Today, focus is on the operations of divine Spirit vital to Christian belief. Every mature Christian believer began in a spiritual condition of darkness, disinterest, ignorance, immaturity, and infancy; each one had to gradually acquire the things of full Christian life. Discernment and single-minded concentration are important when acquiring sacred knowledge, pursuing study of the holy writings, and comprehending doctrine. Even so, the primary need of a believer is edification that comes through prophecy, not education that comes by secular studies, by relying on carnal reason, or by promoting the Flesh and the World. One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:
Do you believe it is right to teach young children only one religion, or would it be more fair to let them decide what to believe?
I was told Jesus was my savior all my life when i was young and I wish i had known more about other forms of religion and science.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them. Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22: 5-6, King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Testing and Divine Process (06/12/2017); Baptism and Sacred Practices? (06/02/2017); Law and Divine Process (05/28/2017); Becoming A Full Person (02/12/2017); Are All Religions Acceptable? (01/11/2017); Benefiting From Your Childhood? (11/18/2016); On Expecting Quick Results (11/07/2016); Not Through Human Will? (01/29/2016)
“Anonymous”, children are to be exposed to the same doctrines and truth shared with their parents—while they are growing, not after they are grown. It is not a matter of “mysticism” or “mumbo jumbo” to speak of sinners becoming the new creation through Jesus Christ; even so, it is difficult to make it all sound simple. Growth and increase as a Christian believer require unceasing divine operations (e.g., praise, prophecy, rebirth, sacrifice, sanctification, suffering) and the repeated completion of sacred practices (we say, sacraments) that establish ones awareness and self-will in continuous contact with divinity. Carnal, material, secular, and social life experiences rely on finite human tools such as intellect, logic, critical thinking, philosophy, science, and sensations. By contrast, there must be a full immersion of ones character, spirit aspects (e.g., integrity, oneness without sameness, person, presence), and substance before they are enabled to apprehend the broad range of sacred laws, eternal purposes, spiritual truths and subtleties (i.e., barely visible differences; hidden and sudden shifts in meaning, quality, and value). As a “born again” believer, the sinner must receive deposits of spirit content from the makeup of GOD. Included are faith, forbearance, holiness, humility, gratitude, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Obedience permits unseen contacts, interactions, and movements among the inseparable aspects of life essence (breath, spirit, word), and the believer is able to acquire necessary divine order and patterns for consistency and stability without having detailed explanations. Additionally, a believer must build up their “discernment” (the ability to use ones own endowment of spirit from the makeup of GOD to correctly recognize and respond to the same spirit residing within events, other persons, the holy writings, etc.). Consider again the following from the Bible:
(1.) Malachi 3: 14-18, KJV: 14 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? 15 And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered. 16 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. 17 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. 18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.
(2.) 1st Corinthians 2: 7-14, KJV: 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (3.) Hebrews 5: 12-14, KJV: 12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Today, focus is on the provisions of GOD to nourish and sustain Moses and the generation forced to wander in the wilderness. While animals from the flocks and herds carried out of Egypt were used when making offerings and sacrifices, in general, they were regarded as “seed” that would be planted in the new homeland, and could not be used for regular meals to feed the people. Moses, the tribes of Jacob, and the mixed multitude (Gentiles) did not wander within a “desert”(an arid region covered by sand); yet, the area was barren, with sparse vegetation, uncultivated, and uninhabited. The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “STEVAN” (Level 4 with 3,374 points, a member since October 17, 2007) posted the following:
What did Moses and his gang eat in the desert when they were wandering about in it?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Egypt was glad when they departed: for the fear of them fell upon them. He spread a cloud for a covering; and fire to give light in the night. The people asked, and he brought quails, and satisfied them with the bread of heaven. He opened the rock, and the waters gushed out; they ran in the dry places like a river. For he remembered his holy promise, and Abraham his servant. (Psalms 105: 38-42, King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Generation That Wandered (06/14/2017); Acknowledging the Divine Presence (02/22/2017); Material Things in Heaven? (11/10/2016); The Loaves and Fishes (08/09/2016); Christ Brought A New Nature? (07/15/2015); My Soul Shall Be Satisfied (10/08/2014); Salvation Before Christ? (06/24/2014); All Sins Are Equal? (06/25/2014)
“STEVAN”, the account of those fed in the desert foreshadows the Incarnation and coming of Jesus Christ. Correctly understood, all those who would become the covenant people of GOD carried out of Egypt would eat food from the holy altar, and the “table of GOD” in heaven. In addition to receiving a portion of the burnt offerings and other sacrifices using their own livestock, there was the annual Passover meal, the falling of manna (called the “bread of heaven” and “angel’s food”) each morning except the Sabbath as well as a miraculous provision of millions of quail. This was in line with the tribes of Jacob being sanctified and exalted as special to GOD above all people on the earth. Those who expressed lack of faith would be condemned to all wander and die in the wilderness; however, their children and heirs (left behind as orphans) would be granted the privilege to receive adoption by GOD, and enjoy the fulfillment of the divine promises. Consider again the following from the Bible:
(1.) Deuteronomy 14: 1-3, King James Version (KJV): 1 Ye are the children of the LORD your God: ye shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead. 2 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth. 3 Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing.
(2.) Numbers 14: 1-4, KJV: 1 And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night. 2 And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness! 3 And wherefore hath the LORD brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt? 4 And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt.
(3.) Numbers 11: 18-23, KJV: 18 And say thou unto the people, Sanctify yourselves against to morrow, and ye shall eat flesh: for ye have wept in the ears of the LORD, saying, Who shall give us flesh to eat? for it was well with us in Egypt: therefore the LORD will give you flesh, and ye shall eat. 19 Ye shall not eat one day, nor two days, nor five days, neither ten days, nor twenty days; 20 But even a whole month, until it come out at your nostrils, and it be loathsome unto you: because that ye have despised the LORD which is among you, and have wept before him, saying, Why came we forth out of Egypt? 21 And Moses said, The people, among whom I am, are six hundred thousand footmen; and thou hast said, I will give them flesh, that they may eat a whole month. 22 Shall the flocks and the herds be slain for them, to suffice them? or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, to suffice them? 23 And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD’s hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not.
(4.) Deuteronomy 1: 34-40, KJV: 34 And the LORD heard the voice of your words, and was wroth, and sware, saying, 35 Surely there shall not one of these men of this evil generation see that good land, which I sware to give unto your fathers. 36 Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh; he shall see it, and to him will I give the land that he hath trodden upon, and to his children, because he hath wholly followed the LORD. 37 Also the LORD was angry with me for your sakes, saying, Thou also shalt not go in thither. 38 But Joshua the son of Nun, which standeth before thee, he shall go in thither: encourage him: for he shall cause Israel to inherit it. 39 Moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day had no knowledge between good and evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it, and they shall possess it. 40 But as for you, turn you, and take your journey into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) John 6: 26-33, KJV: 26 Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. 27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. 28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. 30 They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work? 31 Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. 32 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Today, focus is on accord, conformity, and oneness without sameness. Ministry of oneself and the gifts from GOD to others must come into view. Divine disfavor that results from human errors such as denial of holy matrimony, divorce, enmity, hate, and unrestrained lust can be avoided. Sinners are challenged to enter into an agreement (we also say, commitment, covenant, testament of blood) with divinity that establishes them in a relationship of repentance and turning away from sin. In addition to refusing to further transgress divine law (i.e., commit sin), those who become born-again are to strive to be like Jesus Christ, “the way, the truth, and the life.” Not only are his deeds and works to be copied or repeated, the precepts, principles, values and the sacred Spirit shown in his life and ministry also are to appear within our own lives. As much as possible, believers should conform to divine standards as seen within the church, and show themselves to be a new creation through Jesus Christ by their lifestyle and regular living routines. With this in view, conforming to Christ and behaving with the integrity of new men and women before GOD should even be seen in the healthy romantic relationships and innocent sexual behavior of a developing believer. What begins as an necessary exploration of ones own body and feelings must mature to become affirmation, giving, restraint, and full sharing. There is never a place for bitterness, exaggerated pride, nastiness, resentment, selfishness, and violence. One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers (Malaysia)” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:
Should we hate what God hates or can we feel our own way about it, all while being a good Christian?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously. Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment? (Malachi 2: 15-17, King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Extravagance of Love? (04/02/2017); Believers Are To Love (12/07/2016); Become Like Jesus Christ? (10/27/2016); Does GOD Hate Jews? (10/03/2016); Bad GOD, Good GOD? (01/03/2016); We Call Him Jealous? (10/25/2015); How To Measure Spiritual Progress? (04/19/2015); Divine Love Seen As Hate? (01/29/2015); Two Different Testaments? (01/05/2013); The Place for Eternal Life? (01/06/2013)
“Anonymous”, among mature Christian believers, sinners are to become as much like Christ as possible (before the end of the world as we now know it.) The process of GOD for cleansing, healing, and recovering the Creation from sin is understood as having multiple levels of divine action and works. GOD must make divinity knowable, known, and “visible” to created beings and living creatures (we say, there must be revelation); the separation of the living and the divine must be reduced; divinity must appear using familiar forms and material (i.e., there must be Incarnation); there must be fixed standards that express the heart and mind of divinity (we say, there must be “sacred knowledge” as well as divine law); and there must be willing responses by the living to the things from GOD. While GOD is to be respected as a sovereign who is immutable and unchanging, and who can not be influenced or manipulated, without describing emotions and sentiment, the holy writings indicate that there can be sorrow and weeping in heaven that are temporal (i.e., that occur over a measurable period). Just as there may be rejoicing for those who return to GOD through Jesus Christ, there can be sorrowing in response to seeing damage and loss in the lives of those in communion with heaven through the divine ministries. To seek to know GOD, then, includes sharing a full range of life experience with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit that includes death, error, rejection, rejoicing, suffering, and eternal life. Through rebirth (we say, being “born again, and growing up again”), the living receive inseparable aspects of spirit content from the makeup of GOD, and it is possible for them to endure as children and heirs of GOD. Included are balance, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Conforming to divine standards instead of carnal, material, secular, and social standards requires permanent changes within ones awareness and self-will. Consider the following:
(1.) Romans 12: 1-9, King James Version (KJV): 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. 9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
(2.) Romans 8: 28-30, KJV: 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (3.) Philippians 3: 7-14, KJV: 7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Today, a response is made to clarify the expression “wait on the Lord.” The living must await the completion of multiple sacred events. Included are deliverance, perfection, judgment of the just and of the wicked, the first and second resurrection, salvation, sanctification, and the first and the second death. The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers who uses the ID “Trilobiteme” (Level 4 with 3,171 points, a member since September 29, 2011) posted the following:
What does it mean to wait on the Lord?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: 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; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. (1st Peter 5: 2-4, King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Divine Delay and Prayer? (03/22/2017); On Expecting Quick Results (11/07/2016); Waiting For His Appearing (02/09/2016); Christ Coming Soon? (10/16/2015); A Promise of Return (01/15/2016); A Promise of Return (01/15/2016); What To Do At His Coming (07/20/2014)
“Trilobiteme”, many of the differences seen among Christian believers appear on the basis of what it is they are waiting for (e.g., comfort in bereavement, healing, instruction, judgment, the coming of the Lord, the descent of New Jerusalem). The Christian believer must rely upon GOD for the provision of spiritual blessings and gifts; and there are multiple divine operations that require created beings and living creatures respond to words of proclamation, promise or prophecy as though the frameworks of time and space do not exist. “Waiting on the Lord” can mean taking action to please divinity, carry out or perform divine purposes, demonstrate obedience to divine law, and respond to divinity through self-sacrifice and unselfishness. “Waiting on the Lord” also may mean enduring delays and interruptions, exercising patience and longsuffering until the completion of a sacred process, and preparing for the conclusion of ongoing though invisible operations. Through baptism and rebirth, sinners are to experience the death, burial, and resurrection of the inborn spirit received from Adam, and become a new creation through the spirit that resides in Jesus Christ. Inseparable spirit content from the makeup of GOD will be imparted. Included are faith, forbearance, holiness, joy, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. While living on the earth, those “born again” must “grow up again,” live in expectation (we say, hope), display the divine nature, manifest the will of the Father, and become mature and ripe for harvest (i.e., ready to meet Christ in the air when he comes to remove all those who belong to him). Until the Advent (we also say, Rapture, Second Coming) believers must face “growing pains” and other life challenges. What was begun before the foundation of the earth, their perfection and transformation to exist as immortal, incorruptible companions of divinity will be completed in an instant at the appearing. Consider again the following:
(1.) Habakkuk 2: 2-4, King James Version (KJV): 2 And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. 3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. 4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.
(2.) Job 14: 13-15, KJV: 13 O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me! 14 If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. 15 Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee: thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands.
(3.) Job 19: 25-27, KJV: 25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: 26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: 27 Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Revelation 2: 9-11, KJV: 9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. 10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. 11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Today, thoughts are shared on the methods for defining “sin” used among Christian believers. All sin must be known and understood as contrary to the existence, active presence, and sovereign will of GOD. Many of us began knowing what sin is by answering a list of forbidden attitudes, behaviors, and things people say. Even so, in the same way only learning to recite the ABCs does not make a child able to read and write complete words, becoming an independent and mature believer requires more than simple information that describes a few of the many negative conditions, offenses, patterns, and situations that call forth divine wrath against sin. Wrath against sin is not an emotion or feeling that GOD experiences from time to time. Anger and disgust directed against disobedience, evil, and wickedness are permanent and inseparable aspects of the full character, makeup, and substance of the Creator. Created beings and living creatures who sin are not yet annihilated because divine wrath must also be in balance with other sacred elements such as compassion, forgiveness, impartiality, joy, longsuffering, and mercy. A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “chaindropz” (Level 4 with 3,074 points, a member since September 10, 2007) posted the following:
How do Christians determine what act is a sin?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. (Romans 13: 8-12, King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: On Law and Sin (06/07/2017); Atonement, Repentance and More (06/06/2017); Sin to Cover Sin? (02/24/2017); Knowing GOD and Sin? (02/03/2017); Divine Presence and Spirit (01/18/2017); Eternal Life From GOD (10/24/2016); The Cross and Creation (03/24/2016); Condemned by the Church? (08/19/2014); Principles of Correct Belief? (08/20/2014)
“chaindropz”, many mature Christian believers agree that divine instruction regarding sin is necessary for new life within the church. Among small children, young people, and sinners who are just beginning to acquire the sacred knowledge, and develop godly concentration through regular sacred practices (we say, sacraments), sin often is known primarily on the basis of divine law, prohibitions (statements like “thou shalt not”), and ones intuited, diffuse, inner sense of right and wrong/good and bad. Sin seems to be no more than an abstract, immaterial force, or influence. Correctly understood, sin is no common object you may hold in your hand, or slip into your pocket; and sin can not be eliminated or destroyed by merely retracing/reversing a persons actions. (The death of a sinner will stop them from committing more sins, however, the consequences and outcomes from their deeds will continue long after they are dead and gone.)
For mature Christian believers, the divine operations for responding to sin also include using special tools from GOD. There must be discernment (using ones own spirit content to recognize and respond to spirit substance from divinity appearing within events, oneself, other persons, prophecies, holy writings, etc.), judgment (applying the precepts and principles of divine law as standards to assign meaning, quality, and value; to resolve conflicts; and to settle disputes) as well as incarnation (the embodiment of spirit substance using flesh and blood).
Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Law Giver, and the divine order that serves as the platform of this universe. More than simply promoting death, sin generates non-existence, and the return to conditions of chaos and formlessness that were in place before Creation. Sin has direction, effect, and presence; and sin may dominate awareness and self-will in created beings and living creatures. The will of GOD is not subject to sin; thus, provision of fresh endowments of divine spirit through the ministry of Jesus Christ is an important “solution” in the full response of GOD to sin. Sin can not be controlled or erased by simply listing all the specific acts and behaviors that are offensive to GOD. Finite tools such as intellect, logic, carnal reason, philosophy, science and human willpower are not enough to eliminate sin.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, through operations of the Holy Spirit during baptism there are the death, burial, and resurrection of ones inborn spirit. All believers must become “born again,” so to speak, from divine seed, and have fresh deposits of Spirit from the makeup of GOD. Inseparable aspects from the character, nature, and spirit content of GOD are imparted. Included are faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Every one who becomes “born again” also must “grow up again” while living on the earth, and is to become ripe for harvest (mature; fit to meet the Lord in the air at his Second Coming). As vessels of divine substance these will be received as sons and daughters of GOD, divine offspring, and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Today, the different generations are considered that appeared while GOD was creating the Covenant of Moses. Along with the account of deliverance from Egypt, there also are important accounts of judgment against idolatry, lack of faith, and spiritual confusion. Over a span of 40 years, various principles of divine ruling were quietly introduced that included requiring accountability and commitment in the expression of mature love, acknowledging collective responsibility (e.g., that an entire group may be held liable for the conduct of a single member), confession, the inheritance of spiritual promises in place of material goods, intercessory prayer, mercy, redemption, and discharging or fulfilling sacred obligation through a remnant. GOD is revealed as the true source of all genuine inheritance for mankind. The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers (Malaysia)” who uses the ID “stevan” (Level 1 with 3 points, a member since June 12, 2016) posted the following:
Moses got lost in the desert for 40 years. Is it actually possible to lost for so long?
He must have been a tard
THE GOLDEN ARROW: (For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them. For ask now of the days that are past, which were before thee, since the day that God created man upon the earth, and ask from the one side of heaven unto the other, whether there hath been any such thing as this great thing is, or hath been heard like it? Did ever people hear the voice of God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as thou hast heard, and live? Or hath God assayed to go and take him a nation from the midst of another nation, by temptations, by signs, and by wonders, and by war, and by a mighty hand, and by a stretched out arm, and by great terrors, according to all that the LORD your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes? Unto thee it was shewed, that thou mightest know that the LORD he is God; there is none else beside him. Out of heaven he made thee to hear his voice, that he might instruct thee: and upon earth he shewed thee his great fire; and thou heardest his words out of the midst of the fire. And because he loved thy fathers, therefore he chose their seed after them, and brought thee out in his sight with his mighty power out of Egypt; To drive out nations from before thee greater and mightier than thou art, to bring thee in, to give thee their land for an inheritance, as it is this day. Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else. Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, for ever. (Deuteronomy 4: 31-40, King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Divine Law Expresses Love (05/10/2017); Kingdom and One-world Empire (09/08/2016); Slaves to Sin? (04/13/2015); Adam, Pharaoh and All Mankind? (01/28/2015); The Sheep Who Lost Their Way? (11/18/2014); Restoring The Lost? (11/19/2014); Face to Face Like Moses? (01/28/2014); Covenants and Relationships (01/29/2014)
“stevan”, GOD has been revealed as a deity who operates through law, judgment, and promise. There are many points of sacred knowledge a person must have to correctly understand the account of GOD creating a new nation upon the earth by extracting a people from the populations of Egypt. Only GOD the Creator can provide an inheritance to the offspring of Adam. The twelve tribes of Jacob were interrelated, yet, were not “family” in the model of “one dad, one mom, and their kids” who all share within one dwelling place. Egypt was a “one-world empire” that directly controlled the lives of its citizens, and influenced every aspect of life for those within every other existing nation. During the years of extreme famine, in order to survive the Egyptian people willingly sold to Pharaoh their own livestock, property, and even themselves as slaves. In the belief systems of Egypt, Pharaoh and the royal family became “gods”, and were the only persons who could be “heirs” within the economic system of their nation. The Hebrews and other ethnic groups who had struggled to assimilate, copy, “fit in,” and be “accepted” by adopting the customs and practices of the Egyptians, would have to be separated and undergo an extended process of cleansing, growth, healing, and transformation. Therefore, from the beginning of their exodus, those who would become the covenant people by acknowledging the divine “pass over” and leaving Egypt were a mixed multitude (we say, included Gentiles).
Throughout the Bible, a generation is a span of 40 years. At the same time there was a generation who wandered (those aligned with Moses); there was a generation who transgressed, was judged, and saw the wrath of GOD (the “then known world” represented in Egypt and Pharaoh); a generation who violated an existing covenant (the 7 tribes living in Canaan); and a generation that would be heirs of the full set of divine promises begun in Adam, continued in Noah and amplified through Abraham. Those who wandered were never “lost” in the sense of GOD being unable to find them; instead, it is that, they would not be taken directly and immediately into the land of inheritance that was promised to them. As surely as GOD was always present in their midst through the Tabernacle, he guided their movements through the pillars of cloud and fire. Because the number of men who would serve as the army of Israel was more than ½ million, the entire group of men women and children who left Egypt is estimated to have been some 3½ million. From that number, only 2 men of the original group would stand upon their own property within the Promised Land. Even the prophet Moses and Aaron the High Priest were both disqualified. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:
(1.) Exodus 12: 37-41, King James Version (KJV): 37 And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children. 38 And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle. 39 And they baked unleavened cakes of the dough which they brought forth out of Egypt, for it was not leavened; because they were thrust out of Egypt, and could not tarry, neither had they prepared for themselves any victual. 40 Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years. 41 And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt.
(2.) Numbers 14: 22-24, KJV: 22 Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice; 23 Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it: 24 But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (3.) Deuteronomy 7: 1-10, KJV: 1 When the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than thou; 2 And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them: 3 Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son. 4 For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly. 5 But thus shall ye deal with them; ye shall destroy their altars, and break down their images, and cut down their groves, and burn their graven images with fire. 6 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. 7 The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: 8 But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. 9 Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations; 10 And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Today, points are shared on fellowship and quality conversations within the church. For the followers of Jesus Christ, fellowship may be described as inclusive (i.e., without restrictions to membership such as social and economic status, ethnicity, national origin, race), promissory (appears and continues on the basis of promises), and sacrificial (requires freely giving, willingness to answer every demand without regard to cost, and full surrender to divinity). One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers (Canada)” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:
As a Christian, how do you have conversations and not sin?
As a Christian, how do you have conversations and not be boring, because you can get to gossiping or judging people eventually if you talk too much. After a while you might run out things to talk about such as the weather, sports, etc. So as a Christian are we to be quiet most of the time?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way. (1st Corinthians 14: 39-40, New International Version, NIV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Quality of Life? (03/29/2017); Family Likeness and Traits? (11/08/2016); Presumption, Pride and Sin? (11/24/2015); An Eternity of Worshipping? (07/22/2014); Grace is Not Against Law (07/23/2014); Miracles and Visitations? (03/03/2014); All Lying Forbidden? (03/04/2014)
“Anonymous”, the same oneness without sameness that appears among the persons of the GODhead, also should appear among those who are members of the body of Christ (we say, the church). What Christian believers are to say to one another should appear as expressions of their faith, discovery, duty, prophecy, sacred purpose, divine truth, and shared understanding. Believers all begin as sinners who willingly acknowledge need for GOD to make permanent changes to the process and workings of their own consciousness and self-will. There must be a death, burial, and resurrection (so to speak), of their inborn spirit, whereby they become sons and daughters of GOD by having divine DNA. Once born again, the sinner is an offspring of divinity, an heir with Christ, and a new creation. Even so, those “born again” must “grow up again” on the earth, and mature as vessels displaying aspects from the makeup of Deity. Included are faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. There are many wonderful topics for discussion and exchange among believers. Because everyone can pursue study of the holy writings, there are many exciting lessons and thoughtful questions that provide focus for exchange and interaction with other believers. Consider again the following counsels from the holy writings (Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®):
(1.) Colossians 4: 5-6, New International Version (NIV): 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
(2.) Jeremiah 9: 23-24, NIV: 23 This is what the Lord says: “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, 24 but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the Lord.
(3.) 1st Corinthians 14: 18-20, NIV: 18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19 But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue. 20 Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.
(4.) Matthew 20: 27-28, NIV: 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Of course there is far more to be said, carefully considered, and fully embraced. (For example (5.) Colossians 3: 1-10, NIV: 1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
