(01/10/2019) Anger Against Our Parents?

Today, reply is on a shared challenge of human development, that children manage judging others and restrain anger against their own parents. Among Christian believers, exaggerated pride, behaving in ways that are hateful, unwillingness to forgive, and spiritual wickedness can not be disguised or justified through claims of childhood abuse, cruelty, injustice, and mistreatment by ones parents. Given that otherwise hidden emotions that are openly shown to family are always accounted as the most authentic expressions of who we are, many rely on expressing their feelings as a primary tool for child-rearing; however, behavior driven primarily by feelings quickly becomes irrational and unbalanced. A child’s view of reality is not always distorted by fantasy, imagination, and immaturity. Even so, when pressured to condemn others (i.e., deny their humanity, value, and worth), children too are challenged to account for damage, pain, and streams of truth in the lives of those accused that can be invisible and unseen to those lacking adult and godly perspective. Children who continue a grudge against their parents by refusing to forgive and rise above the errors in their youth continue with baggage and bitterness, may not remain guiltless, and may ultimately destroy the best possibilities of their own opportunities as adults. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality public forum using the ID “Breakthrough” (Level 6 with 15,408 points, a member since June 29, 2013) posted the following:

Do I have a right to be angry at my mom?

My mom didn't want children and gave birth to me so my dad would stay married to her and I'm the only child she has

She has mistreated me and tried to sabotage my life ever since I was old enough to talk

When I was in high school I was trying hard to get into a good university and my mother told me that instead of trying to go to university I should just sleep with men for cash since its easier

She also denied me medical treatment when I had 2 diseases at the age of 9 because she wanted me to suffer

Today I made a mess in the living room by accident and my mother starts yelling at me and telling me how I'm a waste of time and resources because every week she has to waste her time doing things to help me

I was angry at her for having that type of attitude towards her child

THE GOLDEN ARROW: He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. (Proverbs 16: 32, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Divine Forgiveness and Justice (01/01/2019); Discipline and Sacred Meekness (11/30/2018); A Possible “Home Remedy?” (11/08/2018); Conversation In The World (04/03/2018); Starting A New Life? (11/21/2017); What Young People Need? (06/26/2017); Becoming A Full Person (02/12/2017); Benefiting From Your Childhood? (11/18/2016)

“Breakthrough”, here are some points to consider. All have come short—both parents and children—and few display the perfection intended by GOD. In the course of their communication, exchange, and interaction as life companions, there are many times when parents and their children will offend one another. Even so, it will be the primary goal of children who are developing as Christian believers to become Christ-like, and to continually display the image of GOD. In the same way becoming adult and growing up requires multiple changes, discovery, gradual growth, and learning, a young person becomes complete and full as a Christian by meeting life challenges on the earth that apply and make visible the inseparable aspects of spirit substance they will contain that are provided from the makeup of GOD. Included are faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, meekness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

Even those who are very young should be encouraged to express and practice attitudes and life skills that eventually will bear fruit as ministry to the lives of others. The young also are to prepare for the Advent of Jesus Christ and become ripe for harvest by the Lord at his appearing (we also say, the Rapture; the Second Coming). Teens and young adults who become impatient with the process of the church to provide instruction and support, often despair and leave before receiving the blessings, divine tools, and practical understandings they will need to operate successfully in the face of adult hardships, trials, and suffering. In general, the anger a child expresses against the conduct of their caretakers also expresses ignorance of conditions and the destructive presence of intense emotional, psychological and spiritual pressures that their parents may routinely encounter. Just as the heads of the family are to heal and dress the wounds of others within the home, the children are members of the household emergency response team and may have to serve as crisis assistants and “first-responders” for their parents, siblings, and others having place in their lives.

Maturity (i.e., balance, consistency, sobriety, soundness, stability) among Christians is discerned in the acceptance of accountability; commitment; carrying out and fulfilling ones own word of agreement and promise; correct use of sacred knowledge, secular knowledge, and the proper observance of sacred practices (sacraments) as well as the display of forgiveness and restraint. Consider again the following that shares instruction for those within the household of faith and uses language from the Bible:

1. Ecclesiastes 7: 9, King James Version (KJV): 9 Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.

2. Ephesians 4: 25-27, KJV: 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.

3. Ephesians 4: 29-32, KJV: 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.

4. James 1: 19-22, KJV: 19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. 21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. 22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 5. Ezekiel 18: 20-23, KJV: 20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. 21 But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. 22 All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live. 23 Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(01/09/2019) A Single Sacred Revelation

Today, reply is on revelation as a sacred process that goes beyond merely presenting accounts from the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. In the same way the “proof” and seal that Jesus of Nazareth is Messiah is not that he performed miracles or his resurrection from the dead, the seal of apostleship is not the performing of miracles, it is manifesting the Holy Spirit. When Jesus was openly challenged on the authenticity of his doctrine, and questioned whether the source of his power to work miracles and the origin of his Spirit were from devils, the Lord solemnly cautioned the scorners to correctly discern the Spirit (we also say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth): There will never be forgiveness for those who falsely accuse and blaspheme the Holy Spirit. Developing Christians are to continually affirm sacred truth on the basis of their endowment of faith, and to avoid conjecture, distrust, speculation, suspicion, and “stinking thinking” that only produce spiritual confusion. Argument and debate regarding secular history, popular figures, or notable churchmen and clergy also are vain (i.e., lack sacred content from the makeup of GOD; do not produce sacred fruit; do not edify the community of faith). For divinity to become apprehended by created beings and living creatures, there must be joining and sharing of unseen and visible aspects of inseparable divine substance and active presence. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality public forum using the ID “guitarman” (Level 1 with 22 points, a member since January 16, 2007) posted the following:

The Gospel was written decades after the death of Jesus. Is Paul (aka Saul) the only link in between the death of Jesus and the Gospel?

Jesus appeared to him once in a vision. Paul (Saul) wasn't an eyewitness to the life of Jesus. He didn't witness the crucifixion or the resurrection. He didn't mention anything about the birth of Jesus, the life of Jesus, the miracles of Jesus, the trial of Jesus, or really much of anything about Jesus. Is he a reliable link/ source?

Update: I forgot to mention that Saul wasn't an apostle either. Jesus just appeared to him in a vision after the death of Jesus.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Am I am not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord. (1^st Corinthians 9: 1-2, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why Paul Observed Tradition (07/10/2018); We Establish Covenant Relationship (05/01/2018); One Complete Divine Revelation (07/09/2017); A True Apostle? (09/20/2015); No Cause For Alarm? (06/21/2015); Saul of Tarsus (03/26/2014); The Nature of Scripture (03/27/2014); And This Was Good News (12/01/2012); A Need to Fear? (12/02/2012)

“guitarman” Jesus must be apprehended using more than a “gospel” that provides a biography of his life and a record of his ministry. Many mature Christian believers now approach the Bible as a complete library of holy writings that provide a single sacred revelation whereby divine fullness (i.e., all divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) is made knowable, known, accessible and approachable to created beings and living creatures. The Scriptures record divinity appearing to mankind using thousands of events, within thousands of lives, over the course of thousands of years. Jesus is linked to the Creation of heaven and earth; to the priesthood of Adam and his heirs who appear as Patriarchs; to the establishment of covenant, inheritance, and promissory relationship between divinity and mankind on the earth; to the execution of judgment against sin; to the fulfillment of all eternal purpose; and more.

A different way of thinking is required that puts aside carnal reason, secular knowledge, and critical thinking, for these are things determined through faith and sacred knowledge. In the same way forgiveness, resurrection from death, and the final elimination of sin are carried out as sacred operations expressing accord within the Godhead, yet, employ created beings and living creatures as vessels of life essence (blood; breath; spirit; word), the full revelation of the character, nature, and substance of GOD is being provided through visible and continuing operations. Inseparable aspects of divinity are imparted to sinners who become born-again that include faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

As with those, today, who are anointed to serve as apostles, consecrated spokespersons, teachers, and those providing testimony within the ongoing divine judgment (we say, prophets; witnesses), it is more correct to attribute the sacred accomplishments we see associated with Paul, Barnabas, James, Silas and others to the imparted, indwelling Spirit and Jesus Christ as Risen Lord. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible that includes part of Paul’s answer to those who challenged his office and authenticity:

1. Deuteronomy 29: 29, King James Version (KJV): 29 The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

2. Romans 6: 3-9, KJV: 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.

3. Ephesians 4: 11-16, KJV: 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. 2^nd Corinthians 13: 3-9, 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? 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.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(01/08/2019) Ungodly Pride Is Sin

Today, reply is on pride and self-government that violate sacred law. The ingredients and makeup of ungodly pride include covetousness, envy, immaturity, perverted judgment, presumption, self-promotion, being shameless, selfishness, and love of vainglory. Even so, in the same way ungodly pride is seen in those who exalt themselves above others, ungodly pride is to be recognized in those who deny their own value, who repeatedly voice self-condemnation, and who express lack of faith refusing to acknowledge the gift of divine salvation—that GOD so loved the world—also applies to themselves. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality public forum using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

How can pride be classed as sin?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: As I live, saith the Lord GOD, Sodom thy sister hath not done, she nor her daughters, as thou hast done, thou and thy daughters. Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good. (Ezekiel 16: 48-50, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Ego, Pride and Self-awareness (12/31/2018); Holy Boldness and Humility (10/04/2018); “Only GOD Can Judge”? (02/28/2017); The Gift of Humility (02/19/2017); Presumption, Pride and Sin? (11/24/2015); Humility Needed for Salvation? (08/15/2014); False Angels of Light? (08/16/2014); The Sin of Pride? (08/13/2014); Judged For Acts and Thoughts? (08/14/2014)

“Anonymous”, developing Christian believers experience spiritual confusion and the operations of sin whenever they mistakenly acknowledge arrogance, haughtiness, narcissism, and self-centeredness as though they are the same as true self-esteem, self-regard, self-respect, and sovereign authority. Godliness and integrity of ones personhood are essential for the continuing communication, exchange, and interaction that are vital to having a personal relationship with divinity (we say, the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). Christian believers are to present the image of GOD (we also say, Christ-likeness), and to display the inseparable aspects of divine fullness. Included are faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

All sin opposes the continued existence of sacred law, of the Lawgiver, and of divine order throughout Creation. Sin has not been created by divinity, and contains no life essence (i.e., breath; spirit; word) or substance imparted from the makeup of GOD. Yet, sin may dominate awareness and self-will within created beings and living creatures. Sin promotes self-destruction, nonexistence, and the restoration of conditions in place before the founding of heaven and earth (i.e., preexistence; continual movement and streaming with the absence of direction and purpose). It is in this sense that pride transgresses divine law: The workings of desire, lust, and passion can generate a false sense of power and possibilities as though the divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and sovereign will of GOD could be annulled, canceled, or dismissed by those who have been put forth from divinity.

Those who practice exaggerated pride exalt themselves within their own feelings and thoughts, and judge themselves as above others. They overthrow divine judgment, and usurp the office of the one appointed as judge. Such sinners deny the abilities, contributions, worth, and value of others. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible responding to questions that include exercising proper authority over oneself and the eating of things offered to idols:

1. Proverbs 21: 30, King James Version (KJV): 30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

2. Proverbs 24: 8-9, KJV: 8 He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous person. 9 The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.

3. Proverbs 28: 8-10, KJV: 8 He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor. 9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination. 10 Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. Romans 8: 3-9, KJV: 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(01/07/2019) The Use of Money?

The Widow With Two Coins by Emily Mineo

Today, reply is on giving and the use of money to establish and maintain relationship within the church as a sanctified body. The blood of Jesus Christ is the only acceptable offering or sacrifice Christians may make for the remission of sins; therefore, bequests, financial donations and gifts of money to the church are only for maintenance of physical facilities; mission and outreach programs; services; and wages to clergy and other staff. Believers make no money offerings, or sacrifices for sin. The purchase of a sinner’s life, so they may accomplish repentance and be accounted as returned to correct relationship with divinity, requires that the blood of Jesus Christ be applied for atonement and propitiation of sin as well as receiving inseparable aspects of his spirit substance from the makeup of GOD (we say, the Comforter; the Holy Ghost; the Spirit of Prophecy; the Spirit of Truth). Developing believers acknowledge the divine provisions that supply focus, order, and eternal purpose for their new life by dedicating their own flesh, skills, talents, and their belongings to be shared through praise, unselfish service, and worship. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality public forum using the ID “Skittles” (Level 3 with 1,520 points, a member since May 12, 2012) posted the following:

Do you have to pay money to have a relationship with God?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. (Jeremiah 9: 23-24, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Blessed In Our Deeds (05/29/2018); Jesus Paid It All (04/04/2018); Not A Financial Transaction (01/28/2018); Giving, A Divine Discipline? (10/09/2017); Fundraising A Sacred Practice? (01/01/2017); Are All Debts Forgiven? (10/11/2016); A $1,000 Dollar Seed? (11/02/2015); Money Is No Object? (10/14/2015)

“Skittles”, among mature Christian believers, money is regularly used for unselfish offerings and sacrifices that continue accountability, commitment, shared responsibility, and the expression of love by members within a congregation or community of faith. Divine forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life are only available through the ministry of Jesus Christ, and may not be bought and sold. The blood and body of Jesus is offered by divine fullness (we say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) for the atonement of sin, and is shared among the members of the church through the emblems of bread and wine (we say, Holy Communion; the Eucharist; the Lord’s Supper). More than this, baptism and rebirth that are gifts from the makeup of GOD, are provided only within the church so that full members may exist as the offspring of GOD, joint heirs with Christ, and the new creation. Repenting sinners are to receive imparted, indwelling, inseparable aspects of spirit from the makeup of GOD that include faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. The things set apart as sacred (we say, sanctified) are never to be regarded as ones personal possession, private property, or a reward for ones own achievements, hard work, and merit. Similarly, innocence, purity, and sacred knowledge provided by the church are not to be taken as fruits of the flesh, rather, they should be acknowledged as provisions from the Spirit. Consider again the following that uses language from the holy writings that speak to the use of money and ones substance at the Temple in Jerusalem and within the early church:

1. Proverbs 3: 9-10, King James Version (KJV): 9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

2. Mark 12: 41-44, KJV: 41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. 42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. 43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: 44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.

3. 1^st Peter 5: 2-4, KJV: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. Acts 8: 14-22, KJV: 14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. 18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, 19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. 20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. 21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. 22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(01/06/2019) We Have To Believe?

Today, reply is on believing as a sacred operation made in response to divine revelation, rather than an emotional, intellectual, or mental event responding to life experiences and worldly occurrences. Consciousness within created beings and living creatures must acknowledge and respond to active presence that appears as the inseparable aspects of divine fullness (we say, the makeup of GOD). While sinners will begin with ideas and understandings that are simple and easily understood, eventually they are to take on the duties and practices of mature Christian adults that are profound expressions of divine law, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of the Creator. The writer at the public forum, “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “veggiegirl777” (Level 4 with 3,344 points, a member since March 26, 2009) posted the following:

Why does Christianity say we have to believe Jesus died for our sins in order to be saved?

In the Bible, I have read many parts of it, it only quotes Jesus as saying you have to believe in him.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. (John 3: 16-21, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Offering Yourself To Christ? (12/27/2018); Discovering The Holy Spirit (12/23/2018); The Water, The Fire (10/10/2017); Become Like Jesus Christ? (10/27/2016); Belief, Content And Works? (02/12/2016); By More Than Believing (12/04/2015); Foolish For Not Believing? (03/22/2013); Science and the Laws of Nature? (03/23/2013)

“veggiegirl777”, speaking as mature Christian believers, born-again followers of Jesus should share the understanding that “belief” in Christ as Lord and Savior is more than a choice or decision grounded in logic, carnal reason, and critical thinking. Christians are to accept and undergo permanent change. The belief spoken of within the holy writings and the shared doctrine for the church speak to the need for divine process that is generated and completed through exchanges and interactions of inseparable aspects of divine fullness. Included are faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Sinners who turn to GOD will experience repentance as an operation of the imparted, indwelling Spirit, who also is a member of the Godhead (we say, divinity; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). Most developing believers begin their journey returning to the Creator being grounded in secular knowledge, worldly practices, and transgressions of divine law (we say, sins). New believers must acquire sacred knowledge, skill performing sacred practices (i.e., sacraments such as baptism, marriage, praise, prayer), and maturity (e.g., accountability, balance, consistency, sobriety, stability). Once sinners are transformed through baptism to exist as vessels of divine life essence (we say, breath; spirit; word), they are to continue using daily routines and lifestyles that display the influence of active presence and their new relationship as the offspring of GOD, joint heirs with Jesus Christ, and the new creation.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

Colossians 3: 1-17, King James Version (KJV): 1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. 5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: 7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. 8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: 11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. 12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16 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. 17 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.

Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(01/04/2019) Faith Throughout the Scriptures?

Today, reply is on the appearance of “faith” as a divine substance and sacred process throughout the holy writings.  The process whereby divinity is made known and revealed to created beings and living creatures is one wherein multiple shifts of ones focus must occur from simple things that conform to material, mechanical, natural, and social laws to things that are completely spiritual in their makeup, purpose, substance, and operation. Sinners who turn to GOD through Jesus Christ must experience renewal of their mind and separation from things earthly to exist and become filled with inseparable aspects of spirit content from the divine fullness (we say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). Included are faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. A writer in the “Yahoo! Answers (United Kingdom)” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “ID “GRANNY NORINE” (Level 1 with 5 points, a member since May 16, 2014) posted the following:

Why is there no "faith" spoken of in the OT except "to come" in Deuteronomy 32:20; Habakkuk 2:4?

Never in the Old Testament is the word faith used in reference to Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, the Israelites, Rahab, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets. Why?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And without Emunah it is impossible to please Hashem. For it is necessary for the one making a kiruv approach to Hashem to have Emunah in the fact that yesh Elohim (G-d is there), and that Elohim gives sachar (reward) to those who seek him with zerizut. (Yehudim in Moshiach 11: 6, Orthodox Jewish Bible (OJB): Copyright © 2002, 2003, 2008, 2010, 2011 by Artists for Israel International)

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

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: By Reading The Bible? (11/18/2018); Nehushtan, The Brass Serpent (10/26/2018); Catholic and Protestant Bibles? (10/11/2018); Abraham Demonstrates Spiritual Growth (05/30/2018); The Meaning of “Faith” (03/28/2018); Holy Writings and Spirit? (12/16/2016); Books Having Sacred Knowledge? (10/25/2016); From Cover to Cover? (01/04/2016); The Words Are Spirit? (06/03/2015)

“GRANNY NORINE” among mature Christian believers, concepts of diffuse sacred substances such as “faith”, “holiness”, “righteousness”, “spirit” and “word” appear throughout the recorded revelation of GOD to created beings and living creatures (we say, the Bible), and is described or spoken of using depictions and language that becomes increasingly crystallized and direct. Keeping it in mind that our focus should be on the “spirit” not the “letter”, you might be able to agree, many today err—like the Pharisees and Sadducees who contended against Jesus by promoting the law without the prophets, promoted disbelief in resurrection of the dead, and even discouraged belief in spirit presence from GOD (e.g., angels; the Shekinah that inhabited the Most Holy Place within the Temple at Jerusalem). Consider again the following that speaks of “faith”:

1. Bereshis 15: 5-7, Orthodox Jewish Bible (OJB): 5 And He brought him forth outside, and said, Look now toward Shomayim, and count the kokhavim, if thou be able to number them; and He said unto him, So shall thy zera be. 6 And he believed in Hashem; and He credited [emunah (faith)] to him as tzedakah (righteousness). 7 And He said unto him, I am Hashem Who brought thee out of Ur Kasdim, to give thee ha’aretz hazot to be the yoresh of it. [Orthodox Jewish Bible (OJB) Copyright © 2002, 2003, 2008, 2010, 2011 by Artists for Israel International]

Genesis 15: 5-7, King James Version (KJV): 5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. 6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness. 7 And he said unto him, I am the LORD that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it.

2. Bamidbar 12: 5-8, OJB: 5 And Hashem came down in an Ammud Anan, and stood in the entrance of the Ohel, and He called Aharon and Miryam; and they both came forth. 6 And He said, Hear now My words: If there be a navi among you, I Hashem will reveal Myself unto him in a mar’ah (vision), and will speak unto him in a chalom. 7 Avdi Moshe is not so, who is ne’eman (faithful) in all Mine Bais. 8 With him will I speak peh el peh, plainly, and not in dark sayings; and the temuna (form) of Hashem shall he behold; why then were ye not afraid to speak against Avdi Moshe?

Numbers 12: 5-8, KJV: 5 And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth. 6 And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.  7 My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. 8 With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?

3. Devarim 32: 20, OJB: 20 And He said, I will hide My face from them, I will see what their end shall be; for they are a very perverse generation, banim in whom is no faithfulness.

Deuteronomy 32: 20, KJV: 20 And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. Chabakuk 2: 4, OJB: 4 Hinei, his nashamah which is puffed up is not upright in him; but the tzaddik shall live by his emunah. [Bereshis 15: 6]

Habakkuk 2: 4, KJV: 4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(01/01/2019) Divine Forgiveness and Justice

A depiction of New Jerusalem showing her 12 foundations

Today, the first day of the New Year 2019, reply is on divine forgiveness and the workings of sacred law. Divine justice is to be understood as the fulfillment and product of all sacred proclamation, promise and prophecy, the full manifesting and revealing of the consecrated Word. The attitudes, behavior and conduct of men are not justified by their obedience and performance of the law given by GOD; and final judgment is not to vindicate the works of mankind so much as to show that divinity and sacred law are justified and vindicated. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality public forum using the ID “Dark Places” (Level 4 with 2,894 points, a member since September 30, 2013) posted the following:

Is forgiveness true justice?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. (1^st Corinthians 3: 11-15, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Judgment Perfects Divine Revelation (12/18/2018); The Vengeance of GOD? (10/01/2017); Divine Forgiveness Not Enough? (09/22/2017); Balance, Forgiveness and Justice (08/08/2017); Salvation Goes Beyond Forgiveness (06/30/2017); Making and Keeping Justice? (05/25/2017); Law, Vengeance, and Punishment? (09/30/2016)

“Dark Places”, be encouraged! Here are some points that may be new for you in this New Year. Divine judgment must appear for the full revelation of divinity that draws created beings and living creatures to GOD. More completely and directly than in Creation and Salvation, the righteousness of GOD appears through Judgment. Even so, human justice often presents a narrow focus of establishing equality (we also say, fairness; parity) between victims and their attackers: The goals may be to demand payment and recompense, to execute retaliation, or to punish and force the attacker to suffer at least to the same extent as the victim has done (i.e., eye for eye, tooth for tooth). Among Christian believers, authentic justice appears only through the systematic operations and hallowed substance of law from GOD that make visible the divine prerogative, sacred personhood, eternal purpose, and sovereign will of GOD.

Forgiveness is in accord with judgment to affirm and support continuing communication, exchange, and interaction (we say, relationship) of the Creator and the created both in heaven and on the earth. In its form as an ongoing divine process, judgment does not always appear as a formal tribunal, yet, always serves to resolve conflicts and settle disputes through the application of divine law. Final judgment appears as an examination of credentials for those to have place as joint-heirs with Jesus Christ, and for the lawful distribution of inheritance and reward (e.g., allotments within the New Jerusalem; the sharing of land on the earth made new; the provision of immortality).

Authentic justice must go beyond hunting down criminals and law enforcement against wrongdoers. Rightly understood, breeches of divine law have impact throughout the universe that can not be recognized and seen always among men. Thus, divine judgment that also embraces things that remain unseen is always a blessing. Through judgment that includes forgiveness, mercy, and reconciliation there are to be gratitude, joy, healing and renewal of healthy relationships. Peace and a return to stability are only through judgment, never from war that begets more war. Justice will also reaffirm (we say, repair; restore; revive) divine order and the codes and standards that have been broken, denied, transgressed, and violated.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, as the origin of all who exist and have life, divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) also locates created beings and living creatures within frameworks of time and space, and determines their fruitage, possibilities, and suitability for everlasting duration. Unlike human compassion that appears on the basis of empathy, like-mindedness and feeling, mercy appears for balance and completeness in judgment along with attention to detail, disclosure to maintain and manage the scope of inquiry, forbearance, impartiality, longsuffering, respect, and restraint.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC