(05/23/2016) Presumption Is Never Helping

Distinctions among meddling, obedience, presumption, and pride are in view, today.  Ignorance of divine law is not a justification for wrongdoing.  “Good intentions” do not erase disregard for blessing from GOD that can include inheritance, law, prosperity, a role in service, and privilege to worship.  The death upon the cross and living ministry of Jesus Christ was no more a condemnation and denial of governing law, than the reign of David from the tribe of Judah as King and Prophet to Israel.  In addition to becoming an example of those who forget GOD, deny the sanctions in place against sin through divine law, and show no heartfelt respect to Deity, the death of Uzzah, who reached out to steady the Ark of Covenant when he thought it would fall from a cart, prefigures the death of Jesus upon the cross, the second death through final judgment against the wicked, and the full range of consequences for failure to trust GOD to maintain the things that manifest divinity including his law, the express will of GOD.  A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Henry” (Level 1 with 161 points, a member since May 13, 2016) posted the following:

If God killed someone for trying to help, does that mean we are supposed to kill missionaires?

(2 Samuel 6:6-7) And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.

All this guy wanted to do was help The Lord, and God ended his life. Does that mean the next time a Christian knocks on my door trying to "Help The Lord" that I get to end their life. Isn't Christianity great?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men:  And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown:  And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them:  wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD?  And when Moses heard it, he fell upon his face:  And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the LORD will shew who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him:  even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him.  This do; Take you censers, Korah, and all his company;  And put fire therein, and put incense in them before the LORD to morrow:  and it shall be that the man whom the LORD doth choose, he shall be holy:  ye take too much upon you, ye sons of Levi.  And Moses said unto Korah, Hear, I pray you, ye sons of Levi:  Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?  And he hath brought thee near to him, and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee:  and seek ye the priesthood also?  For which cause both thou and all thy company are gathered together against the LORD: and what is Aaron, that ye murmur against him?  (Numbers 16:  1-11, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Cross and Mankind (05/13/2016); More On Divine Justification (02/08/2016); Presumption, Pride and Sin? (11/24/2015); All Sin Is Willful? (10/20/2015); Correct in Only Your Mind? (05/04/2015); Resurrection from the Dead? (04/23/2014); Not A Matter Of Opinion? (04/24/2014)

“Henry”, the GOD we serve is a Deity who practices vengeance (we say, judgment, justice).  That divinity would have to appear in human form (we say, Incarnation) to embody sin, and be destroyed upon the cross is taken to be a stern warning by many Christian believers to approach the things of GOD with balance, caution, and sobriety.  While many followers of Christ trust that, through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood, correction, and truth from the cross are flowing to here and now, they also seek to be careful not to rely upon secular assumptions about divine teachings, or “jump to conclusions” that are not anchored in sacred knowledge and practice (we say, sacraments).

In the same way the expulsion of Adam (the pair) from Eden and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ both must be acknowledged as demonstrations of divine wrath against sin, the “breach” upon Uzzah is to be understood as a revelation of the character, nature and substance of Deity expressed as law, covenant relationship, trust, and divine love.  In his anointing by the prophet Samuel, David appropriated to himself more than simply authorization to serve as king over Israel.  David, who calls GOD “father” in the holy writings, also understood his appointment to include that of Judge, High Priest, and Prophet who had authority to command the Levitical priests, schedule their service, and establish liturgy for the tabernacle and temple that would follow.

The Ark of the Covenant was not to be touched by human hands.  A death penalty was in place from the time of the wandering of Israel in the wilderness.  The Ark was to be lifted and carried only by using poles.  When the sons of the High Priest Eli came under the curse of GOD, as did King Saul, the Ark was captured by the Philistines.  When David saw an opportunity to bring the counsel of GOD to himself at Zion as represented through the Ark and the regalia of the High Priest (the ephod, Urim and Thummim), the Ark was placed upon a new cart pulled by oxen that had never been yoked. 

Believers often commit the sins of presumption and pride that may appear as “harmless”, “innocent”, and their way of being themselves.  It is partly for this reason that divine forgiveness, mercy in judgment, and the ministry of reconciliation are provided to mankind through the cross.  Consider how some of this appears stated in the language of the Bible:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 17:  11-13, King James Version (KJV):  11 According to the sentence of the law which they shall teach thee, and according to the judgment which they shall tell thee, thou shalt do:  thou shalt not decline from the sentence which they shall shew thee, to the right hand, nor to the left.  12 And the man that will do presumptuously, and will not hearken unto the priest that standeth to minister there before the LORD thy God, or unto the judge, even that man shall die: and thou shalt put away the evil from Israel.  13 And all the people shall hear, and fear, and do no more presumptuously.

(2.)  Psalms 19:  12-14, KJV:  12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.  13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me:  then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.  14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

(3.)  2nd Corinthians 5:  17-21, KJV:  17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:  old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;  19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.  20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us:  we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.  21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

There is far more that could be said, must be carefully examined, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4.)  Hebrews 10:  28-30, KJV:  28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:  29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?  30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/22/2016) The Problem of Faith?

Today, points are shared on divinely given faith, intellect, and hope that is false (we say, vain).  In the holy writings, vanity is the absence of spirit content from GOD, thus, the worship of graven images and idols is called “following” or “walking with vanity.”  Many upon the earth have been vain in their response to sacred law, and have failed to realize their own need for more than mechanical obedience to law.  Correctly understood, faith establishes placement within and relationship with the GODhead.  In the beginning, mankind was endowed with a measure of faith that was to sustain their existence upon the earth.  Through the operations of sin, faith and spirit (we also say, breath, life essence, word) in man became corrupt, diluted, and made impotent.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Greg” (Level 1 with 27 points, a member since September 06, 2015) posted the following:

What exactly is the problem with Faith?

Faith is the submission of the intellect to the doctrines revealed to mankind by God. It's essentially believing in something as true without seeing it for yourself.

So, what exactly is the problem with Faith?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  For by it the elders obtained a good report.  Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.  (Hebrews 11:  1-3, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Faith and The Cross? (03/30/2016); Belief, Content And Works? (02/12/2016); Not Through Human Will? (01/29/2016);  That GOD Is Faithful? (08/31/2015); All Is Vanity? (07/28/2015); The Gift of Life Despised? (10/13/2014); The Life That Endures (10/14/2014)

“Greg”, it is written:  2nd Thessalonians 3:  1-3, King James Version (KJV):  1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:  2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men:  for all men have not faith.  3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.  In the light of Jesus Christ dying upon the cross as an embodiment of all sin (that of angels and men), faith imparted from GOD is to be understood as more than a carnal, material, social and temporal reality.  Faith must be acknowledged as a spirit substance from the full makeup of divinity.  The issue is not one of faith versus unbelief that is generated from lack of sacred knowledge and practice; the problem is one of no godliness that comes by embodiment of consecrated being.

Divinely given faith is inseparable from the other aspects of divine being.  Included are forbearance, forgiveness, joy, longsuffering, meekness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Faith is made up entirely of faith, just as holiness is made up only of holiness.  Faith is essential for discernment (ability to apply ones own spirit content to correctly identify spirit matter appearing in events, oneself, other persons, prophecy, statements, etc.).  Finite tools among created beings and living creatures such as intellect, logic, philosophy, and science are not enough to eliminate sin that opposes the continued existence of divine law.

In the same way the greatest problem for many Christian believers is not that of condemning, dismissing and repenting of sins, and it is that we must give up cherished, long held, and vain hopes (i.e., desires lacking sacred focus and substance).  Many think of faith as private conviction, passion, and the personal expression of themselves, rather than of Jesus Christ.  Consider how some of this appears stated in the language of the Bible:

(1.)  Matthew 8:  23-27, King James Version (KJV):  23 And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.  24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves:  but he was asleep.  25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us:  we perish.  26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.  27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

(2.)  Matthew 14:  26-33, KJV:  26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.  27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.  28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.  29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.  30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.  31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?  32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.  33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

There is far more that could be said, must be carefully examined, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (3.)  Galatians 2:  19-21, KJV:  19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.  20 I am crucified with Christ:  nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me:  and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.  21 I do not frustrate the grace of God:  for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/20/2016) The Cross Condemns Fornication

Today, the death of Jesus Christ upon the cross is shown also to condemn fornication and sexual sins.  Mature Christian believers are to accept that, through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood, correction, and truth from the cross are flowing to here and now.  Upon the earth interdependent, intimate and personal relationships all are vulnerable to human error.  Sin is no material thing having physical form and measurable dimensions; and sin operates among the living through ignorance, lack of sensitivity, and subtlety (i.e., barely visible differences; hidden shifts in meaning and value).  Because sexual pleasure may disguise deceit, and mask the destructiveness of sin, the extent of contradiction against divinity by sin must be made to appear in flesh (we say, made Incarnate) unadorned, and destroyed by the wrath of the Father as a corrupt material thing embodied through the person of Jesus, the Son of GOD.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shown) posted the following:

 

Why do many christians think homosexuality is a worse sin than others?

I thought all sins are equal in the eyes of God, and that sinners can still go to heaven if they believe and ask for forgiveness. Why do people bash gays and tell them they are going to hell? Isn't it a sin to get a divorce? To curse? I just don't understand. Why is this the worst sin?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.  For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh:  and these are contrary the one to the other:  so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.  But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.  Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,  Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,  Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like:  of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.  And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.  Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.  (Galatians 5:  16-26, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Gender, Sex and Christian Beliefs? (05/18/2016); On Controlling Lust (01/05/2016); All Sin Is Willful? (10/20/2015); The Judgment Against Sodom? (04/10/2015); Condemned by the Church? (08/19/2014); Principles of Correct Belief? (08/20/2014)

 

“Anonymous”, the operations of sin are in agreement with awareness and self-will among disbelievers and underdeveloped Christians (we say, those “born again” who are simple, not yet “grown up” again and mature).  Sin that opposes the continued existence of sacred law, the Law Giver, and all divine order can not influence the divine will, yet, sin may dominate awareness and self-will in created beings and living creatures.  Sin appears to be a residue from the chaos and flux described as “preexistence”.  Where the living submit to sin, they are directed to confusion, decay, destruction, and nonexistence.

Sexual pleasure is one of the most deceptive and powerful aspects of human experience, and can result in spiritual overthrow that will continue even for hundreds of years after the death of the individual sinner who transgressed divine law.  Many do not grasp that every sex act is emotional, physical, psychological and spiritual all at the same time.  “Fornication” is the joining of spirits through sexual contact (the two become one flesh) that may be simply holding hands, kissing (oral sex), or full intercourse.  Every previous partner is present and active, even for married couples.  Thus, the pair infuse their own “influence” into one another along with the character and personality of unseen persons.  Where a male has had 8 previous partners, the female is joined to 9; and where she has had 3 partners, he is joined to 4.  Where the 9 each had 9, and the 3 each had 3...do the math.  These different “influences” may conflict, and dominate ones inborn spirit—and their victim will have no idea who they are, or even that they are present.

Apart from the provisions of GOD, sin appears as natural, normal, pleasing, and routine.  Even that divinity would appear Incarnate, become a manifestation of all sin, and be destroyed upon the cross is not sufficient to reveal the heinous character and nature of sin.  The “exceeding sinfulness of sin,” requires atoning blood, and that the living be granted fresh endowments of spirit substance from the makeup of GOD.  So to speak, the basic platform for the existence of mankind must be reconfigured.  “The flesh” must be replaced as the primary source of meaning and value generated through appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, sexual cravings), sensation (e.g., hearing, seeing, taste, touch), and emotion/mental functions (e.g., anger, dreams, fantasy, fear, imagination, recall), and depending heavily upon the frameworks of space and time to promote a sense of control, duration, and order. 

There is far more that could be said, must be carefully examined, and spiritually understood.  (For example, because sin is no ordinary physical object that may be instantly destroyed, eliminated or totally removed, multiple devices and works are being provided by divinity that allow the living to correctly recognize and resist sin.  Included are admonition, covenant, death, forgiveness, inheritance, judgment, promise, prophecy, rebirth, repentance, sacrifice, sanctification, scripture, testimony, and the Lord’s Supper.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(05/19/2016) I Go To Prepare...

Advent, eternal life, prophecy and revelation are topics, today.  For Christian believers, it is as though one speaking among the divine persons said to the others with him in heaven, “I go to repair a place for you,” and to those becoming reconciled to Deity upon the earth, “I go to prepare a place for you.”  Jesus Christ is that person within the fullness of divinity (we say, the GODhead) that is preparing a dwelling place for those created beings and living creatures who will exist as immortal, incorruptible life companions to the Risen Lord within the eternal kingdom of GOD.  As portrayed for us in the life events where a son obtains the inheritance as firstborn, joint-heirs with the Son of GOD receive a double portion from the estate of the Father that we are first to apply in completing his “unfinished business” that may include canceling debts, fulfilling promises, and providing closure.  A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Sherry” (Level 1 with 3 points, a member since July 19, 2007) posted the following:

Why did Jesus say He was coming back ?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.  Behold, I come quickly:  hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.  Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out:  and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God:  and I will write upon him my new name.  (Revelation 3:  10-12, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Cross and Mankind (05/13/2016); Heirs of The Cross? (04/01/2016); Priesthood and The Cross (03/20/2016); Believing In The Cross? (03/04/2016); Waiting For His Appearing (02/09/2016); A Promise of Return (01/15/2016); Becoming Ripe for Harvest? (07/03/2015)

“Sherry”, many mature Christian believers trust that divinity operated through the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit to put forth all things that exist.  Included are created beings and living creatures, their spheres of life (e.g., heaven, earth, the universe), provisions for their duration and life process (e.g., birth, aging, growth, maturity) as well as sacred law to be the platform for all divine order.  The revelation of GOD whereby divinity is made knowable and known to the living involves multiple displays and works that may only be performed by Deity, who is a spirit.  For the living to correctly understand, the workings of GOD must be gradual, in chronological sequence, and visible in accordance with the finite frameworks of time and space.  For example, forgiveness and atonement for sin, rebirth through baptism, Incarnation (divinity using flesh and human form to appear upon the earth), resurrection of the dead, and sanctification have been carried out along with imparting spirit content from the makeup of GOD (we say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth).  The Creator has continued to communicate, exchange, and interact with the created through utterance (we say, proclamation, promise, and prophecy).  The death of Jesus upon the cross was only one aspect of his larger work as High Priest in heaven.  In addition to completing the ministry of atonement and cleansing the place of GOD (we say, the Temple of heaven) that has been defiled by the sins of the living, Christ will conclude ongoing judgment of his disciples and followers, prepare to harvest his who are “ripe” from the earth, finish building New Jerusalem, determine allotments for his followers to dwell there, and prepare for resurrection and judgment of the wicked.  Consider how some of this appears stated in the language of the Bible:

(1.)   John 14:  1-3, King James Version (KJV):  1 Let not your heart be troubled:  ye believe in God, believe also in me.  2 In my Father’s house are many mansions:  if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

(2.)   2nd Corinthians 5:  1-5, KJV:  1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.  2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:  3 If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.  4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened:  not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.  5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.

(3.)  Romans 8:  22-24, KJV:  22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.  23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.  24 For we are saved by hope:  but hope that is seen is not hope:  for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?

There is far more that could be said, must be carefully examined, and spiritually understood.  (For example (4.)  1st Thessalonians 4:  14-18, KJV:  14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.  15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.  16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God:  and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air:  and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX 
Washington, DC

(05/18/2016) Gender, Sex and Christian Beliefs?

Family life, gender, and sexual preference are considered, today.  Life as a new creation through Jesus Christ is continually attacked, confronted, and opposed by diffuse yet sophisticated systems of belief that are widely held, and on surface, are legitimate and useful.  Included are the World, the Flesh, the Great Whore, and the Devil.  Believers must stay focused to avoid becoming distracted; for those embracing the systems of disbelief usually approve and endorse one another as though they have eliminated the natural need within the created to seek, and submit to the Creator.  Bitterness, confusion, deceit, depression, hate and self-destructiveness are not being put forth by GOD.  The consciousness, goals, and values antagonistic systems provide ordinarily corrupt family relationships, home life, and the course of all emotional, psychological, and spiritual development encouraged by divinity.  Only where believers apply their endowments from GOD can those choosing to follow Jesus correctly meet the repeated challenges to display clarity, compassion, consistency, faith, godliness, purity, righteousness, stability, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  One of the many fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (required profile information not shared) posted the following:

 

Christians, what would you do if your child told you they were transgender?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:  (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;  (2nd Corinthians 10:  3-5, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  A Bold Step Forward? (05/15/2016); Salvation Only Through Christ? (01/07/2016); The Correct Prescription? (11/19/2015); Scandal and Sin Among Believers? (06/05/2015); Making Sin Appear as Sinful? (06/07/2015); Putting GOD First? (06/02/2013); Need for A New Holy Spirit? (06/03/2013); Illusion? (04/25/2013); Not of Legal Age? (04/26/2013)

 

“Anonymous”, here are a few points to consider that, through operations of the Holy Spirit, are coming from the cross, despite barriers of time and space, along with blood, correction, and truth from Jesus Christ.  There are many intense issues to be faced by those within the body of Christ, the communities of faith, and the household of GOD who also seek gay, lesbian and transgender lifestyles.  The clear place of diversity as a value from GOD notwithstanding, demands must be addressed from disparate sources that include the divine order (i.e., male and female made he them), the natural order (male and female made he them), the “normative order” (i.e., how things ought to be), civil liberties within the social order, and the “existing order” (how things actually are given the continuing operations of sin).

Rebirth only provides comprehensive change of ones character, nature, and spirit substance (we say, one is born again).  A believer’s physical characteristics usually remain unchanged (e.g., disabilities, ethnicity, eye color, health, height, weight); and rebirth does not immediately impart full maturity, perfection, and sanctification.  The born again believer must gradually “grow up” again facing life challenges upon the earth that may include bereavement, congenital anomalies, disabilities, imprisonment, performing sacred duties, parenting, persecution, and suffering.  Even so, all believers will experience ongoing changes that will result in their final transformation at the appearing of Jesus (some say, the Advent, the Rapture, the Second Coming). 

Balance, individuality, self-affirmation, and self-esteem are gradually developed through life experience that is often diffuse and varied.  Given that many subtleties may exist (i.e., hidden differences; unseen shifts and changes), no parent can predict the final outcomes of their childrearing efforts.  Even so, they continually are to share acceptance with their child displaying genuine care and love.  Wise Christian parents are more likely to share direct instruction with their child to reinforce and support the child’s developing commitment as a disciple and follower of Jesus Christ.  In the same way it is not inappropriate that parents require school attendance, it is correct to call forth obedience to covenant agreements within the home that will delay routinely expressing peculiar attitudes, behaviors, and personal interests that are divisive of family life, and that have serious potential to appear as attacks and hostility against the larger community.  Parents may reasonably seek agreements to cooperate in Bible studies, church attendance, obeying dress codes, and practicing self-restraint regarding sexual explorations.  The parent is no less accountable for clarifying the danger of corruption, exaggerated pride, and questionable lifestyles to the child as well as for demonstrating and encouraging their offspring to internalize the “parental presence” (what to do or say, when we are not physically there with you).

There is far more that could be said, must be carefully examined, and spiritually understood.  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX 
Washington, DC

(05/17/2016) Discernment and Common Sense

Points are shared, today, on recognizing Jesus Christ as a physical person, and a spirit person.  Even from before the time of his birth, for anyone to correctly recognize who Jesus is there must be operations of the Holy Spirit, including being touched by blood, correction, and truth from the cross.  One of the many fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

 

Luke 24:39 Look at My hands and My feet. It is I Myself. Touch Me and see--for a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have."?

Does this mean that Jesus did not die, if we read it using common sense?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:  The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.  Philip cometh and telleth Andrew:  and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.  And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.  Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone:  but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.  He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.  If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be:  if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.  Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour:  but for this cause came I unto this hour.  Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.  The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered:  others said, An angel spake to him.  Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.  (John 12:  20-30, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Cross and Resurrection Sunday? (03/16/2016); Seeing Jesus While Alive? (02/05/2016); In The Image of Man (05/04/2016); The Only Physical Being in Heaven? (06/17/2015); Death, Forgiveness, Sin and Spirit? (05/28/2015); The Image of GOD? (10/10/2013); Embodied Afterlife? (10/11/2013)

 

“Anonymous”, correctly recognizing Jesus Christ requires discernment (the ability to use ones own spirit content to distinguish and connect to spirit substance from divinity that appears in actions, events, other persons, purposes, statements, etc.), a spiritual gift that must be provided by GOD.  Both before and following his crucifixion, burial, and resurrection, only those closely associated with Jesus of Nazareth had the ability to recognize him in a crowd.  Jesus was plain looking with no outstanding physical features that set him apart (we say, he was nondescript).  He did not continually “glow” from glory as Moses did at one time following his communion with GOD in the mountains.  Surrounded by the twelve apostles and an ever-increasing multitude of disciples, the Lord became “impressive” only when he acted and spoke in the authority and power of his priesthood.  For this reason, someone who could betray him was sought, one of his close followers, who could approach him, even give him a kiss, and identify him in the darkness of night.  In the same way Mary mistook Jesus to be a stranger (the gardener) at the tomb, and those on the road to Emmaus could not recognize the Lord until he broke bread and offered thanks to the Father, the Resurrected One is not recognized among us today by those relying upon “common sense.”  To “recognize” the Lord and those sent as his ambassadors, believers must apply their own faith and sacred knowledge as well as their experiences through fellowship and ongoing practice of the sacraments.  Consider again the following:

(1.)  Matthew 14:  23-27, King James Version (KJV):  23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.  24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves:  for the wind was contrary. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.  26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.  27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

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

(3.)  Acts 7:  54-56, KJV:  54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.  55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,  56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually taken in.  (For example, (4.)  Revelation 1:  13-18, KJV:  13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.  14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;  15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.  16 And he had in his right hand seven stars:  and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword:  and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.  17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:  18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX 
Washington, DC

(05/16/2016) Sacred Knowledge and Christ

Today, focus is on sacred knowledge made available to the living through the death of Jesus Christ upon the cross.  Blood is a material form that may carry and convey spirit content.  Included are existence, life, meekness, person, presence, and virtue.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “SUPERSTAR” (Level 6 with 12,787 points, a member since November 28, 2009) posted the following:

Why did jesus die on a cross?

according to the gospel, Jesus didn't want to die but He accepts that how is that? how can it be a good idea to see a human being dying for your sins? just because Jesus was a divine being and he could come back to the life, but nobody of us couldn't back to the life again, so why did jesus choose to die? why did God need Jesus' Blood in order to love us?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  There is none holy as the LORD:  for there is none beside thee:  neither is there any rock like our God.  Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth:  for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.  The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.  (1st Samuel 2:  2-4, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  On Transmitting Sacred Truth (05/06/2016); Products of The Cross? (04/27/2016); Sin Also Made Incarnate? (04/25/2016); More Than Food and Drink? (04/12/2016); To Foster Godly Sorrow (03/11/2016); Life Is In Blood (12/08/2015); To Drink Holy Blood? (02/16/2015)

“SUPERSTAR”, the knowledge needed to be in a continuous relationship with GOD the Father can only be provided through operations of the same Spirit that performed in the creation of heaven and earth.  However, “spirit” (we also say, breath, life essence, word) must be given carnal, material and social form to become knowable and known (we say, revealed) to created beings and living creatures upon the earth.  The living acquire knowledge through such means as imitation, instruction, intuition, and practice.  Thus, sacred knowledge must come through change, and “new life” (i.e., you must be born again, and mature again (grow up) meeting challenges that appear by growth, learning, and daily routines).  What the living will internalize and retain must be enduring, graphic, organic, and sanctified (set apart for divine use).  The operations of sin appear as awareness and self-will in the living are dominated, and influenced.  Mature Christian believers agree that GOD the Father has appeared using flesh (we say, Incarnation) to embody and destroy sin upon the cross as well as to demonstrate the voluntary expression of commitment, freedom, humility, love, obedience, acknowledgement of eternal purpose, the righteousness of GOD in judgment, triumph over death, and victory over sin.  Through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood, correction, and truth from the cross are flowing to here and now; therefore, consider again how these ideas are shared using language from the Bible:

(1.)  Romans 8:  13-17, King James Version (KJV):  13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die:  but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.  14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.  15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.  16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:  17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

(2.)  1st John 2:  27, KJV:  27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you:  but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

(3.)  John 3:  31-34, KJV:  31 He that cometh from above is above all:  he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.  32 And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.  33 He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.  34 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God:  for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually taken in.  (For example, (4.)  Romans 8:  5-9, KJV:  5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.  6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God:  for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.  9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC