(03/20/2019) Accepting Correction and Punishment

As a duty through covenant with GOD, Israel executed corporal punishment against juvenile delinquents and incorrigible sons (see photo reference below).

Today, reply is on accepting correction and punishment from ones parents. The topics considered include forgiveness, mercy, repentance, the needs of community, and how becoming sealed by divinity cuts off all possibilities both for further corruption and for further positive change within an offender’s spirit. In addition to providing justice, the operations of judgment from GOD are to crystallize and make known the unseen effects and spirit outcomes of finite, visible actions and deeds. The work of forgiveness to build up, encourage, heal and continue healthy relationship also is to call forth spiritual change; the operations of conscience; remorse; resolve to recover, renew and restore; and sorrowing for sin that appears as repentance. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who using the ID “goodgirlbecky” (Level 1 with 3 points, a member since April 06, 2017) posted the following:

If god always shows mercy when we repent and forgives, how come I have said sorry to my parents and still MUST suffer punishment ?

I got caught shoplifting alcohol from a local shopkeeper as I am only 15 and the shopkeeper knows my mum he called my mum instead of the police, she told the shopkeeper I would be severely punished.

I told my mum I was REALLY sorry , and she made me apologise to the shopkeeper, both my parents said I was forgiven but I MUST be punished with lockdown , so I learn my lesson, tomorrow after school I will be escorted to my bedroom and LOCKED IN for the weekend, I wont be allowed tv or any entertainment,

I will only be let out for the bathroom, lights out and bed 9pm ( PRISON )

I will have to write a 4 page essay on why its wrong to steal,

a 4 page essay on unacaptable behaviour and punishments,

I WILL HAVE TO SUFFER 4 WEEKENDS OF THIS POXY LOCKDOWN PUNISHMENT WHAT HAPPEND TO FORGIVESS

THE GOLDEN ARROW: If they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, with their trespass which they trespassed against me, and that also they have walked contrary unto me; And that I also have walked contrary unto them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity: Then will I remember my covenant with Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham will I remember; and I will remember the land. The land also shall be left of them, and shall enjoy her sabbaths, while she lieth desolate without them: and they shall accept of the punishment of their iniquity: because, even because they despised my judgments, and because their soul abhorred my statutes. And yet for all that, when they be in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them: for I am the LORD their God. But I will for their sakes remember the covenant of their ancestors, whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the heathen, that I might be their God: I am the LORD. (Leviticus 26: 40-45, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Divine Forgiveness and Justice (01/01/2019); Sacred Ministry or Parenting? (05/10/2018); Sin No “One-time” (01/03/2018); Event Having A Seared Conscience (10/29/2018); Accepting the Divine Will? (12/06/2016); Church Attendance and Inheritance (09/11/2016); Punishment To Show Love? (11/29/2015); Of War and Judgment (10/08/2013); Heart, Brain or Spirit? (10/09/2013)

“goodgirlbecky”, following a passage from the covenant law granted to Israel that would establish them as a people of GOD and an example to all the other nations on the earth, here are some points to consider that should be helpful among teens and sinners who have chosen to exist as developing Christian believers:

Deuteronomy 21: 18-21, King James Version (KJV): 18 If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and that, when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them: 19 Then shall his father and his mother lay hold on him, and bring him out unto the elders of his city, and unto the gate of his place; 20 And they shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton, and a drunkard. 21 And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear.

1. In the same way parents are held accountable in the law, and must make the otherwise invisible affection, authority, and presence of divinity knowable and known to their own children, they are to help their young ones realize the divine condemnation and unseen damage, loss, and ruin that results from disobedience, lawlessness, and rebellion. Simple actions and behavior, even when intended selfishly and only for ourselves, often have consequences that last indefinitely, are far-reaching, and are widespread.

2. The natural process of human development goes forward through such elements as aging, discovery, gradual growth, demonstrations of proper conduct, instruction, and risk-taking along with trial-and-error. However, the permanent changes that must occur to result in acceptable attitudes and behavior also have to appear within the makeup of ones spirit and self-will (we also say, willpower).

3. Among mature believers, judgment is an aspect of divine blessing because correction, impartiality, mercy, restraint, and righteousness are displayed. Peace is always the outcome of divine judgment, for conflict is resolved, disputes are settled, and respect is restored by applying the sanctions and standards proclaimed within sacred law. By contrast, the outcomes of warfare are not lasting, and usually include anger, bitterness, resentment, and the desire for vengeance that sparks a renewal of hostilities and war.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. Simply talking, explaining things, and using verbal encouragements are not sufficient to bring about change and repentance. Also, it has been shown that punishment is only effective where a person is still growing, and not after they have grown and are sealed (i.e., divinity will no longer add to or reduce their sacred content). To accept judgment and punishment is to acknowledge the righteousness in the law and in the Lawgiver. Properly understood, punishment goes beyond retribution (eye for an eye), beyond the death sentence, and beyond forcing someone to themselves endure the pain or suffering they have imposed on others. Punishment can introduce order and structure to be internalized that are separate and from outside of the offender. Their character and nature must still include the inseparable elements of life essence from divinity (i.e., breath; spirit; word). Included as a fresh endowment of spirit from the makeup of GOD are faith holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, meekness, personhood, wisdom and wrath against sin.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Downloaded March 19, 2019, 12:35 PM see http://www.biblestudy1.com/images/rebellious.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/29/2018) Having A Seared Conscience

A Seared Porterhouse Steak

Today, reply is on a person’s conscience becoming seared along with points on conviction of sin and sealing by the Holy Spirit. As the children of GOD and joint heirs with Jesus Christ, developing Christians are to display divine spirit content continuously without also diminishing, exhausting, or “using up” their full supply. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality public forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

Can someone who has a seared conscience believe in Jesus?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. (Acts 5: 29-32, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A “Feel Good” Lifestyle? (06/22/2018); Convinced/Convicted? (05/16/2017); Holy Fire From GOD? (04/27/2017); A Matter of Conscience (04/07/2017); The Witness of Conscience (09/23/2016); Only One True GOD? (09/20/2016); A Guarantee of Judgment? (04/15/2016)

“Anonymous”, in times past, it was held that the conscience is a divinely given process of the flesh for self-assessment and self-regulation while it is the Holy Spirit that establishes conviction of the divine judgment against sin. Even so, many developing Christian believers read the language from the Bible speaking of “a seared conscience” to mean having a “defective”, “defiled”, or “flawed” conscience. Branding (searing) cattle with a hot iron and forms of scarification have been used in order to leave a mark identifying ownership. Mature believers often go further by applying the idea that—as in cooking where one sears a meat from the oven in a fry pan atop the stove to give the protein color and a “crust” that provides texture to the outside, and that will seal in the flavors, juices, and moisture without frying, or overcooking the inside—ones inner content and spirit substance must become sealed through operations of the Holy Spirit so that the fresh endowment of spirit content they receive from the makeup of divinity will continue as enduring and permanent. In the same way that an injury is cauterized (i.e., burning and fire are used to close an open wound), GOD applies divine law and sacred judgment to repair damage to shared covenant, and the fullness of divine order. So to speak, sacred flames must be used to destroy the germs, stop the bleeding (coagulate the blood), and ensure that no further contamination may occur. The device that breaks off all further loss from the body also makes it that there can be no further correction or gain to the body. Hardness of heart and stubbornness may become a lasting condition where exaggerated self-focus, guilt, and shame are sealed within a conscience without either a place for its exit, or a place for the entrance and workings of the spirit of new life from GOD. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) 1^st Timothy 4: 1-3, King James Version (KJV): 1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

(2.) Galatians 5: 16-18, KJV: 16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

(3.) Ephesians 4: 29-32, KJV: 29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

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

(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

(12/11/2017) Circumcision of Infant Boys

A depiction of Simon the Prophet at the Temple in Jerusalem acknowledging Jesus as Messiah when Mary and Joseph presented the Lord at 8-days-old for circumcision in obedience to the covenant law.

Today, points are shared on the circumcision of infant boys as a sacred practice and sign of divine covenant relationship.  Circumcision continues as a device used by GOD that makes visible unseen divine operations to cleanse, heal, preserve and seal mankind by removing the overlay of inherited and individual sin upon the heart within the descendants of Adam.  The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses the ID “leveret” (Level 1 with 6 points, a member since June 07, 2014) posted the following:

Should kosher slaughter and circumcision of infant boys become illegal?

I think its wrong to kill animals without stunning them first. its cruel to make them feel physical pain.

also I think circumcision of children should become illegal. if someone wants to mutilate their genitals they can do so once they turn 18.

what do you guys think?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.  Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.  For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.  For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.  (Galatians 5:  3-6, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Flesh, Then Beyond (05/23/2017); The Heir To Abraham (10/23/2016); In Relationship With Divinity? (08/16/2016); Ye Are Abraham’s Seed (07/10/2015); Suffering Circumcision? (06/08/2014); Three Covenants? (06/09/2014); Circumcision and Promise? (07/16/2013); The Bible and Stupid People (07/17/2013)

“leveret”, here are some points you many find useful on circumcision as a seal of covenant and a visible incarnation of divine presence:

1.  Sacred knowledge and practice (we say, sacraments) among Christian believers identify circumcision as a sacred event and a response to the revelation that divinity can and will communicate, exchange and interact with created beings and living creatures in continuous, personal relationships.

2.  Divinity engages mankind using covenant relationships that are grounded in faith, hope, divine proclamation, promise, and prophecy.

3.  While GOD is a spirit (who has appeared on the earth using human form as Jesus Christ), divinity is no mere abstraction, explanatory principle, figment of imagination, or hypothetical construct.  GOD indwells the living as life essence (we also say, breath, spirit, Word).  Inseparable aspects of the divine makeup may be imparted to mankind on the earth such as faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, meekness, righteousness, wisdom and wrath against sin.

4.  To exist without mortality and continue as a companion to immortal, incorruptible GOD, mankind must undergo permanent change and transformations carried out by the Spirit of GOD (we also say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth).  The primary focus and process for consciousness and self-will within mankind are no longer to be determined by aspects of the flesh (e.g., appetite, sensation, emotion/mind), and features of the sphere of life such as time and space.

5.  Saying this another way, using language from the Bible:

    a.  Romans 4:  8-12, King James Version (KJV):  8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.  9 Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.  10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.  11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised:  that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:  12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.

    b.  Romans 2:  25-29, KJV:  25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law:  but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.  26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?  27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?  28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:  29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

    c.  Isaiah 63:  15-17, KJV:  15 Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of thy holiness and of thy glory:  where is thy zeal and thy strength, the sounding of thy bowels and of thy mercies toward me? are they restrained?  16 Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not:  thou, O LORD, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting.  17 O LORD, why hast thou made us to err from thy ways, and hardened our heart from thy fear? Return for thy servants’ sake, the tribes of thine inheritance.

    d.  Colossians 2:  8-12, KJV:  8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.  9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.  10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:  11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:  12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(04/28/2013) Destroyed in Noah’s Flood?

      The destruction wrought on earth through Noah’s flood is today’s topic. Also, there is more on repentance before resurrection. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Clorox” (Level 1 with 102 points, a member since April 25, 2013) posted the following:


What happened to plants when Noah’s Ark was floating above the Flood?

Did they drown and how did they get reborn, like trees and things?


THE BATTLE AXE: Repentance Must Come Before Resurrection (04/27/2013)—(7.) The focus of final judgment is not placing blame and finding fault; and neither is the focus punishment or the recovery of sinners. Judgment is the further revelation of GOD whereby the full extent of divine righteousness is made known and visible as unchanging and eternal truth. (8.) Every one appears before GOD in judgment already sealed. In addition to the mark of the beast that many will receive as the result of their own human choices, men also become sealed through persistent anger, covetousness, envy, fear, lust, pride and violence. Once fixed in their spirit content, created beings and living creatures can no longer receive the repentance from their sins that must come by operation of the imparted, indwelling spirit of Christ. The regular processes of carnal living continue (e.g., aging, decay, growing older); however, possibilities for spiritual life such as baptism, rebirth, regeneration and sanctification are completely cut off. The major sealing events include apostasy (i.e., backsliding, falling away), blasphemy of the Holy Ghost, denying forgiveness to others, rejecting the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and physical death. Only those immortal, incorruptible, and having the seal of GOD will be allowed to enter or abide within the New Jerusalem.


THE GOLDEN ARROW: After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. (Revelation 4: 1-4, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Noah, A Second Adam (03/25/2013); GOD Hiding in Plain Sight (03/26/2013); Put Every Man His Sword By His Side (01/01/2013); The Common Danger (01/02/2013); The “Lake of Mercy” (11/03/2012); New Covenant? (01/08/2011); Annulled? (01/09/2011); Lion of Judah (01/10/2011)

    
     Clorox, here are some ideas that mature Christian believers have found useful when considering the flood of Noah:

(1.) The judgment of GOD against sin upon the earth was to be demonstrated by the destruction of all containing the “breath of life.” Purging the earth from sin, and removing all sin within the earth requires multiple sacred operations such as the use of death, burial or return to the earth, absolution, re-birth, and resurrection. The ark constructed by Noah was intended as a storage chest, not a boat or sea-going vessel, and was to preserve and protect the remnant of created beings and living creatures from the earth as the vessels of sacred law, divine spirit, and holy word.

(2.) The mixing of waters (e.g., fresh, rain, running, salt and standing) rendered them foul, poisonous, polluted, and no longer capable of sustaining life. Fish and even such water plants as kelp and seaweed were overwhelmed in the flood.

(3.) The power and rush of the flood waters snapped tree trunks as twigs, tore trees up from the ground with their roots, and dashed them together. Once the ground was ripped open, the soil was loosed and torn in great chunks. Also, boulders and rocks were hurled like darts and missiles.

(4.) When Noah and his family finally left the ark, the world they saw was a world in ruin (much like what modern TV news reports show for the survivors of cyclones, earthquakes and tsunami). In addition to the confusion of crevices, rocks, and trees, cadavers and carcasses of the dead were all about.
    
     There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) In view of the darkness and horror they were confronted by, Noah and his family were not discouraged or disheartened. They had been prepared by GOD. The hard work of building the ark had continued for some 120 years. The daily chores of tending animals had included removing their waste. They responded to the assignment of cleaning and rebuilding the earth with faith, hope and joy. More than this, the Invisible GOD gave Noah a sign whereby his active presence could be known and recognized, and one that would rejoice and uplift the hearts of all living: the rainbow.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(04/27/2013) Repentance Must Come Before Resurrection

      Focus today is upon whether one may repent at the time they appear in judgment, and there is more on the possibilities for humans to have binding contracts with devils. The “Yahoo Answers” writer using the ID “Matt” (Level 2 with 414 points, a member since March 28, 2013) posted the following:


When God Judges us after death and we have sinned.. will we have another chance to repent in front of him?

I know a friend who believes that…


THE BATTLE AXE: Not of Legal Age? (04/26/2013)—(5.) Devils do not benefit, defend, justify, protect, or serve the wicked. Because they have neither the mind of Christ, nor the mind of man, they are more likely to accuse, antagonize, attack, betray, and condemn the righteous, the wicked, and one another. No contract or covenant with any devil has legitimacy in the judgment of GOD.  Before the second resurrection and judgment of the wicked, the devil first is cast into the lake of fire. All sinners are then examined on the basis of their own sacred content, and the record of their own deeds written in the books of life. See Isaiah 28: 15-22 and Revelation 20: 6-15, KJV. (6.) Comparative studies of philosophies and religions are only safe where one is first anchored, centered and grounded in mature understandings that integrate and up-build ones defining spirit content. Otherwise, hopping between and among belief systems is inescapable self-destruction. See 1st Corinthians 9: 16-27, KJV. (7.) The devils promote a false equation that fun, joy and the full experience of youth, in fact, are the same as defiance, depression, lack of self-discipline, repeated failure, rebellion and sin. Deceivers insist that there must be such behavior as cursing and swearing, distrust, drug use, drunkenness, envy, fornication, intoxication, lying, faithless risk-taking, and violence. See 2nd Timothy 2: 22-26 and James 4: 1-10, King James Version. (8.) Neither angels nor devils carry on relationships with mankind apart from GOD. The account of Job describes the challenge and investigation of a man’s spirit substance that was carried out by Satan with the permission of GOD. As with plagues proclaiming divine judgment, and other displays of divine wrath against sin, all legitimate analysis and testing that comes upon mankind is in accordance with divine law, and continues to be under the authority of GOD. Christ has met all the legitimate demands of divine law that were against mankind; and while men have debt and owe one another in the economies of the World system, through the Son of GOD, mankind can never be indebted or obligated for its continuing existence to any other created beings and living creatures. See Revelation 19: 1-10 and Revelation 22: 8-9, KJV. (9.) The dark spirits that have lost their first estate can in no wise offer a future filled with light to mortal men. Devils are neither immortal nor mortal, and continue to exist by divine discretion, not by their own nature and substance. The devils have no part as joint-heirs with Christ, and will not be made immortal and incorruptible with believers harvested from the earth. The devils who have walked in the Garden of Eden, the Promised Land, and the courts of heaven, will never be allowed to set foot within the New Jerusalem. See Matthew 25: 41, Revelation 20: 4-10 and Revelation 22: 14-16, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW: For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. (Hebrews 9: 24-28, King James Version)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER: When Jesus Comes Back? (04/19/2013); What’s The Way Out (04/20/2013); After the Rapture? (11/01/2012); Opportunity to Repent (11/02/2012); After We Die? (10/04/2012); Does GOD Feel? (10/05/2012); Life and Death (09/26/2012); Mob Rule and Violence (09/27/2012); Chances for Change (09/15/2012); What He Died For (09/14/2012)


      Matt, here are some points derived from the holy writings that are endorsed by many mature Christian believers:

(1.) The “final judgment” is accomplished in three stages. The first is ongoing (i.e., happening now); and is our most important chance, because it is the only one we are given. The present judgment focuses upon all created beings and living creatures who have ever participated in covenant relationship with GOD as well as those that presently exist upon the earth, and within the heavens. This first stage of judgment is completed through what is called “the first resurrection,” and the harvesting of the righteous from the earth.

(2.) Jesus has been appointed as the Supreme Judge over mankind, and will oversee all stages of judgment (see Acts 17: 29-31 and 2nd Timothy 4: 1-2, KJV). Satan does not appear as accuser, executioner, jailer, King of Hell, ruler of the underworld, or prosecutor. Before the second resurrection, Satan is cast into the lake of fire to be utterly destroyed; this is an aspect of what is called “the second death.” (See Revelation 20: 1-15, KJV.) In effect, sinners appearing before Christ are only challenged to display their spirit content, and their own record of spiritual deeds from the books of life.

(3.) The righteousness of judgment requires that all appear to answer charges against themselves that come from the record of their deeds. Therefore, all who are not resurrected from the dead at the Advent of Christ (also called “his appearing,” the Rapture, and the Second Coming) will be gathered in the second resurrection to appear as living before the throne of judgment. The second resurrection is also called “the resurrection of the wicked,” and gathers those who were not approved in the first stage of judgment.

(4.) The third stage of judgment follows the casting of the wicked into the lake of fire, and focuses upon distributing rewards for service to those who have been approved for eternal life. Only those raised at the Advent of Jesus, who have been transformed and are now immortal and incorruptible appear in the third stage of judgment. See 1st Corinthians 3: 11-15, KJV.

(5.) Repentance is not a “one-time” event, and is achieved only through operations by the imparted, indwelling spirit from GOD, the Holy Ghost. A pattern must appear within the record of ones life whereby the spirit content that was in Jesus is seen through the behavior, conduct and substance of those in judgment.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (6.) Prior to the coming of Jesus in the Advent, all upon the earth will receive a mark that seals the spirit content of their being so that their spiritual substance can no longer be altered, or changed. The unsaved will receive the mark of the beast in their right hand, or their forehead. Those belonging to Christ will be known by not having the mark of the beast. See Ezekiel 9: 1-11, Revelation 13: 11-17 and Revelation 22: 10-12, KJV.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC