(09/23/2016) The Witness of Conscience

Today, focus is upon conscience as an expression from the flesh and the World, rather than divine Spirit.  At one time, conscience was widely understood to be like artistry and talent, a gift given a person by GOD.  Conscience appeared as an operation of law detecting and exposing sin, making challenge as an accuser, and delivering correction and punishment in the form of despair and unending mental anguish.  Many in modern society are startled and disheartened knowing there are those among us who repeatedly show anger, aggressive and “hard-core” attitudes (the young say, gangsta), bitterness, enmity, frigidity, hostility, indifference to the suffering of others, lack of love, rage, self-destructiveness, and mindless violence.  Impenitent sinners, having exaggerated pride and refusing to show remorse or sorrow for sin, seem to be multiplying.  Their behavior and conduct shows no respect to law, to life, to judgment, to forgiveness, to kindness, or to love.  Because they are increasingly labeled as inhuman, monsters, psychopaths, and sociopaths, it often seems acceptable to say such sinners are “dead” in sin, can not be raised or restored, and will never be saved since they have no remaining scrap of conscience or humanity.  Yet, these are the ones who would benefit most through being “born again.”  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Bobby” (Level 1 with 1 point, a member since March 10, 2012) posted the following:

How can people not believe in God when our consciences testify to his existence?

Our conscience is like a fire alarm. It tells us when we are violating God's law. It can make us feel terrible, because that is God's way of warning us when we are in trouble.

How can someone ignore that and then insist that everything happened by chance and as such, morality is purely a societal construct?

It's like saying that a building just formed by chance and natural processes, instead of intelligence!

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:  How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?  And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.  (Hebrews 9:  13-15, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Spirit Process not Feelings? (09/21/2016); Judgment Focused On Content? (08/30/2016); Boasting In The Lord (08/19/2016); Where Society Is Headed? (01/11/2016); In Times of Progress? (12/21/2015); Punishment To Show Love? (11/29/2015); Sin in Mind not Deed? (01/06/2014)

“Bobby”, here are some thoughts I’d like to share:  As an emotional and psychological aspect of ones awareness (we may say, the flesh), conscience and self-will may be dominated by the operations of sin.  Conscience, that many take to be an inner standard that tells us right and wrong, may be the origin and source for our feelings and sense of condemnation, disgrace, embarrassment, guilt, and shame.  Thus, the testimony and witness of conscience can be more akin to the products of flesh and mind than to those from (we say, the fruit of) the imparted, indwelling spirit of GOD.  Therefore, for Christian believers, conscience is not a “thorn in the flesh” that reveals divine grace and the active presence of divinity, nor is conscience a device that increases sacred knowledge, and establishes eternal purpose. 

Conscience appears as if a complex and higher order response in created beings and living creatures because there is always a three-fold mix of emotional, intellectual and mental responses that persist, recur, and linger.  The mechanism of conscience appears to be a cycle wherein feeling triggers thoughts, followed by thoughts that repeatedly trigger the previous feelings.  Where conscience becomes corrupted, loses its forcefulness, and becomes unfocused, it does not operate as prophecy to comfort, edify (build up), and exhort (command immediate action; excite believers to “stir up the gifts”).  More than this, conscience may become seared.  (When fire (i.e., judgment) is used to cauterize (close) a person’s deep and unseen wounds, so to speak, a seal is created that stops the bleeding.  However, the seal that no longer allows anything out from the wound, also no longer allows anything in.  Thus, many are “ever learning,” yet, never coming to the knowledge of the truth.)

To the extent conscience in modern society may be seen as a result of carnal, material, and social elements, what we experience as being matters of “conscience” (or not) can be determined by such features as corporate advertising, gossip, politics, popular culture, government propaganda, slander, and even the “charm” and panache of criminal and nonconformist personality (bad boyz!).  Consider again the admonitions, examples, and how some of this is stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)  1st 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.)  Titus 1:  15-16, KJV:  15 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.

(3.)  1st Timothy 1:  3-7, KJV:  3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,  4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith:  so do.  5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:  6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;  7 Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.

(4.)  1st Timothy 1:  18-20, KJV:  18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;  19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:  20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.  

There is far more to be said, carefully examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  Romans 8:  5-9, KJV:  5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.  6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God:  for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.  9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(07/10/2016) Cultural, Political, Spiritual Growth?

Today, points are shared on how America and all its people must undergo continuous change that appears as development, learning, and growth.  As we receive correction, those of us who are wise also change.  With their people, nations rise or fall by responding to challenges, issues, and obstacles against their various routines for daily living.  A commonwealth or state must have at its core commitment to life, peace, progress and stability.  The justice of GOD as well as diversity, flexibility, integrity, and variety then can be seen as benefits that enrich the shared quality of life throughout the entire community.  For mature Christian believers, growth to full citizenship means embracing the best and highest values of an America that also gradually changes.  Commitment to the Nation is a further expression of agreement with the doctrine and teachings of the faith:  None of us are completely matured and spiritually perfected, yet; and we are to encourage, nourish, be patient with, and protect one another.  The gradual revelation of divine righteousness and truth call the living into accepting permanent and irreversible changes.  At the coming of Jesus to harvest those who are “ripe” from the earth the present ongoing transformation will be completed—in the twinkling of an eye.  Areas that now should display divine alteration, improvements, and increase include awareness of divine intent, commitment to eternal purposes, holy boldness, longsuffering, meekness, sacred knowledge, self discipline and self restraint.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Bobby” (Level 1 with 1 point, a member since March 10, 2012) posted the following:

Obama thinks that I'm a bitter religious fanatic because I believe that men should go to the men's restroom and women to the women's?

Isn't it sad how much society has DEGENERATED that this is now controversial?

When I was a kid it wasn't!

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For the LORD hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God.  For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee.  In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.  For this is as the waters of Noah unto me:  for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee.  For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.  O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.  And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones.  And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.  In righteousness shalt thou be established:  thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear:  and from terror; for it shall not come near thee.  Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me:  whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake.  Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy.  No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.  (Isaiah 54:  6-17, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Once We Know Better? (07/01/2016); Natural and Spiritual Law? (06/30/2016); About Other People's Beliefs (06/22/2016); The Cross and Arbitrary Differences (06/17/2016); Sodom and Gomorrah Again? (05/30/2016); Where Society Is Headed? (01/11/2016); One Faith, One Lord? (09/26/2014); Healing is By Relationship? (09/27/2014)

“Bobby”, society has not degenerated so much as we have acquired greater secular knowledge, and are now being challenged to respond to issues and other Americans who have been ignored, overlooked, and rejected, yet, were calling for acknowledgment all the time.  Just as a child may receive status as a Christian by inheritance (i.e., by being born to Christian parents) and by their own water baptism that depicts death and burial of their inborn spirit, and rebirth from divine DNA, most of us are born into status as Americans.  Despite our being acknowledged as citizens, while we are minor children we are without full understanding of the cultural heritage, guiding principles, political process, and provisions by law that distinguish our Nation.  As surely as children must experience growth of their physical bodies and their inner spirit content, they also must acquire mature (i.e., balanced, complete, consistent, effective, productive, stable) understandings of the major ideas and values for prosperity, success, and survival within their family, their home, the larger society, and the world. 

Since the beginnings of our Nation, all Americans have not had the same depth and level of access, knowledge, or participation, regarding Democracy, civil rights, franchise, taxation, the three branches of America’s government, or voting rights.  There were many passionate debates and exchanges with adjustments in ones perception and position that finally resulted in the Declaration of Independence.  A goal was set and put into place that described achieving an ideal or perfect State; and, in effect, it was agreed, we may not make it, but our time won’t be wasted if we try (another leader of a revolution is credited with something similar, The journey of a thousand miles begins with one small step….). 

There is far more that could be said, must be carefully examined, and spiritually understood.  (For example, in the Bible, King Solomon complains that unfair and unfruitful aspects of life never seem to change, and there is nothing new under the sun.  In the course of meeting challenges to our continued existence, Americans at every economic, educational, emotional, psychological, and social level have had to learn, grow, and accept change.  America operates as though a living entity, and therefore, we may describe the Nation as being dynamic, empathetic, forward-looking, full of surprises, organic, and proactive.  From its beginnings America has included Africans, Christians, Europeans, immigrants, Indigenous Peoples, Latinos, migrants, non-Christians, the poor, the wealthy, and those struggling with the common “growing pains” of personal development that include sexual appetite, sexual identity, and sexual preference.  Where America will continue to be an expression of life, rather than death, America must also be careful to nourish righteousness, and the Spirit of Truth.)  Even so, I am sure this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/11/2016) Where Society Is Headed?

How Christians evaluate and judge the modern world comes into view with the human predicament, today.  It is a sin to despair of salvation.  The casual speaking of condemnation against others, our shared communities, or the many nations does not come to Christian believers as a benefit from Jesus and the cross.  Believers are those who have been taken out (we say, set apart for service to GOD; sanctified) while still upon the earth, and in the world.  Efforts to make changes that benefit oneself and others are not to be condemned, or hysterically forbidden; yet, both complaining (murmuring) and arbitrary, ungodly, and random changes that challenge divine order are described in Scripture as calamity, evil, and foolishness.  Readers are encouraged to consider the attitude and outlook of those chosen and elect as determined by such Bible verses as the following along with the presentation below: 

Deuteronomy 28:  45-48, King James Version (KJV):  45 Moreover all these curses shall come upon thee, and shall pursue thee, and overtake thee, till thou be destroyed; because thou hearkenedst not unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which he commanded thee:  46 And they shall be upon thee for a sign and for a wonder, and upon thy seed for ever.  47 Because thou servedst not the LORD thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things;  48 Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies which the LORD shall send against thee, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of all things:  and he shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, until he have destroyed thee.  

Isaiah 61:  10-11, KJV:  10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.  11 For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations. 

1st Corinthians 10:  13, KJV:  13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man:  but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Romans 8:  27-29, KJV:  27 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.  28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

John 17:  14-19, KJV:  14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.  15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.  16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.  17 Sanctify them through thy truth:  thy word is truth.  18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.  19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. 

One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “Anonymous” (required profile information not shared) posted the following:


Where is a society heading that pays millions for people to sing and dance while others starve, now creating robots?

where people suffer, if the priorities of the world are all wrong, I guess I will see you at the tribulation soon?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.  And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof:  but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.    (1st John 2:  15-17, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  One Faith, One Lord? (09/26/2014); Healing is By Relationship? (09/27/2014); Mankind Destroyed? (01/24/2014); What Salvation Is (01/25/2014); GOD Angry With Us? (12/08/2013); So We Could Have Life? (12/09/2013); Can One Escape? (09/18/2013); Gentiles and the Law? (09/19/2013); Illusion? (04/25/2013); Not of Legal Age? (04/26/2013)


“Anonymous”, as surely as two men may be in the same conversation, and have two different outlooks on life—have the same job and pay, yet not have the same sense of accomplishment and satisfaction; both be married, yet, not feel the same fulfillment—among Christians (and other believers) there may be deep and continuing differences regarding the quality of life, the closeness of their relationship with GOD, and the meaning and message to be seen in current events.  Even so, for there to be order, peace, security and stability, all are to acknowledge a shared set of proclamations, promises, and prophecies describing the needs of mankind, the provisions from divinity, and the ongoing divine process for salvation, renewal, repentance, and rebirth.  Our different belief systems also generate detailed definitions and practices for valuing one another and the general society.  Not so strangely, many are drawn to systems that emerge through human error or weakness, where foremost in their concept of liberty is the freedom to express anger, bitterness, despair, fear, malice, suspicion, and regret.  They may see themselves powerless and trapped in circumstances and conditions that will only be changed or moved by their own human substance, violence, or will power.  In most instances, believers are sophisticated and intellectual enough to recognize that sacred knowledge and consciousness of things within the realm of spirit, require their careful use of other abilities, approaches, and skills than those merely for expressing confusion, disappointment, distrust and disgust.  Consider again the following from the holy writings:

(1.)  1st Peter 2:  13-17, King James Version (KJV):  13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;  14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.  15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:  16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.  17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

(2.)  1st Peter 2:  6-10, KJV:  6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious:  and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.  7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious:  but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,  8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient:  whereunto also they were appointed.  9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;  10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God:  which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

(3.)  Titus 2:  11-15, KJV:  11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,  12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;  13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;  14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.  15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

There are many other verses that should be carefully examined, correctly understood, and applied as power against error.  (For example, (4.)  Revelation 21:  7-8, KJV:  7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.  8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone:  which is the second death.)  Even so, I trust these fragments will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(09/26/2014) One Faith, One Lord?

Church attendance, cultural practices, and racial differences among congregations are the topics, today.  A “Yahoo! Answers” fighter using the ID “Keith” (Level 7 with 25,811 points, a member since September 16, 2013) posted the following:


Christians: Why attend Black church or white church:?

Segregation on a Sunday morning?

WWJD and does it matter?

Update : The reason I asked, is based on a comment recently, by a so-called Christian, that the black churches are loud and different to the quieter churches, found it offensive personally. Since we should not criticize others based on what we do not understand or based on bias--viewed as being un-Christlike!


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;  One Lord, one faith, one baptism,  One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.  But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.  (Ephesians 4:  4-7, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Sin of Pride? (08/13/2014); Choosing a Church? (05/31/2014); Church is Good? (06/15/2013); Feeling Loved By GOD? (06/16/2013); A Spirit Church? (04/04/2013); My Brother’s Keeper (04/05/2013); Issues for Children’s Church? (04/06/2013); Attending Church? (11/12/2012); A Holy Kiss? (11/13/2012); Escape from Racism (10/24/2012); Christians Who Ignore GOD’s Laws (10/25/2012)


“Keith”, here are a few points important to spiritual growth and participation in communities of faith that may be useful:

(1.)  Christian believers are called to become “new creatures” on the basis of their fellowship with other believers, their daily lifestyle, their intimate communication with GOD (we say, prayer life), their sacred knowledge, and their content of divinity received by baptism (i.e, death of ones inborn spirit, rebirth containing spirit substance from the makeup of GOD).  For that reason, many embrace openness and racial integration as a “no brainer.”  Ethnic lines and barriers are erased through communion and sharing.

(2.)  Church attendance is a sacred practice (some say, sacrament) that permit’s the acknowledgment, increase, and nourishment of a believers spirit content.  Church attendance is at once a duty, and a privilege.  Believers are further cleansed, corrected and supplied for service to GOD.

(3.)  The church founded by Jesus Christ is not intended to answer all the carnal, emotional, material, and social features of life in the earth, so much as to establish a spiritual foundation that generates inner awareness, control and discipline for the ongoing management of ones life.  Although believers are born again, they must all “grow up” again, and endure the same “growing pains” that challenge everyone who lives in the earth.  On the surface, experiencing faith through our families, with peers, and in our living communities seems to be only a matter of convenience, cultural arrogance, remaining within ones “comfort zone,” errors of ethnic pride, and self-promotion.  However, removing the many obstacles to trust toward GOD are an essential feature for endurance, growth, shared communication, and effective service to GOD.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Spiritual redemption, perfection, salvation, and sanctification are not a result of social exchange and interaction.  Divine process must be continued by the Spirit of GOD that alters and permanently transforms the believer, who must be made immortal and incorruptible to have place as an eternal companion to divinity.  Properly discerned (i.e., recognized and responded to in terms of ones own spirit content), the differences in expression among congregations pertain to their needs and provisions.  A long-standing imbalance for economic, educational, political, and other opportunities has been in place between blacks and whites around the world for thousands of years.  Thus, the existing damage imposed by finite beings upon one another through the operations of self-will, sin and ungodliness will likely be eliminated only through the coming of Christ to govern the earth as Messiah—the Second Coming.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(04/25/2013) Illusion?

      The World as a unique belief system is the topic today; also there is more on preachers quoting Scripture during their prayers. With regard to the Internet as a public forum, I’ve been specially pressed to share some of my thoughts in today’s presentation as a response to several comments upon recent postings. Writers “wirelessguru1” and “beelzebob” (that I first took to be Beelzebub—the fallen prince of devils defeated and sealed at the Cross by Jesus Christ—and resisted calling “beelzeboob”) in effect, offered to save me from my salvation in Christ, and release me from a state of gross delusion like that described in the Matrix series of Academy Award winning films (that introduced the “bullet” cinema filming techniques.) They have not heard me moaning and groaning, or complaining against the new life; and it must be their own sad experience of something other than Jesus that is fuelling their discontent. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Mr S The Goon” (Level 1 with 44 points, a member since April 22, 2013) posted the following:


Is life as we see it an illusion?

Are we just existing in a reality that society has created for us?


THE BATTLE AXE: Quoting Scripture to GOD? (04/24/2013)—(6.) The holy writings are understood to provide a vocabulary of sacred events, a shared language and shared truth that have been specially fit together and patterned by GOD to permit believers access to the Holy as shared awareness. As a common focus for GOD and mankind, the Scriptures are a necessary bridge over the fixed gulf of carnal and finite being. See 2nd Timothy 2: 15-16, 2nd Timothy 4: 1-5, 2nd Peter 1: 2-9 and 2nd Peter 1: 16-21, King James Version.


THE GOLDEN ARROW: Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (1st John 2: 15-17, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Science and the Laws of Nature? (03/23/2013); How To Love GOD? (03/24/2013); What is Reality (a.k.a. Truth)? (09/29/2012); Divine Self-Sacrifice? (09/30/2012); The Right Religion (03/25/2012); Mixing Islam and Christianity? (03/26/2012); Mankind’s World (11/20/2010); For Our Sins? (11/21/2010); Two Wisdoms? (10/12/2010); Why Sacrifice? (10/13/2010)

    
     Mr S The Goon, here are some ideas from a mature Christian believer that many have found useful for overcoming spiritual confusion. Often the problem is not with life or truth, it’s with our failure to accept and correctly understand it:

(1.) A belief system is a closed set of definitions, explanations and values that describe reality, and fosters a sense of control and wholeness for those operating within the limits that are put into place by the unique terms of the system. A believer may not go outside of the system for answers, correction, guidance, or inspiration; must not rely upon altered versions, fragments, mutations or partial presentations of the full system; must not introduce material from alternative and opposing systems that would contaminate, defile and profane their beliefs; and must trust that the system they commit themselves to is all-inclusive, authoritative, complete and finished. 
 
(2.) The World System is real, and is a valid source of direction and meaning for human life. Called humanism, secularism, and society, the World provides necessary structure for human exchange, interaction and survival. Included are customs, institutions, language, professions, and traditions that generate rules for our experience of education, family, marriage, politics, science, work life, etc., etc., etc., etc. Mature Christians believe the earth (our physical sphere) is created by GOD, and acknowledge that the World is the creation of mankind.

(3.) In addition to the World, other real systems also foster human understanding of reality. The Flesh system is described by such aspects of experience as appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, sexual craving), sensation (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching), and mental function (e.g., desire, fantasy, forgetting, imagination, thought). Both the Flesh and the World may determine and dictate what one understands as bad/good, deadly/life-giving, real/unreal, right/wrong, and useful/useless.

(4.) The Christian belief system also supplies ideas to describe and maintain human reality. However, in addition to viewing humanity as carnal, emotional, intellectual, physical, psychological and social, Christianity also acknowledges mankind as spiritual. GOD, the Maker of all created beings and living creatures, is a spirit; and has imparted aspects of himself to all Creation.

(5.) Achieving a clear, correct view upon life is very difficult, and requires discipline, focus, and maturity. Truth does not change, however our readiness to accept the truth does. Human living absolutely must go forward as change: we typically grow, increase, and learn. As the process of our living, most humans rely upon discovery, trial-and-error, risk-taking, and vicarious experience (every device available, even clutching at straws), and so there are multiple opportunities and sources for error, and misunderstanding of the truth.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (6.) In the Christian belief system, sin may dominate the awareness of created beings and living creatures, yet, has no influence upon GOD. Sin distorts and skewers human consciousness, and alters the application of self-will. Sin opposes the existence of divine law, divine person, and the entire universe of GOD. Hence, sinners go about to destroy society, and themselves.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC