(05/12/2020) Spiritual Integrity and Maturity

Today, reply is on the widespread error among those outside the body of Christ in describing authentic Christian behavior as “weakness”. As sinners and those joined through secular knowledge, the world, and the flesh, men are unable to correctly discern the aspects of exalted majesty and power that appear within all sacred process and the spirit substance from GOD. While forbearance, mercy, and righteousness are continually displayed, they remain unseen because they are spirit and apprehended through faith. Born-again Christian believers must undergo many years meeting life challenges on the earth to arrive at full sacred development and edification. More than this, believers are fully transformed and perfected only following final judgment, and becoming joined to Christ as immortal. It is written: 1^st Corinthians 15: 50-58, King James Version (KJV): 50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. The fighter in “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “shoeshopper3” (Level 3 with 1,412 points) posted the following:

Why does Christianity say that you have to let others treat like a doormat?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our LORD: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength. So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved. (Nehemiah 8: 9-11, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Testing That Nourishes Growth (04/21/2020); Demonstrating Dependence on GOD (04/20/2020); They Which Are Called (04/09/2020); A Habitation of Spirit (04/05/2020); “Because You Are Believers” (03/17/2020); Only Divine Resurrection Saves (12/24/2019); Spiritual Combat Against Sin (10/11/2019); Acknowledging GOD Displays Maturity (04/10/2019)

“shoeshopper3”, authentic and mature Christian believers practice “turning the other cheek” as a prophetic and spiritual work that makes present and visible the life essence (breath; spirit; utterance; word) from divinity (i.e., the divine fullness; the Godhead; the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) that was imparted to mankind in Creation, is bestowed as rebirth that comes by fire and water baptisms, and can be recognized as the shared “resurrection life” of Jesus Christ. The follower of Christ is to provide more than just a social display of friendliness, nonviolence, patience, or tolerance. The integrity of mankind as an expression of divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD is to be demonstrated and proclaimed. Those who are born again, and who exist as vessels containing inseparable aspects of spirit substance from the makeup of GOD, are to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ. Included are faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. The sovereign will of Jesus Christ is to exist and have rule within the consciousness and self-will (willpower) of the believer. Thereby, forbearance, forgiveness, and mercy to those who are found guilty in divine judgment may appear. Born-again believers must “grow up again” while living on the earth to become mature/ripe for harvest by the Lord at his appearing (Advent; the Rapture; the Second Coming). There must be discovery, gradual growth, sacred practice (e.g., fasting, praise, prayer, worship), study of the holy writings, unselfish service, and the endurance of suffering. Only in maturity are accountability, balance, commitment, consistency, sobriety, stability (the immutability of GOD), and unselfishness regular fixtures within a believer’s lifestyle and daily routine. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of William Murphy:

(1.) Ephesians 4: 17-32, King James Version (KJV): 17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But ye have not so learned Christ; 21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. 25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. 26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27 Neither give place to the devil. 28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. 29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

(2.) 2^nd Corinthians 13: 4-9, KJV: 4 For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you. 5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 6 But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates. 7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. 8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. 9 For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (3.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywl595L6m9Y.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(04/20/2020) Demonstrating Dependence on GOD

Nebuchadnezzar challenging the faith of the three Hebrew companions

Today, the reply is on the many demonstrations of divine power and purpose provided by divinity using “weak” Christian believers and sinners on the earth. To accomplish salvation a believer must walk in the divine strength demonstrated by Christ, rather than his own human knowledge and willpower. Christian believers are endowed with holy boldness and spirit power that permits them to exist as a conquering army. To fulfill the eternal purpose of the Creator, operations of the inborn spirit, the flesh, and the mind may not dominate human awareness and self-will (willpower). GOD appears to those on the earth primarily through operations of spirit character, process and substance. It is written: 2^nd Corinthians 4: 5-11, King James Version (KJV): 5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “shoeshopper3” (Level 3 with 1,242 points) posted the following:

Why do you have to become wreak in order to be a Christian, and why does the personality become so boring?

Updated 24 mins ago: Weak.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people that were with him, rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley. And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me. Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there remained ten thousand. And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people are yet too many; bring them down unto the water, and I will try them for thee there: and it shall be, that of whom I say unto thee, This shall go with thee, the same shall go with thee; and of whomsoever I say unto thee, This shall not go with thee, the same shall not go. So he brought down the people unto the water: and the LORD said unto Gideon, Every one that lappeth of the water with his tongue, as a dog lappeth, him shalt thou set by himself; likewise every one that boweth down upon his knees to drink. And the number of them that lapped, putting their hand to their mouth, were three hundred men: but all the rest of the people bowed down upon their knees to drink water. And the LORD said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the other people go every man unto his place. (Judges 7: 1-7, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Resurrection Of Christ (04/16/2020); New Birth By Resurrection (09/27/2019); Flesh As Divine Vessels? (01/14/2018); Testing and Divine Process (06/12/2017); On Weakness? (07/03/2014); The Spirit is Willing (10/20/2012); Spirit Matter (10/21/2012)

“shoeshopper3”, the work of a Christian is never showing independence or self-promotion so much as it is the demonstration of interdependence, obedience, respect, and reverence. Mature Christian believers agree that necessary aspects for a full relationship between divinity and the created beings and living creatures on the earth require that the living acknowledge inseparable sacred properties and aspects of consecrated expression such as covenant law, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. The character, process, and substance of divine fullness (we also say, Deity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) is active presence appearing as “spirit” (i.e., breath; life essence; utterance; word). To exist having discrete and separate being, the living must receive fresh endowments of spirit substance from the makeup of GOD that include balance, commitment, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Through the elements regarded by some as “weakness” (e.g., forgiveness, gratitude, humility, mercy, nonviolence, patience, restraint) the living become capable of acceptable responses to divine dominion, glory, grace, judgment, immortality, invisibility, perfection, and purity. Rather than continue focused by pursuits in the world system for human survival that depends on the finite tools of carnal reason, intellect, logic, and science, Christian choose to undergo operations by the imparted, indwelling Spirit from GOD that transform ones nature. As vessels of divine substance and the offspring of GOD upon the earth, believers all are to display the image of GOD, and are to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ. Consider again the instruction to sinners who turn to GOD through the ministry of Jesus that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music prophesies of Steve Amerson:

(1.) Judges 6: 13-16, King James Version (KJV): 13 And Gideon said unto him, Oh my LORD, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites. 14 And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee? 15 And he said unto him, Oh my LORD, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house. 16 And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.

(2.) Daniel 3: 14-17, KJV: 14 Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? 15 Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands? 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. 17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.

(3.) 2^nd Corinthians 12: 6-10, KJV: 6 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. 7 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. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 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. 10 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.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVM8eD-4pag.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 2:16 AM, April 20, 2020 @ https://www.bibleblender.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/image_thumb-7.png

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(03/27/2018) Satan's Challenge to Divinity

Juan de Flandes (ca. 1500-04), The Temptation of Christ

Today, points are shared on the sovereign will of GOD, the temptation of Christ by Satan, and the sacred process of GOD for ministry to mankind.  Satan’s attack on the finite strength and weakness of Jesus as one in the flesh was more than simply an attack against mankind.  It was an attack against all divine fullness that would be recorded in the book of life as his own undoing.  In the same way the tempter could not recognize Jesus as the Son of the Highest, the Lamb of GOD, and the Word, the Adversary was unable to determine whether Jesus was the one prophesied, promised, and sent who would bruise the head of the serpent.  Therefore, he sought to provoke the Anointed One into confessing and boasting of his exalted, sacred  identity while Christ appeared to be simply another man who also was unbalanced and vulnerable.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shared) posted the following:



When Satan tempted Jesus three times, why did Jesus choose to submit the first two times?



THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.  And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.  And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,  Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.  And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.  And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly:  and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.  And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,  And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.  And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.  (Luke 22:  39-47, King James Version, KJV)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  In The Image of Man (05/04/2016); Divine Jealousy? (09/11/2015); Jesus Given A Divine Ministry? (08/18/2015); Gall Refused on the Cross? (03/20/2015); The Testing of Job? (10/06/2014); Knowing the Spirit is Inside? (10/07/2014); On Testing GOD (06/20/2013); GOD Grants License? (06/21/2013); The Passion at Gethsemane (03/28/2013); Separated and Sealed? (03/29/2013); A Man in Heaven? (09/23/2012); Aliens? (09/24/2012)



“Anonymous”, here are some points to prayerfully consider:

1.  To avoid spiritual confusion, the temptation of Christ should be acknowledged as a sacred event that focuses upon aspects of divine character, eternal purpose, and the spirit substance from the makeup of GOD that has been imparted to created beings and living creatures including angels and unclean spirits. 

2.  In the understanding of many mature Christian believers, Satan appeared having the purpose of challenging the authenticity of Jesus Christ as a man on the earth by boasting his own dominion over the inheritance bestowed on Adam as a son of GOD. 

3.  Christ was guided by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness following his baptism at the Jordan River.  There he would be isolated, without food, water, and the usual comforts of men.  Prepared only for fasting and prayer; he also would have to endure the extremes of cold nights and burning days.  The focus of Jesus was to discover the Father’s intent and sacred process for ministry to mankind.

4.  In the same way Christ did not appear having the glory and image he manifested while in heaven, it is likely that the tempter appeared in the form of a man, and did not display the recognizable adornment and regalia he had been privileged to present for ages while among the heavenly host. 

5.  The deceiver did not first announce himself as the Adversary of GOD, nor did he speak to proclaim his purpose.  Even so, his own words would expose him.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, 6.  By appealing to appetite (that Jesus should transform stones to bread), exaggerated religious pride (lifting Jesus above the Temple at Jerusalem, the highest, holiest place on earth), and lust for wealth and worldly power (showing Christ the fallen nations), the temptation appears designed to arouse greed, trigger concern for the flesh in place of the spirit, and draw Jesus into human submission and false worship.  However, the key element for success in the use of Incarnation by the fullness of divinity (we also say, the GODhead; the Trinity; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) was the willing acknowledgment of the divine will, rather than the finite will of the created ones.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(06/12/2017) Testing and Divine Process

Today, focus is on divine grace, revelation, and testing from GOD to produce spiritual growth.  The outcomes and products of divine testing should be certainty, continuity, and conviction within sacred relationships.  In addition to confession, petitions, and prayers that expose and share their hearts and minds to divinity, believers are to commune with GOD through obedience to divine law, through fellowship with those anointed to minister and serve as well as by spreading the Gospel through ones own lifestyle and daily routine.  Believers are to acknowledge affliction, challenges, obstacles, set backs, trials, and suffering as special opportunities to occupy their true place as one dependent upon GOD and a new creation through Jesus Christ.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “john” (Level 1 with 3 points, a January 08, 2015) posted the following:


Why does god test people in the bible?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  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:  7-10, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  On Law and Sin (06/07/2017); Salvation Takes A Lifetime (04/06/2017); His Children Are Sanctified (10/12/2016); Is Sin a Matter of Temptation? (04/22/2015); The Testing of Job? (10/06/2014); Knowing the Spirit is Inside? (10/07/2014); Continuously Tested (12/31/2013); Chosen To Serve As Prophets (01/01/2014)


“john”, mature Christian believers acknowledge that the process of GOD through their life experience is grounded in one-time events and unchanging truth, yet, also is continual and gradual.  Revelation (divinity becoming knowable, known, and “visible” to created beings and living creatures) occurs primarily by their acquiring sacred knowledge, discovery, growth, and learning.  The elements we speak of as judgment, testing, and temptation are not intended to determine ones grade, how much they may know, or how well they can perform certain tasks.  More correctly understood, those coming into correct relationship with GOD are given opportunities to display their inner endowment of spirit content that has been deposited from the makeup of divinity.  Included should be faith, forbearance, forgiveness, gratitude, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  In the language from Bible days, to “prove” or “test” is one of the final stages when creating and fashioning certain tools and weapons (like test driving an auto before purchase).  The tests ensure and reinforce the durability, fitness, and soundness of the device.  Consider again the following from Scripture:

(1.)  Exodus 16:  3-7, King James Version (KJV):  3 And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.  4 Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.  5 And it shall come to pass, that on the sixth day they shall prepare that which they bring in; and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily.  6 And Moses and Aaron said unto all the children of Israel, At even, then ye shall know that the LORD hath brought you out from the land of Egypt:  7 And in the morning, then ye shall see the glory of the LORD; for that he heareth your murmurings against the LORD:  and what are we, that ye murmur against us?

(2.)  James 1:  12-15, KJV:  12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation:  for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.  13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God:  for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:  14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.  15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin:  and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

(3.)  1st Peter 4:  12-13, KJV:  12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:  13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

Of course there is far more to be said, carefully considered, and fully embraced.  (For example (4.)  1st Peter 4:  17-19, KJV:  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?  18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?  19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(07/03/2014) On Weakness?

Language from the Scriptures that speaks to weakness of commitment, power to complete sacred works, and spiritual understanding are the focus, today.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Stillwaiting” (Level 5 with 5,029 points, a member since March 08, 2013) posted the following:


Is the phrase spiritually weak in the bible? 

I had a freind write me a letter and she says to me that she is spiritually weak.
I know this is not true, shes very loving Christian. what she is refering to is the fact that due to illness and family responsibilities she has not been to church in a while. ths made me mad that she feels unworthy based on attendance to a church, and not her Christian helpful works towards her husband and family every day. I know she reads her bible , so, where is this spoken of in scripture?
or is this a phrase made up by the wathtower society? i searched online bible and could only find the word weak, but was not used to mean, spiritually weak, where is scripture does it talk about spiritual weakness, and not in the context of applying to the jewish nation,[ whom are specifically those jesus came to preach repentance and coming back into the 'sheep fold', ]
and if Jesus said in scripture that all we need to have is faith in him, and believe in him, we have life, then why do people equate their spiritual faith on attendance to churches, or the works of men?
we are not supposed to be following man, were to follow Christ, example, not keeping track of how many persons go to church and obtaining and maintaining millions of dollars of real- estate
these are the treasures on earth that Jesus warned not to seek.
we instead are to focus on loving works to each other, every day of our life, and not to support an organization.
Update : any bible version


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.  Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.  For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.  (Romans 15:  1-3, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Freewill is Finite (06/30/2013); GOD Intervenes? (07/01/2013); Feeling Loved By GOD? (06/16/2013); To Find A True Christian? (06/17/2013); The Spirit is Willing (10/20/2012); Spirit Matter (10/21/2012)


“Stillwaiting”, in addition to citations that speak to weakness of ones physical body, of ones conscience, of ones faith, of the covenant law, and ones determination the holy writings also address the strength of ones endowment of Spirit from GOD.  Consider the following:

(1.)  Hebrews 7:  18-19 (KJV)  18 For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.  19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.

(2.)  1st Peter 3:  7 (KJV)   7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

(3.)  1st Thessalonians 5:  14 (KJV)  14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

(4.)  1st Corinthians 8:  9-11 (KJV)  9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of your’s become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.  10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;  11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?

(5.)  2nd Corinthians 13:  3-5 (KJV)  3 Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.  4 For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.  5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  For example, (6.)  1st Corinthians 1:  25-31 (KJV)  25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.  26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:  27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;  28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:  29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.  30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:  31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/20/2012) The Spirit is Willing

      Vigilance against sin is the topic, today, along with more on why there was warfare against Canaan. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Jamaica” (Level 1 with 28 points, a member since September 25, 2012) posted the following:


What do they mean when they say 'the soul is willing but the flesh is weak'?

The Bible often uses a figure of speech to describe the outcome of things and certain events that went on in the past and are going on right now. So what does it mean when they say your 'soul is willing but' your 'flesh is weak'? Please answer me that.


THE BATTLE AXE: Why Did the Judges Fight? (10/19/2012)—Many of those who left Egypt with Moses were proud, selfish and unspiritual. To them, the conflict to gain the promised land was purely a human struggle for property and wealth that depended solely upon desire, desperation and fear. Telling their story is not the purpose of Scripture. Rightly understood, the holy writings focus entirely upon the workings of Almighty GOD upon the earth, through mankind. During the 40 years that GOD lead the covenant people through undeveloped areas and uninhabited wasteland, GOD destroyed every man who had left Egypt, pledged themselves in covenant, and then disobeyed and rebelled. Only Joshua and Caleb, two who were sent to explore the land as spies, and the offspring of those who left Egypt actually set foot in, and established their own homes within the promised land. Even Moses was denied. Later, many of the tribes made treaties and agreed to receive tribute from the enemies of GOD. They did not completely expel those who had broken covenant from the land as they had been commanded. As a result GOD allowed his enemies to continue as the enemies of Israel both surrounding and within the borders of their homeland (see, for example, Joshua 15: 63, Joshua 17: 12-13, Joshua 22: 13 and Judges 1: 21-33, KJV).


THE GOLDEN ARROW: And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. (Matthew 26: 40-42, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Spirit by Measure (09/22/2012); A Man in Heaven? (09/23/2012); Binder 15: Even From Everlasting (10/12/2011); Will in Heaven? (03/03/2011); Jephthah’s Oath? (03/04/2011)


      Here are some ideas Christ has been willing to share among his followers:

      During the night before Jesus was arrested and crucified, he cautioned the apostles to be prayerful and vigilant at all times. They were to stay alert, and recognize when they were being lead into peculiar situations that would challenge, and test the depth of their commitment and understanding. Until the falling of the imparted, indwelling Spirit from GOD, the primary tool given to mankind to make sin known and visible had been various forms of divine law. Law was “given a human face” through mechanisms that included the priesthood by heads of families (Patriarchs such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac), the covenant of Moses, the system of judges (captains over 10’s, 20’s, 50’s, 100’s, 1000’s), and a line of kings. Jesus Christ provided in the flesh a perfect and complete presentation of the righteousness and sacred spirit that are conveyed to mankind through the divine law.

      Sin was first discovered among the holy angels. However, sin is not a spirit-being, is not spirit matter, and does not operate upon living spirit. Sin is not a carnal, material, or physical thing; and sin has no dimension (e.g., height, length, shape, size, weight) or substance (e.g., matter, particles, stuff, etc.). Nevertheless sin has direction, effect, and presence. We could say, “sin is nothing”; yet, contrary to intelligence, logic, and reason, sin may dominate the will of created beings and living creatures. Sin is not created by GOD, or by the living. Sin does not obey divine will; neither is the will of GOD subject to sin. Sin opposes the existence of GOD, of divine Creation, of divine law, of eternal life, and of all that is. Apart from awareness generated from GOD, created beings and living creatures cannot detect sin as foreign and separate from ones own being; and repeatedly obedience to sin is embraced as natural and normal.

      In their creation, the holy angels were supplied with the total measure of authority, knowledge and spirit that they could receive throughout their continuance. (The angels are neither mortal nor immortal, and complete their existence only by immersion in holy fire.) In the creation of humans, divine spirit was imparted as a “breath of life.” While the holy angels do not acquire knowledge by experience as humans (i.e., learn and grow), they can be influenced by one another, and by mankind. Through Jesus Christ, provision has been made that mankind may receive additional deposits of Spirit that enable discernment of, and resistance to sin.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, the flesh dominates human awareness as appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, craving for sex), sensation (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching) and mind (e.g., desire, fantasy, imagination). As events that operate in time, the elements of flesh “come and go.” Thus, the weakness of the flesh includes exhaustion, immaturity, instability, malnutrition, and mortality.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC