(02/02/2020) Accountable For Spreading Disbelief?

Today, reply is on whether there are grace and forgiveness for those who spread disbelief, rebellion against Christ, and spiritual confusion. By blasphemy, complaining, practicing deception, lying, slander, and posing questions to undermine faith, many are made to despair of salvation. For this reason, mature Christian believers also serve as watchmen who nurture and protect those still developing. There are many different acts of acknowledgment and dedication to GOD that those who commit transgression against divine law are to perform in becoming restored as full members within the church body. Included are atonement, confession, contrition, learning, prayer, repentance, and sorrowing for sin. It is written: Psalms 19: 12-14, King James Version (KJV): 12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. 13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. 14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

Does god forgive you if you turned people against him? ?

I was very mentally ill at the time and was not aware of the consequences of my actions. I made some silly choices one of them being that I did not stop to think that I might’ve turned people away from god from one of the choices I made. I feel like this is a very big sin = turning others away from god.

Although I am not responsible for other people’s choices I could’ve enabled them not to have god In their lives.

Will god forgive me if I repent to him for making a big sin like this?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. (Proverbs 11: 30, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Pray For Your Enemies? (01/03/2020); The Many Divine Gifts (12/03/2019); Eternal Judgment With Mercy (11/19/2019); How To Serve GOD (09/04/2019); The Gift Of GOD (10/15/2018); Rendering Our Reasonable Service (06/15/2018); Opposing The Divine Will (03/30/2018)

“Anonymous”, mature Christian believers acknowledge a duty to divinity to display the image of GOD, and to resemble, reflect and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ. The elements of adult love toward GOD will be seen in such believers, rather than infatuation (puppy love) recognizable by their consistency, their willingness to be held accountable for their own actions and deeds, and their obedience (putting aside their own desires to perform the desire of another) as well as by their willingness to fulfill commitment. Where believers commit sins of ignorance, they are granted grace and forgiveness, atonement is made, and the operations of GOD should call forth such features as change, discovery, gratitude, gradual growth, focus, renewal, repentance, and unselfish service. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Bob Carlisle:

(1.) Numbers 15: 22-31, King James Version (KJV): 22 And if ye have erred, and not observed all these commandments, which the LORD hath spoken unto Moses, 23 Even all that the LORD hath commanded you by the hand of Moses, from the day that the LORD commanded Moses, and henceforward among your generations; 24 Then it shall be, if aught be committed by ignorance without the knowledge of the congregation, that all the congregation shall offer one young bullock for a burnt offering, for a sweet savour unto the LORD, with his meat offering, and his drink offering, according to the manner, and one kid of the goats for a sin offering. 25 And the priest shall make an atonement for all the congregation of the children of Israel, and it shall be forgiven them; for it is ignorance: and they shall bring their offering, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD, and their sin offering before the LORD, for their ignorance: 26 And it shall be forgiven all the congregation of the children of Israel, and the stranger that sojourneth among them; seeing all the people were in ignorance. 27 And if any soul sin through ignorance, then he shall bring a she goat of the first year for a sin offering. 28 And the priest shall make an atonement for the soul that sinneth ignorantly, when he sinneth by ignorance before the LORD, to make an atonement for him; and it shall be forgiven him. 29 Ye shall have one law for him that sinneth through ignorance, both for him that is born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them. 30 But the soul that doeth aught presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people. 31 Because he hath despised the word of the LORD, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him.

(2.) Ezekiel 33: 1-9, KJV: 1 Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman: 3 If when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people; 4 Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head. 5 He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul. 6 But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand. 7 So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. 8 When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. 9 Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

(3.) Romans 12: 4-8, KJV: 4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

(4.) 1^st Timothy 1: 12-14, KJV: 12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saYYm1CkX3M). Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 8:56 AM, February 02, 2020 @ https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQTRxn31JGmdK0_4wKIm2erGfv9-DYum1Rfd9_AKvm3T6oZ0UlMnJuzKEBVY1qGF1xA6XKDmyTSlQSVI41TdLiJ-A1wFNUZ11jEr7Z4jtC1L0bzrNyx87yObXeQcaVba6Z5frGYEe5CXj/s1600/Leviticus+5-17.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(01/22/2019) Satisfying Creation and Law

Today, reply is on the crucifixion of Jesus, satisfying the demands of sacred law, and why divinity must answer the operations of sin by using death. Salvation for mankind requires that the makeup and substance of the living be restored to their original condition of godliness. Divine works must be accomplished along with multiple sacred events that may only be completed by divinity. Included are atonement, divine judgment, rebirth, resurrection from the dead, and the harvesting of the earth at the Advent (the Rapture; the Second Coming) of Jesus Christ. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Swagmaster” (Level 2 with 439 points, a member since October 27, 2018) posted the following:

How did Jesus' death heal the relationship between humans and God? This seems contradictory.?

In the ten commandments, it says 'Do not kill' but killing Jesus made God happy of us? Also, I don't think that, if I was murdered, I would be too pleased with that. Am I missing something or am I just plain confused?

Update: Thank you for the answers. I definitely missed quite a bit. 😅

THE GOLDEN ARROW: 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. 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. All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live. 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? 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. (Ezekiel 18: 20-24, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why Punishment After Death? (11/23/2018); Jesus Paid It All (04/04/2018); Incurring “The Second Death” (04/02/2018); Yes, Jesus Did Die (04/01/2018); Jesus Came To Fulfill? (01/16/2018); From Dust Thou Art (09/07/2017); GOD Indwells Divine Law (07/14/2017); The Administration Of Death (07/11/2017); On Law and Sin (06/07/2017)

“Swagmaster”, the demands of divine law must be satisfied at the same time that conditions for continued existence and life must be established. The operations of sin oppose the continued existence of sacred law, of the Creator who is Lawgiver, and of divine order throughout the universe. Sin defiles, profanes and warps sacred substance within the living. Sin promotes restoration of preexistence (i.e., the condition of chaos, confusion, and multiple streams in motion having no source or direction) that was in place before heaven and earth were fashioned. Sin is no ordinary carnal or material thing that can be destroyed, eliminated, or separated from reality by using force or violence. Sin attacks the many unseen things that are needed as aspects of structure and substance for the support of life within mankind. Included are awareness, duration, reproduction, self-will, and the frameworks of time and space.

As a result of sin, mankind now fulfills a condition of mortality (we also say, sleep) that may be reversed by GOD through resurrection. The penalty of death for sin was proclaimed before Adam and Eve showed that their original endowment of life essence from the makeup of GOD (we also say, breath; spirit; word) and self-will would no longer respond to the sovereign will of GOD expressed as law. Defiance, rebellion and transgression against the will of GOD may be limited and ended by removing consciousness from the carnal form (we say, the body; the flesh) that allows focus and desire in response to finite ideas and objects. In addition to mortality, mankind is subject to annihilation (we say, the second death). Saying all this another way: To stop the eternal existence of sin the spirit matter from divinity, that may be destroyed only by using divine fire, must be changed and renewed within a person before they die (complete mortality); and they must display a genuine return to GOD through their attitude, behavior, conduct and lifestyle.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, there are multiple names for the divine provision to satisfy the law and save mankind that were made possible by the Incarnation of Jesus Christ, and his death on the cross. Included are “becoming born again,” being a new creation, “rebirth”, “reconciliation”, “resurrection from the dead,” “sanctification” and “transformation”. Only through the blood, body, and sacred works of Jesus Christ can the spirit substance within created beings and living creatures who are sinners be reconfigured and realigned with GOD.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(12/05/2018) Awe Through Sacred Revelation

Today, reply is on replacing the fear of death and fear of the unknown with awe, reverence, and a meaningful relationship with GOD. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data appears) posted the following:

I’m scared to die…?

I know death is inevitable. I’m an atheist but I want to believe there’s some kind of afterlife but I can’t imagine one and it’s not like I’d ever be into any kind of religion because I’m bisexual.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. (Luke 12: 4-5, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Mysteries Of The Kingdom? (09/28/2018); Incurring “The Second Death” (04/02/2018); Fear, Revelation and Desire (05/22/2017); No Fear In Love? (05/17/2017); Spirit Process not Feelings? (09/21/2016); Fear That Acknowledges GOD? (07/15/2016); Correct Awe and Respect (02/04/2016); Awe? (08/09/2015)

“Anonymous”, we are not to fear the fact that we are mortal, and will complete our mortality. Fear of death is often confused with fear of pain, and fear of judgment for sins. Among Christian believers, becoming free from the fear of death and judgment are accomplished by filling ones awareness, and focusing ones self-will (willpower) to continue in the relationship of a life companion to GOD who is immortal, incorruptible, and invisible. As expressions of the flesh, emotion and fear are generated through mechanical and natural operations (e.g., circulation, sensation, stress) while awe and reverence are features that appear through actions of spirit. Fear of the unknown is best dispelled through sacred knowledge and revealed truth that have life-nourishing power and substance. The mind is not to be fed with conjecture, imagination, unanswered questions, and speculation. Rather, there must be a reconfiguration of ones mind whereby behavior and conduct are generated through exchanges and interactions of ones own spirit substance. Inseparable aspects of the divine life essence (we say, breath; spirit; word) will be imparted from the makeup of GOD as Creator. Included are faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Knowledge and practice then can exist and unfold as balanced, complete, interwoven, and systematic; yet, organic, personal, and responsive. Consider the following assurances, promises, and prophesies of eternal life from the Bible that serve as the specific expectations (hope) of believers:

1. Psalms 23: 4-6, King James Version (KJV): 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

2. Ephesians 4: 21-24, KJV: 21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

3. 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.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. Romans 8: 13-17, KJV: 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 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.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(11/26/2018) How Sinners Become Perfect

Today, reply is on achieving divine perfection. Among Christians, believers are to acknowledge that all have been tainted through sin inherited from the first pair, Adam and Eve. Thus, there are multiple understandings as to what we now are to display as divine perfection. Because divinity exists as the origin of all integrity, quality and value, meanings for “perfection” that derive from knowledge of GOD includes anointing and consecration; balance; becoming Christlike; completeness; innocence; receiving forgiveness, healing, holiness, prosperity, or rebirth; righteousness; ripening (maturing) for harvest from the earth by Jesus Christ at his coming; resurrection from the dead; sanctification; practicing thoroughness; purity; and the final transformation of mankind that occurs through judgment with completion of the second death (we say, eternal life). 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 I be perfect? Jesus said to be perfect?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. (Ephesians 4: 10-16, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: When Speaking Of Christlikeness (06/25/2018); Jesus Demonstrated Perfected Humanity (10/29/2017); Accepting Christ, Accepting Change (10/20/2017); Making A Perfect World? (09/20/2017); Corruption of Ones Spirit? (05/14/2017); Becoming A Full Person (02/12/2017); Salvation Takes A Lifetime (04/06/2017)

“Anonymous”, the perfection many mature Christian believers seek is a full recognition of dependency upon GOD as our Creator and the source of both existence and life, who will impart inseparable aspects of the divine makeup to the created beings and living creatures who will turn to him in love, in obedience to divine law, in repentance, and in respect to his eternal purpose. Perfection understood as godliness is different from being flawless, sinless, or in need of nothing from GOD. Finite tools such as emotion, intellect, logic, philosophy, secular knowledge, and self-will (we also say, willpower) lack the duration and power to allow everlasting relationship with the divine fullness (we also say, the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit), who is immortal, ineffable, incorruptible, and invisible. Sinners must undergo permanent change that is carried out by the Holy Spirit whereby they attain existence as a new creation in the presence of GOD through Jesus Christ. Not only is this a matter of becoming filled with sacred knowledge as found in the holy writings through discovery, gradual growth, learning and practice, more significantly, there is becoming transformed through a fresh endowment of spirit substance from the makeup of GOD (many say, rebirth; becoming born again and growing up again; becoming mature and ripe for harvest from the earth). Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Psalms 34: 17-19, King James Version (KJV): 17 The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. 18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. 19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

2. Isaiah 57: 15, KJV: 15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

3. Isaiah 66: 1-2, KJV: 1 Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? 2 For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. Romans 12: 1-2, KJV: 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(04/16/2018) Be Not Unequally Yoked

 
Today, topics include discipline, divine order, judging others, sacred rule, and sanctification within the church.  A little poison does not kill only a spot on a person’s tongue, or in their stomach; the life of the entire body becomes at risk.  The church of Jesus Christ is a very sensitive and sophisticated sacred body.  Sinners are to receive and respond to divine spirit substances that encourage permanent changes in their character, makeup, and personhood that will allow them to function as the new creation through Jesus Christ.  Once born again, developing believers must remain vigilant against threats that arise within their own local congregation as well as those that come from outside the body through diverse agents and institutions.  The dangers are not so much having to repel personal attacks, emotional conflicts, quarrels and physical violence as the damage by errors in sacred doctrine and practice along with spiritual confusion.  All have sinned and are in a sacred process of discovery, gradual growth, regeneration, and renewal that places members on different levels of duty, knowledge, opportunity, maturity, readiness, skill, and understanding.  Occasionally, rededication and revival must be encouraged for selected members by separation to eliminate worldly distractions (we say, shunning).  Thereby, their heartfelt works of cleansing, fasting, learning, meditation, and prayer may go to new levels of concentration and self-will directed by GOD.  One of the many fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who use the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:


How does God feel about shunning and why do you think it is right or wrong?

Update: Jay-- thank you for comment that shows the love of Jesus.
As for first comment it is sad and please do not disrespect the faith of others and if you choose to live a life without faith then mostly sadness is what many get who doubt.

Update 2: There are many reasons some shun and would like to hear some more answers please.
Update 3: There are some family members I would like to dedicate this question to and wonder if they even know what Godly love is?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent:  for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season.  Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance:  for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.  For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of:  but the sorrow of the world worketh death.  For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.  Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.  (2nd Corinthians 7:  8-12, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Diversity Within The Body (04/13/2018); Divine Law Is Demanding (04/10/2018); Christianity Is A Relationship (04/05/2018); The Meaning of “Faith” (03/28/2018); Must GOD Hate Sinners? (09/01/2016); Judgment Focused On Content? (08/30/2016); Oneness, Not Equality or Rank? 07/16/2015); How To Renew The Mind (11/22/2013); Repentance Must Come Before Resurrection (04/27/2013); Destroyed in Noah’s Flood? (04/28/2013)
 

“Anonymous”, the church founded by Jesus Christ as the new creation serves a GOD who is Creator, Deliverer, Redeemer, Savior, a GOD of Love, and a GOD of Judgment.  The process of divine tribunal has already begun for those who are a habitation of GOD through the Spirit, and will continue to the Advent (we say, the harvest, the Rapture, the Second Coming).  Many developing believers are being examined and sealed at this very hour.  In my understanding as a Christian, shunning comes into view not as an act of GOD; it is a collective act by the church as a full body to admonish, censure, and reprimand (yet not disgrace, dishonor, excommunicate, or punish) those members who are not upholding their duties, their pledges, and their obligations as part of the full assembly.  When children in the home neglect the chores they have been assigned by their parents, action must be taken to correct their understanding of why the task is necessary, and its importance and value to the household as well as how to correctly and more quickly complete the task along with whatever cleanup it may involve.  The sacred and prophetic works that come into view are edification and exhortation.  There should be communication that includes correction, demonstration, instruction, and “walk-through”.  While there is a focus on behavior modification and change, the primary goal for all members of the body is spiritual growth that is gradual, and that occurs in the most lasting way through discovery, fellowship, and sacred practice.

The church exists as a divinely provided mechanism to guide sinners to becoming Christ-like.  Yet, many request membership within the church as a means to self-development, self-expression, and self-promotion (some say, freedom; expressing free-will) that expands or extends aspects of their own inborn character and nature, not the endowments and gifts imparted at baptism and rebirth from the makeup of GOD (e.g., faith, holiness, humility, longsuffering, lovingkindness, purity, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin).

Both for the church to exist and for the church to “bear fruit” as a planting of GOD, the multiple differences and variations that appear among believers must become manifest as oneness without sameness.  Saying this another way, in addition to showing respect and speaking the truth throughout the body and at every level, there must be demonstrating accountability, listening, performing assigned duty, sacrifice, and unselfish service.  Shunning may appear within congregations as an acknowledgement of apostolic authority and counsel recorded within the Scriptures.  With that in view, shunning is not to be dismissed as merely arbitrary, hurtful, secular, and social.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  2nd Timothy 3:  1-5, King James Version (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.

(2.)  1st Corinthians 5:  1-13, KJV:  1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife.  2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.  3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,  4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,  5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.  6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?  7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:  8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.  9 I wrote unto you in an 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 idolator, 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.

(3.)  Matthew 18:  15-20, KJV:  15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone:  if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.  16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.  17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church:  but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.  18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven:  and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.  19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.  20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Revelation 22:  10-17, KJV:  10 And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book:  for the time is at hand.  11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still:  and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still:  and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still:  and he that is holy, let him be holy still.  12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.  13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.  14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.  15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.  16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.  17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(09/02/2016) Knowing The Divine Voice?

Topics today include certainty, faith, hearing the voice of GOD, and the revealed will of GOD.  Complacency, pride, selfishness, and skepticism are the greatest obstacles to believers realizing all the benefit and power of their status as a new creation through Jesus Christ.  Only before they are revealed does GOD say, “my thoughts are not your thoughts.”  Without hesitation, the followers of Jesus who have been endowed with sacred knowledge should be able to correctly affirm that they now have the mind of Christ.  (See 1st Corinthians 2:  14-16, King James Version (KJV):  14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God:  for they are foolishness unto him:  neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.  15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.  16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.)  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers (Malaysia)” using the ID “Brendan” (Level 1 with 1 point, a member since February 22, 2016) posted the following:

How do I know if it is God's voice I am hearing or jus tny thoughts?

When I ask a question to God I don't expect audible answers and I never have had audible answers. I do however get thoughts. But I have a really hard time differentiating between my thoughts and His. Like sometimes when I ask a question, I'll say please give me a dream to make it clear. And when I ask him for something, sometimes when I got to bed and then wake up the next day I feel like a bad feeling in my gut that I fear always means no. But I'm so confused as to what truly is his voice.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  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.  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.  And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.  Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law:  for sin is the transgression of the law.  And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.  Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not:  whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.  Little children, let no man deceive you:  he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.  He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.  Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him:  and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.  In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil:   whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.  (1st John 3:  1-10, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Learning From A Spirit? (08/25/2016); Use Spirit From GOD? (08/15/2016); Knowing GOD For Yourself (07/13/2016); The Silence of GOD (01/31/2016); Knowing? (05/24/2015); Knowing the Spirit is Inside? (10/07/2014); Why A “Spokesperson”? (01/14/2013); No Contradictions? (01/15/2013)

“Brendan”, our goal as Christian believers is perfection established by GOD that first appears as maturity (i.e., balance, completeness, consistency, and stability).  All “born again” believers in Jesus Christ must endure “growing up” again, and becoming “ripe” for harvest to be taken from the earth at the coming of Jesus (we say, Advent, the Rapture, the Second Coming).  Just like when they were committed to sin, believers all face a full kaleidoscope of carnal, material, and social elements.  Now, however, they are required to (1) acknowledge total dependence upon GOD for such benefits as redemption, repentance, salvation, resurrection, and eternal life; (2) continually establish clarity for the things from GOD; (3) develop and encourage fellowship with GOD by means of confession, humility, praise, prayer, service, truth-speaking, and worship; (4) maintain sacred focus; (5) promote obedience and respect to covenant, divine fidelity, and sacred law; and (6) practice discernment (i.e., applying ones own spirit content to recognize and respond to spirit substance from the makeup of GOD within events, oneself, other persons, prophecies, purposes, Scripture, etc.).  To hear the voice of GOD is to have an awareness or consciousness that expresses the will of divinity.  Thus, knowing (being certain, confident, sure) concerning the voice of GOD is accomplished on the basis of discerning spirit content within products put forth by the Holy Spirit (e.g., commands, dance, images, instruction, music, proclamations, discursive thought, utterances), rather than merely having sense experience of the audible sounds and tones of speech.  Certain elements may be immediately and repeatedly be dismissed such as blasphemy, complaining, and slander.  The body of believers and the holy writings containing the revealed truth of GOD are the reliable standards for determining authentic communication from divinity, for they both include detailed demonstrations of divine process, eternal purpose, and sacred outcomes (we say, his word, his will, and his way).  Consider how some of this is stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)  Romans 12:  1-5, King James Version (KJV):  1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  2 And be not conformed to this world:  but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.  3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.  4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:  5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

(2.)  Ephesians 5:  17-20, KJV:  17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.  18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;  19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;  20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

(3.)  Colossians 3:  16-17, KJV:  16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.  17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

(4.)  John 10:  14-18, KJV:  14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.  15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father:  and I lay down my life for the sheep.  16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold:  them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.  17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.  18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

(5.)  John 10:  26-28, KJV:  26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.  27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:  28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

There is far more to be said, carefully examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (6.)  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

(09/01/2016) Must GOD Hate Sinners?

The present separation of Creator and Creation is in view, today.  While even death can not completely destroy the acceptance and divine love imparted to Creation, that there be no defilement of the Holy continues to require distance, perspective, restraint, and transformation.  Even more than condemnation, punishment, or sacrifice for sin, divine judgment centers upon correction, reconciliation, renewal, and the revelation of divine righteousness.  With the Creator, wrath against sin is not an emotion or feeling that comes and goes so much as it is a defining attribute like immortality and immutability that elevate Deity above all.  Thus, it is written:  Psalms 7:  10-13, King James Version (KJV):  10 My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart.  11 God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.  12 If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.  13 He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors.  A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers (Singapore)” using the ID “Sridhar” (Level 2 with 509 points, a member since July 24, 2006) posted the following:

Christians, would one of you clear my doubt below?

Someone just replied to me saying -
'God does not have a blanket of love covering everything. He covers those who repent.'
With the quotation -
“These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.”
??Proverbs? ?6:16-19? ?KJV??

Dislike or Disapproval of such acts is understandable. But must one - least of all GOD - HATE the violators?

Hey, we humans have many failings: vanity, lying, ignorance, greed and jealousy to name a few. Must you hate another instead of pitying and correcting him/her? Anybody for forgiving them their trespasses?

I thought Christ was an advocate of forgiveness. Or am I mistaken here?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?  When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die.  Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.  Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.  Yet saith the house of Israel, The way of the Lord is not equal. O house of Israel, are not my ways equal? are not your ways unequal?  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.  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?  For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD:  wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.  (Ezekiel 18:  25-32, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Use Spirit From GOD? (08/15/2016); No Excuses For Judgment (07/26/2016); Divine Focus and Process (07/19/2016); Sin Must Be Personal (04/29/2016); The Strangeness of Divinity? (03/29/2016); GOD Lives Inside Us? (07/11/2014); Can the Word of GOD Be Altered? (07/12/2014)

“Sridhar”, emotions, feelings, and sentiment aside (such as anger, disgust, hate, loathing) divinity must be active against the operations of corruption (we say, decay, disintegration, rot), diffusion, evil (we say, arbitrary change, catastrophe, chaos, flux, upheaval), negation, and sin.  Many mature Christian believers agree that the fullness of divinity (we say, the GODhead) has been revealed as having active presence, coherence, directedness, integrity, person, and unity.  There is divine opposition to sin as an influence that may dominate awareness and self-will within created beings and living creatures.  Sin is no physical thing that exists or tangible object one may put in their pocket; yet, sin has direction, effect, and presence.  The fruit and product of sin is not only death, it is absolute nonexistence.  While sin is no substance or created thing put forth by GOD, the operations of sin oppose the continued existence of divine law (i.e., “the expressed will of GOD”), the Law Giver, our universe dependent upon order generated by sacred law, and the existence of all things.  To the living, sin appears to be natural, normal, and unavoidable.  Sin does not appear contrary, foreign, harmful, and strange.  Thus, provisions from GOD to expose the actual nature of sin include divine covenant, judgment, promise, repentance, the imparted Spirit (we say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth), and Jesus Christ as an incarnation of sin upon the cross.  Consider how some of this is stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)  Proverbs 28:  9, King James Version (KJV):  9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

(2.)  Ezekiel 18:  20-23, 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?

(3.)  Romans 7:  9-14, KJV:  9 For I was alive without the law once:  but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.  10 And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death.  11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.  12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.  13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.  14 For we know that the law is spiritual:  but I am carnal, sold under sin.

(4.)  2nd Corinthians 5:  17-21, KJV:  17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:  old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;  19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.  20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us:  we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.  21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

There is far more to be said, carefully examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  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

(08/30/2016) Judgment Focused On Content?

Today, the primary focus of divine judgment is described as the spirit content imparted from the makeup of GOD to reside within believers while they are alive as flesh.  Presently among men, there are no scoring devices and legitimate standards for inspecting the full substance of a human life.  Believers will be acknowledged by Christ at his coming on the basis of elements that lack measurable dimensions and have no reliable instruments that can detail sacred attributes, identity, and divine potential.  Included are commitment, faith, fidelity, growth as one born again, maturity, renewal, repentance, reverence, and zeal.  Men are not capable of judgment upon the required divine scale, and so should avoid assessing and criticizing one another using counterfeits of the frameworks and techniques applied by divinity.  At best, such features as actions, attitudes, behavior, and conduct are visible forms, like shadows, that indicate the presence of an inner light existing as ones core and life essence.  Relying upon shadows, the source itself remains invisible and unseen.  Judges of flesh concentrate upon nothing more than allusions and hints in the form of approximations, estimates, opinions, principles, and other suggestions in the place of specific criteria, definition, precise measurement, and eternal purpose.  One of the many fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

Christians: If God judges you by your actions and not your words, how screwed are you when you die?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.  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.  But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.  We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;  Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;  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.  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.  So then death worketh in us, but life in you.  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;  Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.  For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.  For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.  (2nd Corinthians 4:  5-16, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  About Judgment By GOD (08/29/2016); On Transmitting Sacred Truth (05/06/2016); Not Through Human Will? (01/29/2016); Salvation Only Through Christ? (01/07/2016); The Scale of Salvation? (12/13/2015); A GOD of Judgment (12/01/2015); A Personal Relationship? (04/03/2014); GOD Everywhere? (04/04/2014)

“Anonymous”, many focus upon judgment as a matter of GOD expressing divine disfavor, displeasure, and punishment.  Mature Christian believers are likely to agree that the most incisive questions asked by GOD in sacred judgment go beyond “how has this person behaved and conducted himself in accordance with divine law?”  The standard for judgment should no longer be thought of as something abstract (a code of law), rather, the standard is the person of Jesus Christ.  The examination by our Creator is intended to go beneath the material and physical surface that is the flesh to the source of invisible things that are emanated from within.  Inquiry is to go further than outward appearances and images that one may project on the basis of their carnal person and finite self-will as well as from their inborn spirit.  The character, composition, and substance of their generative nature is to be assessed for its authenticity, godliness, purity, and quality as (1) a true manifestation of content from the makeup of Deity, (2) an effective hub in the life process of drawing and distributing sacred substance from divinity to oneself and to others, and (3) spirit matter that responds to divine will both with oneness and sameness.  We may say, focus centers upon the “image of GOD,” rather than the “image of man.”  Consider again the following Scriptures:

(1.)  Galatians 3:  7-12, King James Version (KJV):  7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.  8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.  9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.  10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse:  for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.  11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident:  for, The just shall live by faith.  12 And the law is not of faith:  but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.

(2.)  Romans 8:  28-30, KJV:  28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.  30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called:  and whom he called, them he also justified:  and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

(3.)  Romans 12:  1-2, KJV:  1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  2 And be not conformed to this world:  but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

There is far more to be said, carefully examined, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4.)  Philippians 3:  7-14, KJV:  7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.  8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord:  for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,  9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:  10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;  11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.  12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect:  but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.  13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended:  but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,  14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC