(08/12/2019) Expect Challenges In Heaven

Today, reply is on whether there will be challenges to face for those who enter into heaven. Living in heaven is only to be for a single millennium (1,000 years); and life upon the earth as the home of mankind then is to resume. The eternal purpose of GOD proclaimed to Adam will yet be in effect: Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth. When the bride of Christ descends (the New Jerusalem) multiple aspects of living will remain the same as they had been in the celestial realm: both heaven and earth will be made new; and mankind will have been made both immortal and perfected. It is written: Isaiah 45: 18, King James Version (KJV): 18 For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else. A writer in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality public forum using the ID “Manitu” (Level 2 with 764 points, a member since May 08, 2018) posted the following:

Do you think we will have responsibilites and challenges in heaven?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: 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: 7-8, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: No Wall of Partition (07/05/2019); Preserved As Life Companions (06/23/2019); Spiritual Confusion About Heaven (05/31/2019); Asking Questions in Heaven? (11/15/2018); Rendering Our Reasonable Service (06/15/2018); Mankind’s Priesthood in Heaven (02/16/2018); Heaven Temporal, GOD Eternal (12/12/2017); Will There Be Diversity? (10/22/2017); Material Things in Heaven? (11/10/2016)

“Manitu”, there are many prophecies that speak clearly regarding the times ahead for those who belong to GOD. Thus, many mature Christian believers agree that heaven is not to be the permanent home of mankind once all who belong to Jesus Christ have been harvested from the earth. While his believers will rest from their earthly labors, heaven will be neither a place for dreaming and lounging, nor a divine “sweat shop.” Judgment of those who will meet Christ in the air will have been completed prior to their transformation to exist as his immortal companions and co-workers. In the same way, divine law, eternal purpose, and the presence of divine fullness (we say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) will be everlasting, the living will serve rejoicing and sharing the benefits and privileges they receive as reward for their deeds in the earth. There will be immutable, unchanging standards, yet, all will continue to experience accountability, discovery, diversity, gradual growth, and learning.

Praise, thanksgiving, and worship will likely appear as continuous and uninterrupted. Reunions and visiting with loved ones from the earth may be delayed. In addition to preparing and serving as witness to the Great White Throne judgment for the unjust and the wicked, those who belong to Christ will participate in the distribution of their portions within the holy city, the New Jerusalem. The work of cleansing the furniture, precincts, and utensils of the Sanctuary is likely to be continuous while in heaven; and when the holy city descends, there will be no temple upon the earth. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Daniel 7: 21-27, King James Version (KJV): 21 I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; 22 Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom. 23 Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. 24 And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. 25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. 26 But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end. 27 And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.

2. Philippians 3: 20-21, KJV: 20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 3. Revelation 21: 21-27, KJV: 21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. 22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. 23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. 24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. 25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. 26 And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. 27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 5:34 PM, August 11, 2019 @ media.salemwebnetwork.com/cms/BST/40351-heaven.800w.tn.png

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/08/2018) Challenged To Explain Resurrection

Today, the reply is on explaining the details of divine resurrection from death. Salvation from GOD that acknowledges the demand for, yet, circumvents death among the living is accomplished through divine operations whereby there is a separation and rejoining of flesh and spirit. The course of eternal life now may be accounted as uninterrupted through the inclusion of a pause or rest (we say, sleep). A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality public forum who uses the ID “mathdad” (Level 1 with 173 points, a member since May 24, 2012) posted the following:

Resurrection of the Dead?

Explain the resurrection. What happens in the grave? We are destroyed by worms. We turn to dust. Cremation destroys the body. No one has been resurrected after years of death. So, explain the resurrection, if you can. The Bible talks about two resurrections:

1. Resurrection of the saved

2. Resurrection of the lost

Tell me, how does dust become a brand new, resurrected body?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: 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. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 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. 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: 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. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (1^st Thessalonians 4: 13-18, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Fulfillment of Proclamation (06/01/2018); The Elimination of Death? (05/13/2018); Incurring “The Second Death” (04/02/2018); Yes, Jesus Did Die (04/01/2018); Christ Is The Firstborn (12/26/2017); Bereavement, Death and Suffering (11/10/2017); About Revelation not Punishment? (11/25/2016); Ghosts (09/02/2012); About Conversion (09/03/2012)

“mathdad”, your question on resurrection of the human body as a process carried out and performed by GOD requires a detailed description for the out-workings of authority, sacred power, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and sovereign will that appeared in the Creation, and will attend the Advent of Jesus Christ (we say, the harvest; the Rapture; the Second Coming). The operations of divinity among developing Christian believers include imparting spirit substance from the makeup of the Creator that enables existence and life as well as continuing communication, exchange, and interaction (we say, ongoing relationship). Inseparable spirit content from GOD is required when sharing sacred knowledge in place of finite secular knowledge. Included must be faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

While the process of divinity through Jesus Christ is one of disclosure and revelation, there remain many divine mysteries and secrets that never will be exposed to created beings and living creatures. Where answers may appear to be lacking information there often is no need because the process of sharing truth is by acceptance, affirmation, faith, and trust. The living are to apprehend divinity by existing and by living, rather than by death, dying, ignorance, or ungodliness. Becoming “born again” grants sinners a fresh endowment of Spirit from GOD that will serve as a seed for their growth as offspring of GOD who will eventually display commitment, discernment, fellowship, obedience to divine law, ministry, the fulfillment of promise and prophecy, reverence, unselfish service, and the endurance of hardship and suffering.

Consider again the following that uses language from the holy writings:

(1.) Deuteronomy 29: 29, King James Version (KJV): 29 The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

(2.) 1^st Corinthians 15: 12-23, KJV: 12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.

(3.) 1^st Corinthians 15: 35-44, KJV: 35 But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? 36 Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: 37 And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: 38 But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body. 39 All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. 40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. 41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. 42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: 43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Isaiah 55: 10-11, KJV: 10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(08/15/2018) Sabbath Now and Then?

A depiction of David receiving shewbread from the High Priest.

Today, reply is on the spiritual meaning and value of keeping the ancient Sabbath laws recorded throughout the Bible.  The fighter using the ID "Violation Nation" (Level 5 with 8, 833 points; a member since November 08, 2014) in the "Yahoo! Answers" Religion and Spirituality forum posted the following:


Why can't atheists admit when God was telling us to stone people who work on the sabbath to death, he only meant in the past?

It was moral then and served His divine plan that doesn't mean we have to do it today but I gotta admit it really makes me angry to see people working all the same?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:  And by him all that believer are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.  (Acts 13:  38-39, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Did The Prophets Know? (05/23/2018); Sabbath Acknowledges Divine Personhood (05/14/2018); We Establish Covenant Relationship (05/01/2018); Being A Holy Nation (02/20/2018); Sacred Law and Practice (02/12/2018); Conditions Set By Covenant? (09/13/2017); Deeds Of The Law? (09/10/2017)


"Violation Nation", among the many Christian believers who realize the ancient promises and prophecies provided through Israel are continued through the revelation of Jesus Christ, the divine law speaking to the Sabbath is increasingly acknowledged as forward-looking, and a vital tool to correctly prepare men for the Second Coming of Jesus as the King of Glory.  The character and nature of divine fullness (we also say, the GODhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) is not fully revealed focusing only on punishment and wrath against sin.  Included also must be completeness, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, mercy, personhood, righteousness, and wisdom.  Communication between the Creator and the created requires a peculiar vocabulary that embraces spiritual events and sacred substance.  Aspects of the sacred operations and eternal purposes of GOD may not be communicated without using the clear features of birth, death, existence, resurrection, and the second death.  

The sacred requirements for judgment make it that, among believers, accountability and duty extend beyond simple obedience.  The Ten Commandments (we also say, the Covenant) were provided to accomplish more than simply the transformation of twelve tribes and a mixed multitude (Gentiles) from Egypt into a divinely ruled sovereign nation by focusing on specific behaviors and conduct.  The Decalogue continues to clarify and crystallize the perpetual relationship between mankind and divinity that became corrupted through the disobedience of Adam.  Given the law is an expression of sacred intent and divine will, the law is to be embodied within conscience and self-will of the living as divine content and "life essence" (i.e., breath; spirit; word).  Consider the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Exodus 23:  10-12, King James Version (KJV):  10 And six years thou shalt sow thy land, and shalt gather in the fruits thereof:  11 But the seventh year thou shalt let it rest and lie still; that the poor of thy people may eat:  and what they leave the beasts of the field shall eat. In like manner thou shalt deal with thy vineyard, and with thy olive yard.  12 Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest:  that thine ox and thine ass may rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed. 

(2.)  Isaiah 58:  13-14, KJV:  If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:  14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father:  for the mouth of the Lord Hath spoken it.

(3.)  Matthew 12:  1-8, KJV:  1 At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn and to eat.  2 But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day. 3 But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him;  4 How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests?  5 Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless?  6 But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.  7 But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.  8 For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.

There is far more to be acknowledged and received as part of ones own spiritual fullness.  (For example (4.)  Luke 14:  1-6,KJV:  1 And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him.  2 And, behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy.  3 And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day?  4 And they held their peace.  And he took him, and healed him, and let him go;  5 And answered them, saying, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day?  6 And they could not answer him again to these things.)  Even so, to the rebuke of the Adversary and the furtherance of the faithful in Jesus Christ, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20180815113447AAYHUm9

(06/01/2018) A Fulfillment of Proclamation

Today, reply is on burial for the dead as the fulfillment of divine proclamation, rather than comfort in bereavement, family duty, or using novelty to express affection and memorial.  The substance of mankind is both from dust and from heaven.  Many of the human errors regarding the condition and state of the dead also are recorded in the holy writings (e.g., in the Golden Arrow below, Job describes a widely held error, that there is a realm of the dead where the living may rest and sleep.  By contrast, the Holy City, New Jerusalem, is to be a realm of those raised and returned from the dead who all will have eternal life.  Even so, the Bible does not teach that we will die, go to our graves, and there live happily ever after.)  While some insist that their dead be interred in settings that have been sanctified through prayer (i.e., church yards; holy ground)—and account it a form of excommunication to be denied burial as a benefit, privilege, and righteous reward for having been loyal members within a church congregation—resurrection of the dead in completion of divine judgment even will include divinity acknowledging and restoring bodies that were destroyed or lost through burning, dismemberment, and explosions.  Beyond resurrection and ones personhood existing in the divine presence, there is little indication within the holy writings that how the physical body is disposed of determines closure, completeness, contentment, or fulfillment for ones spirit.  In the vision granted to John, souls under the altar behave as petitions and prayers for judgment, justice, and righteousness, to wit, the redemption of the body.    The  fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum who uses the ID “?” (Level 1 with 30 points, a member since April 11, 2018) posted the following:


Do you want to be cremated or buried ?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Why died I not from the womb? why did I not give up the ghost when I came out of the belly?  Why did the knees prevent me? or why the breasts that I should suck?  For now should I have lain still and been quiet, I should have slept:  then had I been at rest,  With kings and counsellors of the earth, which build desolate places for themselves;  Or with princes that had gold, who filled their houses with silver:  Or as an hidden untimely birth I had not been; as infants which never saw light.  There the wicked cease from troubling; and there the weary be at rest.  There the prisoners rest together; they hear not the voice of the oppressor.  The small and great are there; and the servant is free from his master.  Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery, and life unto the bitter in soul;  Which long for death, but it cometh not; and dig for it more than for hid treasures;  Which rejoice exceedingly, and are glad, when they can find the grave?  (Job 3:  11-22, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Completing Divine Unfinished Business (04/17/2017); Life Is GOD’s Intent (11/15/2016); The Purpose of Resurrection (07/05/2016); The Body of Moses (05/11/2014); GOD Permits Evil? (05/12/2014); Our Present Comfort? (06/28/2013); Come As You Are? (06/29/2013); Scripture at Funerals? (04/30/2013); Why Jesus Authored No Books (05/01/2013)


“?”, here are some points mature Christian believers have found helpful for maintaining godly focus on issues of death, mourning, and remembrance:

1.  The word of GOD to Adam (“to dust thou shalt return”)  was speaking about the material form (we say, the body; the flesh) that may exist without life essence (we say, breath, spirit, word) imparted from the makeup of GOD.  A physical complete body may exist, yet, be without spirit content to qualify as “a living soul.”  It is written:  Ecclesiastes 12:  7, King James Version (KJV):  7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was:  and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.

2.  Abraham traveled throughout Canaan as a nomad, and did not seek to obtain property by conquest, by continuous occupation, or purchase.  Abraham was offered a piece of land as a gift, and a show of respect, however, the Patriarch insisted there be an open transaction for the public record in the gate (i.e., downtown; the business district; the town square).  It is written:  Genesis 23:  19-20, KJV:  19 And after this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah before Mamre:  the same is Hebron in the land of Canaan.  20 And the field, and the cave that is therein, were made sure unto Abraham for a possession of a buryingplace by the sons of Heth.

3.  Blood from murder and warfare defile the earth.  Thus, burial comes into view as more than simply an act of sanitation to remove decomposing flesh.  Burial comes into view as an expression of dynasty, family, inheritance and marital love that uses the frameworks of time and space to provide measurable dimensions and unchanging parameters for remembrance.  It is written:   Genesis 49:  28-33, KJV:  28 All these are the twelve tribes of Israel:  and this is it that their father spake unto them, and blessed them; every one according to his blessing he blessed them.  29 And he charged them, and said unto them, I am to be gathered unto my people:  bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite,  30 In the cave that is in the field of Machpelah, which is before Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought with the field of Ephron the Hittite for a possession of a buryingplace.  31 There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife; there they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife; and there I buried Leah.  32 The purchase of the field and of the cave that is therein was from the children of Heth.  33 And when Jacob had made an end of commanding his sons, he gathered up his feet into the bed, and yielded up the ghost, and was gathered unto his people.

4.  The examples from Abraham (who is called the Friend of GOD) and Jacob (also called Israel) are seen responding to the oneness without sameness that mankind is to display as a product and fruit of the earth as well as the initial commission that mankind replenish the earth.  Christians do not preserve dead bodies to await the return of their spirit.  No dead body is of itself holy or sacred (thus, the taking up of Joseph’s body at the Exodus was not an act of idolatry and worshiping his remains); and there is no belief in an “immortal soul,” or reincarnation where spirit content is recycled.  It is written:  1st Chronicles 10:  10-14, KJV:  10 And they put his armour in the house of their gods, and fastened his head in the temple of Dagon.  11 And when all Jabeshgilead heard all that the Philistines had done to Saul,  12 They arose, all the valiant men, and took away the body of Saul, and the bodies of his sons, and brought them to Jabesh, and buried their bones under the oak in Jabesh, and fasted seven days.  13 So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it;  14 And enquired not of the LORD:  therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, regarding the activity, condition, and state of the dead, the holy writings plainly declare the dead neither have awareness or physical feeling; they do not praise GOD; and they neither labor nor rest.  Even so, spirits from the living are being maintained through sacred operations.  Many offer heartfelt prayers that the response of GOD to souls of the saints will continue compassion, mercy, and peace.  It is written:  5.  Revelation 6:  8-10, KJV:  8 And I looked, and behold a pale horse:  and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.  9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:  10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O LORD, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/14/2018) Sabbath Acknowledges Divine Personhood?

Today, topics include benefits, punitive judgment, and divine purposes for the Sabbath.  Regarding Sabbath as a spiritual reality, Christians ought to embrace Sabbath-keeping as a work that ministers to mankind, because it first ministers to and serves divinity.  Exorcism, healing, miracles, preaching and prophecy pertain to divinity maintaining the Sabbath as holy.  Many of the keywords for speaking about the Sabbath as a benefit to mankind begin with the letter “R”:  for example, rebirth, reconciliation, refresh, regenerate, relationships, remember, renew, repair, repent, replenish, respect, restore, reveal.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “halo R” (Level 2 with 837 points, a member since January 10, 2009) posted the following in the Religion and Spirituality forum:


Question about the Bible?

"The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath"

We understand this passage as the Sabbath being a day that benefits the faith of Humankind.

If this is the case, then how is putting someone to death for breaking the sabbath benefitting an individuals faith? (the case of the man collecting sticks on the sabbath)


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:  Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father:  for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.  (Isaiah 58:  13-14, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Conditions Set By Covenant? (09/13/2017); A Divine Day Off? (02/15/2016); The 8th Day? (11/01/2015); Sabbath, Power, and Rest? (07/17/2015); Changing Times and Laws? (05/14/2014); Should Men Take Their Hats Off? (05/15/2014); To Keep It Holy (02/23/2014); 7 “Godly” Sins? (02/24/2014); About Sabbath (10/16/2013); We Shall Behold Him (10/17/2013); Time Before the Sun? (04/14/2013); The Obedience of Jesus? (04/15/2013)


“halo R”, here are come points to consider that you may find useful:

1.  Many mature Christians now understand the Sabbath Day as a temporal acknowledgement of divinity who exists as an eternal active presence (we say, breath, spirit, word) within the earth and throughout the universe.

2.  The origin of Sabbath is tied to the putting forth of heaven and earth, all existence, and all life (we say, Creation); and was not introduced through a body of law provided to establish the offspring of Adam (mankind) in covenant as a priestly and sacred nation under GOD.

3.  While the character, makeup, nature, and will of GOD are immutable, invisible and unchanging, divinity is to be knowable, known, accessible, and approachable by created beings and living creatures through revelation that includes discovery, gradual growth, Incarnation, praise, prayer, proclamation, prophecy, rebirth, suffering, and unselfish service.

4.  Correctly understood, the Sabbath is a sacred and eternal event—spoken of using the frameworks of time and space as though Sabbath is a discrete, past, one-time occurrence—wherein the fullness of divine personhood (we say, the GODhead; the Trinity; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) proclaims divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and sovereign authority that manifest as divine order.

5.  In continuing the divine operations as centered in rest, divinity also affirms, examines, and assigns value (we say, conducts tribunal; performs judgment) of all that has been established and made.

6.  Where believers endorse ordinances and statutes (i.e., laws) that command and regulate Sabbath-keeping they must be careful not to overly invest in and restore the letter of the ancient calendars and laws that require they acknowledge, where a single point of the law is transgressed, the whole law is broken.  More correct, Christians are to invest in the fulfillment of the law by Jesus Christ, and performing the spirit (righteousness) of the law.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, 7.  The first pair (Adam and Eve) shared in the Sabbath observance as life companions to divinity, not as fallen creatures in need of reconciliation and recovery.  That celebration is to be unending.  Even so, the things of Creation requiring fulfillment and further work are sought out and identified, revealing the Creator as a GOD of judgment, numberless possibilities, and fixed progressions.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(02/16/2018) Mankind’s Priesthood in Heaven

A DEPICTION OF THE HOLY CITY COMING DOWN FROM HEAVEN TO THE EARTH AS THE BRIDE OF CHRIST

Today, reply is on the work to be done in heaven by those who become joined to the High Priest, Jesus Christ, through the Holy Spirit.  The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses the ID “STEVAN” (Level 1 with 8 points, a member since February 17, 2016) posted the following:

Will it be okay with god,for me to wander about heaven in comfortable jogging pants for the rest of eternity?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?  Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?  (1st Corinthians 6:  2-3, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Divine Priesthood on Earth (01/31/2018); Heaven Temporal, GOD Eternal (12/12/2017); Christ Our High Priest (10/25/2017); Will There Be Diversity? (10/22/2017); Called To Be Servants? (11/25/2015); What is Worship? (10/18/2010); No Free Will (10/19/2010)

“STEVAN”, many talk about going to heaven, yet, have no clear goals, or meaningful purpose that says what they will do when they get there.  We have to go beyond the notion that heaven is a place for leisurely gawking, gazing and staring at marvels and wonders.  Heaven is a place of divine ministry and exalted works that include sacred rest, yet, is not a place for the make-believe images from our childhood (i.e., angel choirs seated on the clouds and singing while plucking on their harps).  We are being alerted and cautioned prior to the return of Jesus to realize we have been recruited to be servants, and those who perform necessary work, for even mature Christian believers have not always been careful to consider the eternal ministry of Jesus Christ as Risen Lord, and the multiple works the living are being enrolled to complete with him in heaven, and on the earth made new.  In the same way the priesthood of Jesus to Israel required he select, train, and send forth disciples, who would later serve as prophets, apostles, vessels of the Holy Spirit, and witnesses of his resurrection and ascension, those who are “born again” are to be joint-heirs with Christ, and serve as judges, priests, and kings both in heaven as well as on the earth made new.  In addition to those who belong to Christ participating through their works in the judgment of the wicked, there are the work of finishing the Holy City (New Jerusalem) where Satan will never set foot, of assigning and distributing allotments and rewards to the saints as well as sharing in continual acknowledgment and praise.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Mark 1:  16-18, King James Version (KJV):  16 Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea:  for they were fishers.  17 And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.  18 And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.

(2.)  Matthew 19:  27-29, KJV:  27 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?  28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.  29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.

(3.)  Ephesians 4:  10-15, KJV:  10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)  11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:  13 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:  14 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;  15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Revelation 7:  9-15, KJV:  9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;  10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.  11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,  12 Saying, Amen:  Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.  13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?  14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.  15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple:  and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(08/15/2017) The Thought of Dying

THE LAST BREATH

Today, reply is made on fear and thoughts of dying among Christians.  Being vulnerable as alive, carnal, and mortal, Christian believers also may experience misgivings, mixed feelings, and uncertainty when considering their own death.  However, as the offspring of GOD, and joint-heirs with the Lord, we have been told what to hope (expect).  We are not to rely upon emotions, personal opinions and secular knowledge.  We are to hold to proclamations, promises, and prophecies from GOD.  Where there seems to be missing information, and details we might want do not appear, we are to understand they are neither necessary nor useful for our salvation.  What we have been given is sufficient.  A fighter using the ID “Billy” at “Yahoo! Answers” (Level 1 with 39 points, a member since August 10, 2017) posted the following:


Does the thought of dying scare you? lets just say it's absolute nothingness. no emotion feelings just pure nothing. does it comfort you?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  “For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God.  I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.  The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.  I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”  (Galatians 2:  19-21, New International Version, NIV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  No Fear In Love? (05/17/2017); Correct Awe and Respect (02/04/2016); Alway Delivered To Death? (11/06/2015); Why Believers Fear (09/09/2014); Freedom of Foul Speech? (09/10/2014); On Death and Pain (05/08/2014); A “Good” Verse? (05/09/2014); The Dead in Christ? (11/18/2013); Too Much Holy Spirit? (11/19/2013)


“Billy”, here are some points on the understanding of death that should be found among mature followers of Jesus Christ.  Because Christian believers are being given endowments of sacred substance from the makeup of GOD (e.g., faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, wrath against sin) along with such elements as gratitude, hope, humility and joy, their awareness and thoughts on death are always counterpoised against their conviction and thoughts on eternal life.  Where sinners will respond to sacred knowledge by becoming “born again”, by making commitment to the Gospel and other godly doctrine, by continually repenting of sin, and by practicing the fellowship, lifestyle and daily routines shared within the community of faith that is the church, “death” takes on new meaning as “sleep”, as “rest”, and as a brief  interruption of being a living companion of divinity.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Scriptures (Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®) :

(1.)  Romans 14:  8, NIV:  8 If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

(2.)  Romans 8:  5-9, NIV:  5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.  6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.  7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.  8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.  9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you.  And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.

(3.)  1st Corinthians 15:  50-54, NIV:  50 I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.  51 Listen, I tell you a mystery:  We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.  For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.  53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.  54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true:  “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  1st Thessalonians 4:  13-18, NIV:  13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.  14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.  15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.  16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.  17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.  And so we will be with the Lord forever.  18 Therefore encourage 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

(02/15/2016) A Divine Day Off?

Divine need for a day off, or rest from sacred duty is the topic, today.  Within relationship with GOD, Deity can see that all created beings and living creatures are dependent like small children.  Many things we can not accomplish for ourselves at all, and must be done on our behalf through the ministry of Jesus Christ, and operations of the Holy Spirit.  Other things are to be acquired or discovered through aspects of life experience that include choices, growth, inheritance, learning, maturing, obedience, service, and suffering.  Just as Christian believers must be directed, guided and instructed through divine law for their present-day participation in divine works, we also must be prepared to enter the divine presence for eternal companionship, healing, judgment, and rest.  In addition to new meanings and values already revealed within the holy writings, believers will gradually realize union with divinity through the Son of GOD that puts aside the finite frameworks of material form, time, and space.  Consider the following verses from Scripture and how they apply to our present-day cycle for amusement, fundraising, grocery shopping, and volunteer-work as well as the presentation below:

Exodus 31:  15-17, King James Version (KJV):  15 Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD:  whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.  16 Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.  17 It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever:  for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.

Isaiah 56:  6-7, KJV:  6 Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;  7 Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer:  their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.

Exodus 16:  28-30, KJV:  28 And the LORD said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws?  29 See, for that the LORD hath given you the sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days; abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day.  30 So the people rested on the seventh day.

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

Isaiah 55:  8-11, KJV:  8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.  9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.  10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:  11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth:  it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Hebrews 4:  15-16, KJV:  15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.  16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Larry Fine” (Level 7 with 74,366 points, a member since August 29, 2013) posted the following:


If God is so strong, why did he have to take a day off?

There's lots of time I work 7 days straight.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.  For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them:  but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.  For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest:  although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.  For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.  And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.  Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:  Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.  For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.  There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.  For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.  (Hebrews 4:  1-10, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Sabbath, Power, and Rest? (07/17/2015); Sabbath Transferred to Sunday? (04/05/2015); Divine Sleep (03/28/2014); The Storm-battered City? (03/29/2014); To Keep It Holy (02/23/2014); 7 “Godly” Sins? (02/24/2014); About Sabbath (10/16/2013); We Shall Behold Him (10/17/2013)


“Larry Fine”, because we are to understand mankind is “made in the image of GOD,” even many who are just becoming Christian believers repeatedly make the mistake of thinking that GOD is also a physical being like themselves with brain, mind and muscle that need regular exercise, nourishment, and rest.  All must come to understand Deity and the things of divinity in a very different way.  GOD is a spirit whose existence is known by aspects and qualities that impress mankind as character, person, active presence, sacred operations, and eternal purpose.

Believers in Jesus Christ are to accept that GOD paused from the ongoing exchanges and interactions that appeared in the work of Creation.  The “rest” proclaimed by divinity, then, was a “one-time event” only in the sense that it is perpetual and unending.  Believers today acknowledge the same meanings and values of the “first” Sabbath, and its various presentations through changing covenants with mankind.  Sabbath now continues the same sacred processes as at Creation including assessment (we say, evaluation, judgment), celebration, communion, covenant, fellowship with GOD, revelation (making Deity known to created beings and living creatures), sanctification, and worship.  Consider again how this is stated using the language of the Bible:

(1.)  Isaiah 58:  13-14, KJV:  13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:  14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father:  for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

(2.)  Hebrews 3:  16-19, KJV:  16 For some, when they had heard, did provoke:  howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.  17 But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?  18 And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?  19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

(3.)  Isaiah 66:  22-23, KJV:  22 For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain.  23 And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (Sixty-six books of the Bible can not be reduced to 4 verses.  Yet, for example, it should be shared, (4.)  Romans 5:  1-2, KJV:  1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:  2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.)  I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/20/2015) On Wearing Sports Jerseys?

Adornment, amusements, and social activities conducted within the church are topics, today.  Believers are to be in the world, yet, not of it.  The clothing believers wear can neither ensure their salvation, nor of itself seal them in condemnation.  Many believers are committed to a process for increasing the church that relies upon connecting to others upon their own carnal, material, and social level.  Even so, judgment remains the exclusive province of Christ partly because there must be a weighing of things that are subtle (i.e., barely visible; having hidden shifts in meaning and value), and that have no physical substance such as comprehension, divine prerogative, and eternal purpose.  Those within communities of faith also may derive benefit from amusements such as family entertainment, ice cream socials, singles activity, and Super Bowl parties.  However, just as accountability and intimacy within the home generate a different standard for shared activities to entertain and refresh the family, recreation within the body of believers that appears in the public forum should always continue circumspection and restraint.  To avoid misrepresentation of the spiritual body, leisure behavior should only be shared in private settings, and not events open to the public.  Consider again the following from the Bible, and the comments appearing below:  John 7:  24, King James Version (KJV):  24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.  Also, 2nd Corinthians 13:  5, KJV:  5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.  Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?  2nd Corinthians 4:  15-17, KJV:  15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.  16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! 7 Answers” (Australia) using the ID “Anonymous” (profile information withheld) posted the following:


Christians: What are your thoughts of this Protestant church promoting the wearing of sports jersies to their weekend services?

Crossroads Fellowship Church
Saturday, November 7 | 5:00pm
Sunday, November 8 | 8:30am, 10:00am, & 11:30am
Wear Your Favorite Team Jersey to Church!

How do you feel about this? Show your team spirit by wearing your favorite team jersey to church!

Come prepared for worship and game day fun!

 http://www.crossroads.org/story.aspx?storyid=1125

Update:  Do you see this as an abomination? A desperate marketing tactic perhaps?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.  And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;  To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.  To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak:  I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.  And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.  Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.  And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.  I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:  But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection:  lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.  (1st Corinthians 9:  19-27, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Not A Matter Of Opinion? (04/24/2014); What Faith Makes Possible (04/25/2014); Worship Wear? (01/23/2014); Mankind Destroyed? (01/24/2014); Are Holidays Bad? (11/16/2013); Denying GOD by Eating Shrimp? (11/17/2013); Will GOD Bless My Team? (12/31/2012); Put Every Man His Sword By His Side (01/01/2013)


“Anonymous”, in the effort to create an atmosphere of mutual acceptance, suspension of being judged by others, and unconditional love, many congregations of Christian believers now appear to operate without the strict dress codes and standards that once distinguished church goers and Christian believers as “sanctified” (i.e., set apart for the exclusive use of divinity).  For those in relationship with GOD through Jesus Christ, it is important to address such doctrines and themes as release from the strictures of Old Testament law; new life by apprehension of divine spirit content; new covenant grounded in righteousness through faith as well as discerning sameness and difference for the spirit of divine law and its letter.  Even so, there is never to be a total abandonment of discipline, regulation, and shared truth that establishes stability.

Correctly understood, sanctification proceeds only by operations of GOD, and is not the product of indoctrination, intellect, logic, and reason.  Believers experience excitement joy, and zeal as they acquire sacred knowledge and gain mastery through sacred practice (we say, observing sacraments).  However, these are aspects of the character, nature and spirit that make up divinity; and are not the same as emotion, excitement, fanaticism, and passion that characterize carnal and finite being.

Correctly received, assembling and church attendance are gifts and sacred events from GOD wherein believers are granted access to the divine presence, and opportunity to be in shared communion and direct exchange with Deity.  Mature believers “put their best foot forward” and wear their “Sunday-go-to-meeting clothes” as acknowledgment, and an outward demonstration of inner order, propriety and respect toward GOD.  What they wear is not intended for boasting, showing off, and vainglory.  Their attitude, mind-set and motives are directed to knowing and pleasing GOD.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, believers have to be careful to avoid the trap that baits them into judging others.  Because all believers must gradually develop and grow, everyone who participates in a gathering at the church does not come being on the same level of commitment, devotion, maturity, and understanding.  All appear because they are confessing their need for change, correction and growth.  The welcome is equally to those seeking peace and rest as it is for those seeking their place as disciples, laborers and workers for the kingdom.  What appears as casual dress and clothing more suited to play often has been chosen for its value as a lubricant to contact (i.e., familiarity, recognition, remembering), being in proper uniform for hard work, and a lever to interaction that will nourish the body.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC