(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

(11/22/2020) Explaining The Earlier Covenants

 The images of Abraham (left) and Jesus Christ (right) are shown together acknowledging the connection among the diverse covenants through Abraham, Moses, and Jesus Christ.

Covenant practices and signs are in view, today, responding to a question on the frequent discussions of circumcision that appear from the Apostle Paul. The early church was required to demonstrate that they were anchored in the sacred knowledge displayed among the temple elders and the Rabbis. Paul began his apostolic ministry within the synagogues by appealing to believers among those who regularly attended. At first, belief in Christ was put forth as only a further expression of GOD’s covenant promises granted to the Jews. However, many of those who escaped from captivity and exile became grounded in tradition, and were determined to restore and preserve the covenant of Moses along with the Torah as what earlier had been provided as the highest blessings from GOD. Circumcision that had been bestowed on Abraham and his household as a mark of covenant relationship was not correctly acknowledged by the time of Moses, nor was circumcision uniformly practiced when divinity appeared on the earth using human form and life-process as Jesus Christ. Christ received circumcision as part of his inheritance and authentic humanity. Even so, circumcision was never intended by divinity as an outward mark of approval and consecration, or as a mark of disgrace and humiliation. Authentic sanctification (being set apart to serve divinity) appears by conformity to covenant law and sacred practices (e.g., observing the Sabbath; tithing; using the prayer shawl); and while circumcision is to be a visible declaration of commitment to relationship with divinity, a man will display his circumcision to fewer than 100 others during his entire lifetime (e.g., companions, doctors, family, etc.). It is written: Romans 4: 8-16, King James Version (KJV): 8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. 9 Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. 10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. 11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: 12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. 13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: 15 Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. 16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum on Religion & Spirituality who used the ID “ShalloWhale” (Level 6 with 18,373 points) posted the following:

Why is circumcision mentioned so much in the Bible?

Why was it so important that the Apostle Paul kept referring to it?

Updated 1 hour ago:

Is it a sloppy intrusion by male culture into a sacred text?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death. Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself? Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. (John 8: 52-58, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Made Perfect By Divinity (11/10/2020); The Foreskin And Circumcision? (10/13/2020); Do We Follow Paul? (10/01/2020); Godliness Characterizes Authentic Humanity (02/06/2020); Heaven Speaks Using Mankind (09/15/2019); No Wall of Partition (07/05/2019); Scripture Has No Ethnicity (05/27/2019)

“Shallowhale”, your focus is on the flesh, not the Spirit. Just as Christian believers today are to share with skeptics and sinners who seek new lives that release them from the operations of sin, the Apostle Paul was repeatedly challenged to explain what appeared as hidden connections among the operations of divinity through Jesus Christ and the earlier proclamations, sacred promises, and prophecies from GOD. Circumcision was granted to Abraham as a visible sign of covenant relationship between immortal, incorruptible, unseen divinity and mankind. GOD was to be acknowledged as more than an abstract Creator and Maker; divinity was to exist in continuing relationship through spirit process and substance imparted from the makeup of GOD that included balance, commitment, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, mercy for those found guilty in judgment, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. The covenant of Moses that followed some 400 years later provided the divine presence through sacred law, identity as a sacred nation, and as a divine instrument to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of GOD. By focusing on the law as the foremost of all divine blessing, many mistakenly rejected and refused to receive and embody an indwelling spirit that would remove the obstacles continued by finite flesh (e.g., appetite; mind; sensation; self-will (willpower) ). Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) Jeremiah 31: 31-37, King James Version (KJV): 31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: 32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: 33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. 35 Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is his name: 36 If those ordinances depart from before me, saith the LORD, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever. 37 Thus saith the LORD; If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, saith the LORD.

(2.) Galatians 3: 16-18, KJV: 16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. 17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. 18 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.

(3.) Galatians 3: 26-29, KJV: 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Hebrews 10: 28-29, KJV: 28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 3:26 AM, November 22, 2020 @ https://oneway2day.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/abraham-jesus-sm.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20201122033207AAB3Y1P

(10/28/2020) The Spirits Are Subject

Today, a reply is made on whether men on the earth are to take pride in being children of GOD. To be an offspring of GOD, one must contain consecrated substance that has been imparted from the makeup of divine fullness (i.e., divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). For many, being set apart by their sacred content in order to serve divinity only means that you are blessed, favored, and gifted so that you excel and surpass others. However, rightly understood, sanctification is an aspect of the often difficult and painful transformation sinners must undergo from being offered as a living sacrifice to existing as immortal, incorruptible, perfected companions to GOD. It is written: Isaiah 11: 1-3, King James Version (KJV): 1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: 2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; 3 And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Broly” (Level 2 with 674 points) posted the following:

Is it against the Bible to take pride in being a child of God?

Bonus question: Can a person call themselves a "soldier of God", I want to call myself that now instead of some dude from a DBZ movie.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  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.   (1^st John 3: 2, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Always Connected By Spirit (08/30/2020); The Sons Of GOD? (07/19/2020); Acknowledging And Confessing Sin (06/21/2020); “GOD, I Thank Thee...” (03/16/2020); Acknowledging Christ as Son (03/08/2020); Christian Teachings About Devils (08/21/2019); What Is A Spirit? (03/06/2018)

“Broly”, because they have exaggerated pride many covet the authority, dominion, and power of divinity. While acknowledging and affirming that mankind is to bear the image of GOD, and should display substance and value established by the Creator, created beings and living creatures are to manifest the same humility that exists as an inseparable aspect of divine fullness (we say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit). All who live are not accounted as the children of GOD, for the offspring of divinity must display the character, makeup, and nature of GOD (we say, divine DNA), and should resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ. Within the new creation there has to be a fresh endowment of spirit imparted from the makeup of GOD. While living on the earth, men are to begin eternal life having balance, commitment, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin; while living in the earth made new, men are to receive immortality, incorruption, perfection, and righteousness. The inheritance and life-process for man that is received through the first pair (Adam) include conditions, limitations, and restrictions such as appetite, mortality, finite self-will (willpower), and an inclination to respond to the operations of sin. GOD is exalted as the origin and source for all that has existence and life; and sin is no thing created or put forth by divinity. Where the living will exist as companions to GOD they must undergo divine operations to continually express sacred law, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. Sinners must become “born again” through operations of the Creator, and those who become reborn must also grow-up again and become mature/ripe for harvest from the earth by the Lord at his coming. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible and Peace, a selection from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

(1.) 2^nd Kings 1: 9-15, King James Version (KJV): 9 Then the king sent unto him a captain of fifty with his fifty. And he went up to him:  and, behold, he sat on the top of an hill. And he spake unto him, Thou man of God, the king hath said, Come down. 10 And Elijah answered and said to the captain of fifty, If I be a man of God, then let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And there came down fire from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty. 11 Again also he sent unto him another captain of fifty with his fifty. And he answered and said unto him, O man of God, thus hath the king said, Come down quickly. 12 And Elijah answered and said unto them, If I be a man of God, let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And the fire of God came down from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty. 13 And he sent again a captain of the third fifty with his fifty. And the third captain of fifty went up, and came and fell on his knees before Elijah, and besought him, and said unto him, O man of God, I pray thee, let my life, and the life of these fifty thy servants, be precious in thy sight. 14 Behold, there came fire down from heaven, and burnt up the two captains of the former fifties with their fifties:  therefore let my life now be precious in thy sight. 15 And the angel of the LORD said unto Elijah, Go down with him: be not afraid of him. And he arose, and went down with him unto the king.

(2.) Luke 9: 51-56, KJV: 51 And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, 52 And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. 53 And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. 54 And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? 55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. 56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.

(3.) Luke 10: 16-24, KJV: 16 He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me. 17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. 18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. 19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. 21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight. 22 All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him. 23 And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see: 24 For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3o4y8zHWYnw.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 7:05 A, October 28, 2020 @ https://i.pinimg.com/736x/0d/43/97/0d439752c297715c43239bf7fa5418a8.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(03/05/2019) Ministry Is Through Relationship

Today, guidance and instruction from the Bible are shared that further prepare developing Christian believers for ministering to those who may respond to the name of Christ with anger, envy, or rejection. The redemption and salvation offered to sinners through Jesus Christ is available to all, yet, only those choosing to be embraced by the Lord will actually receive it. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shown) posted the following:

How do you help someone that gets envious and mad when they see people converting to Christianity and when they are told Jesus loves them?

They got angry when they even heard the name Jesus and when their partner believed in Jesus

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (Revelation 21: 6-8, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Workings of Divinity? (01/15/2019); A Single Sacred Revelation (01/09/2019); Offering Yourself To Christ? (12/27/2018); Become As Little Children (12/13/2018); How GOD Speaks Today (12/10/2018); Recognizing True Christian Prophets (02/26/2018); Christianity Is Not Mindless (05/02/2017); Redemption Through Ordinary Flesh? (04/20/2017); Instruments in His Ministry? (10/07/2016)

“Anonymous”, Christian ministry and service for the salvation of others is carried out and properly performed through continuous and ongoing relationship. The authority, beauty, and divine power provided for mankind through Jesus Christ will not be fully apprehended and received by all those to whom it is sent; and those who minister in his name must be prepared to endure the same disappointment, discouragement, and rejection that was faced by the Master. Thus, where developing Christian believers properly acknowledge the guidance and instruction recorded in the Bible on how to minister to others they are provided with cautions and points to consider that include the following:

1. Romans 10: 13-17, King James Version (KJV): 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.

2. 2^nd Corinthians 4: 3-5, 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.

3. Luke 8: 11-15, KJV: 11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12 Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. 13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. 14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. 15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

4. 1^st Corinthians 7: 10-16, KJV: 10 And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: 11 But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife. 12 But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. 13 And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. 14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. 15 But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace. 16 For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?

5. Matthew 7: 13-14, KJV: 13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 6. 2^nd Thessalonians 3: 1-3, KJV: 1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: 2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(06/17/2018) Christ Rejected By Pharisees?

James Tissot:  The Pharisee and Publican

Today, reply is on the rejection of Jesus Christ by the religious establishment of his day, and the acceptance of Jesus by publicans and sinners.  The account of Nicodemus coming to Christ after dark (so he would not be seen or recognized in public) is one of the clearest depictions of spiritual need among the elders of Israel.  Nicodemus could not comprehend the simple ideas that (1.) your inborn spirit must die, be buried, and resurrected from death by GOD, so to speak; and (2.) the original endowment of ones inner spirit must be refreshed with spirit content imparted from the makeup of the Creator:  You must be born again.  A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum using the ID “Breakthrough” (Level 6 with 15,514 points a member since June 29, 2013) posted the following:


Why did the pharisees reject Jesus while the tax collectors accepted him?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith:  these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.  Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.  Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.  Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.  Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.  Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.  Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,  And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.  Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.  Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.  Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?  (Matthew 23:  23-33, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Bible Language About Spirit? (06/13/2018); Why Spirit Displays Personhood (06/06/2018); Salvation By Good Works? (03/08/2018); The Law and The Prophets (03/07/2018); A Threat Against Judaism (07/17/2017); The Spirit and Prophecy (01/04/2017); The Cross and The Pharisees? (04/21/2016); The Golden Age? (01/10/2013); Translation, Please… (01/11/2013) 


“Breakthrough”, it continues today that acceptance/rejection of Jesus as the Christ by the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Temple elders of his day can be explained by multiple factors that include ignorance of, and skepticism toward, the promises and prophecies recorded in the holy writings; commonly held ungodly cultural and social standards that resulted through captivity and exile; religious customs and traditions anchored by secular knowledge instead of sacred knowledge as well as spiritual confusion.  Jews serving as tax collectors and public officials were like what we  now would call an “independent contractor,” a “bounty hunter,” or a “re-po man.”  Because these men would add their own fees to the tax assessment, kick in the door, and were empowered to seize family members and property for payment, they were generally regarded as godless thieves, heartless traitors, and turncoats.  The effort to continue and defend the blessing of GOD bestowed by the Covenant Law and relationship granted to Moses saw the institutionalization of belief, and the entrenchment of a “religious establishment.”  The primary aspect of divinity revealed to mankind was held to be “the law and the prophets;” however, the gift of ministry by a sanctified priesthood that could make atonement through offerings and sacrifices came under a curse at the time of King Saul (Eli, Hophni, and Phinehas); and the gift of prophets was suspended at the time of Malachi some 400 years before the birth of Jesus.  The establishment insisted on the primacy of the law “without the prophets,” an approach that denied existence of the Holy Spirit and his gifts (we also say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth).  Whether John the Baptist (who was filled with the Spirit while yet in his mother’s womb) was an authentic prophet from GOD was as much the matter of controversy as whether John himself was the expected Messiah.  More than the prophetic demonstrations seen through John and Jesus, the publicans and sinners were drawn to Jesus Christ by his doctrine, insights, and what they perceived as a genuine revelation of the character, makeup and substance of GOD.  Consider again, therefore, the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)   Luke 18:  10-14, King James Version (KJV):  10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.  11 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.  12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.  13 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.  14 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.

(2.)  Luke 19:  1-10, KJV:  1 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.  2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.  3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.  4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him:  for he was to pass that way.  5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.  6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.  7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.  8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord:  Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.  9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.  10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  Luke 7:  37-50, KJV:  37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,  38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.  39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him:  for she is a sinner.  40 And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.  41 There was a certain creditor which had two debtors:  the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.  42 And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?  43 Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.  44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet:  but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.  45 Thou gavest me no kiss:  but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.  46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint:  but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.  47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much:  but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.  48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.  49 And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?  50 And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(01/13/2017) The Comfort Through Christ?

 

Today, reply is made on divine provisions for communication with the dead.  Sinners are to communicate with GOD through prayer, for the dead can not speak to the living or release those upon the earth from the sudden invasions of fear, a profound sense of loss, spiritual confusion, and a sense of no longer having power to love or ever be happy again.  For those who lose loved ones, there has to be growth and a shift away from their emotions and feelings.  Thus, Christian believers are to console others with the same consolations they themselves receive from GOD.  Multiple comforts are shared through the ministries of Jesus Christ that have healing power and light for those enduring bereavement.  That death be acknowledged by everyone who must complete the condition of existing as mortal should not be regarded as a rejection or undue burden upon mankind by GOD.  Death is a sacred tool that permits resurrection and other aspects of new creation that include rebirth, repentance, sanctification, and hope.  The writer at “Yahoo! Answers (India)” who uses the ID “n” (Level 1 with 3 points, a member since June 22, 2016) posted the following:

 

Are there rules in Heaven that people in Heaven can not communicate directly with their loved ones?

My Father had passed away in August of 2016 and have been doing a lot of thinking lately.

I would not consider myself a religious person, as I have only attended church a hand full of times in my life- however I would consider myself a Christian and I live my life my just being a good, honest, person and just doing what I feel is right.

I know my Dad is in Heaven- but are there rules in Heaven? Like people who make it to Heaven can not directly communicate with their loved ones? Sometimes I will ask my Dad to show me a sign that he is listening or hears me and I get nothing as I look up to the sky and hope I see a star glisten or something. So it makes me wonder- Is it written anywhere that people in Heaven are not aloud to directly communicate?

Lately I have been getting a lot of subtle little signs (I will see something with my Dads name on it, or a song will come on out of nowhere that he likes, etc.)

Are these those signs that Im looking for that he is listening and watching over me and my family?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  If ye love me, keep my commandments.  And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;  Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him:  but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.  I will not leave you comfortless:  I will come to you.  Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me:  because I live, ye shall live also.  At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.  He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me:  and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.  Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?  Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words:  and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.  He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings:  and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.  These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you:  not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.  (John 14:  15-27, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Life Is GOD’s Intent (11/15/2016); Here’s The Good News (11/09/2016); Simple and Mature Faith (09/05/2016); I Go To Prepare... (05/19/2016); Belief In Another World? (02/17/2016); Comfort? (09/06/2014); We Become Comforters? (07/19/2014); On Death and Pain (05/08/2014); A “Good” Verse? (05/09/2014)

 

“n”, many Christian believers agree that the comfort we receive at the loss of loved ones can be very personal, private,  and specific to the shared experiences we had while they were alive.  However, the most necessary consolation to those who are bereaved is not truly private and secret.  Through Jesus Christ, ongoing divine operations are now in place to transform individual and isolated sinners into members of a living body filled with imparted Spirit from the makeup of divinity.  Therefore, the tools used by GOD to comfort those who mourn include such provisions as administering an inheritance and completing the unfinished business of the deceased, faith, forbearance, forgiveness, holiness, joy, divine law, sacred knowledge, oneness without sameness, praise, prayer, proclamation, promise, prophecy, rebirth, suffering, and meaningful work.  Death and separation are to be understood as tools of the Creator, not to destroy and reject what has been put forth, rather to change, continue and make eternal the created beings and living creatures who are in his image.  Consider again the following:

(1.)  2nd Peter 1:  2-4, King James Version (KJV):  2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,  3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:  4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises:  that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

(2.)  Hebrews 2:  14-18, KJV:  14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;  15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.  16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.  17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.  18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

(3.)  Romans 6:  3-11, KJV:  3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?  4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death:  that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.  5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:  6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.  7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.  8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:  9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.  10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once:  but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.  11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  1st Thessalonians 4:  13-18, KJV:  13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.  15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.  16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God:  and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air:  and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/01/2016) Repentance Instead of Rejection

Salvador Dali (1954) Crucifixion (Corpus Hypercubus)

 

 

Innocence, repentance, and sinners in Christ as a new creation of GOD are topics, today.  Most sinners (not all) may be forgiven, justified, and reconciled to GOD through the atonement and propitiation for sin provided by the ministry of Jesus, the Son of the Highest.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers (Canada)” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

 

Why would God, a pure and holy Creator, want anything to do with a repentant sinner even if they were to kill their own child brutally?

Likewise, why would the killer, say a mother, want to have anything to do with a perfectly holy God after killing her infant child? She kills her baby without reason--no motive whatsoever--deliberately hurt one of God's little ones--perhaps one of the most pure of God's creations and the closest to Him in purity and goodness, but then wants something to do with God?

If she can kill an innocent baby who is uncorrupted by sin and worldly qualities, she certainly will not want anything to do with God who is the ultimate good.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.  And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.  Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:  (For until the law sin was in the world:  but sin is not imputed when there is no law.  Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.  But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.  And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift:  for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.  For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)  Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.  For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.  (Romans 5:  10-19, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Having Not The Law? (10/06/2016); Spirit Process not Feelings? (09/21/2016); Standards for Judging GOD? (08/22/2016); To Forgive is Divine? (04/06/2016);  Forgiveness and The Cross (04/04/2016); Why Punish Innocence? (05/22/2015); Justifying GOD? (03/15/2015)

 

“Anonymous”, GOD responds to those who acknowledge forgiveness and the operations of divinity through Jesus Christ as being a new creation, and divine offspring that are part of himself.  Human babies all inherit readiness, vulnerability, and willingness to sin from their parents; therefore, none may be called “innocent” before GOD, who himself is the standard for determining what is incorruptible and pure.  To exist, become permanently changed, and operate as those who will always be acceptable to GOD, the living must acquire substance from the divine makeup such as faith, holiness, humility, meekness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  With this in view, repentance and returning to GOD are more correct, essential, and life-giving than are accusing, condemning, and rejecting divinity.  Mature Christian believers are taught to consistently use descriptions of GOD and reality that emerge from their own portion of the imparted, indwelling spirit (we say, divine breath, life essence, word) received from GOD.  Followers of the Lord are endowed and equipped to put aside the many errors that persist among sinners because they are anchored and tied to things that are carnal, emotional, material, and social.  Adam and Eve turned away from GOD because they were moved by covetousness, distrust, fear, pride, and sin.  Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, promotes nonexistence, and generates a return to chaos, confusion, and the condition that was in place before Creation.  Sin is no thing created by GOD, does not have influence upon the divine will, yet, may dominate awareness and self-will of created beings and living creatures.  Every human child now may receive spirit content from GOD and a new inheritance through Jesus Christ, the Second Adam.  Consider again how some of this is stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)  Romans 3:  23, King James Version (KJV):  23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

(2.)  Ezekiel 18:  20-24, KJV:  20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son:  the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.  21 But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.  22 All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him:  in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.  23 Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD:  and not that he should return from his ways, and live?  24 But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned:  in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.

(3.)  Ezekiel 18:  30-32, KJV:  30 Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.  31 Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit:  for why will ye die, O house of Israel?  32 For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD:  wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Romans 8:  5-9, KJV:  5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.  6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God:  for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.  9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC