(08/17/2016) A Servant and More

Points are shared, today, on the dual status of Jesus Christ as servant and Son of the Highest.  Christian believers speak of Jesus as a divine son who carries out the will of his father, and acknowledges the truth that the needs of Creation require the active presence of divinity, the completion of multiple sacred operations, and uninterrupted pursuit of eternal purposes that can not be accomplished using one-time events.  The Lord’s achievements, therefore, are in the nature of commitment, duty, empathy, gratitude, humility, love, obedience, praise, promise, unselfish sacrifice, sincerity, willingness to serve, and zeal.  A hireling or temporary worker is not the same as a household member and steward; the two operate with different levels of accountability, motivation, participation, privilege, respect and trust.  The transformation of mankind to exist as eternal companions of divinity has required increasingly greater covenants and promises from GOD, and even the appearance of GOD in flesh.  Holding to human interpretations, language, and prejudices, sinners can not apprehend divinity being displayed using humility, lowliness, meekness, and unselfishness, rather than appearing with haughtiness, pomp, preeminence and sovereignty.  It is written:  Hebrews 3:  1-7, KJV:  1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;  2 Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.  3 For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.  4 For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.  5 And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;  6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.  An Islamic believer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Innocent Boy !” (Level 4 with 4,142 points, a member since March 05, 2012) posted the following:

Christian do you belive that jesus was the servant of god ?

as a muslim i accept the jesus christ peace upom him was the prophet and servant of Allah

The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus” (Acts 3:13).

Peter further said: “God raised up his servant” (Acts 3:26), where the title servant refers to Jesus.

Not only Peter, but the entire group of believers viewed Jesus as God’s servant. When they raised their voices together in prayer to God, in the course of their speaking to God they called Jesus “your holy servant Jesus whom you anointed” (Acts 4:27).

quran 19:30

Jesus] said, "Indeed, I am the servant of Allah . He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country:  And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it.  And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another.  Again, he sent other servants more than the first:  and they did unto them likewise.  But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.  But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.  And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him.  When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen?  They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.  Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner:  this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?  Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.  And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken:  but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.  (Matthew 21:  33-44, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Answered by The Cross? (03/14/2016); The Only One Sent? (02/19/2016); Belief, Faith, and Proof (03/02/2014); Miracles and Visitations? (03/03/2014); Why Was A Son Sent? (11/10/2013); Promise of A Spirit? (11/11/2013); Our Need for a Son (03/04/2013); Unless You Repent (03/05/2013)

“Innocent Boy !”, Jesus Christ was consecrated to serve as a high priest, judge (deliverer), king, prophet, and royal counselor.  He also appears as a demonstration, fulfillment and summation of all sacred covenants, promises and prophecies; a healer; the divine heir; a law-giver; a miracle worker; the Son of Man; and the Son of the Highest.  Mature Christian believers acknowledge the “service” performed by Jesus Christ was more than that of a clergyman or official spokesperson (apostle, evangelist, imam, pastor, preacher, prophet, rabbi, teacher).  Jesus must be a genuine appearance of Deity to complete the full spectrum of sacred operations required to establish mankind as an immortal, incorruptible companion to divinity.  The tasks to be completed include admonition, atonement, birth, Creation, death, confession, forgiveness, Incarnation, inheritance, rebirth, reconciliation, repentance, resurrection, revelation, sacrifice, sanctification, and rest.  On behalf of the full divine person (i.e., the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), Jesus continues the revelation of GOD to created beings and living creatures through exchange, interaction and personal relationships wherein divinity is made knowable, known, and visible.  Consider how some of this is stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)  Ephesians 4:  10-15, King James Version (KJV):  10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)  11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:  13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:  14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;  15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

(2.)  Colossians 1:  16-20, KJV:  16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers:  all things were created by him, and for him:  17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.  18 And he is the head of the body, the church:  who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.  19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;  20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

(3.)  Revelation 19:  11-16, KJV:  11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.  12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.  13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood:  and his name is called The Word of God.  14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.  15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations:  and he shall rule them with a rod of iron:  and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.  16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

There is far more to be said, carefully examined, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4.)  Philippians 2:  5-11, KJV:  5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:  6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:  7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:  8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.  9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:  10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;  11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(07/23/2015) Instruments, Tools and Workers?

Today, ignoring the veiled accusations of anti-Semitism, focus is upon the labels and names given the actors and characters within the holy writings of Hebrew, Islamic and Christian believers.  The many figures and roles employed by divinity include men and women as anointed one, apostate, beloved, betrayer, blasphemer, brother, child, covenant partner, counselor, debtor, disciple, donor, elder, eunuch, follower, friend, handmaiden, heir, herald, heretic, hermit, high priest, hypocrite, judge, king, lawyer, minister, musician, neighbor, orphan, pastor (we say, shepherd), pauper, poet, Pharisee, psalmist, prophetess, publican, queen, rabbi, Sadducee, saint, scribe, servant, singer, sinner, spy, vessel, victim, warrior, widow, and wise man.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Sam” (Level 3 with 1,017 points, a member since June 27, 2015) posted the following:


In islam they call people like adam , eve and cain , prophets (of judaism)?

what are they called in chrisitian churches? i personally believe they were anti-semites of their own time , except cain and eve of course , lol


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.  For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;  Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:  And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.  For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.  Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;  And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;  In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:  In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.  (Ephesians 2:  13-22, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  More About the Trinity? (03/30/2015); Agents of Allah? (01/26/2015); Focus of Believers? (06/17/2014); Discernment (06/18/2014); Mob Rule and Violence (09/27/2012); Suppose I Am Wrong? (09/28/2012)


“Sam”, among Christian believers who correctly value the sacred knowledge shared through the holy writings, the Scriptures are the primary source for the many labels and words used to identify those who serve as divine instruments to accomplish eternal purpose, carry out and perform things prophesied, fulfill divine promises, publish sacred proclamations, pronounce godly judgment as well as introduce, continue, restore or revive sanctifying practices and truth that may have become hidden or obscured.  Names for these agents of GOD vary during different periods in accordance with distinct purposes and works of GOD, and consistent with the aspects of full revelation already received by mankind.  Today, those who have believed and served are known as angels, apostles, fathers, harvesters, holy men, laborers, messengers, one sent, priests, and spokespersons (we say, prophets).  Consider again the word:

(1.)  Patriarchs.  Hebrews 7:  1-6, King James Version (KJV):  1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;  2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;  3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.  4 Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.  5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:  6 But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.

(2.)  Seers.  1st Samuel 9: 9, KJV:   9 (Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to enquire of God, thus he spake, Come, and let us go to the seer:  for he that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer.)

(3.)  Witnesses.  Isaiah 43:  11-13, KJV:  11 I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.  12 I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you:  therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God.  13 Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand:  I will work, and who shall let it?

(4.)  The household of faith.  Galatians 6:  8-10, KJV:  8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.  9 And let us not be weary in well doing:  for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.  10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

(5.)  Children of God.  Galatians 3:  26-29, KJV:  26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.  27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.  28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female:  for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.  29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

(6.)  Sons of God.  1st John 3:  1-3, KJV:  3 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God:  therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.  2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be:  but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.  3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

There is far more that could be said, and that must be correctly understood and spiritually taken into account.  (For example (7.)  The house of God.  1st Peter 4:  14-19, KJV:  14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you:  on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.  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?  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

(03/19/2015) Some Points on Tithing

Offerings, sacrifices, and tithes are topics, today.  Within the divine economy for believers, at no time do crops, livestock, or money become sacred objects that are to be worshiped. Yet, their meaning and merit are transformed when they appear as aspects within divine operations, eternal purposes, and sacred use. We say offerings are commanded and mandatory; sacrifices are whatever one promises and volunteers to give.  Correctly understood, paying tithes for Christian believers is a commitment to make visible on earth the priesthood of Jesus Christ as Risen Lord in heaven.  Tithing is a priestly duty and sacred practice as opposed to private charitable giving, philanthropy, or benevolence and donations that express impulses and sentiment.  Paying tithes is as much a contractual obligation and lawful duty as having to compensate ones bank or lending institution.  For many followers of Christ there is confusion on ones accountability regarding tithes due to the false teaching that the covenant and Ten Commandments once given to Israel are annulled along with circumcision and the many other obligations from Jewish culture and tradition.  The Adversary has taught, Ye shall not surely die—for refusing to continue gestures of obedience, covenant, and respect by tithing.  Consider this:  An employer and a worker are in a relationship that is maintained and structured on the basis of more than familiarity, friendliness, and personal integrity.  There are legal obligations for payment and reward defined and regulated through civil law.  Similarly, where believers in Jesus Christ sign a contract for church membership (that may include pledging (promising to give) tithes as a fiscal device to maintain the physical plant, the clergy, and the programs of the church), they enter a formal relationship that also must respond to civil and ecclesiastical law.  While the church does not pursue or punish believers by confiscating a members property or using debt collection, late fees, liens, and proceedings against the membership to expose fraud, finances for the congregation must be made regular and stable in the same way the billing cycles to the institution (mortgage, repairs, utilities) are scheduled and routine.  Therefore, in some situations, failure to pay ones tithe may even be regarded as misrepresentation and criminal neglect.  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Zachary” (Level 1 with 104 points, a member since February 13, 2015) posted the following:


What do i tithe on?

recently ive made about 500 dollars but it was all a mix of birthday money and money i made off of ebay. the money off of ebay has technically already been tithed on (the items were older gifts i outgrew and i know my parents tithed on the money they bought them with originally) and birthday money is kind of a bonus..


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.  Ye are cursed with a curse:  for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.  Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.  And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.  And all nations shall call you blessed:  for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts.  Your words have been stout against me, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee?  Ye have said, It is vain to serve God:  and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?  And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.  Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another:  and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.  And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.  Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.  (Malachi 3:  8-18, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Ananias, Liar, Thief or Blasphemer? (01/12/2015); Consecrated in Christ? (06/21/2014); On Being Good Stewards (12/17/2013); Traditional Marriage? (12/18/2013); Sacrificial Relationship? (10/23/2013); Relationship by Unselfish Giving? (10/24/2013)


“Zachary”, here are a few points shared among Christian believers who are careful to make serving GOD their focus so they avoid the sin of making it “all about money” (idolatry):

(1.)  For those who accompanied Moses, the “tithe” is a tenth from (we say, 10% of) whatever one may plant and produce using their portion within the Promised Land.  While the land itself is not anointed, consecrated, and sanctified (specifically set apart for service to GOD), and the crop itself is not holy, the tithe is to be understood as though already resting upon an altar of sacrifice that serves as the point of contact for earth and heaven.

(2.)  The primary income and inheritance for those serving as priests was a portion from the offerings and sacrifices brought to them by those among the twelve tribes.   In this sense, Jehovah was the inheritance and their portion for the clergy.  While prayer, study and worship could be carried out everywhere using the system of local synagogues, offerings and sacrifices were to be made only at the place that GOD would name as the divine residence (e.g., Shiloh, Jerusalem).  Those who received tithes also were expected to give a tithe that would be used to maintain the tabernacle (later, temple)  services.

(3.)  For many today, the tithe is a portion of ones income (meaning whatever they receive from GOD—found money, gifts, return from investments, etc.).  Filthy lucre is held to be wealth from illegal and immoral activity, and may include money from cheating on ones taxes, drugs, gambling, loan sharking, lotteries, pornography, prostitution, robbery, sale of stolen goods, and usury.  Others understand it differently:  the tithe is a 10% “tax” upon whatever they earn as wages (before federal and local taxes, or other deductions).  Still others, insist that the principle of tithing only is correct where ones labor and resources are handled and respected in terms of seed and harvest.

There is far more to be plainly said, correctly understood, and properly apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  The person who tithes must understand, they are a manager and steward within the household of GOD.  The tithe is not their own, and must be rendered for continuing the ministry of Jesus Christ in the earth.  The enrollment of a believer as a new member of an assembly or congregation, in effect, establishes a legal contract requiring their regular financial support, and is not merely a personal oath and promise to perform the peculiar duties for spreading the Gospel.  Therefore, indebtedness and mismanagement of ones own finances is damaging to the church.  As in Malachi 3:  8 (KJV), a man may rob GOD; and there will be judgment against him.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith and spiritual maturity.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/11/2015) It Comes With the Job?

Commitments for Christians as secular workers, employment contracts, ethics, personal freedom, and service to divinity are topics, today.  A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “SupaStar” (Level 3 with 1,435 points, a member since August 07, 2014) posted the following:


Is it typical of Christian employers to not only tell you what you can do while at work...?

...but, even what to THINK outside of work, at the threat of losing your job?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.  And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.  (Colossians 3:  16-17, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  In Not From The World? (12/26/2014); Religious Bosses? (07/08/2014); All Lying Forbidden? (03/04/2014); Wrong Not to Forgive? (03/05/2014); Freewill is Finite (06/30/2013); GOD Intervenes? (07/01/2013)


“SupaStar”, here are a few points all Christian believers must be aware of:

(1.)  When a person accepts any employment they enter into a legal contract that includes assumed and unspoken terms (e.g., to assist and encourage performance; cooperate with fellow employees, show courtesy and respect to potential clients and customers) as well as explicit terms (e.g., dress, hours, job description, salary).  In effect, the employee agrees to accept discipline, go, return, learn, sit, speak, be silent, stand, wear—whatever—in return for authority, pay, privilege, promotion, and reward.

(2.)  Certain decisions are supposed to be in place before you go looking for a job.  Behavioral requirements and commitments within the workplace are generally understood as a matter of ethics (moral standards and their effect upon conduct).  Conflicts of interest are discouraged.  Employees are agents, affiliates and representatives of their employer; and, are being paid to guard and promote the interests of their employer at all times.  Just as employees have duty and responsibility to maintain a peculiar atmosphere within the workplace that encourages completion of necessary tasks, and quality of a company’s product, employee home life and after-work conduct influences perceptions of their employer (we say, the reputation and brand name).

(3.)  Lacking knowledge of costs, losses and the impact upon their employer’s earnings; lacking professional maturity and perspective; or lacking the sense of responsibility for the livelihood of their fellow employees, many feel it is their personal freedom to use employer tools (e.g., computers, copy machines, printers) for entertainment and added income.  This violates the “spirit” of their contract to profit their firm; and, in effect, is pilfering, stealing, thievery.

(4.)  Among faith-based, government, and private employers, workers are expected to change in support of their employer.  They are to accept and express a “corporate identity” whereby they can be known and immediately recognized as agents of their employer.  Saying this another way, they are to add value, develop, improve, produce and progress.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  During the interview stages, and before they are hired, believers are expected to investigate prospective employers, carefully examine income and other benefits along with the fit between themselves and the firm they are negotiating with.  The believer must also consider how their commitment to the position will effect their lifestyle as well as their opportunities for further personal and spiritual growth.  Once a person has accepted a position, the Christian principles for commitment within the workplace are simple:  Do all as though you are working for GOD.  It is the duty of every believer to comfort, edify, and exhort their fellow believers (you might say, benefit, caution, encourage, remind, and warn.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/04/2014) All Lying Forbidden?

Lying, rebirth, and service as a Christian believer are topics, today.  Also, there is more on miracles and visitations.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Sherry” (Level 1 with 1 point, a member since July 19, 2007) posted the following:


Do Proverbs 12:22 and Revelation 21:8 forbid ALL lying ?

For example, if someone asks me if I like his new hat but I think it is ugly, am I required by those two verses to be honest? Would I go to hell if I spare his feelings about it?

Additional Details

ADD: What about ones to avoid embarrassment or punishment?


THE BATTLE AXE:  Miracles and Visitations? (03/03/2014)—Rightly understood, a sinner needs only an honest report containing true facts to make choices and determinations necessary in judgment, and for embracing salvation through the word from GOD.  Where there is a genuine respect and trust for those who are bearers of testimony (we say, witness), the force of truth has opportunity to establish clarity, consistency and order.  No aggression, coercion, fear, hostility, instability, lying, pride, unfamiliarity (we say, novelty, strangeness), or violence appears.  See Ephesians 4:  14-16, 2nd Peter 1:  2-11 and 2nd Peter 3:  17-18, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;  And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.  But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;  Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.  For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.  Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.  Be not ye therefore partakers with them.  For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord:  walk as children of light:  (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)  Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.  And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.  (Ephesians 5:  1-11, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Everything a Lie? (10/05/2013); Sacrificed and Risen? (10/06/2013); A Relationship not Just Knowledge? (06/25/2013); Lost Without GOD? (06/26/2013); Bible Authors and Truth? (06/19/2013); On Testing GOD (06/20/2013); How To Love GOD? (03/24/2013); A Second Adam? (03/25/2013); Confusion 2013 (01/13/2013); Why A “Spokesperson”? (01/14/2013)


“Sherry”, here are some points that become important when a person chooses an adult commitment as a Christian believer:

(1.)  Called to be Workers.  All believers are needed in the work of spreading the Gospel.  Therefore, all serve in one form of ministry or another.  Not only does this mean repeating the things they learn from the Bible, and church study programs, it means being in relationships with others that will display the Spirit of GOD that must be alive within themselves.  Family, friends, and strangers are helped to accept, recognize divine reality, and understand Christ when they see he appears in the honest sharing of feelings and thoughts, right respect, and shared trust.

(2.)  Called to be Vessels.  All believers must be “born again” through the operations of GOD that include water baptism (death and rebirth having divine DNA, so to speak).  It is in this sense that all are priests.  Believers are given fresh deposits of divine substance that is then built up and increased through such actions as hearing the holy writings, praise, prayer, and unselfish service.  Even so, once born again, believers must “grow up” again facing all the challenges and "growing pains" of life in the earth.

There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood that may not be presented, here, at this time.  (For example, (3.)  Called to be Children.  Others will know that believers are sons and daughters to GOD only when believers can show they have a real connection to the Almighty by their spirit content.  Inseparable (you see one, you see all) aspects of the Father and Son must appear as faith, holiness, forgiveness, righteousness, truthfulness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  There are no good lies that can show the perfection of GOD.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.  But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,  Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;  Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;  That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.  (Titus 3:  3, KJV)


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC