(04/08/2020) The Place Of Meeting

We have this treasure in earthen vessels.

Today, I share some thoughts on the nearness of GOD during this Holy Week, 2020 while the doors to many of our consecrated houses of worship remain closed to mitigate the threats of Covid-19. GOD is a spirit who can exist within the consciousness and self-will of created beings and living creatures. Therefore, the issues of death and survival are no longer primary for those who are the church. The body, mind, and spirit of Jesus become the meeting place. There has been a widespread cancellation of the usual customs, practices and traditions among Christians to observe a season of remembrance acknowledging the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Even so, the indwelling of spirit substance imparted from the makeup of GOD that glorify and sanctify Jesus Christ are not to be denied, dismissed, or ignored. It is no error or transgression that men regularly gather in areas specially prepared to share blessing, nourish each other’s godly growth, or together amplify praise and thanksgiving as a single body. For some divine fullness (we also say Deity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) is nearest as we display humility before GOD, and offer our own heartfelt praise. For others, divinity is closest to us when we are in our private prayer chamber; and for many members of the body, God is most near when we are in the throng where we can minister comfort to those who are hurt, courage to those who are afraid, love to those rejected, and food to the hungry. As vessels of divine spirit, the offspring and heirs of GOD, our physical location is not to be uppermost among our concerns. Believers in Jesus Christ as their redeemer and savior are to acknowledge and proclaim an uninterrupted awareness that divinity is near and active for the benefit of all. It is written: Romans 8: 35-39, King James Version (KJV): 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Consider the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of the King’s College Choir, the Agnus Dei from Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings:

THE GOLDEN ARROW: God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. (Acts 17: 24-31, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Habitation of Spirit (04/05/2020); Endure Trials Through Faith (03/31/2020); On Behalf Of Others (03/26/2020); The Challenge of Covid-19 (03/22/2020); Leadership By The Church (03/18/2020); Justified By Church Attendance? (06/21/2019); The Name “Resurrection Sunday” (04/23/2019); Resurrected With The Lord (04/16/2017)

(1.) 2^nd Corinthians 4: 6-11, King James Version (KJV): 6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

(2.) Psalms 46: 1-7, KJV: 1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. 4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. 5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. 6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted. 7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

(3.) Psalms 89: 14-18, KJV: 14 Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face. 15 Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance. 16 In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted. 17 For thou art the glory of their strength: and in thy favour our horn shall be exalted. 18 For the LORD is our defence; and the Holy One of Israel is our king.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWgjwTc3PUw.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 9:38 PM, April 07, 2020 @ https://i.pinimg.com/736x/5c/c6/c8/5cc6c841c2ad52b87111dc71412397c1--prophetic-art-fine-art-print.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(04/06/2020) The Justification Of Divinity

Today, reply is to the charge that divine judgment is in error when sinners are condemned to annihilation or to torment and the second death. While those living on the earth may receive benefit, grace, and privilege as offspring, heirs, and the children of GOD, none are granted dominion and consecrated righteousness above that of the divine fullness (i.e., Deity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). All created beings and living creatures exist as expressions of divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD; and the living can not make excuses or justify their continued existence in opposition to sacred law and person. Divinity is challenged to provide justification for the continued existence of those who have betrayed divine accord, covenant relationship with divinity, and the sacred imperatives of divine being. It is written: Isaiah 45: 18, King James Version (KJV): 18 For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

How do Christians justify the idea that all non-believers are going to hell?

I'm aware this is not something all (or probably even most) Christians believe in, but for those who do: do you really see non-believers as "deserving" of eternal suffering? How would you sleep at night with this philosophy?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. (Acts 17: 24-31, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Divine Fullness Includes Wrath (02/23/2020); That Not Of Yourselves (08/13/2019); That GOD Is Judge (11/01/2018); The Elimination of Death? (05/13/2018); How Are We Justified? (03/05/2018); The Place of Torment? (08/21/2017); Called, Justified, and Glorified? (01/08/2017); Damnation And The Cross? (03/06/2016)

“Anonymous”, the elimination of mankind by death is not sufficient to eliminate sin and its consequences. As a result of Adam’s transgression against divine law, and mankind becoming subject to death, among Christian believers, justification is a sacred process performed by divine spirit that permits the continued existence of mankind, and their recovery from sin. Divine fullness (divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) who are the origin and source of all that exists and has life does not have to justify their existence and works to finite created beings and living creatures. The operations of sin promote nonexistence, and a return to the conditions of preexistence that include chaos, confusion, and movement without direction. The Creation that has been put forth by divinity is a material expression from operations of spirit that appear as sacred law, mechanical process, natural law, the frameworks of time and space, and much more. Christian believers are to acknowledge that the process and substance of GOD is a fullness of spirit matter that has put forth the spheres of life and all they contain, all eternal purpose, and all that has godly value. Inseparable aspects of the divine makeup are to exist within the awareness and self-will (willpower) of mankind. Included are balance, faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. As the origin and source for the sacred law and divine order that establish the universe, divinity exercises accountability, authority, commitment, impartial judgment, divine prerogative, and sovereign will. While GOD does not respond as subject to the desire and will of any greater being or power, mankind has been put forth as one of many created beings and living creatures whose abilities, nature, properties, and traits have been predetermined by GOD as the Creator. Man is to display the image of GOD, and is to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Dietrick Haddon:

(1.) Isaiah 51: 12-13, King James Version (KJV): 12 I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass; 13 And forgettest the LORD thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor?

(2.) Isaiah 55: 7-11, KJV: 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

(3.) Romans 8: 33-35, KJV: 33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2YfMZ4_JQI ) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 6:00 PM, April 06, 2020 @ http://img.heartlight.org/cards/g/romans5_1-2.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(04/05/2020) A Habitation of Spirit

Today—Palm Sunday 2020 when the usual distribution of palm branches will not occur as part of our regular memorials to Jesus Christ—the reply is on the church founded by Jesus Christ continuing to be essential for spiritual cleansing, healing, and nourishment at a time when the world system is demanding practices that include social distancing to endure a global health crisis. Because the blessings for those within the body of Christ (the church) are spirit in their process and substance, they are not for everyone who is in the world. It is important for committed believers to attend public gatherings in locations that have been consecrated and set apart by praise, prayer, sacrifice, and suffering. Divinity is not restricted by the frameworks of time and space, and may be invited and welcomed to appear in the midst of sacred gatherings. GOD, who is immortal, incorruptible, and invisible must be received through spiritual operations (e.g., confession of sin; healing; hearing the word of GOD; rebirth following the death and burial of ones inborn spirit; the embodiment and expression of divinity within the clergy and other believers). Mature Christians maintain membership within focused and stable congregations that provide the body with multiple sacred gifts and tools that otherwise are unavailable within their own households, within their local communities, and within the world as a man-made system for survival. It is written: 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. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who used the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data appeared) posted the following:

Since most Christians are ok with churches being non-essential, are they admitting that there is nothing supernatural about their faith?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. (John 17: 14-17, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Endure Trials Through Faith (03/31/2020); On Behalf Of Others (03/26/2020); The Challenge of Covid-19 (03/22/2020); Leadership By The Church (03/18/2020); “Because You Are Believers” (03/17/2020); Justified By Church Attendance? (06/21/2019); Commitment To Jesus Christ (03/07/2019)

“Anonymous”, among those who understand that the church provided by Jesus Christ is more than another social setting, and exists as more than another man-made institution or organization, the church itself continues to be essential, yet, its form and operations are in transition. Church attendance may be understood as a work of the flesh. The process of the church must be spiritual, rather than interpersonal. Divinity appeared on the earth using human flesh and life process to accomplish expressions of divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. In addition to addressing the elimination of sin, and establishing mankind in redemption, Christ ministered atonement, forgiveness, reconciliation, rebirth, and fresh endowments of spirit substance from the makeup of divinity to renew mankind’s relationship as offspring and heirs of GOD. The savior’s focus was not the creation of community centers to provide academic instruction, amusements, family counseling, secular knowledge, political activism, or works of community service and social welfare. The living are to acknowledge that GOD is to exist within the consciousness and self-will (willpower) of all created beings and living creatures. Inseparable aspects of divine fullness are imparted to those who become “born again” that include balance, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. There is great diversity among believers; and the divine process to “grow up again” requires accepting accountability, commitment, communication, discovery, exchange, interdependence, interaction, practice of sacraments, study of the holy writings, unselfish service, and suffering. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

(1.) 2^nd Corinthians 4: 17-18, King James Version (KJV): 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

(2.) Matthew 18: 19-20, KJV: 19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

(3.) Ephesians 2: 18-22, KJV: 18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

(4.) Luke 17: 20-21, KJV: 20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: 21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6kp9893Pjg.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 2:55 AM, April 05, 2020 @ https://i.pinimg.com/736x/b9/1b/7b/b91b7bcaf65a2b700ad78486fcd671f7.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

Morning Prayer with the Dean of Canterbury - 4 April 2020

(04/02/2020) Grace Abounds Much More

Today, reply is on the operations of divine grace now being shared with mankind to counteract the consequences of sin. The law may tell a man right from wrong, however, the law can not change the character and spirit content of a man. Even though the first pair (Adam) was granted a priesthood on the earth to seek atonement and reconciliation with divinity that would display the image of the priesthood in heaven, in the fallen condition mankind became restricted to an inheritance of condemnation, mortality, spiritual limit, and continual influence and manipulation by sin. It is written: Romans 3: 10-20, King James Version (KJV): 10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. 13 Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: 14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: 15 Their feet are swift to shed blood: 16 Destruction and misery are in their ways: 17 And the way of peace have they not known: 18 There is no fear of God before their eyes. 19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:

Have you ever lied, stolen, cheated, cussed, had perverted thoughts or anything similar?

If so, do you agree that you deserve to go to Hell?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. (Romans 3: 23-26, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Trying To Stop Sins (04/01/2020); The Challenge of Covid-19 (03/22/2020); “Sinners” And “The Righteous” (03/19/2020); Aspects Defining Human Life? (03/02/2020); TWO Kinds of People? (02/21/2020); Spirit Process and Substance (02/27/2020); Divine Fullness Includes Wrath (02/23/2020)

“Anonymous”, proper understanding of sin among Christian believers requires that our shared focus be on grace as an aspect of divine fullness appearing in the existence, forgiveness, life, and reconciliation provided mankind. The first pair (Adam) did not uphold the sacred law and standards they were given. The consequences of transgression by Adam included his offspring having to exist with finite limitations and restrictions. Expressions of divine grace were provided to comfort and encourage mankind as a great struggle against sin would go forward on the earth. Included were delay of punishment; expiation; hope; mercy for those found guilty in judgment; rebirth; and redemption. For many on the earth, the operations of sin are so inescapable, visible, and widespread that sin is regarded as an acceptable and normal condition. Sin is not properly recognized as contrary to the character, process, purpose, substance, and survival of both GOD and mankind. Influenced by sin, human desire and reason become destructive, distorted, exaggerated and warped. Attitudes, behavior and conduct become indifferent, irrational, selfish, and wicked. Sin opposes the continued existence of sacred law, the Lawgiver, and the universe that appears through divine order. Sin has not been created by divinity, expresses no divine purpose, and imparts no sacred substance from the makeup of GOD, yet, sin may dominate consciousness and self-will (willpower) within created beings and living creatures. Sin promotes nonexistence, and a return to the conditions of chaos, confusion, and flux that were in place before the founding of heaven and earth (we say, preexistence saw immaterial objects in motion without direction). The elimination of sin requires multiple operations that may only be completed by GOD. Included are atonement, repentance, covenant relationship, judgment, Incarnation, death, resurrection, sanctification, and the second death.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Luther Barnes:

(1.) Ephesians 2: 8-10, King James Version (KJV): 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

(2.) Romans 5: 17-21, KJV: 17 For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) 18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. 19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. 20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

(3.) Romans 8: 1-9, KJV: 1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 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.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6eltO17MbE.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 12:45 PM, April 02, 2020 @ https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJb4MreCv5cpMjBMAgMMjdEyqzsgwogny0DRnt5ZghdlNRGPw4MdhWGerwGLuQ7ZtsNJNWV7oxTQU7E7ECUpkLkkBT4kWq_woSZHquAEATTENh9Aszbj4KtIXHR5YXE_8tQm0BWz7GPmU/w1200-h630-p-k-nu/Get.png

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(04/01/2020) Trying To Stop Sins

Today, reply is on breaking habits, overcoming lusts, and the elimination of sin. Sinners become “perfect” with divinity by relying on the righteousness of Jesus Christ, rather than their own efforts to change, or become a different person. Properly understood, judgment, redemption and salvation from divinity are acts of GOD that continue the works begun in divine Creation. The makeup, process, and substance of all things are to conform to the unchanging eternal purpose, existence, life essence, and sovereign will of GOD. It is written: Isaiah 64: 4-9, King James Version (KJV): 4 For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him. 5 Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, those that remember thee in thy ways: behold, thou art wroth; for we have sinned: in those is continuance, and we shall be saved. 6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. 7 And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities. 8 But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand. 9 Be not wroth very sore, O LORD, neither remember iniquity for ever: behold, see, we beseech thee, we are all thy people. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Sherin Michael” (Level 1 with 50 points) posted the following:

It’s been 20 years I am trying to stop sexual sins ( porn & masturbation ) can anyone win this as Bible says?Or Christianity is cheating ?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised:  that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. (Romans 4: 3-13, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Salvation Through Jesus Christ (03/25/2019); Appetite and Human Sexuality? (10/19/2018); When Speaking Of Christlikeness (06/25/2018); Porn, Prostitutes and Salvation? (06/08/2017); Masturbation and Religion? (02/01/2015); GOD Does the Divine Part (01/05/2014); Sin in Mind not Deed? (01/06/2014)

“Sherin Michael”, eliminating sin is more than a matter of changing behavior (behavior modification) in response to desire. Mature Christian believers hold to revelation from GOD that proclaims the recovery of divine Creation from the effects and influence of sin will eventually include the full elimination of sin, however, the complete end of sin will occur only through a divine process that includes repentance, judgment, resurrection from death, sanctification, and the second death. Multiple benefits and spiritual gifts are being provided to mankind that supply cleansing, discernment, healing, and new life for those on the earth, however, the operations of sin are still able to dominate consciousness and self-will (willpower) within created beings and living creatures. For the living, sin is an enigma and a puzzle that has no solution. Sin is not a creation of GOD and has no spirit content or sacred substance, yet, sin opposes the continued existence of god-given law, the Lawgiver, and the entire universe that appears by the divine order emanated from GOD. Finite human tools such as academic achievement, intellect, logic, philosophy, carnal reason, and science are not sufficient to detect, destroy and remove all sin. What are otherwise divine extremes are in place that include forgiveness, forbearance, Incarnation (divinity using human flesh and life process to exist among men on the earth), monarchy (rule as king or emperor) and nation, priesthood, and the imparting of divine substance to indwell the believers, servants, and spokespersons who voluntarily acknowledge divinity. Inseparable aspects of divine fullness are imparted to the sinners who become born again believers, and who then must “grow-up again” and mature while on the earth. Included are faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of John Micheal Talbot:

(1.) 1^st Corinthians 15: 50-56, King James Version (KJV): 50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

(2.) Galatians 5: 18-25, KJV: 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 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. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

(3.) Romans 8: 1-9, KJV: 1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 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.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7j10za_3gQ.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(03/31/2020) Endure Trials Through Faith

Today, reply is on continuing to express faith as the response Christian believers are to make against the current threats of the covid-19 pandemic. Faith and the many other spirit gifts from GOD do not influence and manipulate human circumstances, events, and conditions so much as they interact and operate to transform the content of human consciousness and self-will. The imbalance, infirmity and weakness among men require responses by divinity that will build up, edify, and nourish the spirit power and substance within the living. Inheritance and mortality were two of the divine devices fashioned from love and mercy that were used to circumvent immediately executing the sentence of death for transgression (i.e., the annihilation of mankind). By these, the process of GOD is revealed to be one like that a smith uses when making objects of metal. The finished product is hardened, tempered, and given its permanent strength first by hammering, then by heating in fire, and then by dousing in cold water. It is written: Hebrews 11: 32-40, King James Version (KJV): 32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: 33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions. 34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. 35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: 36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: 37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; 38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. 39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: 40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data shown) posted the following:

What would Jesus do in the current COVID-19 pandemic?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: 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. 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. 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. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8: 28-31, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: On Behalf Of Others (03/26/2020); The Challenge of Covid-19 (03/22/2020); Leadership By The Church (03/18/2020); Acknowledging Christ as Son (03/08/2020); Miracles and Christian Belief (01/30/2020); Christ Displayed Authentic Humanity (10/09/2019); You Will Receive Power? (12/28/2018)

“Anonymous”, among Christians, our best answers to calamity, catastrophe, uncertainty, and upheaval must continue to express the faith we ourselves have received from GOD, and that we are to minister to others. The current focus that death and destruction will overspread the earth because of covid-19 expresses our human concern for the features of life that pertain to the flesh (e.g., appetite, sensation, emotion), and does not also address the features of life that pertain to the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ carried out a ministry among men on the earth that addressed the process and substance of the Spirit from GOD that exists within comfort and forgiveness from divinity, divine law, prophecy, unselfish service, and godly suffering. Mankind has been in a continuing condition of mortality since the fall of Adam. By divine dispensation, the sanction of death against transgression that came upon mankind in the fall of Adam is delayed and postponed to appear as the second death that will follow final judgment. Multiple sacred operations also have been created to continue the existence of mankind as a companion to immortal, incorruptible, invisible divinity. Included are adoption, glorification, justification, redemption, resurrection from the dead, salvation, and sanctification.

Mature Christian believers agree that divinity appeared in the earth using human form and life process as Jesus Christ (the Son of Man) to continue the priesthood granted to Adam that was modeled after the sacred observances in heaven. As the Son of GOD, Jesus responded to covenant law, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of divine fullness. Christ prepared mankind to receive a fresh endowment of life essence (i.e., breath; spirit; word) that would establish his followers as the new creation. Finite human tools of intellect, logic, carnal reason, and self-will (willpower) can not bring about the elimination of sin. Even so, the living can be equipped to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus that expresses commitment, discernment, and reconciliation to GOD. Through the ministry of Christ as a divine High Priest, an atonement for sin has been made, and inseparable aspects of divine fullness are imparted to indwell humanity. Included are faith, holiness, hope, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

Christ has demonstrated the operations and substance of divine spirit residing within flesh. Just as human self-will can not eliminate sin, men on the earth who are anointed and ordained as vessels of divine spirit can not dismiss or remove mortality. The deposits of divine spirit that believers receive enable an uninterrupted focus on Christ, and increases the ability to endure bereavement, conflict, contradiction, disaster, loss, and ruin. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Douglas Miller:

(1.) 2^nd Timothy 1: 7, King James Version (KJV): 7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

(2.) Luke 13: 1-5, KJV: 1 There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? 3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

(3.) 1^st Peter 1: 3-9, KJV: 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENv7zIo_j9M.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC