(01/08/2020) The Use of Sharpness?

Today, reply is on the correctness of calling for Pope Francis I to relinquish the crown and throne following the response he made to a woman who grabbed his hand and would not release it as he was acknowledging those among a crowd of believers. Approaching those in roles of accountability and leadership with attitudes and behavior that are overly aggressive, too familiar, and flat-out rude is correctly labeled as “presumption” and “rebellion”. It is not a matter of dispute that the church of Jesus Christ displays delegation of authority; the gradual increase of instruction and intimacy with strangers; multiple levels of sacred knowledge, maturity, and skill among believers; division of labor; hierarchy; and oneness without sameness. Along with balance and discernment, sharpness, sobriety, and wrath against sin will continue to be essential tools within the church. Sharpness pertains to edification and prophecy, not intimidation, verbal abuse, and violence. Even so, within the community of believers in Christ there is never to be a “rush to judgment;” nor is there to be any welcome to accusations, “bad mouth,” cheap talk, gossip, and rumors against either clergy or lay members. It is written: 1^st Timothy 5: 17-22, King James Version (KJV): 17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 18 For the scripture saith, thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. 19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. 20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. 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. Also: Titus 2: 11-15, KJV: 11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data appears) posted the following:

Christians. What do you think of pope smack lady hand & now they want him to step down?

Are you sad 😢. If cato or rufus run for pope i vote for them

THE GOLDEN ARROW: A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing. For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city, To call passengers who go right on their ways: (Proverbs 9: 13-15, KJVJ)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Kings, Popes, Priests, Prophets? (09/22/2019); Counsels On Shunning Sinners (05/03/2019); Make Me A Servant (04/08/2019); The Workings of Divinity? (01/15/2019); Discipline and Sacred Meekness (11/30/2018); Rebuked, And Not Baptized? (10/22/2015); (07/01/2015) Holiness

“Anonymous”, many mature Christian believers acknowledge the correctness of the papal response made during a crowd scene where the Pope was forced to openly rebuke a woman who, in ignorance, presumed to grab and hold on to his hand. Properly understood, the Pope is not a celebrity or public figure; rather, he is a head of state, a living sacrifice, and a spokesperson who appears on the earth using flesh on behalf of divinity, who remains separate, immortal, invisible, and incorruptible. While the anointing, ordination, and sanctity of the Pope are displayed using things material and temporal, his sacred authority and dominion are not to be contested, defiled, or profaned. Also, the Pope is to be acknowledged as a primary elder and pastor for those who are members of a major portion of the church founded on the earth by Jesus Christ. As a caretaker and shepherd over a flock of GOD, the Pope must operate in accordance with divine prerogative; sacred law; imperatives and principles for exchange and interaction that serve as disciplines and regimens of office; eternal purpose; and the sovereign will of GOD. As one required to display the image of GOD, and who must resemble, reflect and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ, the Pope is more than simply another preacher or teacher. The Pope administers and maintains a priesthood on the earth fashioned after the pattern of things in heaven. The priesthood is a caretaker of sacred mysteries, is entrusted to continue sacred practices (e.g., baptism, intercessory prayer, worship), and is to be respected and reverenced as a lawful divine mechanism to continually offer the blood and body of Jesus in atoning sacrifice. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the prophesies and music ministry of The Heralds:

(1.) 2^nd Corinthians 13: 3-11, King James Version (KJV): 3 Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. 4 For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you. 5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 6 But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates. 7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. 8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. 9 For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection. 10 Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction. 11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

(2.) Proverbs 23: 12-14, KJV: 12 Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge. 13 Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. 14 Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.

(3.) Proverbs 9: 6-10, KJV: 6 Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding. 7 He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. 8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. 9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. 10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

(4.) Hebrews 12: 3-9, KJV: 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. 4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. 5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. 9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

(5.) Romans 13: 3-5, KJV: 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (6.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KrT1gagyLk.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 3:05 PM, January 07, 2020 @ https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CvEqGSmWYAA9q_e.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(05./31/2018) When Prophecy Opposes Desire

Today, reply centers on the acceptance and finality of prophecy, and on the warnings in Scripture against false prophets.  The disapproval, skepticism, and unbelief of created beings and living creatures have no power to annul divine utterance, or make it vain (empty; without spirit substance from the makeup of GOD).  Sacred prophecies declaring divine prerogative, eternal purposes, and the sovereign will of GOD all are certain of fulfillment, and are dismissed or ignored only at great risk.  Included are prophesies that address Advent (we say, the harvest; his appearing; the Rapture; the Resurrection; the Second Coming), the end times, the final judgment of the wicked, the second death,  the elimination of mortality and sin as well as the descent of the holy city, New Jerusalem, from heaven to the earth.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum using the  ID “Skittles” (Level 3 with 1,292 points, a member since May 12, 2012) posted the following:


What does this verse mean: “Whenever it is that they are saying, “Peace and Security!” then sudden destruction is to be instantly on them.”?

1 Thessalonians 5:3
Who says this? How is religion and government involved? How will it affect us?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  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.  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.  And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.  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:  Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.  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.  (2nd Peter 1:  16-21, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  “The End Is Near” (03/14/2018); The Coming(s) of Christ (03/11/2018); Recognizing True Christian Prophets (02/26/2018); Sharing The Correct Message (01/30/2017); Why Is Lust Condemned? (07/20/2016); World Peace Is Coming? (05/08/2016); About The End Of The World (08/30/2015)
 

“Skittles”, many respond to prophecy with denial.  (For example, when Jesus prophesied that he would be crucified, the Apostle Peter insisted on voicing his own desire (it would not be so), and was severely rebuked by Jesus.)  Given the operations of the flesh will resist prophecy, the sacred wisdom developing Christian believers receive through the holy writings include multiple admonitions, advice, alerts, counsels, declarations of divine law, guidance, instruction, divine proclamations, warnings, and prophecies that provide comfort, edification, and exhortation.  Believers must practice discernment whereby they use their own spirit endowment from GOD as a standard to recognize, respond to, and connect with the same spirit content as it appears within events, exchanges, other people, relationships, the Scriptures, etc.  Often, legitimate messages announcing the will of divinity are despised, dismissed, and rejected because they do not agree with popular opinions, carnal reason, or material and social dictates.  Disbelievers, skeptics, and those bearing malice will contradict, distort, and oppose divine truth by offering alternative ideas and “what they want to hear” that are properly labeled and understood as “false prophecy,” even though they may contain useful information from such areas as philosophy, politics, science, and technology.  Consider again the following points that use language from the Bible:

(1.)  Jeremiah 23:  14-17, King James Version (KJV):  14 I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing:  they commit adultery, and walk in lies:  they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness; they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah.  15 Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the prophets; Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall:  for from the prophets of Jerusalem is profaneness gone forth into all the land.  16 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you:  they make you vain:  they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD.  17 They say still unto them that despise me, The LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you.

(2.)  Ezekiel 13:  1-3, KJV:  1 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,  2 Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word of the LORD;  3 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!

(3.)  Ezekiel 13:  10-14, KJV:  10 Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace; and one built up a wall, and, lo, others daubed it with untempered mortar:  11 Say unto them which daub it with untempered mortar, that it shall fall:  there shall be an overflowing shower; and ye, O great hailstones, shall fall; and a stormy wind shall rend it.  12 Lo, when the wall is fallen, shall it not be said unto you, Where is the daubing wherewith ye have daubed it?  13 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even rend it with a stormy wind in my fury; and there shall be an overflowing shower in mine anger, and great hailstones in my fury to consume it.  14 So will I break down the wall that ye have daubed with untempered mortar, and bring it down to the ground, so that the foundation thereof shall be discovered, and it shall fall, and ye shall be consumed in the midst thereof:  and ye shall know that I am the LORD.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Isaiah 30:  8-15, KJV:  8 Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever:  9 That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD:  10 Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:  11 Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.  12 Wherefore thus saith the Holy One of Israel, Because ye despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon:  13 Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant.  14 And he shall break it as the breaking of the potters’ vessel that is broken in pieces; he shall not spare:  so that there shall not be found in the bursting of it a sherd to take fire from the hearth, or to take water withal out of the pit.  15 For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength:  and ye would not.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/22/2015) Rebuked, And Not Baptized?

Baptism, enforcement of church discipline, fellowship, and salvation as the cooperation of flesh and spirit are themes, today.  Given the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus as a complete and finished work on behalf of mankind, many mistakenly think that divine law has been completely rescinded, and there are no longer any sacred practices or rules that should be obeyed among believers.  Often, those who hold such a view are relying upon their unseen character, individuality, and inner being to be acceptable to GOD, and therefore, deny that others in the flesh like themselves may hold them accountable for what they do and say within the church.  It remains, there is a need for vigilance.  While clergy and fellow worshipers may have no authority either to approve or eternally condemn the spirit nature of others, every believer is required to maintain a clear separation from unrighteousness.  The flock must be protected from counterfeit believers and “wolves in sheep’s clothing.”  Consider again the following from the Bible, and the points appearing below:  1st Samuel 16:  7, King James Version (KJV):  7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him:  for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.  Also, James 1:  26-27, KJV:  26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.  27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Spirit Of All” (Level 5 with 9,701 points, a member since February 16, 2014) posted the following:


Can Christians deny someone baptism?

I was about to be baptized last night but I was refused. It was cold out so I had vodka to warm me up and got slightly drunk. People noticed and I was rebuked for doing so. How is this fair?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.  And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?  And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.  The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:  In his humiliation his judgment was taken away:  and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.  And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?  Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.  And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water:  and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?  And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.  And he commanded the chariot to stand still:  and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.  (Acts 8:  29-38, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Baptism, Then Communion (09/02/2015); Going to Church Before Baptism? (05/05/2015); Partially Baptized? (01/22/2015);  Before Getting Baptized? (11/28/2013); The Rich in Divine Relationship? (11/29/2013); Denying Baptism to Others (11/04/2013); Relating to GOD? (11/05/2013)


“Spirit Of All”, to truly understand why you were refused baptism, you would have to ask, How was this (my behavior)  godly?  On the basis of their attitude, behavior, and conduct, a person may be denied fellowship (i.e., continuing association; intimate and personal relationship) and recognition as a Christian believer as well as membership, ordination to serve in leadership roles, and such privileges as burial in consecrated ground or sharing the Lord’s Supper.  Because the church brings together diverse people having different levels of sacred knowledge, maturity, and preparation, discipline (i.e., training; restraint) and divine order must be maintained for management of the broad range of emotional, psychological and spiritual challenges every believer is required to face.  Consider again the instruction to the church from the holy writings:

(1.)  1st Corinthians 6:  9-11, King James Version (KJV):  9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?  Be not deceived:  neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.  11 And such were some of you:  but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

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

(3.)  1st Corinthians 14:  26, 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.

(4.)  1st Corinthians 14:  40, KJV:  40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  1st Corinthians 5:  9-13, KJV:  9 I wrote unto you in a epistle not to company with fornicators:  10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.  11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.  12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?  13 But them that are without, God judgeth.  Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/09/2013) Death Has Been Transformed

Whether or not believers are required to die on the cross is the topic, today. Also, there is more on Jesus rebuking the storm. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Ken” (Level 1 with 182 points, a member since May 1, 2013) posted the following:


Why does Jesus require all of us die on the cross?

That’s what my pastor says. If I gotta, I gotta.


THE BATTLE AXE: Commanding the Storm? (05/08/2013)—(5.) In order to fulfill prophecy and further implement the promises of GOD, Jesus reproduced, improved upon, and portrayed many actions and events from the lives of earlier patriarchs, prophets and kings. Included were acts of covenant, deliverance, exorcism, fasting, healing, power over aspects of the natural world, prayer, submission, and spiritual surrender. The Savior’s rebuke of storms compares to Moses, Joshua, Elijah, and Elisha opening the Red Sea, and going over the Jordan River on dry ground (see Exodus 14: 21 and 2nd Kings 2: 1-15, KJV). In the same way Moses demonstrated authority from GOD calling water from a rock, and instructing them regarding the gift of manna as a food for the covenant people, Jesus fed thousands to clarify his authority to forgive sins, raise the dead, and to establish eternal life through priesthood and judgment (see John 4: 46-54, Luke 5: 18-26, Hebrews 7: 24-26 and John 6: 1-71, KJV).


THE GOLDEN ARROW: Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 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. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 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. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1st Corinthians 15: 50-57, King James Version)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Magical Resurrection? (03/20/2013); Eat His Body, Drink His Blood (03/21/2013); Foolish For Not Believing? (03/22/2013); Life and Death (09/26/2012); Mob Rule and Violence (09/27/2012); The Divine Tool of Death (08/11/2012)


Ken, I trust you will agree, there are many things that must fit together for us to understand all that GOD is accomplishing through the Incarnation, the death, the resurrection, and eternal ministry of Jesus Christ as Risen Lord. Please consider the following points:

(1.) In the same way our existence within a natural order continues to require that people get wet when standing in the rain, all mankind and believers in salvation from GOD through Christ also continue to meet natural demands for change that include aging, decay, forgetting, sickness, and decease. 
 
(2.) The existence of mankind within the divine order that generates created beings and living creatures has been altered by the process of sin. Sin first appeared among the holy angels, who are spirit beings. In their creation, the angels were made finished (we say, perfect) in terms of their capabilities, living process, and sacred content. The angels and sacred beasts of heaven were not made subject to death, and the fear of termination. Even so, in the heaven, only GOD is immortal.

(3.) Death was introduced as a divine tool to make visible the direction, effect, and presence of sin. The existence of mankind was made temporal (i.e., of limited duration); and the completion of our condition as mortal is called “death.” Sin has not been created by GOD, and contains no spirit substance as do all things made by GOD, including mankind. Sin may dominate self-will in created beings and living creatures; however, sin cannot influence the will of GOD.

(4.) Through the birth, ministry, sufferings, death and resurrection of Jesus, the meaning and power of death for mankind has been reconfigured and transformed. Spiritual reality and truth are clarified and established revealing death as temporal, and a necessary stage for mankind to be made immortal and incorruptible.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) To acquire and experience the benefits intended for mankind, believers must become aware of Christ as the controlling aspect within their own person. In that sense, they become one with the Son, and through him, with the Father. Death is then described as an aspect of spiritual meaning with rebirth from divine content (we say, holy DNA). There then must be further sacred process including repentance and sanctification. Human will becomes armored against sin, where men once were incapable of detecting or resisting sin.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC