(08/07/2020) Pure Religion And Undefiled

 

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. James 1: 27, King James Version (KJV)

Today, reply is on the nature and process of Christian belief and practice appearing as overly conservative, self-centered, and asocial. Properly discerned and acknowledged, the goals of Christian belief do not include manipulating our family members and neighbors, oppressing and persecuting others, self-promotion, or seeking vainglory for oneself. Believers become sanctified (i.e., set apart for sacred service on the basis of their divine content) through the operations of divinity within their awareness, desire, intent, and self-will (willpower). Christians are those who were sinners that entered into new lives of repentance, rebirth, and the resurrection life provided by divinity in Jesus Christ. Often asking oneself, Am I worthy?, developing and mature Christian believers pursue lives of balance, consistency, and stability that will resemble, reflect, and reveal the character, likeness, and nature of Jesus Christ while also accomplishing the goal of providing unselfish service to others. In addition to contemplation, confession, listening, praise, prayer and prophecy, believers are to provide demonstrations, evangelism, guidance, sacred practice, testimonies, and witness in ongoing judgment. Focusing always on Jesus, his followers are to impart godliness, lovingkindness, wisdom and wrath against sin. It is written: John 6: 63-69, King James Version (KJV): 63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. 64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. 65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. 66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? 68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. 69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. The fighter at the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “shoeshopper3” (Level 3 with 1,850 points) posted the following:

Why does Christianity say that Christians are not supposed to do anything but stay at home, work, read the bible, and go to church?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD? Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward. Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day: And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. (Isaiah 58: 5-11, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Living Your Best Life? (07/05/2020); The Ones Called “Sheep” (05/29/2020); Spiritual Integrity and Maturity (05/12/2020); Demonstrating Dependence on GOD (04/20/2020); A Habitation of Spirit (04/05/2020); On Behalf Of Others (03/26/2020); Displaying A “Christian Personality”? (04/19/2019); Purity For Sacred Truth (12/17/2018)

“shoeshopper3”, among Christian believers preparing to receive Jesus Christ at his appearing to harvest the earth of those belonging to his kingdom the teachings on sanctification and separation from the world continue to be expressed in the lifestyles and daily routines of those acknowledging divinity. As spirit, GOD may exist within the consciousness and will (willpower) of created beings and living creatures. Thus, how Christians think of others and of themselves are influenced by powerful ideas that speak to the presence of GOD in the life. Included are the understanding that Christians receive the life of Jesus Christ within their own makeup through both his baptism and his resurrection. The Christian is the new creation that is to labor on the earth as part of the divine transformation of mankind to exist as immortal and incorruptible. Aspects of the full divine operation are admonition, atonement, forgiveness, rebirth, reconciliation, redemption, repentance, and salvation. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Chris Tomlin:

(1.) Proverbs 4: 7, King James Version (KJV): 7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

(2.) John 17: 13-21, KJV: 13 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. 20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:

(3.) 1^st John 2: 15-16, KJV: 15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, Is He Worthy? (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkRiYsTN7KY.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 5:58 PM, August 06, 2020 @ https://mballestero.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/img_2784.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/22/2019) The Testimony From GOD

The image depicts the Spirit of Prophecy using Moses and Elijah with Jesus at the transfiguration of Christ

Today, reply is on converting others, prophecy, the duty of believers, and the testimony serving as witness from divinity to mankind. The disciples of Jesus are commanded and ordained to proclaim the gospel from GOD to others on the earth. However, rather than a process of verbal exchanges among men, humans lecturing one another, or the divine voice being heard from mountains and from the sky, on earth, the testimony of GOD is shared as an embodiment of spirit content from divinity whereby the living are made Christ-like. Because words whisper and actions shout, believers are to display through their lifestyles and daily routines the spirit substance they contain, and do not serve only by sacred practice (e.g., fasting, praise, prayer, prophecy, suffering). It is written: 1^st Corinthians 12: 3, King James Version (KJV): 3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shared) posted the following:

Do Christians have a duty to attempt to persuade non-believers to convert to Christianity?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost. (Mark 13: 11, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Presence of GOD (04/02/2019); Bible Language About Spirit? (06/13/2018); Possibilities Through “Active Presence” (04/30/2018); Divine Holiness and Sanctity (12/25/2017); An Incarnation of Divinity? (10/12/2017); Conversion is by GOD? (08/23/2016); All Who Read Convert? (10/10/2014); Not Told in Advance? (10/11/2014)

“Anonymous”, Christian beliefs are not shared as a matter of influencing others, manipulation, and persuasion. Christian believers all are to acknowledge that they have been called and recruited to minister sacred knowledge, spirit gifts, and divine substance on the earth. The finite human tools for such academic and secular focus as argument, debate, carnal reason, and critical thinking may not be relied on for growth and nourishment of ones life essence (breath, spirit, word imparted from the makeup of divinity). Emotions, intellect, and logic are not enough to transform consciousness and self-will (willpower) within the living. Inseparable aspects of divine fullness must be received as fresh deposits and endowments from GOD. Included are faith, forbearance, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. The testimony from GOD who remains unseen is not merely an authoritative eyewitness account, proclamation, or statement of plain truth; the testimony is an active presence, and we say, an abiding, indwelling Spirit (the Comforter; the Holy Ghost; the Holy Spirit; the Spirit of Prophecy; the Spirit of Truth). With this in view, the birth, death on the cross, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus testify that the operations, purpose, and substance of divinity must be known through spirit existing within ones own character and nature. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a presentation from the music ministry of John Michael Talbot:

(1.) 1^st Corinthians 2: 1-5, King James Version (KJV): 1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

(2.) Romans 8: 15-17, KJV: 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.

(3.) 1^st John 5: 9-13, KJV: 9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. 10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, the testimony of mankind can be “the Lord is my shepherd”, because the testimony of GOD has been, “This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.”, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s28s0_pAnRY&list=PLN-HWgUQXbLMTSzGiuTABz_u7Lqbc7AF8&index=6&t=0s.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 2:50 PM, October 22, 2019 @ https://aleteiaen.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/web-saint-aug-06-transfiguration-public-domain.jpg?quality=100&strip=all&crop=0px%2C38px%2C760px%2C374px&resize=620%2C310

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(09/18/2019) Now Are Ye Light

Today, reply is on what sinners can do to become consistent, mature, and “perfect”. As those called to minister on the earth representing Jesus Christ, there are times believers are not to speak their own words that are discouraging and negative; yet, they are not withholding truth, nor is there any practice of deceit and lying. The believer is sharing their faith, and displaying their commitment to speak on behalf of the Lord. Mankind on the earth may only become sinless through the operations of divinity, rather than any human discipline, practice, or self-regimen. The finite tools of intellect, logic, philosophy, science, and self-will (willpower) are not enough to bring about the permanent changes required to exist as the children of light. It is written: Galatians 2: 16-21, King James Version (KJV): 16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. 17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. 18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. 19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. 20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shown) posted the following:

I keep trying to be perfect but it is making me depressed. How do I learn to be happy with it?

People should strive for perfection. You should make discipline a strong suit or Jesus will hate you. You should also have found your aptitude by a young age , be the type of woman to take charge, be a life long learner, etc.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. (Romans 13: 8-14, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: According To Your Faith (08/15/2019); We Must Acknowledge Christ (08/08/2019); Displaying A “Christian Personality”? (04/19/2019); Become As Little Children (12/13/2018); Living In The Light? (01/18/2015); Coming to the Light? (09/29/2014); We Are Still Sinning? (11/30/2013); Like a Thief? (12/01/2013)

“Anonymous”, the spirit substance imparted to us from the makeup of GOD must be built up within developing Christians through such elements as discovery, gradual growth, learning, unselfish service, and suffering. All Christian believers begin as sinners who willingly turn to divinity for guidance and support to overcome the operations of sin. Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Lawgiver, and the universe put forth through divine order. More than this, sin promotes nonexistence and a return to the conditions of chaos, flux, and streams without direction that were in place before Creation (we say, preexistence). While sin is no spirit or feature put forth from GOD, sin may dominate awareness and self-will (willpower) in created beings and living creatures. The death of Christ on the cross has not eliminated sin, yet, mankind now receives divine tools to more correctly recognize, reject, and resist the operations of sin. In addition to the atoning blood of Jesus there is a fresh endowment of life essence (breath; spirit; word) from the makeup of GOD that includes the inseparable aspects of Christ-likeness (e.g., faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin). Believers are encouraged to display the spirit of Christ in their lifestyle and daily routines; in what they choose to say and speak; and in what they choose to hear and see. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a presentation from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

1. Micah 6: 7-8, King James Version (KJV): 7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? 8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

2. Ephesians 5: 1-8, KJV: 1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. 3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

3. 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;

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ge1axMPsN-g&list=PLN-HWgUQXbLMnDp4XNtZPz4Ejq_BFYE4C&index=4) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 12:03 PM, September 17, 2019 @ https://i.pinimg.com/736x/58/70/db/5870db510a7ab99042f010bdd2745516--colossians--psalms.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(06/19/2019) Our Displays of Divinity

Today, reply is on the transformation for aspects of ones lifestyle and daily routines to appear as sacred ministry, divine priesthood, and holy vocation. All Christian believers are not expected to baptize others, to preach from a pulpit, or to officiate at funerals; however, all are expected to maintain a lifestyle and daily routines that can be recognized as encouraging godliness. Outward displays of attitude, behavior, and conduct by a sinner will change where the divine content of their own makeup undergoes change. Included will be their acknowledgment of accountability; recognition of duty; sacred knowledge; respect for divine law; willingness to fulfill eternal purpose; their communion with divinity as well as requiring integrity for their own self-will. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data appears) posted the following:

How could marriage, holy orders, or charitable work be considered a vocation?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 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. (Romans 12: 4-8, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Works Without Divine Faith? (05/06/2019); Offering Yourself To Christ? (12/27/2018); Applying The Divine Standards (10/02/2018); Two Become One Flesh (01/07/2018); Marriage Is A Sacrament? (06/11/2017); The Work of Forgiving (11/23/2016); Too Much Holy Spirit? (11/19/2013); Understanding Peace? (11/20/2013); Adversary or Servant? (11/21/2013); GOD Hiding in Plain Sight (03/26/2013); The Spirit and Pentecost (03/27/2013)

“Anonymous”, developing Christian believers all enter into a sacred process of transformation whereby disbelievers and sinners become joined to GOD through divine spirit substance imparted from the makeup of divinity. Sinners must become “born again,” “grow up again,” and become mature/ripe for harvest by the Lord at his appearing (i.e., Advent; the Rapture; the Second Coming). All must experience the same “growing pains and life challenges as others on the earth. However, the meaning and value of ordinary and simple things they go through will be permanently changed because believers receive a fresh endowment of inseparable spirit matter from the makeup of GOD. Included are balance, Christ-likeness, faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

The operations of sin oppose the continued existence of divine law, the Lawgiver, and sacred order throughout the universe. Sin promotes destruction and a return to the conditions in place before the founding of heaven and earth. While sin has no spirit substance, authority and power from GOD, or value that fulfills eternal purpose, sin may dominate consciousness and self-will (we also say, willpower) within created beings and living creatures.

Deposits from the divine fullness (we say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) make ongoing relationship with divinity possible; and believers will display increasing levels of communication, exchange and interaction with GOD. As vessels of divine DNA and sacred seed (so to speak), believers are the offspring of GOD, joint heirs with Jesus Christ, and his new creation. In the twinkling of an eye the sacred transformation will be completed as Christ calls forth the resurrected and living ones to meet him in the air at his return. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Romans 6: 3-6, King James Version (KJV): 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

2. Mark 10: 42-45, KJV: 42 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. 43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: 44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. 45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

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.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. Galatians 2: 20, KJV: I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 10:17 PM, June 18, 2019 @ https://i.pinimg.com/736x/db/7b/a1/db7ba1e3f65dfcd38eabf105816e442f.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC