most homeless people are willing to listen.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. (2^nd Corinthians 11: 23-30, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Power We Receive (11/19/2020); Made Perfect By Divinity (11/10/2020); 22 Years Spent Preparing (05/20/2020); The Testimony From GOD (10/22/2019); How Can Christians Preach? (09/25/2019); Giving To The Homeless (03/13/2019); The Answer From GOD (05/19/2017)

“Sparkles”, Christian believers are to demand perfection from themselves before demanding perfection from the clergy or other members of the church. Because the workings of divinity are Spirit in process and substance, many in the church can become confounded and deceived by things that are human concerns and that do not express sacred law, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. There are those who mean well, yet, they continue to behave as instruments of the flesh (e.g., appetite, sensation (such as hearing, seeing, tasting, touching), and emotion/mental operations (e.g., anger, fear, imagination, recall) ). Putting aside the issue of whether you accept that your father has been ordained and is in a peculiar relationship with Jesus Christ as his head, your duty and responsibilities as a member in his flock do not include proclaiming his condemnation, performing judgment, or the posing of questions about his competence. Developing Christian believers must come to acknowledge that salvation is through acts of GOD such as baptism whereby a sinner’s inborn spirit dies, is buried, and is raised from the dead in rebirth and resurrection. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) Romans 14: 4, King James Version (KJV): 4 Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.

(2.) 2^nd Corinthians 10: 12, KJV: 12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

(3.) Luke 16: 10-15, KJV: 10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. 11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? 12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own? 13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. 14 And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him. 15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Romans 14: 16-23, KJV: 16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of: 17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. 18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. 19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. 20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. 21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. 22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. 23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 4:05 AM, November 29, 2020 @ https://i.pinimg.com/736x/f2/0a/a7/f20aa724ac0080b38b2850509d17a2b5.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/22/2019) The Testimony From GOD

The image depicts the Spirit of Prophecy using Moses and Elijah with Jesus at the transfiguration of Christ

Today, reply is on converting others, prophecy, the duty of believers, and the testimony serving as witness from divinity to mankind. The disciples of Jesus are commanded and ordained to proclaim the gospel from GOD to others on the earth. However, rather than a process of verbal exchanges among men, humans lecturing one another, or the divine voice being heard from mountains and from the sky, on earth, the testimony of GOD is shared as an embodiment of spirit content from divinity whereby the living are made Christ-like. Because words whisper and actions shout, believers are to display through their lifestyles and daily routines the spirit substance they contain, and do not serve only by sacred practice (e.g., fasting, praise, prayer, prophecy, suffering). It is written: 1^st Corinthians 12: 3, King James Version (KJV): 3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shared) posted the following:

Do Christians have a duty to attempt to persuade non-believers to convert to Christianity?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost. (Mark 13: 11, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Presence of GOD (04/02/2019); Bible Language About Spirit? (06/13/2018); Possibilities Through “Active Presence” (04/30/2018); Divine Holiness and Sanctity (12/25/2017); An Incarnation of Divinity? (10/12/2017); Conversion is by GOD? (08/23/2016); All Who Read Convert? (10/10/2014); Not Told in Advance? (10/11/2014)

“Anonymous”, Christian beliefs are not shared as a matter of influencing others, manipulation, and persuasion. Christian believers all are to acknowledge that they have been called and recruited to minister sacred knowledge, spirit gifts, and divine substance on the earth. The finite human tools for such academic and secular focus as argument, debate, carnal reason, and critical thinking may not be relied on for growth and nourishment of ones life essence (breath, spirit, word imparted from the makeup of divinity). Emotions, intellect, and logic are not enough to transform consciousness and self-will (willpower) within the living. Inseparable aspects of divine fullness must be received as fresh deposits and endowments from GOD. Included are faith, forbearance, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. The testimony from GOD who remains unseen is not merely an authoritative eyewitness account, proclamation, or statement of plain truth; the testimony is an active presence, and we say, an abiding, indwelling Spirit (the Comforter; the Holy Ghost; the Holy Spirit; the Spirit of Prophecy; the Spirit of Truth). With this in view, the birth, death on the cross, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus testify that the operations, purpose, and substance of divinity must be known through spirit existing within ones own character and nature. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a presentation from the music ministry of John Michael Talbot:

(1.) 1^st Corinthians 2: 1-5, King James Version (KJV): 1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

(2.) Romans 8: 15-17, KJV: 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

(3.) 1^st John 5: 9-13, KJV: 9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. 10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, the testimony of mankind can be “the Lord is my shepherd”, because the testimony of GOD has been, “This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.”, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s28s0_pAnRY&list=PLN-HWgUQXbLMTSzGiuTABz_u7Lqbc7AF8&index=6&t=0s.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 2:50 PM, October 22, 2019 @ https://aleteiaen.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/web-saint-aug-06-transfiguration-public-domain.jpg?quality=100&strip=all&crop=0px%2C38px%2C760px%2C374px&resize=620%2C310

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/04/2019) Acceptable Displays Of Faith

The Prophet Daniel was cast into the lion’s den for refusing to petition only the king, and to cease praying to GOD during a period of 30 days.

Today, reply is on acknowledging authentic displays of faith, misreading the Scriptures, and recognizing situations that tempt divinity. It is written: 2^nd Corinthians 4: 3-11, King James Version (KJV): 3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Society & Culture, Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data shown) posted the following:

Is it true that the woman who entered the lion enclosure is very strong in her Christian faith, and was convinced that God would protect her?

If so, is this not a great display of faith by a true Christian? She should be commended?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. (Matthew 4: 1-7, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Works Without Divine Faith? (05/06/2019); Testing and Divine Process (06/12/2017); Genuine Spiritual Discernment? (03/27/2017); Temptations, Tests and Trials? (05/12/2015); Is Sin a Matter of Temptation? (04/22/2015); Understanding Peace? (11/20/2013); Adversary or Servant? (11/21/2013); On Testing GOD (06/20/2013); GOD Grants License? (06/21/2013)

“Anonymous”, Christian believers are commanded to resist the devil, not to provoke him, nor to tempt GOD. Today, there are many acceptable displays of faith we may make that do not violate civil law or public order (e.g., church attendance; charitable giving and sharing; forgiveness; intercessory prayer; observing Sabbath rest). While believers should remain ready to face oppression and persecution, few are required to serve as snake-handlers, endure the pit of lions, or commune with GOD while in the fiery furnace. Mature Christian believers trust that only by practicing discernment (i.e., use of ones own endowment of spirit from GOD as a standard to acknowledge the same spirit within attitudes, conduct, events, oneself, other people, the holy writings, etc.) can we correctly recognize and respond to displays of faith, prophetic demonstrations, and other genuine appearances of divine substance imparted from the makeup of GOD. Inseparable aspects of divine fullness that appear will include faith, holiness, humility, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Authentic behavior in service to GOD is usually marked by agreement, conformity and consistency with divine law, eternal purpose, the image of GOD revealed through Incarnation (we say, Jesus Christ; Christ-likeness), proper self-government, willingness to nourish and edify the church, and the sovereign will of divinity. Counterfeits of godliness and holy boldness will appear that are generated by emotional and psychological imbalance, human presumption, self-promotion (we say, vainglory), and Satanic deceit. Believers are encouraged to “marvel not” at isolated episodes and extreme incidents marked by and intended for hilarity, exaggerated pride, selfishness, shortsightedness, and vanity (lack of sacred substance). Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a presentation from the music ministry of Tamala Mann that gives voice to some of the concerns and issues of the lion enclosure incident:

(1.) 1^st John 4: 1-3, King James Version (KJV): 1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

(2.) 1^st Peter 5: 6-9, KJV: 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

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

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended (for example, 4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSrLUZMIiu4). Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 1:56 PM, October 03, 2019 @ www.christcenteredmall.com/stores/art/gustafson/zooms/daniel_in_the_lions_den_zoom.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(09/25/2019) How Can Christians Preach?

Today, reply is on the anointing from divinity provided to those who preach. Those who preach have been commanded and supplied to do so. Preaching is to be understood as a sacred operation where human flesh and divine spirit work together imparting sacred knowledge. Among mature Christian believers, preaching arises from divine unction, and is not the same as academic lecturing, oratory, public speaking, and story-telling that often serve as sources of spiritual confusion. Preaching is an office and duty within the church founded by Jesus Christ, yet, preaching is not provided only by clergy who have had hours of experience as members of a debating team, students in a divinity school, or those who practice delivering sermons while receiving seminary instruction. In addition to bishops, deacons, and pastors there may be child preachers, sharing of prophecy by lay members, and mothers in the church who also preach. It is written: Revelation 14: 6-7, King James Version (KJV): 6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, 7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Bob” (Level 6 with 10,447 points, a member since June 03, 2011) posted the following:

How can christians preach about what god wants when they don’t even know if it exists, surely it is impossible?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; (2^nd Corinthians 4: 13, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Just Make Up Anything? (06/16/2019); You Will Receive Power? (12/28/2018); Christ Is The Head (07/12/2018); Those Apt To Teach? (06/20/2018); What the Preacher Said…? (03/24/2015); On Judging Preachers as “Fake” (12/23/2013); Jesus Arose Bodily (12/24/2013)

“Bob”, preaching is a work to bestow and impart spirit content from divinity who has appeared in human form as Jesus Christ. Preaching is a divine process to transfer divine substance. Christians preparing to meet Jesus Christ at his coming to harvest his followers from the earth are instructed that believers who are able to preach receive an anointing from divinity that serves as a “calling” and their official ordination to act as spokespersons for the church. Rather than academic facts and secular knowledge, there must be sacred knowledge and spirit presence. As those who are “born again,” all who preach also must “grow up again” and display balance, completeness, consistency, and stability. Sinners must be transformed by receiving a fresh endowment of inseparable aspects of spirit from the makeup of GOD (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Included are faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. The Holy Spirit is the primary agent and representative of the Lord on the earth, and supplies those who preach with the necessary spiritual appetite for sacred substance, with consciousness of divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD, with discernment to identify divine spirit appearing within events, persons, and prophecies as well with the desire and willpower that are labeled as “zeal”. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a presentation from the music ministry of Acappella:

(1.) 1^st Corinthians 2: 1-9, King James Version (KJV): 1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

(2.) 2^nd Corinthians 4: 5-11, KJV: 5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

(3.) 1^st John 2: 27, KJV: 27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxg4IZTdUjI.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 11:47 AM, September 25, 2019 @ https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20190925145416AAHEDKy

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(03/31/2019) The Thought of Foolishness

Today, the reply is on foolishness as an operation of sin, rather than a genuine display of ones fresh endowment of spirit imparted from the makeup of GOD. Members of the church are not berated, bribed and paid, coerced, physically forced, treated as chattel and slaves, or made to maintain their covenant as followers of Jesus Christ by mistreatment, threats and violence. Sinners who choose to return to GOD showing repentance are to become “born again,” “grow up again,” and become mature for harvest from the earth by the Lord at his coming. The sacred process is one of commitment to fulfill eternal purpose. Each believer is to acknowledge and put to work their own deposit of the Holy Spirit, making demands primarily from themselves, and not from others. Included are church attendance, giving and making donations, intercessory prayer, and study of the holy writings. Hilarity, levity, meddling, and practical jokes typically emerge from immaturity, irreverence, lack of self-respect, mockery, and disbelief. As a result, those who repeatedly present such actions and speech within the church usually suffer censure, great embarrassment, and shame. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shared) posted the following:

Would it be a sin to bring a squirt gun to church, fill it with holy water, and squirt people who gossip during church?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death, So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport? (Proverbs 26: 18-19, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Commitment To Jesus Christ (03/07/2019); Etiquette Within The Church? (03/16/2018); Duties of a Christian? (03/13/2018); Foolish People and Unwise (10/26/2017); From Dust Thou Art (09/07/2017); Someone Who Is Kidding? (03/24/2017); Without Preaching The Cross? (02/21/2016); Answer a Fool? (06/04/2015); Foolishness? (09/28/2014)

“Anonymous”, mature Christian believers rely on the holy writings for guidance and instruction that includes sacred law provided for continuing covenant relationship with divinity; principles and standards for attitudes, conduct, and decision-making within communities of faith; and models for sacred practices such as giving, praise, prayer, suffering, and unselfish service. Branding, judging, and labeling others, quickly becomes slander and the work of the devil. While all believers are to display integrity, rule and self-government, at all times, the church is to acknowledge accountability and duty to GOD. With that in view, no one may command your behavior beyond your membership agreement, and your heartfelt understanding of the needs and purposes of the body. Such elements as arrogance, bias, defiance, presumption, angry outbursts, the use of profanity, and violence have no place in the church founded by Jesus Christ. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Proverbs 24: 8-9, King James Version (KJV): 8 He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous person. 9 The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.

2. 1^st Corinthians 14: 39-40, KJV: 39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

3. 1^st Timothy 5: 21-23, KJV: 21 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. 22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. Jude 1: 21-25, KJV: 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 22 And of some have compassion, making a difference: 23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. 24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(06/20/2018) Those Apt To Teach?

Today, rather than attack the former First Lady, Secretary of State, and recent Candidate for President of the United States as many were doing in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum, my reply is on teaching and volunteering within the church of Jesus Christ.  Within the household of faith, there are four callings to ministry acknowledged among believers:  preaching, teaching, music, and hospitality.  It should not be surprising that many who are activists, elected officials, leaders in their homes and workplaces, and thought leaders of the community-at-large offer themselves to the church through roles as comforters, study guides, and teachers.  Included are the positions as deacons and deaconesses, godparents, and nursing attendants as well as Sunday School supervisors and teachers.  In many church congregations, the work of the Sunday school teacher is that of a moderator who encourages discussion of the major points provided from prepared lesson booklets, or verses and passages recorded in the holy writings.  Developing believers are not to answer the challenge to serve Christ and the people of GOD on the basis of having a shared ethnic or racial background, issues of gender and sexual behavior, or even the depth of affection for their own families, friends, and relatives who are part of the congregation.  The same alertness, vigilance, impartiality and righteousness displayed by GOD in judgment should appear through their service as the children of GOD.  Therefore, these workers rarely boast having greater knowledge and skill than others within the body; and they serve on the basis of their humility, their love for the divine fullness (we also say, the Godhead; the Trinity; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit), their acknowledgment of the needs for salvation among others, their desire to continue sharing what they themselves receive from GOD, their willingness to make meaningful offerings and sacrifices along with their zeal.  One of the fighters who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data appears) posted the following:

Is Hillary Clinton really a Bible scholar ? Hillary Clinton says she taught Sunday school Could Hillary Clinton be classified as pastor ?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:  That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.  The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;  That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,  To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.  (Titus 2:  1-5, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Conversation In The World (04/03/2018); Comparing Sacred and Secular (03/15/2018); Duties of a Christian? (03/13/2018); ...Gathered In My Name (05/29/2017); Understanding Spiritual Growth? (03/13/2015); The Gift of Meekness (11/25/2014); Concerning Meekness (11/26/2014); Driving Under the Influence (02/07/2014); Immortality (02/08/2014)

“Anonymous”, here are some thoughts I can share that may help as you continue to examine the operations and process within the body of Christ:

(1.)  Academic achievement, degrees, and titles are often acknowledged and respected among Christian believers; however, the primary requirements for pastors and teachers are aspects of divine personhood and Christ-likeness.  Included are faith, forbearance, forgiveness, gratitude, humility, longsuffering, lovingkindness, sincerity, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

(2.)  Many who have been professionals in classroom and school settings volunteer to serve in counseling and teaching roles within the church.  They bring secular knowledge, skills, and accounts of experience in the world along with such traits as adultness; skill using language and spoken word; and experience with curriculum development, classroom management, preparing lesson plans, and sharing through lectures and other forms of presentation.  In many assemblies those in these roles receive no money as payment for their work, and it is more in the nature of sharing and exchange than formal instruction.

(3.)  Clergy and leadership in the church family are respected and venerated as elders where they will continually display accountability, approachability, balance, completeness, mature perspective, sobriety, and stability.

  

(4.)  Commitment to Christ, faith, love of the Scriptures, and a host of other factors explain why a person believes and stands up to offer themselves in ministry.  This is true not only for Bible study classes; there are many roles demanding unselfish service such as praise and prophecy through music (i.e., the choir), church feeding programs, and programs for healing that focus on health, hygiene, and wellness.  Even so, many are called, and few are chosen.  Members do best when they acknowledge the eternal motives of divinity, avoid self-promotion, and continue in the discipline and works of prophecy.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(a.)  John 7:  14-18, King James Version (KJV):  14 Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught.  15 And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?  16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.  17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.  18 He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory:  but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.

(b.)  1st Corinthians 12:  27-29, KJV:  27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.  28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.  29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?  30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

(c.)  1st Corinthians 14:  26-33, KJV:  26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.  27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, andthat by course; and let one interpret.  28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.  29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.  30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.  31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.  32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.  33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (d.)  1st Timothy 6:  3-11, KJV:  3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;  4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,  5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness:  from such withdraw thyself.  6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.  7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.  8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.  9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.  10 For the love of money is the root of all evil:  which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.  11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(01/26/2018) The Divinity of "Word"

Today, reply addresses whether “word” is the divine person we speak of as “God”.  Many who believe in GOD are comfortable saying that divinity existed as the Word in the beginnings of Creation, yet, these same folk often are very troubled by the teaching that the Word became incarnate, and appeared embodied within another person on the earth using human form, Jesus Christ.  A writer in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses the ID “LOVE” (Level 4 with 4,011 points, a member since May 11, 2011) posted the following:


Is the word same as God? Why?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  He came unto his own, and his own received him not.  But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:  Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.  And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.  John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me:  for he was before me.  And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.  For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.  (John 1:  11-17, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  “New Creation” and Life (01/01/2018); The Device of Incarnation (10/18/2017); The Word of GOD (09/05/2017); “and without Him nothing” (08/14/2017); Also Called “The Amen” (01/29/2017); Jesus Known As Word (01/17/2016); GOD Appearing As Word (01/14/2016); The Preeminence of the Word (08/23/2015)


“LOVE”, where developing Christian believers grasp the notion that “GOD is a spirit” who imparted aspects of himself to Adam and Eve (the male and female figures he had fashioned to exist as vessels containing divine content) they also are challenged to accept that the material or substance from GOD that established life within the pair may be spoken of as breath, life essence, spirit, utterance or Word.  The figures existed before the infusion of divine content that established life. 

GOD is knowable and known through the objects divinity has put forth and manipulated as the spheres of life and all that they hold.  With that said, GOD is no mere abstraction, intellectual creation, or hypothetical construct.  Because the inseparable aspects of the Word may be known to created beings and living creatures operating as active presence, the Word is described as having and conveying such features of Deity as accountability, authority, commitment, direction, duration, focus, grace, and personhood (i.e., ability to communicate, exchange, respond, and interact in continuing personal relationships) as well as power to express compassion, divine love, purpose, truth, and value.

The Word is to operate within the consciousness and self-will of the living through their immeasurable dimensions of spirit substance (e.g., faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, purity, wisdom, wrath against sin).  Thus, the Word appears in multiple forms or incarnations such as blessings, covenants, curses, divine law, instruction and parables, proclamation, promises, and prophecy.  The Word is acknowledged as on a higher plane than features of the living that present as appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, cravings for sex), sensation (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching), and emotion/mental functions (e.g., anger, fear, imagination, recall).  Consider again the following that use language from the Bible:

(1.)  Isaiah 55:  10-12, King James Version (KJV):  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.  12 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace:  the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

(2.)  Psalms 107:  17-20, KJV:  17 Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted.  18 Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death.  19 Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses.  20 He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.

(3.)  Romans 10:  12-17, KJV:  12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek:  for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.  13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.  14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?  15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!  16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?  17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  1st Corinthians 1:  18-25, KJV:  18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.  19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.  20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?  21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.  22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:  23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;  24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.  25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/21/2018) There Must Be Rebirth

Today, reply is made to clarify how the holy writings are made clear and meaningful only by ones spirit content imparted from divinity.  The truth of GOD presented as scripture is to complement and further build up the divine content within created beings and living creatures.  So to speak, the word may not grow and thrive thrust under heaps of secular and worldly matter.  The revealed truth must be planted in holy ground, placed within a living environment of breath, consciousness, eternal purpose, and will imparted from GOD.  A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “Tyler Sotock” (Level 1 with 5 points, a member since June 26, 2012) posted the following:

The Word of God?

ive been reading the word of god for years.... i just done feel like its having much of an effect on me... but why?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.  When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.  But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;  Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while:  for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.  He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.  But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.  (Matthew 13:  18-23, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Secular History, Sacred Revelation? (01/11/2018); Flesh As Divine Vessels? (01/14/2018); In Order To Understand (12/01/2017); Wisdom In A Mystery (11/22/2017); The Word of GOD (09/05/2017); One Complete Divine Revelation (07/09/2017); The Two-edged Sword (01/09/2017)

“Tyler Sotock”, the process of GOD for salvation by study of  the holy writings is little different than that by hearing of the word preached.  Merely seeing or hearing (operations of the flesh) are not enough to accomplish the sacred joining whereby one internalizes the Word as ones own consciousness, divine seed, and imparted spirit that is to be continually nourished and watered by divinity.  Those who rely on the techniques and information from academic and secular study of the Scriptures often gain a wealth of historical data and insights for literary analysis of the Bible; however, few achieve the necessary commitment, discernment, humility, repentance, respect, and reverence needed to acknowledge divine forgiveness, reconciliation, and genuine consecrated mastery (i.e., eternal life; sacred priesthood through Jesus Christ).

Just as what we inhale must have the lungs as a container, a context, and area where the oxygen and other gases are collected, the word of GOD provided to mankind (we also say, breath, life essence, spirit) also is fitted into a context and a sphere whereby the active presence of Deity becomes known and “visible”.  The word is to reside among the inseparable aspects of divine fullness that exist as the makeup of GOD imparted to created beings and living creatures.  Included are faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, purity, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

Sinners who become “born again” must also “grow up again” enduring “growing pains,” and meeting life challenges.  Developing believers are to become mature/ripe for harvest by the Lord at his return (we say, Advent, his appearing, the Rapture, the Second Coming).  Spiritual growth comes through multiple streams such as discovery, gradual growth, fellowship with believers who are more mature (e.g., clergy, ones own parents, those who prophesy as music ministers), permanent change, praise, sacrifice, suffering, unselfish service, and continuing worship.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Galatians 6:  6-10, King James Version (KJV):  6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.  7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked:  for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.  8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.  9 And let us not be weary in well doing:  for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.  10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

(2.)  Romans 10:  1-4, KJV:  1 Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.  2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.  3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.  4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

(3.)  Hebrews 4:  2, KJV:  2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them:  but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

(4.)  John 3:  1-8, KJV:  1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:  2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God:  for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.  3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.  4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?  5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.  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.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  2nd Timothy 3:  1-7, KJV:  1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,  3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,  4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;  5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof:  from such turn away.  6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,  7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(11/27/2017) Worship and the Cross

Today, idols, the cross, and worship among Christian believers are considered.  For Christian believers, glory, praise and worship are directed to divinity, only.  In the same way praising, uplifting, and bowing before material objects as though they contain, or themselves are sacred persons would be acts of idol worship, giving exclusive emotional, psychological and spiritual attention to, or continually expressing anger, bitterness, disbelief, and hostility by quarreling and reacting to emblems, tokens, and symbols (we say, making something out of nothing) all are expressions of idolatry and spiritual confusion.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data shown) posted the following:


Are Jehovah's witnesses right for not using the CROSS IN WORSHIP? Pls, support answers with the Bible, is the CROSS truly biblical?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Thy name, O LORD, endureth for ever; and thy memorial, O LORD, throughout all generations.  For the LORD will judge his people, and he will repent himself concerning his servants.  The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.  They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not;  They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths.  They that make them are like unto them:  so is every one that trusteth in them.  (Psalms 135:  13-18, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Relying on Sacred “Evidence” (11/20/2017); All Divinity in ONE? (11/17/2017); Divinity Appears Using Form (07/26/2017); Redemption Through Ordinary Flesh? (04/20/2017); Resurrected With The Lord (04/16/2017); A Matter of Conscience (04/07/2017); The Title of “Savior” (01/27/2017); Believing In The Cross? (03/04/2016); Signs of Messianic Belief? (12/16/2012); Vows and Covenants? (12/17/2012)


“Anonymous”, trusting you and others will receive a spiritual benefit, many of us who are not versed in the doctrines, teachings and policies among believers who are Jehovah’s Witnesses, seek no debate or quarrel, and, as mature followers of Christ, are not willing to pursue a path of criticism or condemnation against any (Buddhist, Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, etc.).  Even so, “born again” believers are willing to proclaim the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, his dying as an embodiment of sin, and the Savior’s resurrection, declaring our own faith in response to your question on worship and the cross.  That GOD imparts divine Spirit to indwell created beings and living creatures is no violation of sacred law and process; and no cross, man-made idol, image, or other device is to be honored as a vessel containing divine person and spirit content.  The operations of carnal reason, secular knowledge, and the domination of awareness and self-will by the operations of sin are to be opposed using multiple memorials and “reminders” that will continue uninterrupted consciousness of the active presence who is GOD.  Included are church buildings, hymns, other believers, parables, prayers, preaching, prophecies, and songs.  Consider the following that uses the language of the Bible, and therefore, may appear as familiar:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 31:  16-22, King James Version (KJV):  16 And the LORD said unto Moses, Behold, thou shalt sleep with thy fathers; and this people will rise up, and go a whoring after the gods of the strangers of the land, whither they go to be among them, and will forsake me, and break my covenant which I have made with them.  17 Then my anger shall be kindled against them in that day, and I will forsake them, and I will hide my face from them, and they shall be devoured, and many evils and troubles shall befall them; so that they will say in that day, Are not these evils come upon us, because our God is not among us?  18 And I will surely hide my face in that day for all the evils which they shall have wrought, in that they are turned unto other gods.  19 Now therefore write ye this song for you, and teach it the children of Israel:  put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel.  20 For when I shall have brought them into the land which I sware unto their fathers, that floweth with milk and honey; and they shall have eaten and filled themselves, and waxen fat; then will they turn unto other gods, and serve them, and provoke me, and break my covenant.  21 And it shall come to pass, when many evils and troubles are befallen them, that this song shall testify against them as a witness; for it shall not be forgotten out of the mouths of their seed:  for I know their imagination which they go about, even now, before I have brought them into the land which I sware.  22 Moses therefore wrote this song the same day, and taught it the children of Israel.

(2.)  John 4:  23-24, KJV:  23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth:  for the Father seeketh such to worship him.  24 God is a Spirit:  and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

(3.)  2nd Peter 1:  13-21, KJV:  13 Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;  14 Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.  15 Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.  16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.  17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.  18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.  19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:  20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.  21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man:  but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

(4.)  2nd Corinthians 4:  3-7, KJV:  3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:  4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.  5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.  6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.  7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  1st Corinthians 1:  18-31, KJV:  18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.  19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.  20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?  21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.  22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:  23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;  24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.  25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.  26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:  27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;  28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:  29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.  30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:  31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC