(09/15/2019) Heaven Speaks Using Mankind

The image depicts taking a “leap of faith”

Today, reply to prepare a people for the soon-coming of Christ is on the process of GOD for communicating with mankind, and the silence of divinity in their relationship with mankind on the earth. GOD becomes present in the awareness of the living through revelation; and the living are to grasp that divinity is knowable, known, accessible, and approachable. Communication with divinity goes forward through diverse expressions of spirit substance. Anointed praise, prayer, prophecy, and revelation are primary, rather than academic dialogue, oratory, and public-speaking. It is written: Colossians 2: 8-12, King James Version (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. The fighter in “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Susie Floozie” (Level 2 with 422 points, a member since June 18, 2019) posted the following:

Why does Jesus refuse to speak audibly to us so we can record his voice? Is he unwilling or unable or somthing else?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (Romans 8: 5-9, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Prophets After Jesus Christ? (06/04/2019); Moses Was Not Divine (04/24/2019); By Reading The Bible? (11/18/2018); How GOD Is Communicating (10/31/2018); An Anointed Body (10/04/2017); The Silence of GOD (01/31/2016); Silent Wisdom? (12/02/2015); Addressed by the Spirit, Not the Letter? (03/31/2015); On Saying the Truth? (12/18/2014); What is Truth? (12/19/2014)

“Susie Floozie”, GOD need not speak and otherwise present divinity to human senses, for GOD is active presence who participates in how, what, and who the living are. Since the time of Moses, when GOD spoke to those who left Egypt to declare his covenant law (we say, the 10 Commandments), divinity has maintained an agreement to communicate with mankind using anointed spokespersons (e.g., apostles; joint-heirs with Christ; kings; prophets), rather than speaking with the divine voice. Many speak of Christian belief and placing trust in GOD as a “gamble”, as “taking a leap of faith,” or as a matter of chance and “risk-taking”. Among developing and mature Christian believers, the character, process, and substance of divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) are understood to exist as spirit that is invisible and without form, yet, may appear and manifest having personhood, and using flesh and blood (we say, Incarnation) as a vehicle/vessel to communicate and interact with the living. The inseparable aspects of spirit imparted from GOD to indwell mankind include faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. In addition to existence and the life essence imparted to Adam (breath; endowments of spirit from the makeup of GOD; word), divinity has put forth consciousness and self-will as features within created beings and living creatures along with the earth and the heaven as their spheres of life. Continuing acknowledgment and relationship with the Creator are in place through multiple operations such as covenant, praise, proclamation, promise, prophecy, sanctification, resurrection of the dead, unselfish service, and suffering. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Hebrews 11: 6, King James Version (KJV): 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

2. Exodus 20: 18-20, KJV: 18 And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off. 19 And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die. 20 And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.

3. Deuteronomy 18: 15-19, KJV: 15 The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken; 16 According to all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not. 17 And the LORD said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken. 18 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. 19 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. Galatians 4: 4-7, KJV: 4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

AN AFTERTHOUGHT: The “Prophet” Moses proclaimed would be provided to mankind has been manifested on the earth through an appearance of divinity using human form as Jesus Christ. The sacred device of Incarnation permitted the embodiment of divine law and a destruction of sin through crucifixion and the cross as well as operations to make visible the exalted faithfulness, mercy, eternal purpose, and unchanging righteousness of the full Godhead.

Image downloaded 11:30 AM, September 15, 2019 @ http://prepperrecon.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/faith2.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/04/2017) As An Anointed Body

Today, thoughts are shared on benefits from attending prayer meetings at the church where one is a member.  Prayer in public and by elected officials are increasingly becoming thought of as a duty among believers in America and many of the other nations now suffering unprecedented bereavement and loss through floods, storms, terrorism, and other tragic events.  However, it remains that a church congregation should be a source for, and a vessel filled with, spirit substance from GOD, rather than an organization serving as a community center, a site for distributing alms and donations, or simply another location for secular social gatherings.  The church properly seeks and helps others to find the highest levels for their existence, and the specific endowments from GOD appropriate for salvation.  With this in view, through activity in the church, developing believers are released from worldly entanglements that interrupt the sacred business of interacting with divinity through commitment, humility, obedience, and prayer.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Grey Tower” (Level 7 with 171,743 points, a member since July 13, 2007) posted the following:


Should Christians participate in church Prayer Meetings? Is this biblical and beneficial?

Update: A prayer meeting is a regular church event, usually held one evening during the week. Everybody can join in with praying for current events / situations / church matters / others in need or who are sick, etc. Nobody is required to pray out loud and many never do, but pray silently. It's a "corporate prayer" session, if you like.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities:  for we know not what we should pray for as we ought:  but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.  Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called:  and whom he called, them he also justified:  and whom he justified, them he also glorified.  (Romans 8:  26-30, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Storms to Punish America? (09/08/2017); ...Gathered In My Name (05/29/2017); Receiving The Holy Spirit (12/08/2016); On Expecting Quick Results (11/07/2016); Good Christians and Church? (10/19/2016); Why Pray For Victims? (06/14/2016); Skipping Church A Sin? (11/17/2015)


“Grey Tower”, here are some thoughts you may find useful:  Because prayer meetings are assemblies of anointed believers, they should be regarded as sacred events that further reveal and make visible the active presence who is GOD.  In the meetings referred to here, focus is on completing the edification and existence of the church, rather than on the personal concerns and needs of individuals as within the home or family prayer circle.  Carnal, material, political, and social issues are less relevant.  Prayer meetings to benefit and complete the sacred business of the church call for outpourings of grace and the Holy Spirit.  The objective and purpose for everyone who is present is to acknowledge, affirm and evidence the oneness without sameness provided through Jesus as head of the Church as well as to marshal and focus the spirit content and power of the full body of Christ for the completion of various sacred operations (e.g., confession and petition; forbearance and forgiveness; baptism and rebirth; ordination and sanctification).  Sacred transactions are to be completed that were began on the basis of covenant, divine law, sovereign proclamations, eternal purpose, trustworthy promises, and expectations grounded in prophecy.

In praise and prayer services, a congregation is to commune and interact with GOD as though the group is a single person.  As they display their own spirit content imparted from GOD (e.g., faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, wrath against sin) through prophecy, testimony and witness, they present the image of GOD, and become “recognizable” to divinity as those having place with Jesus Christ in sacred fullness.  The clergy and assembled believers all may serve as spokespersons for GOD and for mankind.  In addition to being a process of exchange between Creator and the created, prayer meetings are a sacred tool for imparting divine order, restoring balance, crystallizing vision, and refreshing body, mind and spirit.  Prayer allows the collective to prepare for action as well as to be invigorated and revived when going up against opposition, unmet needs, obstacles, and spiritual confusion.  Consider again the following counsel that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Matthew 18:  19-20, King James Version (KJV):  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.

(2.)  Ephesians 4:  11-16, KJV:  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:  16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

(3.)  Acts 4:  31-33, KJV:  31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.  32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul:  neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.  33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus:  and great grace was upon them all.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Hebrews 10:  24-29, KJV:  24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:  25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.  26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,  27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.  28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:  29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(09/27/2017) Gossip and Malicious Silence?

Today, reply is on the duty of believers through and with the law to help one another discern, recognize and resist error and sin.  Believers do not “snitch” or become betrayers and traitors by carefully helping each other identify error and sin.  Often, behavior that seems harmless and innocent to ourselves can be very damaging to others; and our mistakes will not be detected and correctly valued until seen through the light of divine law.  Also, when someone has been hurt or offended by another, and does not hold their attacker openly accountable, the result can be a dangerous and explosive build up of anxiety, bitterness, fear, suspicion, and uncertainty.  The provisions from GOD to expose the operations of sin have included sacred law; family; friendship; covenant nation; the Incarnation of divinity as Jesus Christ; the Savior’s death on the cross, resurrection and ascension; and the provision of fellowship for believers within the body of Christ (the church).  In an effort to avoid appearing to be unnecessarily judgmental and overly critical of others, many Christian believers “ignore” and behave as if they are blind to insulting attitudes and conduct from fellow believers that are disrespectful and offensive.  Obeying a rule from the World (live and let live), yet committing a serious error, many believers will make no complaint against what are clearly transgressions of sacred law.  Exaggerated pride influences the living to believe there is no need for law from GOD, and that they may be a “law unto themselves.”  In part the law has been given because the operations of sin can appear to be natural and normal as though they are the truest expression of ones own character and makeup.  Sinners do not discern the actual nature of sin, and that sin is contrary to their own continued existence.  By contrast, developing believers will increasingly agree that to maintain divine order and godliness we also require the vocal support and vigilance of others who are sharing in the new creation.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “GRANNY NORINE” (Level 1 with 40 points, a member since May 16, 2014) posted the following:


For those "PROCLAIMING" Christianity, What Does Leviticus 19:17 Mean?


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.  (Romans 13:  8-10, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Deeds Of The Law? (09/10/2017); The Operations of Sin (07/25/2017); Obstacles To Developing Believers (07/24/2017); Christian Beliefs About Sin (07/20/2017); Fellowship With the Father (06/13/2017); A Fool of the Church? (01/26/2016); A Slip of the Tongue (09/17/2014); Which Things We Speak (09/18/2014)


“GRANNY NORINE”, gossip, grudge-bearing, and malicious silence are forbidden among those who are the new creation through Jesus Christ.  Formal statements recording the law from GOD appear throughout the holy writings.  In addition to exposing error, sin, and their consequences, the work of the law is to make the heart and mind of divinity knowable, known, and “present”.  Commandments, judgments (rulings to settle disputes), ordinances (required ceremonies and observances), prohibitions, and statutes are shared to amplify, “bring to life,” and detail the practices and principles provided to Adam and the Patriarchs as a divine inheritance.  Along with the words spoken by GOD at Mount Sinai, the written law would be developed and proclaimed as a living and organic aspect of communication, exchange, and  interaction within and between the tribes of Jacob as they were being transformed and permanently bound together as a single nation in covenant with GOD. 

For those who are mature, the expression of love always includes the acceptance of accountability.  Within the shared covenant, believers have standing as “brothers”, “neighbors” and “partners” (not siblings).  The rule [Leviticus 19:  17, King James Version (KJV):  17 Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart:  thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.] forbids being critical of others (their attitudes, behavior and conduct), yet, not answering directly to them to make them aware of their offenses against yourself, or their  transgressions against GOD and the divine law.  It is more an act of love to deliver admonition, caution, chastisement and warning, than to maintain a silence that may fester and become a “root of bitterness,” or that falsely will appear as approval and agreement.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 14:  1-3, King James Version (KJV):  1 Ye are the children of the LORD your God:  ye shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead.  2 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.  3 Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing.

(2.)  Proverbs 30:  11-14, KJV:  11 There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.  12 There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.  13 There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.  14 There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.

(3.)  Jeremiah 6:  13-15, KJV:  13 For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.  14 They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.  15 Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush:  therefore they shall fall among them that fall:  at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the LORD.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Matthew 18:  15-17, 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.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(08/24/2017) Confession Is Not Testimony

Today, points are shared to clarify differences among public confession, personal testimony, and proper devotion to GOD.  In the same way confession to GOD during prayer that should be private and personal does not replace repentance, public confession of wrongdoing does not supply the same benefit as testimony to reveal the work of Christ in ones life.  Reverend William Aitcheson, a Catholic priest in nearby Arlington, Virginia, who has been serving in the church for many decades, published an article in one of the diocese newspapers apologizing that he once was a leader within the Ku Klux Klan (KKK).  Many all across America have been enraged and incensed by recent events that have called forth expressions of bigotry, hate, prejudice, racism, and violence, and that resulted in a young woman’s death (Heather Heyer, Charlottesville, VA).  Others have been cast down, made to feel shame, and are suffering great humiliation.  Prominent among the institutions and organizations involved have been the KKK, Neo-Nazis, and White Supremacist groups that exist in the United States under lawful provisions for “free speech.”  Those who repent, and turn to Christ to become his new creation may only demand and expect to see change in their own lives, and that mostly within their own conduct, commitment, consciousness, and sense of purpose.  Many others involved will not have developed and grown as much.  Thus, making public proclamation of sins from the past is not of itself a genuine act of repentance; and in the case of the priest, his confession has called forth accusations, placing blame, condemnation, and demands for payment, rather than the manifestation of the Holy Spirit within the church, and the heartfelt displays of humility, mature understanding, and godly love he hoped would appear his fellow believers. 


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?  For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground:  he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.  He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief:  and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.  Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows:  yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.  But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities:  the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.  All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.  He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth:  he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.  He was taken from prison and from judgment:  and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living:  for the transgression of my people was he stricken.  And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.  Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief:  when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.  He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied:  by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.  Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death:  and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.  (Isaiah 53:  1-12, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  What Can Canvas Show? (07/10/2017); Prophecy Over Personal Testimony? (06/29/2017); Recounting Past Sins? (03/04/2015); Not A Matter Of Opinion? (04/24/2014); What Faith Makes Possible (04/25/2014); Escape from Racism (10/24/2012); Christians Who Ignore GOD’s Laws (10/25/2012)


Confession pertains to judgment and salvation.  In accordance with the Scriptures, three forms of confession may appear:  (1) a confession of need), (2) a confession of transgression/wrongdoing, and (3) a confession of conviction and faith.  Given the operations of pride are little different than sin, public confession may corrupt a congregation of believers, for such confession may mask bragging, deceit, divisiveness, self-promotion, showing off, and vainglory.  While testimony may be shared to build up and edify the body of believers, confession is an aspect of judgment, and is more correctly directed only to GOD who is judge.  Confession is not to be made to those who are foolish and unwise regarding the things of judgment.  To truly benefit all concerned, it is often more necessary that the discipline, maturity and strength of silence be practiced in place of confession; and it is in silence that ones trust in GOD shines forth most brightly.  In the same way peaceful protest and counter demonstrations are resulting in destructive confrontations, the sharing of confessions focused on sins of the past are now promoting a great upheaval among Americans.  It is foolish and unwise to seek “justice” against those from earlier periods of history on the basis of the social standards and cultural values of the present day.  There are those demanding rejection of the early pioneers and those who contributed to the development of our Nation and its greatness.  Included have been George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and even, Christopher Columbus.  Just as the operations of mercy appear primarily during judgment, forbearance, forgiveness and reconciliation are to appear during confession.  Consider the following:

(1.)  Confession as a sacred practice and in the course of formal ministry is not on the same level as gossip.  This is specially so during practices and sacraments focused on healing as in James 5:  13-16, King James Version (KJV):  13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.  14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:  15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.  16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

(2.)  Confession may be demanded within the law, yet, confession will not answer all the requirements and sanctions of the law that also address correction, full disclosure, financial liability, and punishment.  Loss and damage from transgression becomes more completely crystallized in the light of confession.  Thus, the enormity of the sin of Achan at Jericho in taking the “accursed thing” (a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight) is staggering, for it resulted in despair throughout the camp, Israel’s first defeat, and the death of 39 men at Ai (see Joshua 7, KJV).  Judgment is not complete until the findings and sentence of the law have been carried out.

(3.)  The principles and rules of confidentiality that bind a confessor and prohibit his discussing and revealing what has been exchanged in ministry also binds the person who makes a confession.  Disbelievers, ones parents, ones spouse, ones children have no authority to rank and rate the quality, sincerity, and value of your prayers, or whatever else may occur within other aspects of our own intimate relationship with GOD.

(4.)  Correctly understood, the admission of wrongdoing is also the admission of guilt, yet, is distinct from the acceptance and acknowledgment of accountability.  Many are willing to admit wrongdoing and express sorrow for their errors, however, they also must be willing to accept accountability for “cleaning up the mess,” healing, making compensation, correction, and restitution. 

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  It is an error to think that public confession featuring the details of wrongdoing is of any benefit to the body.  “All have sinned and come short” is sufficient to identify the need for grace without there being an exhaustive detailing of mistakes and transgressions.  The duty for clergy is not to offer others or themselves upon an altar of condemnation, spiritual confusion, and personal sacrifice; rather, it is to offer Jesus Christ.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/31/2016) The Silence of GOD

Hearing the voice of GOD, and the absence of direct communication between Deity and mankind are topics, today.  The disciples of Jesus are not taught to “listen” for an audible voice.  Rather, we are taught to discern and recognize sacred truth that expresses the character, nature, active presence, eternal purposes, and sublime will of divinity when it appears through such devices as warnings, events, guidance, instruction, divine law, prayer, sacred objects, and other persons.  Consider the following Bible verses, and the presentation below:

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

2nd Corinthians 5:  11, KJV:  11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

2nd Corinthians 5:  13-15, KJV:  13 For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God:  or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.  14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:  15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

Ephesians 2:  19-21, KJV:  19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;  20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;  21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:  22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “《☆ThE C00L B0Y★》” (Level 6 with 10,873 points, a member since May 03, 2013) posted the following:


Why won't God talk to us like he used to talk to people in the ancient times?



THE GOLDEN ARROW:  These words the LORD spake unto all your assembly in the mount out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice:  and he added no more. And he wrote them in two tables of stone, and delivered them unto me.  And it came to pass, when ye heard the voice out of the midst of the darkness, (for the mountain did burn with fire,) that ye came near unto me, even all the heads of your tribes, and your elders;  And ye said, Behold, the LORD our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire:  we have seen this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth.  Now therefore why should we die? for this great fire will consume us:  if we hear the voice of the LORD our God any more, then we shall die.  For who is there of all flesh, that hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived?  Go thou near, and hear all that the LORD our God shall say:  and speak thou unto us all that the LORD our God shall speak unto thee; and we will hear it, and do it.  And the LORD heard the voice of your words, when ye spake unto me; and the LORD said unto me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken unto thee:  they have well said all that they have spoken.  O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!  (Deuteronomy 5:  22-29, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  ...Ears That Hear Not? (01/18/2016); To Study the Book of Judges (09/09/2015); The Apocryphal Books? (08/07/2015); Malachi (01/02/2015); Jesus and the Pharisees (07/14/2013); How Could Angels Fall? (07/15/2014); Why A “Spokesperson”? (01/14/2013); No Contradictions? (01/15/2013)


“《☆ThE C00L B0Y★》”, GOD does speak to us now, and is about to speak to you through me; however, you have to be willing to acknowledge that what is here is for you from divinity.  According to the Bible accounts, the “silence of GOD” should be understood on the basis of the most needed messages and sacred revelation to mankind having been completed in the appearance of GOD upon the earth in human form using flesh and “person” as Jesus Christ.  Other aspects of divine process also explain the present dispensation of anointing, endowments, gifts, and tools provided to mankind.  For example, a covenant agreement has been made where divine spokespersons (e.g., apostles, evangelists, priest, prophets) are to be used in place of direct proclamation by divinity that was found to be awesome, overwhelming, and terrifying.  Similarly sacred events (we say, miracles) that suspend natural law and material order often generate doubt, fear, questions, and uncertainty instead of conviction, faith, peace of mind, and stability.  Wrath against sin is a continuing and permanent aspect of divine makeup.  (So to speak, it is a crucial part of what makes GOD eternal and sovereign.  Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Law Giver, and the universe generated through sacred law).  Wrath has been softened and tempered through many mechanisms that include incarnation, judgment, mercy, the withdrawal of approval, communication and sacred gifts as well as requiring men to grow, learn, and wait.  For more than 400 years following Malachi, no prophet serving as Moses did was sent until John the Baptist.  Consider the following Bible verses that have given light to many Christian believers:

(1.)  Genesis 3:  7-9, King James Version (KJV):  7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.  8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day:  and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.  9 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?

(2.)  Deuteronomy 18:  15-17, KJV:  15 The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;  16 According to all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not.  17 And the LORD said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken.  18 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.  19 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.

(3.)  1st Corinthians 12:  27-28, KJV:   27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.  28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Ephesians 4:  11-15, KJV:  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:).  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/02/2015) Silent Wisdom?

Today, Scripture points are shared on the wisdom shown by silently learning, listening, and taking action to serve divinity.  Plainly spoken, some people talk too much creating confusion and without building up godly understanding.  Often this is because they speak from anger, fear, ignorance, malice, or uncertainty.  The followers of Jesus Christ are to joyfully proclaim the Gospel, share testimony and witness while avoiding sins committed through speech such as falsely accusing others, complaining, gossip, lying, rumor-mongering, slander, and tale-bearing.  Readers should consider the following verses from the Bible, and the comments below:  Isaiah 8:  20, King James Version (KJV):  20 To the law and to the testimony:  if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.  Also, James 1:  18-20, KJV:  18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.  19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:  20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.  Matthew 12:  35-37, KJV:  35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things:  and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.  36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.  37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.  The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “abdul” (Level 1 (points not shown), a member since May 12, 2015) posted the following:


Why does a fool is considered wise if he or she remains silent?

Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding. - Proverbs 17:28


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:  But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.  Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.  Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.  Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?  Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.  Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.  But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.  This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.  For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.  But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.  And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.  (James 3:  7-18, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  On Saying the Truth? (12/18/2014); What is Truth? (12/19/2014); The Gift of Meekness (11/25/2014); Concerning Meekness (11/26/2014); Freedom of Foul Speech? (09/10/2014); Dating and Worship? (09/11/2014); The Point of Wisdom? (07/05/2014)


“abdul”, even among Christian believers there are multiple names given to the practice of silence (e.g., modesty, circumspection, piety, prudence, self-control, self-discipline, restraint).  Silence is associated with devotion, love, and peace, the outcome of divine judgment (i.e., assigning value in light of divine purpose; resolving conflict and settling disputes through sacred law).  To reach the highest levels of sacred knowledge, a believer must acquire meekness (i.e., receptiveness; readiness and willingness to respond to guidance, instruction, and prompting by the Spirit imparted to them from GOD).  Conviction, humility, respect and reverence may be shown through silence.  Just as athletes who are members of a team all must accept direction (we say, be “coachable”), disciples and followers of the Lord must be “teachable”.   Full acceptance of Christ means embracing dependence upon divinity, and applying discernment (i.e., using ones own spirit content as a standard to recognize divine presence in events, messages, other persons, practices, etc.) as well as emptying oneself of things from the world to be filled with things from GOD.  Consider again the following points from the Bible:

(1.)   Ecclesiastes 5:  1-3, KJV:  1 Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools:  for they consider not that they do evil.  2 Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God:  for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth:  therefore let thy words be few.  3 For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool’s voice is known by multitude of words.

(2.)  Proverbs 18:  21, KJV:  21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue:  and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

(3.)  Proverbs 10:  18-20, KJV:  18 He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.  19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin:  but he that refraineth his lips is wise.  20 The tongue of the just is as choice silver:  the heart of the wicked is little worth.

(4.)  Psalms 31:  17-19, KJV:  17 Let me not be ashamed, O LORD; for I have called upon thee:  let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave.  18 Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.  19 Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!

There are many other verses that should be carefully considered, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  Habakkuk 2:  19-20, KJV:  19 Woe unto him that saith to the wood, Awake; to the dumb stone, Arise, it shall teach! Behold, it is laid over with gold and silver, and there is no breath at all in the midst of it.  20 But the LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

 
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/19/2015) Eden’s Second Chance?

Further thoughts are shared, today, on the processes of divine prophecy, salvation, trust, and the coming of Christ.  The works of separation in harvest are for the wheat and the tares as well as for the wheat and the chaff.  The task of making response to those who harass your ministry must be carefully done.  On the one hand, your goal is to cut them off absolutely and decisively; to turn them away once and for all so that they never return.  On the other hand, your duty is to respond with substance from the Holy Spirit, as many times as they shall repent (demonstrated in their coming back, again).  Just as children often are hesitant to approach their parents after chastisement, punishment and rebuke, believers, investigators and those seeking GOD often shrink from further effort once challenged, embarrassed, or “put down.”  Following the example given by divinity, the wise parent is alert to recognize and respond to apologies, repentance and sorrowing for error that appears  silently expressed through changed behavior, perseverance, and renewed effort.  Consider again the following from the Bible, where the question, “When?” is answered in a way that conclusively satisfies and seals those Christian believers prepared to receive it.  There the same query has been posed using different words, “wilt thou at this time” and “how long”:   Acts 1:  6-7, King James Version (KJV):  6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?  7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.  Also Revelation 6:  9-11, KJV:  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?  11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.  Moreover, we have:  Ecclesiastes 12:  13-14, KJV:  Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:  Fear God, and keep his commandments:  For his is the whole duty of man.  14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.  “wirelessguru1” again commented on (10/16/2015) Christ Coming Soon? and was answered with the following:


“wirelessguru1”                      Fanatic, what does “due time” mean!?
..and encourage by what!!!???


THE BLACK PHOENIX     “Brow” (I‘m sure you won’t mind when I call you that for short), be encouraged that someone cares enough to respond to you at all.  You are still “asking” without sharing.  Try this:  say what it means to your faith, then ask for clarification or correction of what others share with you.  That is how one  avoids the impression of being an empty vessel (one having no spirit content from Christ), and further welcomes the deepest, purest truth that others feel they have.  Consider again:  1st John 4:  6, King James Version (KJV):  6 We are of God.  he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us:  Hereby know we the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.


THE BATTLE AXE:  Wanting To Know When? (10/18/2015)—Continuing a godly understanding, see with new eyes:  The error of Adam (both the male and female) occurred when a judgment was made (i.e., value was assigned to knowledge) in a way that threatened to destroy continuing intimate relationship with the Creator.  As their Maker, GOD met with the pair demonstrating and revealing the divine character and nature through intimacy and person, not simply by authority and as exalted Being.  The pair were to always exist within a relationship of access, love, respect and trust toward Deity.  While sacred law was in place as the expression of divine will, correct and exhaustive knowledge of the law was not required.  There even was no demand for an  abbreviation of the law as seen with the Decalogue granted to Israel as their platform for covenant relationship.

GOD called, and neither would answer.  The pair could have asked, “When?” regarding the death sentence that was passed upon their denial of Deity and disobedience.  However, the priority of GOD must be seen as having been their recovery and restoration.  Were they to be given a second chance, then and there, what would GOD establish for them?  Followers of Jesus Christ believe, GOD would have made possible the original relationship he intended, one of access, love, respect, and trust.  Generations since then have been allowed to experience “Eden’s second chance.”

It should be no surprise that Adam’s response of distrust, fear and hiding among the things of the world (i.e., the Garden) is not correct for those who come to Christ.  Only with open confession, contrition, remorse and repentance may the divine operations of atonement, forgiveness, rebirth, and sanctification set up the full transformation that must occur—even the change from mortality to immortality and incorruption at the harvesting of the earth by Jesus Christ

The sacred process of establishing a church that we see in the Savior (from beginning to end, i.e., incarnation not impregnation, birth, death, resurrection, ascension) is to encourage more than an intellectual  awareness that GOD exists, or to draw men by curiosity as Moses was drawn.  Also, we are not speaking of a work through persuasion, and reasoning with philosophy or science.  The access to divinity now provided pertains to the content and makeup of mankind, that can only be altered for eternal purposes through rebirth, revelation, spiritual growth, and perfecting by the Holy Spirit.

In no way does a second chance mean going back to “business as usual”,  to “do as you please” or to “forget about it.”  There is to be permanent and irreversible change whereby GOD will be glorified, honored, known, and praised throughout the earth.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write:  and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.  And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven,  And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:  But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.  (Revelation 10:  4-7, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Christ Coming Soon? (10/16/2015); How To Measure Spiritual Progress?  (04/19/2015); Carnal Needs, Sacred Tools? (03/26/2015); GOD Is A Spirit (12/07/2014); The Mystery of His Appearing (12/08/2014); Like a Thief? (12/01/2013); Only While We Live? (12/02/2013)
 

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, the eternal development of mankind may occur through the framework of time.  Yet, to focus upon time would be an error.  Similarly, we speak of trust as that aspect brought to relationship by created beings and living creatures, instead of saying faith, because the one is carnal, and appears by the flesh and self-will (some say, volition); the other is spiritual and abides through divinity.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
 Washington, DC

(03/31/2015) Addressed by the Spirit, Not the Letter?

Today, points are shared on whether bestiality and other sexual practices were endorsed by Jesus Christ through “silence”.  Believers understand that the earthly ministry of Jesus was carried out as the proclamation and fulfillment of divine promises and recorded prophecy, rather than a teaching of Mosaic covenant and its demands.  Even so, Jesus promoted the law as legitimate and eternal.  Consider again:  Jeremiah 31:  33-36, KJV:  But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.  And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD:  for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD:  for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.  Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is his name:  If those ordinances depart from before me, saith the LORD, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever.  Also recall, Matthew 5:  17-19, KJV:  Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets:  I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.  For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.  Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven:  but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “James 1:1” (Level 2 with 754 points, a member since November 27, 2014) posted the following thrust:


Did Jesus, by not addressing these subjects, okay men having sex with men, and people having sex with animals.?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.  What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.  But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.  Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.  What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?  For ye are bought with a price:  therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.  (1st Corinthians 6:  15-20, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Human Law, Divine Favor? (03/23/2015); Condemned by the Church? (08/19/2014); Principles of Correct Belief? (08/20/2014); Recognizing Divine Wrath? (02/26/2014); Angels, Law and Sin (10/18/2013); Animals Do Not Sin? (09/29/2013); GOD is Acknowledging (09/30/2013); Law in Christian Belief? (09/03/2013); A Need to Know? (09/04/2013); The Spirit by Measure (09/22/2012); A Man in Heaven? (09/23/2012)


“James 1: 1”, here are a few points that have released many Christian believers from spiritual error:

(1.)  The Gospel is a complete teaching that has come forth as a revealing of divinity and Deity.  In place of a developed code of covenant law with ordinances, statutes and judicial decisions applied and enforced as our standard (we may say, the letter of the law), Christian believers have received an imparted spirit that operates through precepts, principles, prophecy, and spiritual imperatives (i.e., accountability, duty and requirements enjoined by ones own content from divinity).  Therefore, new life for the believer will express unchanging divine intent and eternal purpose.

Saying this another way:  (2.)  Hosea 6:  6, KJV:  For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

(3.)  Matthew 9:  13, KJV:  But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice:  for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

(4.)  Matthew 22:  36-40 KJV:  Master, which is the great commandment in the law?  Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.  This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.  On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

(5.)  Romans 13:  8-10 KJV:  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.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood.  For example, (6.)  Romans 8:  9, KJV:  But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.  Love has spoken.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/19/2014) What is Truth?

Today, there is more on the process of GOD for communicating sacred knowledge and divine truth.  Through operations of the Holy Spirit, insight and understanding within believers are often apprehended through actions, silence, and without human utterance.  For many Christian believers, the most difficult part of following the Lord is having to always speak the truth in ones daily life.  There is the constant challenge that ones actions should establish ones truth.  In fact, however, ones private concerns and personal truth as an individual are not always relevant.  Worship is the acknowledgment of divinity and sacred truth with and without ceremony, ritual, and tradition.  Believers are to speak divine truth.  All have been called (i.e., recruited, anointed, equipped) to perform specific priestly duties—to preach the Gospel, and to manifest divinity through their own endowment of the imparted, indwelling Spirit.  Until believers become balanced, consistent, focused, and stable (we say, mature), many display conflict and self-contradiction, because they seek to “manage” and portion out both sacred and secular truth.  Saying this another way:  Until there is harmony and unity for ones personal and sacred truth there can be no ministry to others that bears fruit as acceptance, respect, trust, and understanding of Christ.  There will always be imbalance, inconsistency, inefficiency, and wastefulness.  All truth pertains to divinity having actuality, existence, judgment, permanence, possibility, probability, and active presence.  Truth is emanated from and manifest within the fullness of GODhead as utterance (we say, breath, life, light, Spirit, and Word) and may be experienced within created beings and living creatures through awareness.  Mankind must hear (i.e., consume; internalize; correctly perceive) the spirit content, function, nature and eternal purposes that are truth from GOD.  In the same way the form for Adam that was made from dust received the breath of life at Creation, divinity continues to be deposited into the living, and operates within their consciousness through such features as commandments, dreams, fulfillment of intent, sacred law, praise, divine proclamations, promises, prophecy, psalms, eternal purpose, and discursive thought.  Truth is to be declared and revealed as present through confession, love, obedience, preaching, and righteousness.  Truth itself exists and operates as an aspect of eternal divinity.  Even so, for many, applying, responding to, and correctly valuing the truth requires multiple operations of finite self-will (e.g., acceptance, analysis, belief, choice, comparison, contrast, investigation, reflection, mathematics, philosophy, and science).  A simple yet profound condition is in effect:  without the provisions from GOD, the living are blind, deceived, deluded, and ignorant.  Divinity and truth must be understood as the intrinsic part of ones own makeup and person that permits discernment of the Holy.  Thus, it is cataclysmic that divine truth often appears as alien, confusing, destructive, foreign, hostile, malicious, recently made, restricting, strange, overwhelming, questionable, and unfamiliar.  Those who despise divine truth do so because sacred truth does not endorse covetousness, envy, excuse-making, pride, presumption, self-justification, or self-promotion before GOD.

THE BATTLE AXE:  On Saying the Truth? (12/18/2014)

Habakkuk 1:  2-4, KJV—O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save!  3 Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence are before me:  and there are that raise up strife and contention.  4 Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth:  for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth.

Titus 1:  15-16, KJV—Unto the pure all things are pure:  but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.  16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

Hosea 4:  1-3, KJV—Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel:  for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.  2 By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood.  3 Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away.

Psalms 144:  7-9, KJV—Send thine hand from above; rid me, and deliver me out of great waters, from the hand of strange children;  8 Whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood.  9 I will sing a new song unto thee, O God:  upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee.

Proverbs 22:  20-21, KJV—Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,  21 That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?

Psalms 119:  117-119, KJV—Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe:  and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.  118 Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes:  for their deceit is falsehood.  119 Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross:  therefore I love thy testimonies.

Isaiah 28:  15-18, KJV—Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us:  for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves:  16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation:  he that believeth shall not make haste.  17 Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet:  and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.  18 And your covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with hell shall not stand; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then ye shall be trodden down by it.

Jeremiah 13:  22-26, KJV—And if thou say in thine heart, Wherefore come these things upon me? For the greatness of thine iniquity are thy skirts discovered, and thy heels made bare.  23 Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil.  24 Therefore will I scatter them as the stubble that passeth away by the wind of the wilderness.  25 This is thy lot, the portion of thy measures from me, saith the LORD; because thou hast forgotten me, and trusted in falsehood.  26 Therefore will I discover thy skirts upon thy face, that thy shame may appear.

Hosea 7:  1-3, KJV—When I would have healed Israel, then the iniquity of Ephraim was discovered, and the wickedness of Samaria:  for they commit falsehood; and the thief cometh in, and the troop of robbers spoileth without.  2 And they consider not in their hearts that I remember all their wickedness:  now their own doings have beset them about; they are before my face.  3 They make the king glad with their wickedness, and the princes with their lies.

Psalms 30:  7-12, KJV—LORD, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong:  thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled.  8 I cried to thee, O LORD; and unto the LORD I made supplication.  9 What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth?  10 Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me:  LORD, be thou my helper.  11 Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing:  thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;  12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.

John 1:  1-5, KJV—In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  2 The same was in the beginning with God.  3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.  4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.  5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

John 18:  37-39, KJV—Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.  38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.  39 But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover:  will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews?

John 1:  11-14, KJV—He came unto his own, and his own received him not.  12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:  13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.  14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Luke 1:  68-70, KJV—Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:

Psalms 138:  1-3, KJV—I will praise thee with my whole heart:  before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.  2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth:  for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.  3 In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.

Psalms 33:  3-6, KJV—Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.  4 For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.  5 He loveth righteousness and judgment:  the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.  6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.

Psalms 86:  8-15, KJV—Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O LORD; neither are there any works like unto thy works.  9 All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name.  10 For thou art great, and doest wondrous things:  thou art God alone.  11 Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth:  unite my heart to fear thy name.  12 I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart:  and I will glorify thy name for evermore.  13 For great is thy mercy toward me:  and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell.  14 O God, the proud are risen against me, and the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul; and have not set thee before them.  15 But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.

John 14:  1-7, KJV—Let not your heart be troubled:  ye believe in God, believe also in me.  2 In my Father’s house are many mansions:  if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.  4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.  5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?  6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:  no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.  7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also:  and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

John 8:  31-38, KJV—Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;  32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.  33 They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man:  how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?  34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.  35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever:  but the Son abideth ever.  36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.  37 I know that ye are Abraham’s seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.  38 I speak that which I have seen with my Father:  and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.

John 9:  35-41, KJV—Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?  36 He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?  37 And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee.  38 And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.  39 And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.  40 And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also?  41 Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin:  but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.

John 8:  39-47, KJV—They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham.  40 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God:  this did not Abraham.  41 Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.  42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me:  for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.  43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.  44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own:  for he is a liar, and the father of it.  45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.  46 Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?  47 He that is of God heareth God’s words:  ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.

John 11:  18-27, KJV—Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off:  19 And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.  20 Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him:  but Mary sat still in the house.  21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.  22 But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.  23 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.  24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.  25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life:  he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:  26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?  27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord:  I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

1st John 2:  1-6, KJV—My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:  2 And he is the propitiation for our sins:  and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.  3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.  4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.  5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected:  hereby know we that we are in him.  6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

Ephesians 1:  9-14, KJV—Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:  10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:  11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:  12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.  13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation:  in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,  14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

John 17:  6-14, KJV—I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world:  thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.  7 Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee.  8 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.  9 I pray for them:  I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.  10 And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.  11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.  12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name:  those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.  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.

John 17:  15-23, KJV—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:  23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

Romans 10:  11-18, KJV—For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.  12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek:  for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.  13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.  14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?  15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!  16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?  17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.  18 But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.

2nd Corinthians 6:  1-10, KJV—We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.  2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee:  behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)  3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:  4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,  5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;  6 By pureness, by knowledge, by long suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,  7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,  8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report:  as deceivers, and yet true;  9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;  10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

John 16:  12-14, KJV—I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.  13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth:  for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak:  and he will shew you things to come.  14 He shall glorify me:  for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

Psalms 119:  150-152, KJV—They draw nigh that follow after mischief:  they are far from thy law.  151 Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth.  152 Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.

Philippians 1:  15-17, KJV—Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:  16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:  17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.

2nd Thessalonians 3:  1-3, KJV—Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:  2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men:  for all men have not faith.  3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

1st Corinthians 2:  9-14, KJV—But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.  10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit:  for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.  11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.  12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.  13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.  14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God:  for they are foolishness unto him:  neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

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