(03/01/2018) Christian "Thoughts and Prayers"

Today, reply is on the value of “thoughts and prayers” as a response to mass shootings, tragedies, and extreme weather events.  Among Christian believers, many occurrences outside the church and within the general community (i.e., the world) are recognizable as cries for help.  Crisis, emergency, and traumatic events often demand divine intervention, can include clear violations of sacred law, and are properly seen as attacks against divine order.  In spite of issues of disbelief, lack of gratitude, and skepticism, when disaster and terror events turn a spotlight on unmet needs for the ministry of Christ as Risen Lord, it is correct for Christians to apply the same solutions and tools relied on within the congregations and communities of faith.  Outreach may provide expressions of love and support through music ministry, intercessory prayer, prophecy, and selected readings from the holy writings.  Meaningful recovery, treatment, and volunteer efforts will require cooperation and shared focus that also can counteract the increased threats that workers will become overwhelmed by feelings of anger, bitterness, defeat, depression, helplessness, fear, and exaggerated pride.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data appeared) posted the following:


What exactly do "thoughts and prayers" accomplish?

Any time there's a tragedy or mass shooting, social media is plastered by conservative Christians saying "sending thoughts and prayers." What exactly does this do to help the victims?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.  (Philippians 4:  6-8, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  GOD Protects the Faithful (12/19/2017); Storms to Punish America? (09/08/2017); Why Pray For Victims? (06/14/2016); Shot While in Church? (06/18/2015); Saved While in Church? (06/19/2015); Faith for Facing Tragedy? (06/04/2013); Words Spoken By GOD? (06/05/2013); Unless You Repent (03/05/2013); The Childhood of Jesus? (03/06/2013)


“Anonymous”, thoughts and prayers serve to counteract our extreme natural responses such as anger, bitterness, despair, and irrational, mindless violence.  Where people are being courteous and friendly to us during times of bereavement, emotional crisis, and stress, we often fail to realize that their responses to us that are most encouraging and helpful may have been generated by their indwelling spirit imparted from the makeup of GOD.  Christian believers are to operate as incarnations of divinity, spokespersons, and the offspring (sons and daughters) of GOD on the earth who make divinity active and present during times of trouble, and our hours of need.  Sinners who are “born again” experience the death, burial, and resurrection of their inborn spirit, and are to become vessels of divine DNA, so to speak.  As those repenting and returning to GOD, sinners in transition who undergo the permanent changes in rebirth are filled with inseparable sacred substance from the fullness of divinity.  Included are balance, faith, forbearance, holiness, humility, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, respect, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

GOD is not an abstraction, an academic construct, or a human intellectual device; therefore, the sacred work of revelation goes forward to make divinity knowable, known, accessible, and approachable to created beings and living creatures.  Communication, exchange, and interaction (we say, entering into a personal relationship with GOD) are shared through multiple lives and actual members of the full body of Christ, the church.  In addition to shared worship, there are fellowship, marriage, meditation, praise, prayer, study, and unselfish service.  Our shared thoughts and prayers become acceptable gifts, offerings, requests, and sacrifices to GOD when they are presented by Jesus Christ.  Also, Christian believers are to understand that “comfort” along with “edification” and “exhortation” is one of the three works that provide divine disclosure and revelation appearing as aspects of sacred prophecy within the church.

The proclamation of the Gospel (good news) provides truth that is directed against fear, isolation, loneliness, poverty, the operations of sin, and all spiritual confusion.  On surface, the non-worship activities and programs of the church may appear little different from what goes on in community recreation and social centers.  However, the church uses simple things that impart lessons and resources that nonetheless are spiritually profound.  Included are divine assurances, emblems, opportunities to serve, seals, signs, and sacred tokens that express and establish the integrity of GOD.  Survivors, victims, and those still on the battlefield will be encouraged and refreshed when they are not answered by ignorance, blamed, despised, forgotten, ignored, condemned by indifference and silence, or rejected as being unfit.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  2nd Peter 1:  2-4, King James Version (KJV):  2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,  3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:  4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises:  that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

(2.)  Jeremiah 29:  11-13, KJV:  11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.  12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.  13 And ye shall seek me and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

(3.)  1st Thessalonians 4:  13-18, KJV:  13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.  15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.  16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God:  and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air:  and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  2nd Corinthians 7:  1, KJV:  1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/19/2017) GOD Protects the Faithful

The Shepherd David Triumphant (1895) by Elizabeth Jane Gardner

Today, thoughts are shared on David the shepherd boy, divine protection, and sacred process within covenant relationships.  What Christian believers once regarded as their need for divine interventions and protection will become permanently changed, for Christians all are in an ongoing process that transforms their consciousness, and the operations of their self-will.  The full revelation of divinity to mankind requires both that humanity endures suffering and that GOD also suffers incarnate (i.e., using flesh and material form).  In place of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty, born again and developing believers are to abide in the assurances from GOD through his Son, Jesus Christ.  Sacred events (miracles) are hidden amidst the disasters.  Loss, tragedy, and suffering are overcome when properly seen in the light of unchanging principles, sacred promises, and prophecies that are still unfolding.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shown) posted the following:
 


Christians, why does't god/Jesus protect the faithful? and in times of suffering, he suffers with you, but does nothing to really help.?


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.  What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?  He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?  (Romans 8:  26-32, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Continuing A Perpetual Covenant (08/03/2017); What Young People Need? (06/26/2017); The Greatest Weapon? (12/17/2015); GOD is Faithful (12/03/2015); That GOD Is Faithful? (08/31/2015); No Divine Protection? (10/02/2014); His Authority in Judgment? (10/03/2014); Prince of Peace? (07/18/2014)


“Anonymous”, at a time when we have multiple incidents of violence occurring in churches, the revelation from GOD declares that he is faithful; and the focus must be that his created become faithful as well.  When David—the shepherd boy who was anointed by the Prophet Samuel to later reign as king over Israel—was attacked by a lion and by a bear, GOD did not intervene to deliver David by slaying the two beasts for the boy.  So to speak, David was to do for himself what was required, and what he was equipped to do.  David had prepared himself for such a confrontation by practicing long hours to develop accuracy and power with the sling shot, a military weapon of its day.  This skill also would later be used by David in praise to GOD on the battlefield against the giant warrior Goliath.

Where sinners first approach Christ, many are anchored in appetite, lust for material things, carnal reason, and ambition for social standing.  The “mechanical” and routine challenges of life are often thought of as suffering (e.g., bereavement and having to complete mortality; having to buy food repeatedly; paying for shelter by a mortgage or rent; arriving to work on time; keeping ones word in a relationship; having to endure the enmity of friends).  More correctly, Christian believers are to acknowledge that those things are for preparation.  Mankind and other finite, created beings and living creatures are being used by divinity to make the character and substance of GOD knowable, known, accessible, approachable, and even, visible.  It is the integrity of the living to exist as interdependent, self-aware, and separate from GOD by having discrete consciousness, personhood, and self-will (willpower).  

The divine protection most needed by mankind is not against the Adversary (the Devil), for like David, born again and developing believers are all disciplined and equipped for violent confrontations.  Thus, the shield that only GOD may provide includes atonement and propitiation; protection against corruption (decay, defilement, rot) of ones life essence (breath, spirit, Word) imparted from the makeup of GOD; discernment (ability to apply and use ones own spirit content as a standard to recognize and respond to deposits of divine spirit within sacred law, events, oneself, other persons, practices, prophecy, the holy writings, etc.); sacred knowledge in place of secular knowledge that exposes the operations of sin that oppose the continued existence of divine law, the law giver, and the fullness of Creation; and judgment that annuls the second death.

The divine process for mankind is one of transformation that includes resurrection from the dead.  The grace of GOD is to be acknowledged as sufficient for mankind; and the sacred need of the living is more for assurance and sealing, rather than deliverance, protection, and rescue by emergency response teams.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  James 4:  6-8, King James Version (KJV):  6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.  7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

(2.)  Isaiah 54:  17, KJV:  17 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.

(3.)  2nd Corinthians 1:  21-22, KJV:  21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;  22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  John 10:  27-29, KJV:  27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:  28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.  29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(09/08/2017) Storms to Punish America?

THE WRATH OF THE SEAS, Ivan Aivazovsky, 1886

Today, points are shared on storms and weather events as expressions of divine wrath against sin.  Because the Creator is entered into personal relationships we describe as covenants and a new testament in blood, what appear as natural events to correct those who are “born again,” and who now exist as the new creation often are thought to be punishments against sinners and the wicked.  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Blelo” (Level 2 with 395 points, a member since December 24, 2015) posted the following:


Is god PUNISHING Americans with hurricanes?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.  They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.  Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;  But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.  Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.  In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away:  and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back.  Remember Lot’s wife.  Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.  I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.  Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.  Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.  (Luke 17:  26-36, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Existence, Mortality and GOD? (08/31/2017); Mercy to the Merciless? (07/30/2017); Righteousness Exalts A Nation (07/04/2017); On Law and Sin (06/07/2017); Installing The New President (01/20/2017); About Revelation not Punishment? (11/25/2016); Natural and Spiritual Law? (06/30/2016); Punishment To Show Love? (11/29/2015)


“Blelo”, increasingly, mature Christians will agree that, in the same way human events appear as the result of ongoing operations of influences and forces that long have been in effect, yet, have remained unseen, spiritual events appear as the result of ongoing sacred operations and the active presence who is divinity.  It is not necessarily that GOD suddenly becomes angry, interested, or involved; rather, it is that a cosmic and spirit process has been going forward all along.

The GOD we call “our Father” is a god of judgment.  Even so, permanent change for all Creation occurred through acts carried out by operations of human will. 
The first pair (Adam) established brevity, instability, mortality, and suffering as inescapable conditions for human existence.  Thus, it is written, that mankind lives under a “death sentence.”  Where direct fellowship with GOD was to supply guidance, instruction, revelation and all necessary sacred knowledge to mankind, the pair sought divinity and wisdom through rebellion and self-promotion.

A single sacred event may address multiple eternal purposes (e.g., admonition, authentication of prophecy, fulfillment of promise).  The events we call “judgments” and “plagues sent by GOD” appear in accordance with sacred laws, proclamations, and prophecies that reveal the character, makeup, and substance of divinity.  In addition to wrath against sin inseparable aspects of Deity can appear including balance, faithfulness, forbearance, holiness, impartiality, lovingkindness, person, righteousness, and sovereign will.  The same event that displays condemnation and harshness against some, also will display others and a remnant covered and shielded from all harm.  Consider again the following:

(1.)  Exodus 8:  20-23, King James Version (KJV):  20 And the LORD said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh; lo, he cometh forth to the water; and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Let my people go, that they may serve me.  21 Else, if thou wilt not let my people go, behold, I will send swarms of flies upon thee, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people, and into thy houses:  and the houses of the Egyptians shall be full of swarms of flies, and also the ground whereon they are.  22 And I will sever in that day the land of Goshen, in which my people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there; to the end thou mayest know that I am the LORD in the midst of the earth.  23 And I will put a division between my people and thy people:  to morrow shall this sign be.

(2.)  Exodus 34:  4-8, KJV:  4 And he hewed two tables of stone like unto the first; and Moses rose up early in the morning, and went up unto mount Sinai, as the LORD had commanded him, and took in his hand the two tables of stone.  5 And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD.  6 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,  7 Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.  8 And Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped.

(3.)  Zechariah 13:  8-9, KJV:  8 And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein.  9 And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried:  they shall call on my name, and I will hear them:  I will say, It is my people:  and they shall say, The LORD is my God.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Hebrews 12:  3-8, KJV:  3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.  4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.  5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:  6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.  7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?  8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(08/31/2017) Existence, Mortality and GOD?

Today, reply is made on death, the substance of divinity, and Hurricane Harvey.  All divine order proceeds from the existence of divinity.  Continuous and uninterrupted divine order are in place as the context and setting for various objects and events.  Multiple regularities have been described and are identified by mankind as occurring on the basis of natural laws and processes within frameworks of time and space.  Sacred events (we say, miracles), intercession, and the use of divine power are not intended to put an end to, or replace natural law.  Divinity operates with restraint and in accordance with sacred law and standards for spirit substance, rather than the finite standards that emerge from natural law and processes, or those generated by human care and emotion.  Thus, the compassion of GOD in response to human needs and suffering is not the same as the mercy of GOD that can appear during judgment.  Having different meanings, power, and purpose, divine compassion is akin to human emotions and feelings, and like our own, ought not arbitrarily and willfully alter or interrupt human events.  By contrast, mercy pertains to divine events, and is applied when determining outcomes of divine assessments.  Using language from the holy writings, then, the saving of the physical body is called “deliverance” while the saving of the spirit is called “salvation”.  The two may occur at the same time, yet, will continue to be on very different levels.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Pixel” (Level 4 with 3,004 points, a member since June 29, 2016) posted the following:


If Jesus is so great why did he not save the people who died in Houston?

These people died the most horrific death while watching their grandchildren share their tragic and unfortunate fate.

Meanwhile Jesus Christ who loves us all, who watches over us in our time of need, who has all power in the universe, did nothing to prevent the tragedy.

Not a single thing.

Now I'm not trying to insult anyone here, I want to be blunt and point out that this is legitimate observation if you're a believer or not.

Update:  https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/hurric...


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.  And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?  I tell you, Nay:  but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.  Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?  I tell you, Nay:  but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.  (Luke 13:  1-5, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Endurance, Humility and Obedience? (06/04/2017); Shot While in Church? (06/18/2015); Asleep Through the Holocaust? (07/14/2014); Faith for Facing Tragedy? (06/04/2013); Words Spoken By GOD? (06/05/2013); Unless You Repent (03/05/2013); The Childhood of Jesus? (03/06/2013)


“Pixel”, many who ask your question, or others like it are angry, confused, and hurt such that, when they are given the same answer that provides comfort and encouragement from GOD to those who are believers, they are unable to connect and understand.  This is usually because their purpose in posing the question has been to accuse GOD of cruelty, belittle, disrespect, and insult believers, or demonstrate what they suppose is their own knowledge and superiority.  All that must be put aside, and a thoughtful, adult consideration of mature Christian belief must be taken up.  Consider the following points:

(1.)  Where the “greatness of GOD” could be measured alone in how many babies born, how many college graduates, per capita income (that some call prosperity), or how many successful surgeries there have been, the spirit substance, power, and sovereignty that resides within GOD would not be clearly recognized and properly acknowledged.

(2.)  The relationship of the created to the Creator is that of dependency.  Through the revelations to make divinity knowable, known, and “visible” to created beings and living creatures, mankind have been freely given instruction regarding the origins of mortality as a continuing condition for human existence and life.  Sin that opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Law Giver, and all divine order must come into view.  All things that exist do not have life; and many of the processes for life are mechanical and repetitive (e.g., aging, birth, learning, recovery from sickness).  Even so, acknowledging the natural laws and standards that allow life to continue, the living do have some measure of control to determine the extent of their own mortal lives.

(3.)  The true people of GOD, do not complain that they have been challenged by a great storm, that they have lost belongings and property, or that they have lost loved ones now that they knew could otherwise be taken away at any moment.  Believers trust the love of GOD is no less in times of hurt, loss and trouble.  GOD continues as the Supreme Being, and is no less worthy of gratitude, obedience, and respect.  Their understanding includes:  Romans 8:  5-9, King James Version (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.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Christians accept that through the provisions of GOD they can rebuild, recover, and go on to higher heights.  They realize, it is the loss of eternal life, and the final separation from GOD by the second death that is nonnegotiable and irreversible.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(06/14/2016) Why Pray For Victims?

Points are shared, today, on prayer being offered for victims of the recent shooting tragedy in Orlando, FL.  For mature Christian believers who are trusting that, through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood, correction, and truth from the cross are flowing to here and now, the benefit and outcome of prayer to oneself is less the proper focus, and instead the divine intent and work of prayer are to be acknowledged.  Included are comfort, intercession, and revelation.  In the light of abuses and repeated failures in covenant, (i.e., those chosen to cast out covenant-breakers becoming covenant-breakers themselves), believers in GOD upon the earth are no longer to serve as divine armies, cruel instruments, and plagues to punish transgressors of sacred law.  Presumption, exaggerated pride (as opposed to healthy self-esteem), self-promotion, and violence have made mankind unfit as judges.  For those in Christ, Satan and the imperfection of mankind have been removed from divine Judgment:  The followers of Jesus are to show love by restraining from condemnation and punitive judgment (1st Corinthians 4: 5, King James Version (KJV):  5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts:  and then shall every man have praise of God.)  More than this, there will be no accuser when the wicked appear in resurrection.  Satan will have been cast into the Lake of Fire, and their assessment will go forward in keeping with the record of their own deeds from the Books of life.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Stacy” (Level 1 with 20 points, a member since April 22, 2016) posted the following:

Why are people praying for the victims of the recent Orlando shooting?

The Bible is perfectly clear what happens to gays when they die. I'm sorry to say but they are burning in eternal hellfire right now. They were doomed from the start, hopefully other gays repent and leave behind their evil lifestyle. I'm sorry for their parents who are religious and know they will never see their son again, not in this life or the afterlife.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.  Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.  Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:  For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.  Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.  But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.  For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:  For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.  But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.  If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.  Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.  (James 1:  17-27, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  How To Treat Unbelievers? (01/13/2016); The GOD Of All? (01/08/2016); That GOD Is Faithful? (08/31/2015); To Err is Human? (07/24/2015); How GOD Answers Prayer? (01/09/2015); What Salvation Is (01/25/2014); Bible Justice? (01/26/2014); Intercession (12/27/2013); Jesus Is GOD’s Word (12/28/2013)

“Stacy”, there are many points a person would have to  understand regarding another person’s commitment to GOD before it would be completely clear why and how they use prayer to give expression within their continuing relationship to our Creator.  Even so, consider the following:

(1.) The character, nature and substance of the GOD you serve is revealed to others by your prayers, service and worship.  That mature believers would pray for victims in a tragedy is a further operation of the Spirit of GOD within them that makes divinity knowable, known, and visible to others outside of themselves.  Deity is seen to be clearly active and present having power over the unseen aspects of life (e.g., awareness, duration, existence, joining, “person”, self-will).  Where believers turn to a GOD who comforts, forgives, and who even grants rebirth and resurrection from the dead, prayer is acknowledgment and correct submission (some say, awe, fear of the Lord).

(2.)  For mature Christian believers a human life is more than flesh and bone.  The “breath of life” (we say, life essence, spirit, word) has been imparted to mankind from GOD.  Every man is a vessel containing precious substance from the actual makeup of Deity that includes faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  The fullness of a man’s life goes beyond carnal, material and social situations as well as the necessary frameworks of time and space.  Thus, in the same way a man’s life consists of more than the things he may accumulate and possess, value of a human life goes beyond ones errors, sins, and weaknesses.

(3.)  Divine Judgment is exalted by its mercy and righteousness.  Compassion and empathy emerge from the elements of shared humanity that include consciousness, desire, feelings, and hope.  Finite human judgment is not a correct expression of divine judgment, for it often centers in the beggarly elements of destruction, retribution, and wrath.  By contrast, divine Judgment manifests excellence and glory appearing as balance, completeness, correction, forbearance, forgiveness, impartiality, restraint, and grace.

There is far more that should be carefully said, thoughtfully examined, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4.)  Life events demand correct reverence (acknowledgment) of GOD.  The operations of sin may dominate awareness and self-will in created beings and living creatures.  Maintaining ones freedom and integrity of being requires a person have regular contact with the Creator, or his agents and representatives, who are appointed to affirm and authenticate correct belief, proper respect, eternal purposes, and genuine trust.)  Even so, I am sure this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(06/18/2015) Shot While in Church?

Today, Scripture points are shared on martyrdom, suffering and tragic incidents that occur among Christian believers.  Persecution that was seen by the early church was a sacred device like the confusion of languages at Babel.  Persecution continues today; and often goes unrecognized, because we do not see the dramatic death of believers within an arena filled with wild beasts.  Persecution calls forth the increased spread  of sacred knowledge with discernment of commitment, conviction, and faith.  A young writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Chiamaka” (Level 1 with 96 points, a member since June 10, 2015) posted the following:


Getting shot in church? (Charleston, SC massacre)?

So i heard about the Charleston massacre. I don't understand. They were in church. Praising the lord. The whole situation just seems ironic. You would think a church would have some kind of barrier stopping all evil from happening. I would be lying if I said, as a Christian, I wasn't having any doubts. I know death is inevitable. And not necessarily a bad thing. But I don't understand where was the Lord in this situation? I know it could be worse. And I feel really bad that I'm having these doubts. But I don't understand, can someone explain? Why someonething like this would happen in a church of all places? I'm 14 by the way.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:  old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;  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.  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.  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:  17-21, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Getting GOD To Save? (03/10/2015); No Divine Protection? (10/02/2014); His Authority in Judgment? (10/03/2015); That Mortal Children Die? (12/15/2013); Going It Alone? (12/16/2013); A Slaughter of Innocents (12/15/2012); Signs of Messianic Belief (12/16/2012)


“Chiamaka”, the appearance of divinity upon the earth as Jesus Christ was to change specific aspects of the divine process for all created beings and living creatures (e.g., death, judgment, mortality, reconciliation, salvation).  Many features of the life process can not be altered or removed without total upheaval on a cosmic scale.  Thus, human error, violence, wickedness, and sin have not been eliminated; yet, sacred processes are now being carried out to fully recover, restore, and transform the living who will continue as companions to Deity.  Consider again the following points from the Scriptures:

(1.)  Luke 13:  1-5, King James Version (KJV):  13 There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.  2 And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?  3 I tell you, Nay:  but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.  4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?  5 I tell you, Nay:  but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

(2.)  Matthew 5:  10-12, KJV:  10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake:  for their’s is the kingdom of heaven.  11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.  12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad:  for great is your reward in heaven:  for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

(3.)  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.

(4.)  Mark 10:  28-31, KJV:  28 Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.  29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s,  30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.  31 But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually taken into account.  (For example, (5.)  1st Peter 4:  15-17, KJV:  15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.  16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.  17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God:  and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(06/05/2013) Words Spoken By GOD?

The Bible as “the word of GOD,” is the topic, today.  Also, there is more on conviction and faith in the face of tragedy.  The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Horn of the Unicorn” (Level 1 with 40 points, a member since September 13, 2009) posted the following:


Why is the bible referred to as the word of God?

Surely if God did actually write or dictate the words to a human to write then there would not be so many factual errors?


THE BATTLE AXE:  Faith for Facing Tragedy? (06/04/2013)—(5)  The priesthood of Jesus Christ addresses the transformation of mankind from corruptible, fallible, mortal and sinful to that of eternal, permanent and perpetual companions of GOD.  All created beings and living creatures eventually complete or fulfill their expression as aspects of divine emanation.  Presently, only GOD is immortal.  The holy angels, sacred beasts, and others that serve in heaven are neither immortal nor mortal; and their being  continues only by divine prerogative.  Mortality is a specification for finite existence of the living whereby mankind and those on the earth endure only for brief periods described using the framework of time.  It is the natural and usual process of human life that, just as the living act upon their environment and one another, many of those same things now operate upon the living as mere objects within the sphere of their own distinct being, and so result in completion of human death.  Included are aging, collisions, conflict, diet, epidemic disease, drowning, imbalance, insufficient rest, irregular growth, loss of blood (the material device within the living that distributes the divine element of life to the various parts of the body), and psychological trauma.  Many accuse GOD of injustice and unfairness for not arbitrarily intervening in the processes of life and death to show approval, favor, and reward.  However, divine judgment is the sacred operation for the expression of divine favor and disfavor.  Death and resurrection come into view as controlled and necessary aspects of the divine order that must be acknowledged as making visible the divinity and sanctity of GOD.  Saying this another way, that distinguishes, identifies, and separates GOD as One.  See Ezekiel 33:  1-16, 1st Corinthians 10:  1-13, 1st Timothy 1:  17 and 1st Timothy 6:  3-16, King James Version.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited:  I am the LORD; and there is none else.  I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth:  I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain:  I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right.  Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations:  they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save.  Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together:  who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.  Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth:  for I am God, and there is none else.  I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.  (Isaiah 45:  18-23, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Why Jesus Authored No Books (05/01/2013); Recognizing True Prophets (05/02/2013); Scripture at Funerals? (04/30/2013); Quoting Scripture to GOD? (04/24/2013); Illusion? (04/25/2013); A Guide to Salvation? (04/10/2013); A Golden Ticket? (11/30/2012); And This Was Good News (12/01/2012); Spirit Matter (10/21/2012); Bible Benefit? (03/16/2011); Ones Destiny? (03/17/2011)


(1)  The holy writings employ many unique definitions, figures, reports, and understandings that permit human intelligence to grasp the possibilities for existence of divine person.  However, for created beings and living creatures to have more than fantasies, fictions, and a mere abstract consciousness of GOD, Creation must participate in a relationship having sacred depth, power and quality.  There must be a continuous and ongoing process of divine revelation ordered after the terms of divine intent (i.e., holy will, instead of human self-will), the operations of consecrated substance, and the fixed boundaries for accomplishment of eternal purpose.  Included are birth, death, divine law, faith, miracles, resurrection, righteous judgment, and wrath against sin.

(2)  GOD is an immortal and incorruptible spirit that cannot be understood using only the frameworks for mortal being; and who is accessible to mortal beings only by frameworks he himself may generate.  The process of GOD for mankind may be described as discernment, “discovery learning,” “OJT” (on-the-job-training), and “spiritualization” wherein the full awareness of divinity is gradually appreciated, made known, and recognized as visible.  Spirit content that otherwise exists only within the make-up of Divine Person (e.g., holiness, humility, joy, longsuffering, truth, wisdom) may operate within created beings and living creatures, and establishes them in the image of GOD.

(3)  As a sacred record, the Bible details a small spectrum of sacred events pertinent to the preparation of mankind for permanent existence within the eternal sphere of divine presence.  The Bible provides a divine perspective—thousands of lives over thousands of years—and documents a broad range of actions by GOD that show the Almighty is more than a collection of mechanical processes.  The Bible permits believers to experience the “person” of GOD through shared feeling, intelligence and purpose.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4)  Although visible to many as no more than a material object and a collection of ancient books, the Bible is itself a peculiar appearance and incarnation of Divine Person.  Divine utterances are put forth to believers that supply ones personal awareness of the divine presence as well as the personal experience of hearing the voice of GOD.  In addition to commands, criteria for purity, parables, praises, prayers, life principles, proclamations, promises and proverbs, there is prophecy (comfort, edification, exhortation) that demonstrates and unveils divine perfection.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(06/04/2013) Faith for Facing Tragedy?

The validity of faith that appears only when challenged by death, sickness or suffering is the topic, today. Also, there is more on whether one may receive a new or “replacement” measure of the Holy Spirit. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “little prince” (Level 1 with 24 points, a member since May 30, 2013) posted the following:


Going to God because of tragedy?

I’ve been an agnostic, if I ever got close to God, I wanted it to be because of conviction rather than because I was pushed by tragedy.

But now that my mom has cancer, I’ve been just desperately seeking him.

Is this type of faith valid? One pushed by tragedy, hopelessness, and need?


THE BATTLE AXE: Need for A New Holy Spirit? (06/03/2013)—(5) While the spiritual death of a believer occurs in an instance, and rebirth from divine DNA is completed in the same moment, receiving the Holy Spirit is not a “one-time” event that is completed in one hour, one day, one decade, or one millennium. Finite and temporal behaviors may be completed such as church attendance, fasting, missionary service, and Scripture studies. However, Christian believers must make a continuing, uninterrupted commitment to accept a lifetime of change, growth, and transformation through operations performed by GOD. For this reason, language associated with marriage often is used to clarify Christian dedication (e.g., duty, faithfulness, intimacy, and trust). Believers become life companions to Christ, and through his Spirit, achieve fellowship, right standing, and unity with the Divine. See Galatians 4: 1-9, 1st John 1: 1-10 and 1st John 3: 1-10, King James Version. (6) Believers should not look for change in their physical appearance and social circumstances as the evidence of their new birth. The truth of rebirth must be accepted through an act of self-will (we say choice) dictated and influenced by faith. Faith appears within awareness as certainty, confidence, conviction, and trust based upon the word of GOD (i.e., divine proclamation, promise, and prophecy); and this is called “knowing by faith, rather than by sight.” A believer’s economic, employment, or marital status may continue to be undesirable for a very long period. Where indicators that are not generated by sacred content are relied upon, new believers may appear completely unaltered, unrepentant, and the same as before their embrace by GOD through Christ. Included are addictions, arbitrary differences (e.g., eye color, gender, height, weight), attitudes, behavior, character, conduct, habits, illnesses, and ones personal style. The changes that GOD will perform as a person’s salvation are to be within the believer, not others, not ones surroundings, not the church, not the world. (7) The behaviors that most indicate spiritual growth for Christian believers include actions and conduct that display increased generosity and giving, humility, impartiality, love, practice and understanding of the sacraments, willingness to forgive, unselfish service, and focus upon the person of Christ in place of introspection, self-examination and self-promotion. Believers learn to see, attend to, and serve Christ revealed within the sufferings of others. The “holy spirit” a person may have gotten “a few years ago” is proven to be alive and well by unselfish ministry to others. See Matthew 25: 31-46, Romans 8: 1-18, Romans 8: 24-31, Philippians 3: 7-14 and 2nd Corinthians 3: 17-18, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW: For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (2nd Corinthians 12: 6-10, King James Version)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Struggles? (05/11/2013); Through Much Tribulation (05/12/2013); Death Has Been Transformed (05/09/2013); Loving the Enemy? (05/10/2013); Experience Is Not Evidence? (05/05/2013); Church Mandatory? (05/06/2013); GOD Knows Tomorrow? (04/12/2013); Expect Healing (02/11/2012); Childhood Cancers? (01/17/2011); Denominations? (01/18/2011)


“little prince,” here are some points I have considered since my mother died of cancer, and that most Christian believers also encounter as they are perfected by GOD:

(1) The faith you begin with should not be the faith you end with. Believers enter into a continuing process of existence that is directed by divine influences, and so there must be change, growth, learning, and sanctification. Saying this another way: A person’s awareness of divinity must increase and include recognition of divine substance that is the make-up of GOD (e.g., faith, holiness, righteousness, wisdom, wrath against sin); the active operation of GOD within the human frameworks of time and space (e.g., covenant, divine law, forgiveness, judgment, salvation); and such aspects of divine focus as authority, fulfillment, intent, and purpose.

(2) Often believers must accept that the comfort and consolation provided by GOD for meeting life challenges and experience within the natural and social worlds of mankind ARE NOT carnal, emotional, material and physical. Intended for something higher, GOD may bestow spirit content and demonstrations of divine presence through expectations (i.e., what we are commanded to hope), miracles, proclamations, promises, prophesies, testimonies in judgment, visitations, and witness. 
 
(3) Where one relies on human faith, rather than the faith that is given through the imparted Spirit of GOD, confusion, disappointment, and a sense of having been betrayed are usually experienced. Such persons fail to grasp that the ministry of Jesus Christ must acknowledge aspects of divine order and obligation that do not permit an instant elimination of death, all disease, sickness and sin. There is an unseen universe of active forces, conditions, and demands that must be maintained in peculiar balance.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4) While GOD did not eliminate death from human experience by appearing in the earth as Jesus Christ, GOD did transform the meaning and understanding of death. Death is revealed as temporal, not eternal; death is shown to not be a god; like aging, death is not always a punishment; and fear that death may operate contrary to GOD has been broken off among believers. As a divine tool death permits resurrection, and it is a further mechanism and tool needed to establish eternal life.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC