Psalms 84: 9-11, King James Version (KJV): 9 Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed. 10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. 11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
Ezekiel 34: 31, KJV: 31 And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord GOD.
Matthew 18: 1-4, KJV: 1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
1st John 3: 1-3, KJV: 1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
1st Corinthians 7: 21-23, KJV: 21 Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. 22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant. 23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.
One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no required profile information shared) posted the following:
"I am currently a slave in Christ" - Is Jesus a master who has slaves??? That's what this guy is saying.?
https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20160209072430AALyyb0
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. (Luke 18: 9-14, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Fulfilling Divine Law? (07/14/2015); Slaves to Sin? (04/13/2015); Law, Slavery and Redemption (09/13/2013); Only One GOD (09/14/2013); The Slave to Law and Sin Made Free (11/16/2012); Lawful Divorce (11/17/2012)
“Anonymous”, Christian believers are to continually acknowledge the exalted sovereignty of GOD, and their own status as dependent with other created beings and living creatures in relationship to our Maker. GOD is the single and sole source for the many sacred benefits, opportunities, and possibilities provided to the living. Included are atonement, correction, forbearance, forgiveness, promise, prophecy, rebirth, resurrection, and sanctification. Correct language to describe the bond with Deity established through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit must repeatedly acknowledge our gratitude, our indebtedness, our continuing infirmity and need as well as our desire for greater closeness and intimacy. Varying levels of shared affection, respect and trust must come into view, therefore, obedience and servitude are to be understood as indicators and marks of ones love. The words used, then, describe relationships that also are through the law, and lawful such as child, disciple, prisoner, servant, and slave. Consider how this may appear in verses from the holy writings:
(1.) Exodus 21: 5-6, King James Version (KJV): 5 And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free: 6 Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an aul; and he shall serve him for ever.
(2.) John 15: 14-16, KJV: 14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. 15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. 16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
(3.) Romans 8: 16-18, KJV: 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. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
(4.) 2nd Timothy 1: 7-9, KJV: 7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) Colossians 3: 12-15, KJV: 12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
