(10/24/2018) Areas Where Change Appears?

 

Today, the reply identifies five areas wherein developing Christian believers should be able to see evidences that they truly have been called and granted redemption, salvation, and eternal life through Jesus Christ. The beginnings of permanent change that will be completed through operations of the imparted Holy Spirit become visible through fresh life experiences of accord, discernment, focus, spiritual growth, and eternal purpose. Other indicators that a sinner has become a “divine work in progress” by answering the call of Christ may be seen through the replacement of their traveling clothes of complaining, irreverence, mocking, and moping with the wedding garments of increased accountability, commitment, dutifulness, meekness, patience, respect, and restraint. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality public forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

 

How do I know if I am being called like the Bible says?

Matthew 22:14

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space. And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition. And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. (Revelation 17: 8-14, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Changed And Made Christ-like? (06/19/2018); To Bear Wrongs Patiently? (02/13/2018); Standards For Godly Behavior (02/01/2018); Proper Training For Belief? (01/10/2018); Standing On The ABCs? (11/09/2017); The Two-edged Sword (01/09/2017); Called To Be Servants? (11/25/2015); Many Are Called… (10/15/2015); Few Are Chosen (07/06/2015)

 

“Anonymous”, here are areas where repenting sinners will experience permanent change through the Holy Spirit to become Christlike, display the image of GOD, and exist as developing Christian believers:

1. Accord. Christian communities are characterized by such features as acceptance, agreement, consistency, and corroboration among their divine law, doctrines, practices, principles, and teachings. Given the focus is truth proclaimed and provided from the Creator—who displays himself through diversity, yet, is immutable, incorruptible, and unchanging—there will be a oneness without sameness that appears as continuing and interwoven threads throughout that join what may seem to be disparate and unrelated material. Believers come together with multiple levels of growth, knowledge, maturity, and skill. Therefore, the sacred process also is one of affirmation, communication, cooperation, exchange, interaction, and interdependence.

2. Discernment. Within the household of faith, increasingly all are to practice discernment (i.e., using their own spirit substance from the makeup of GOD to recognize and respond to the same spirit substance as it appears within events, other persons, themselves, the holy writings, etc.). Through water baptism that depicts the death, burial, and rebirth of ones own inborn spirit, the believer is given a fresh endowment of life essence (we say, breath; spirit; word) from the makeup of GOD. Included are inseparable aspects of divinity such as balance, completeness, faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

3. Focus. Among believers acquiring sacred knowledge and having a lifestyle that includes the performance of sacred practices (e.g., sacraments; praise; prayer; unselfish service; worship) increasingly will replace such interests as acquiring wealth; politics; seeking secular knowledge; study of philosophy, science, and technology; and pursuing worldly routines.

4. Spiritual Growth. Those who become “born again” through baptism are to be regarded as the children of GOD, joint heirs with Jesus Christ, and a new creation. Even so, all must “grow up again” and become mature/ripe for harvest from the earth by the Lord at his Advent (we also say, his appearing; the Rapture; the Second Coming). Developing believers are to endure “growing pains” living on the earth, and are built up (edified) through sacred tools that generate discovery; fellowship; prophecy; and suffering.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) Eternal Purpose. Believers will use discernment to recognize and respond to otherwise invisible and unseen spirit aspects deposited within life challenges, settings, and situations. The absence or presence divine intent (we also say, aims, motives, opportunities, possibilities, thoughts) are to be acknowledged at all times.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(02/25/2018) Arrayed In Sacred Favor

 

Today, reply is on recognizing poetry and prose, and a third poem is shared as Black History Month begins to conclude.  A writer in the “Yahoo! Answers” Arts & Humanities:  Poetry forum who uses the ID “ugly duckling101” (Level 3 with 1,221 points, a member since August 25, 2014) posted the following:

Is this poem or prose? comment if you wish?

The little lunch box

She packed all of her favorite
puzzle pieces neatly inside
the numbered, shapes
and lettered ones.
Closing the lid with Yoda on top
she grabs the white handle
and places the little black box
into the now repurposed 10 gallon
blue diamond toy crock
stained with wine on the inside
and pulls out her etch-a-sketch
and gives it a shake
wiping it clean.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things:  and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.  But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.  For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.  (Matthew 12:  35-37, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Bloody Sunday — Black History (02/14/2018); Black History — Johannesburg Gold (02/05/2018); Poem:  Adam’s Time of Sleep (01/016/2017); 1st “Poem-fall” 2017: THE SNOWFLAKE BALL (01/10/2017); Where Should We Look? (02/04/2015); Spring-training (04/11/2014); Kill the Blog Writer! (04/12/2014); A Valentine, 2014 (02/15/2014)

 

“ugly duckling101”, here are some ideas I am willing to share:

Even where no one else “gets his thought,” or they may fail to “make their  point,” creative writers always must know their own intent and purpose.  Many professional writers will agree that the identity and process of their own works only emerge by accord and covenant (i.e., silent, unspoken agreements and contracts with those who will critique, examine, and read as mature literary persons including editors, publishers, reviewers, and teachers).  To be recognized as the work of a specific writer, a poem, essay, novel, etc. must display, express and impart a familiar style coupled with the peculiar insights, purposes, favored techniques, and understandings of its creator while also being congruent with, expanding on, and mirroring elements within the fullness of a reader (e.g., desires, longings, memories, thing that are now forgotten).  In the effort to achieve the highest levels for freedom of expression, many today are abandoning the formal models and patterns once used to establish discipline and provide standards for excellence among writers of both poetry and prose.  Hip hop will be heard as sophisticated oral and performance poetry, and part of its richness is that it blends techniques from cultural celebration and oral tradition along with devices for preservation and survival of intellectual property.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, my personal approach that acknowledges the need for simplicity and surprise can be seen in the following piece suitable to be shared as Black History Month 2018 begins to draw to its close.  The work is intended to be plain, yet, comprehensive and instructive in its focus:

 

WHAT SHALL WE WEAR TO FREEDOM
[A Citizen King’s Day Poem – January 15, 2007]

What shall we wear to freedom come the morning of the march?
Blue overalls or dungarees, white shirts with heavy starch?

New fiber, new resilience, just to walk a simple way
That may end in jail or bloodshed by the finish of the day?

A soft and easy armor for the farmlands where we toil?
The clothing of oppression for the Mississippi soil?

For the Alabama courthouse?  For the network TV news?
Our best suit from Sunday’s sermon, and our polished Sunday shoes?

Work boots from a Georgia chain gang?  Or the running shoes for play
And the things we may dispose of when the blood won’t wash away?

What shall we wear to freedom, all the tears we shed last night,
Now invisible and hidden as the morning starts to light?

Daubed in color, clad like rainbows, and in celebration best?
Draped in black to bury evil, putting racism to rest?

Sporting Irish green, or turquoise, russet, lavender or pink?
Naked?  Unashamed?  Non-violent, and secure in what we think?

Shall we not stand in our honor with our eyes fixed on the prize,
Answering the tattoo cadence taking not one step for lies?

Knowing death will come on quickly if we fly or sound retreat,
Let us steel our hearts with purpose, and go voting with our feet.
What shall we wear to duty, given wars are won by deeds,
The shackles of enslavement?  The innocence of needs?

A mask of feigned devotion to disguise a boiling rage?
A cloak of prowling power like a panther in a cage?

For the streets of Cicero, or Harlem, Oslo, or Hanoi?
Where the sacrifice of blood will purchase neither peace, nor joy?

Shall the promise of America, an equality of men,
Be forgotten in an instant because we don’t wear the same skin?

Those with whom we cannot reason can be bullied, can be bought,
Can no longer be inspired, followed, trusted, led or taught

True democracy is more than where you sit upon the bus
For it speaks to human dignity and touches all of us:

It’s a quality of being in our future and our past,
It’s a light shone on our children, and the things we build to last

More than all our secret longing, our opinions, our desire,
Our shared duty and shared privilege, and a flame of common fire

Fueled in spending of our taxes, and enacting all our laws,
Fanned in choosing all our leaders, and in purging out our flaws.

It’s the heartbeat of our nation, how that all may have full voice
Saying what we wear to freedom is a matter of our choice.
What shall we wear returning once the sun begins to wane,
And the shadow of the twilight swallows up the ground we gain?

Battle scars? A badge of courage?  All the horror of the day?
Having worn respect and laurels we should never cast away?

Put on smiles of hollow victory, the grimaces of sorrow,
In an agony of knowing we must trek again tomorrow?

Where imperatives of meaning and compassion fall to lust
Every covenant is broken, and we dare not yield or trust.

We must put on lasting values, and a strength that will renew
Through the righteousness and justice in the simple things we do

Where the process of believing and receiving truth through grace
And the march of faith toward Zion will continue to have place.

What we seek is that perfection where the things of light endure,
All the balance and completeness men achieve as they mature,

The fruit of silent struggle where the mind and heart once closed
Become open to discover through the values once opposed.

It comes down to understanding, and a dream we all may share
Even where we seek a freedom just to choose what we shall wear:

We must call to the Eternal, then step forward unafraid
To be damned or crowned with glory for the choices we have made.

 

What shall we wear to judgment, then, to bow before the King,
At the throne of purest worship where the holy angels sing?

Don the garments of his priesthood, or the jewels of his crown,
Our humility and reverence, casting every idol down?

For Chicago, Selma, Little Rock, Montgomery, tears afresh?
An uncircumcised religion, or the arrogance of flesh?

The water of baptism?  Lips seared from the altar’s fire?
The diadem of deeds that godly blessing will require?

Shall we rise up in that dawning wrapped in mantles of his grace
Golden sandals on our feet, and free to look upon his face?

In a coat of many colors, or a fragrance of the saints?
With a scowl of our defiance, or the curse of our complaints?

We ourselves create the record heaven holds until the time
We are called before the universe to answer every crime.

There’s no entry on our ledger introduced by demon foe,
Only wanderings and journeys where our spirit chose to go,

True salvation from the Lord is never won by sword and spear:
By each honest step in patience we elect what will appear,

What the Son of GOD will cover by his blood from Calvary
Will remain un-resurrected and no living eye shall see.

Should the books reveal our trembling, unadorned, barefoot, unshod,
They must also show this wisdom, that we humbly walked with GOD,

That we marched for heaven’s governance and liberty’s increase,
Having cast our votes for mercy and the flowing robes of peace.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

©Michael Andrew Williams.  Washington, DC.  February 2011.  All rights reserved.)

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

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(08/13/2017) On Men Wearing Veils

 

Today, points are shared on men and women wearing head coverings in the church.  Prophecy and revelation are not the hiding of truth, rather, they are the open declaration and publishing of sacred truth.  Until the temporary condition would fade away, Moses had to cover the glory that shined from his face after being in the direct presence of GOD, for the sight of him generated alarm, dread, superstition and uncertainty, rather than reassurance, confidence, and joy.  Because the holy writings declare there is free access to divinity for all who acknowledge Jesus Christ as redeemer and Savior (see Colossians 3:  9-11 and Galatians 27-29, King James Version, KJV), many seek to operate as though gender no longer has distinction and meaning before GOD.  They argue that Christ has made it so the blood of menstruation no longer makes women unclean (i.e., unfit fit to serve in priesthood, or participate in worship with others of the congregation).  Even so, it remains males ought not be ordained to fulfill the role of females, who are to carry and give birth to babies, and are saved through childbearing, just as women may not operate as “fathers” without also promoting multiple levels of emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual confusion.  The oneness without sameness spoken of pertains to how relationship and standing are granted to the living as the new creation in Jesus Christ.  One of the many fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:

 

Why can’t men wear a veil to Catholic mass like the women?

I have a admiration for the veils some girls will wear for mass.. what would happen if a man showed up wearing one ?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.  For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.  Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:  And not as Moses, which put a veil over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:  But their minds were blinded:  for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.  But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.  Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.  Now the Lord is that Spirit:  and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.  But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.  (2nd Corinthians 3:  10-18, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Clothed In Divine Light? (08/02/2017); Represented by The Cross? (03/08/2016); Gender and Salvation? (10/01/2015); Holy Garments? (09/24/2015); What the Preacher Said…? (03/24/2015); Should Men Take Their Hats Off (05/15/2014); The Issue Is Not Accuracy (05/16/2014); Worship Wear? (01/23/2014); Mankind Destroyed? (01/24/2014)

 

“Anonymous”, increasingly, mature Christian believers rely upon the holy writings for guidance on sacred practice, rather than ceremonies, customs, policies of some finite, human institution, and traditions of men.  The wearing of headgear (e.g., hats, helmets, hoods), generally pertains to blocking and receiving anointing that comes as a copious flow and outpouring from above.  Revelation and prophecy require that men not cover their heads during prayer and while serving as divine spokespersons.  By contrast, in order to be recognizable to the holy angels as having “power” on their heads, women are to cover themselves, and acknowledge the coverings provided by men and by GOD.

Many encounter spiritual confusion, here, because the meaning, quality, and value of these things are not merely carnal, material, secular, and social.  For both males and females, the head covering may be seen as a badge or emblem indicting authority, ownership, and sovereignty.  Thus, we say, a woman’s covering may not be simply her hair; and she should be adorned with a crown (diadem, miter, tiara, turban) that represents the beauty, glory, and love of her Creator, not her own. 

The nature of revelation and prophecy are to be understood as the proclamation and presentation of things formerly hidden and secret that now are to come into view through divine endowments, covenant relationship, discovery, and sacred knowledge provided by operations of the imparted, indwelling Spirit of GOD.  GOD is a spirit, and to apprehend this, the living must begin with a focus on the Incarnation (we also say, embodiment) of the GODhead and their aspects of divine makeup, person, and active presence.  Consider again the following from the Bible:

(1.)  Hebrews 2:  6-11, King James Version (KJV):  6 But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man that thou visitest him?  7 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:  8 Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.  9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.  10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.  11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one:  for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

(2.)  1st Timothy 6:  12-16, KJV:  12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.  13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;  14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:  15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;  16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see:  to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

(3.)  Psalms 103:  1-9, KJV:  1 Bless the LORD, O my soul:  and all that is within me, bless his holy name.  2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:  3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;  4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;  5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.  6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.  7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.  8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.  9 He will not always chide:  neither will he keep his anger for ever.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, 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

(08/02/2017) Clothed In Divine Light?

 

Today, focus is on the process of GOD for accomplishing the complete restoration of the divine gifts of beauty, glory and grace lost by mankind through the Fall of Adam.  The living are no longer adorned with spiritual garments of light, and now must receive a covering of spirit, even the whole armor of GOD.  The patterns and possibilities generated by their own form and substance include influences and forces that may overwhelm awareness and willpower within the living.  Simple nudity should not be an obstacle to correct relationships; however, because nudity may trigger sexual arousal, and quickly become a snare that entangles the imagination, ones inhibitions and the mind, nudity, and most sexual situations and themes are to be regarded as dangerous, unpredictable, and threatening except in controlled settings.  Sexuality for animals and mankind exists as a defining aspect of development and growth, and has place in the life from ones birth to their death.  For mankind, great damage may result where the accountability that appears through love is not present.  Along with fornication, lust and promiscuity, immature and infantile sexuality always result in spiritual confusion and conflicts among godly values.  GOD imparts no “forbidden knowledge;” and that we might be “children of light,” the Creator provides inseparable spirit content from his own makeup, rather than intellect, logic, carnal reason, and secular knowledge.  Included are faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “James” (Level 3 with 2,243 points, a member since March 20, 2015) posted the following:

 

Do all humans share the forbidden knowledge imparted to Adam and Eve?

If yes, why don’t I understand why being naked is supposed to be shameful? If we don’t have the knowledge they got, why care at all about nakedness? I wear clothes and feel self conscious because I grew up in a society that christians got their bigoted “everyone must think like me” paws on, way before I was born. It’s unfair that I’m programmed with body shaming and self consciousness. Nudists feel free, and i want that, but no, Christians turned the back of my mind against me from birth.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day:  we are not of the night, nor of darkness.  Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.  For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.  But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.  For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,  Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.  (1st Thessalonians 5:  5-10, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Choice of Knowledge? (10/28/2015); Sin As Our Inheritance? (06/08/2015); Sanctify Yourselves? (06/26/2014); Inheriting the Kingdom? (06/27/2014); (Appetite (10/14/2010); Why Clothing? (10/15/2010); Known by GOD? (10/16/2010)

 

“James”, in the same way relationships among family, friends, neighbors and co-workers require creating and maintaining certain conditions, and acknowledging boundaries and limits, mankind’s communication, exchange and interaction with the Creator was always to be through divine order and structure provided by divinity.  In the beginning, man was like the angels of GOD, neither mortal nor immortal.  By disobeying the command of GOD, the duration, spirit content from the makeup of Deity, and countless features of the sphere of life for Adam and Eve would have to be divinely altered.  The error committed by the first pair (the male and female) was more than a matter of their accepting and valuing secular data, and carnal information.  Their desire, thoughts, and acts of self-will interrupted and suspended the intended process of GOD for their acquisition of knowledge, learning, and growth. 

Many mature Christian believers accept teachings that explain the first pair were “clothed” and shielded with a covering of divine spirit (some say, light, radiance) that established them as having balance, beauty, dominion, and worth before the host of heaven, and one another.  Through regular contact with GOD, their divine endowments would be continually nourished and replenished.  However, through the operations of sin, the light that was the “mark of GOD” resting upon Adam and Eve would become diminished and extinguished.

Until established in the new creation provided through Jesus Christ, mankind must endure and resolve multiple conflicts within his own makeup that responds both to earthy characteristics and features (we say, the flesh) as well as to aspects of the divine (we say, the Spirit).  Human awareness and self-will may be directed and dominated through appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, cravings for sexual contact), sensation (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching), and through emotion/mental faculties (e.g., anger, fear, imagination, recall).  Sinners who become born again must “grow up again” and become mature by meeting life challenges and “growing pains” on the earth.  Consider again the following:

(1.)  Job 38:  4-11, King James Version (KJV):  4 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.  5 Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it?  6 Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof;  7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?  8 Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb?  9 When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it,  10 And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors,  11 And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further:  and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?

(2.)   1st John 1:  5-10, KJV:  5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.  6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:  7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.  8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

(3.)  Isaiah 30:  1, KJV:  1 Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin:

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Revelation 20:  12-14, KJV:  12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened:  and another book was opened, which is the book of life:  and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.  13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them:  and they were judged every man according to their works.  14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is 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

(10/20/2016) Half Empty, Half Full?

Today, Excalibur (the sword of King Arthur), the Sword of Truth, deception, discernment, and judgment are in view.  Before sinners become committed as those who are reborn through Jesus Christ, there are many vain elements (i.e., features lacking sacred substance; things that should not be taken into account) from the flesh and the world that determine what they will focus upon and perceive as causes, explanations, justifications, and priorities among life experiences.  Those who are deceived attribute to the Adversary (Satan) authority, majesty, power and rule over duration, obedience, and worship.  Yet, the Adversary and his followers in heaven are created beings, who are neither mortal nor immortal, and continue having access to divinity, knowledge, and existence only at the discretion and prerogative of GOD.  Eternal life, glory, perfection, and sovereignty over all that exists should be regarded as belonging exclusively to GOD.  Thus, it is written:  James 2:  19, King James Version (KJV):  19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well:  the devils also believe, and tremble.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anthony” (Level 1 with 102 points, a member since October 14, 2016) posted the following:

 

Why do people blame God for all of the trouble and deaths that’s going on today I thought it was SATAN?

Isnt it SATAN, I think he should be the one to BLAME!!

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.  Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.  Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so:  thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.  Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.  By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned:  therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God:  and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire.  Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness:  I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.  Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee.  All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee:  thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more.  (Ezekiel 28:  12-19, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:   About Lucifer in Scripture (02/18/2016); The Greatest Weapon? (12/17/2015); Holy Garments? (09/24/2015); Satan Should Stand Trial? (02/16/2014); The Right Place to Get Knowledge? (02/17/2014); Does Satan Know? (11/06/2013); Unguarded Chocolates? (11/07/2013)

 

“Anthony”, those who blame, condemn, and seek to contend against GOD are in error.  Such persons may have been deceived (we say, manipulated, tricked) by the Adversary; influenced by those who disbelieve (e.g., family, peers, and society); or their awareness and self-will may be dominated by sin.  Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Law Giver, and all Creation.  The will of GOD is not subject to sin, therefore, those created beings and living creatures among the angels and mankind who are overthrown by sin must regain the indwelling divine essence (we say, breath, spirit, word, utterance) that permits an eternal existence as a companion to divinity.

Often what people take to be the truth, or trust to be correct regarding divinity is anchored in popular culture, secular knowledge, and their own private expressions of creativity and mind.  Through “baptism” (death of ones inborn spirit, rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak), and various other sacred operations that can be completed only by GOD, sinners become “born again” and must “grow up again.”  Christian believers must acquire sacred knowledge along with new ways of assigning value, displaying and expressing their own spirit content, making choices, resting, speaking, and thinking.

Error and sin express more than simply a person’s likes and dislikes, their personality, or individual qualities and traits.  Aspects of cosmic and transcendent order come into view including unseen elements from ones character, nature, and substance.  While what appears upon the surface truly is an authentic indication of what is beneath, the frameworks of time and space always generate dimensionality so that, what you see now is not always what you get later.  A classic  example of this was shared through the 1981 motion picture, Excalibur, that centered upon King Arthur, who established a tradition of courtliness and knighthood in a territory where idolatry, elements from the Roman Empire, witchcraft, and Christian belief all coexisted in conflict.  Camelot became a model for nations throughout Christendom.  Sir Mordred was the king’s nephew and son; a bitter, impatient crown prince (like Absalom, son of King David) yet heir to the throne; and the king’s greatest enemy (the Black Knight).  Preparing to go into battle, we see the assassin choosing to wear a golden armor, and dressed to kill as “an angel of light.”

Among mature Christian believers the Adversary is acknowledged as one at the level of a servant, while the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are exalted and preeminent.  The Adversary was created to serve the GODhead, even through peculiar roles in the atonement, judgment, redemption and salvation of the entire earth and mankind.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(02/22/2016) Draped Upon The Cross?

Scripture points on the meaning of a purple cloth draped upon the cross are shared, today.  Divinity appeared incarnate (we say, in flesh, having a mortal body) upon the cross to fulfill prophecy, and promises that GOD would judge and rule over his people chosen from among mankind.  Their transformation to become life companions with divinity (we say, eternal life) has begun through rebirth, and ongoing operations of the Holy Spirit that will be completed as believers are taken up to meet the Savior in the air when Christ appears to reap his harvest from the earth.  Every earthly kingdom grounded in finite and material existence continues to respond to the divine monarchy of Jesus as did Rome, the one-world empire of its day.  Consider again the following Bible verses, and the presentation below:

Psalms 45:  3-7, King James Version (KJV):  3 Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty.  4 And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.  5 Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king’s enemies; whereby the people fall under thee.  6 Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever:  the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre.  7 Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness:  therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

John 6:  11-15, KJV:  11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.  12 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.  13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.  14 Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.  15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.

Matthew 27:  27-31, KJV:  27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers.  28 And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.  29 And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand:  and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!  30 And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.  31 And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.

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

A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Sunny1121” (Level with points, a member since July 16, 2007) posted the following:

 

What does the purple cloth on the cross mean?

Every year around Good Friday and Easter I notice purple cloth draped on crosses outside of churches. What is the significance of the cloth and also the purple. I know that around Easter churches sometime perform passion plays. Does the purple denote “passion” or something else? Only genuine, knowledgeable replies, Please.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.  This title then read many of the Jews:  for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city:  and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.  Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews.  Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.  Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat:  now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.  They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be:  that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did.
(John 19:  19-24, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Without Preaching The Cross? (02/21/2016); Belief In Another World? (02/17/2016); Adam, Pharaoh and All Mankind? (01/28/2015); The Ruler Of the Earth? (05/01/2014); Parables About the Kingdom? (05/02/2014); Loving Someone Unseen? (05/03/2014); Believers and the Cross (06/24/2013); A Relationship not Just Knowledge? (06/25/2013); Jesus, King of Earth? (10/07/2012); Parental Duty? (10/08/2012)

 

“Sunny1121”, through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood and truth from the cross are flowing despite time and space to here and now.  Many mature Christian believers accept the cross draped in purple as a further proclamation that, by his crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus is exalted to be ruler over an “everlasting kingdom” from GOD revealed in prophecy through King David, and uncovered to comfort Daniel while Israel was removed from the Promised Land by the Babylonians.  (Prophecy of the kingdom was begun in Moses, where Christ is called “Shiloh” (Peace), and would be carried forward because GOD himself would become acknowledged as Israel’s true king.)  The Lord’s earthly ministry was not intended to see him installed as monarch over Israel in the place of King Herod, who served as a “figure-head” and tool for the government of Rome.  The credentials and genealogy of Jesus also identified the Savior as the lawful heir and Son of David.  That Roman soldiers gambled for his priestly garment while he hung upon the cross is to depict the lowliness of mankind before the Father in heaven.  The divine covering lost by Adam in Eden can only be restored through the operations of GOD that also require atonement and rebirth to establish a covering for sins.  Consider how this is stated in the language of the holy writings:

(1.)  Genesis 49:  10, King James Version (KJV):  10 The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.

(2.)  Psalms 145:  10-13, KJV:  10 All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee.  11 They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power;  12 To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom.  13 Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.

(3.)  1st Chronicles 29:  10-13, KJV:  10 Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation:  and David said, Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.  11 Thine, O LORD is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty:  for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.  12 Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.  13 Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.

(4.)  Daniel 7:  13-14, KJV:  13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.  14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him:  his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.) John 18:  36-38, KJV:  36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world:  if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews:   but now is my kingdom not from hence.  37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.  38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(01/20/2016) Given A Divine Invitation

Focus, today, is upon GOD appearing as Jesus Christ to provide a new dispensation and sacred mechanisms for mankind’s access to divinity, commitment, and eternal life.  When speaking about Deity and spirit, familiar language devices must be used in order to make explanations and instruction continue within the awareness of believers as concrete and memorable.  Yet, the lasting consciousness that spirit exists, is active, and is present may only be imparted and maintained using spirit substance itself, not finite elements such as emotion, intellect, logic, and philosophy.  In the holy writings, marriage and the imagery of banquets and wedding feasts have been used to clarify, depict, and suggest divine operations and sacred events that pertain to the ministry of Jesus upon the earth and from the heavens.  Christ is to be received as the only provision from GOD embodying all the divine attributes essential for salvation (e.g., forbearance, forgiveness, longsuffering, resurrection, rebirth, sanctification).  The language of a divine wedding garment that appears in the New Testament may be traced to Genesis where Adam is clothed in a covering for the human body made from glory, light, or spirit.  While yet in the Garden of Eden, the parents of mankind lost their sacred covering also thought to be innocence and purity.  After disobeying divinity by eating the forbidden fruit, the first pair discovered they were “naked”, and hid themselves from the Creator.  The two would be covered again by GOD, however, it would require using divine operations that included such elements as atonement, blood, burning, death, faith, forgiveness, perfect obedience, selfless sacrifice, and suffering.  Consider again the following from Scripture, and the presentation below:

Isaiah 54:  4-5, King James Version (KJV):  4 Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed:  neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame:  for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.  5 For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.

Isaiah 62:  1-5, KJV:  1 For Zion’s sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth.  2 And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory:  and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name.  3 Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God.  4 Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate:  but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah:  for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married.  5 For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee:  and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.

1st Corinthians 3:  11-15, KJV:  11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.  12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;  13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest:  for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.  14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.  15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss:  but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

Revelation 21:  1-3, KJV:  1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth:  for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.  2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.  3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

Revelation 22:  16-17, KJV:  16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.  17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

A writer at “Yahoo Answers” using the ID “Fred XXOO I” (Level 7 with 51,405 points, a member since June 28, 2010) posted the following:

 

Matthew 22:2, The Kingdom of heaven is like a king who reppared a wedding banquet 4 his son. what did that say 2 you? thank u.?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.  For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church:  and he is the saviour of the body.  Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.  Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;  That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,  That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.  So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.  For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:  For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.  For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.  This is a great mystery:  but I speak concerning Christ and the church.  Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.  (Ephesians 5:  22-33, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Male, the Female, and GOD (02/09/2014); Destroying the Resurrected Body? (02/10/2014); Relating to GOD? (11/05/2013); Does Satan Know? (11/06/2013); The Church as a Bride? (05/15/2013); How Do I Repent? (05/16/2013); A Life Companion? (11/07/2012); On Asking Why (11/08/2012); Speaking of GOD (10/20/2010); Eat and Run? (10/21/2010)

 

“Fred XXOO I”, see with new eyes:  The holy angels and all those in covenants (i.e., lawful relationships established by GOD with Adam, Abraham, Moses, David, and others joined to divinity through inheritance) were welcomed to embrace divinity through a new relationship with GOD manifest upon the earth in flesh (we say, incarnate).  All were to acknowledge a new creation (the church) that would be a “spouse” to the Son of the Highest.  Many of those who were specially “invited”, granted place, and welcomed to share in the multiple sacred events establishing eternal life, refused to acknowledge Jesus as the legitimate fulfillment of divine promise, or even respond with respect to his matchless  revelation of divine grace and exclusive devotion.  In their place, mankind in general is being welcomed to have intimate personal relationship to Jesus Christ as a church that will be a life companion to the Son of GOD in the same way a married couple becomes permanently joined by the union of their spirit content.

Throughout his ministry (we could say, courtship and dating) upon the earth, Jesus Christ planted seeds of an eternal dispensation from GOD to preserve mankind and all Creation.  However, the Lord was challenged to speak using terms that would be correctly recognized and understood only by those already having a peculiar spirit content from the makeup of divinity (e.g., faith, godly sorrow, holiness, purity, wisdom, wrath against sin, zeal).  Parables were a popular teaching tool of the day—and along with comparisons, contrasts, metaphors and similes—were used as a “filter” to discover and ignite spirit substance in those who were genuinely “called”, “elect”, and prepared through prophecy and the discipline of obeying sacred law for encounter with GOD in the person of Christ.

Through divine operations of covenant, judgment, and promise, all mankind to the time of Christ’s birth (for millennia) had been given admonition, comfort, encouragement, and guidance to restore the communion, intimacy and trust that was lost at Eden.  In addition to a relationship of blessing with Deity, Adam (the single divine name for the male and female) lost special sacred abilities, qualities, opportunities, and possibilities.  Full restoration requires permanent changes to mankind that include the end of mortality and receptiveness to corruption as well as the removal of dependency upon frameworks of time and space for sacred knowledge.  By GOD appearing in flesh as Christ and Messiah, atonement for sin and new access to divinity were being established.  Divine spirit content is to be the basis of identity in mankind (we say, the image of GOD).  Through “water baptism” (death of ones inborn spirit, rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak) and “fire baptism” to acquire spiritual authority and power, mankind is given a fresh endowment of divine life essence (we say, breath, spirit, word).   

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, those who are “ripe” after developing and maturing upon the earth will be harvested by Jesus as his church at his Advent (Second Coming).  These will be accounted as the “fruit” of his planting, and will be offered and presented to the Father before the host of heaven.  Because many angels and other created beings lost their place in heaven through sin, there now are places there to be filled for special events to be properly witnessed to, and completed.  Included are concluding final judgment, finishing the New Jerusalem, distributing rewards for service to divinity, and allotting places to the saints within the Holy City.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/20/2015) On Wearing Sports Jerseys?

Adornment, amusements, and social activities conducted within the church are topics, today.  Believers are to be in the world, yet, not of it.  The clothing believers wear can neither ensure their salvation, nor of itself seal them in condemnation.  Many believers are committed to a process for increasing the church that relies upon connecting to outside the congregation upon their own carnal, material, and social level.  Even so, judgment remains the exclusive province of Christ partly because there must be a weighing of things that are subtle (i.e., barely visible; having hidden shifts in meaning and value), and that have no physical substance such as comprehension, divine prerogative, and eternal purposes.  Those within communities of faith also may derive benefit from amusements such as family entertainment, ice cream socials, singles activity, and Super Bowl parties.  However, just as accountability and intimacy within the home generate a different standard for shared activities to entertain and refresh the family, recreation within the body of believers that appears in the public forum should always continue circumspection and restraint.  To avoid misrepresentation of the spiritual body, leisure behavior should only be shared in private settings, and not events open to the public.  Consider again the following from the Bible, and the comments appearing below:  John 7:  24, King James Version (KJV):  24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.  Also, 2nd Corinthians 13:  5, KJV:  5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.  Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?  2nd Corinthians 4:  15-17, KJV:  15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.  16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! 7 Answers” (Australia) using the ID “Anonymous” (profile information withheld) posted the following:

 

Christians: What are your thoughts of this Protestant church promoting the wearing of sports jersies to their weekend services?

Crossroads Fellowship Church

Saturday, November 7 | 5:00pm
Sunday, November 8 | 8:30am, 10:00am, & 11:30am

Wear Your Favorite Team Jersey to Church!

How do you feel about this? Show your team spirit by wearing your favorite team jersey to church!

Come prepared for worship and game day fun!

 http://www.crossroads.org/story.aspx?storyid=1125

Update:  Do you see this as an abomination? A desperate marketing tactic perhaps?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.  And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;  To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.  To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak:  I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.  And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.  Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.  And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.  I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:  But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection:  lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.  (1st Corinthians 9:  19-27, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Not A Matter Of Opinion? (04/24/2014); What Faith Makes Possible (04/25/2014); Worship Wear? (01/23/2014); Mankind Destroyed? (01/24/2014); Are Holidays Bad? (11/16/2013); Denying GOD by Eating Shrimp? (11/17/2013); Will GOD Bless My Team? (12/31/2012); Put Every Man His Sword By His Side (01/01/2013)

 

“Anonymous”, in the effort to create an atmosphere of mutual acceptance, suspension of being judged by others, and unconditional love, many congregations of Christian believers now appear to operate without the strict dress codes and standards that once distinguished church goers and Christian believers as “sanctified” (i.e., set apart for the exclusive use of divinity).  For those in relationship with GOD through Jesus Christ, it is important to address such doctrines and themes as release from the strictures of Old Testament law; new life by apprehension of divine spirit content; new covenant grounded in righteousness through faith as well as discerning sameness and difference for the spirit of divine law and its letter.  Even so, there is never to be a total abandonment of discipline, regulation, and shared truth that establishes stability.

Correctly understood, sanctification proceeds only by operations of GOD, and is not the product of indoctrination, intellect, logic, and reason.  Believers experience excitement joy, and zeal as they acquire sacred knowledge and gain mastery through sacred practice (we say, observing sacraments).  However, these are aspects of the character, nature and spirit that make up divinity; and are not the same as emotion, excitement, fanaticism, and passion that characterize carnal and finite being.

Correctly received, assembling and church attendance are gifts and sacred events from GOD wherein believers are granted access to the divine presence, and opportunity to be in shared communion and direct exchange with Deity.  Mature believers “put their best foot forward” and wear their “Sunday-go-to-meeting clothes” as acknowledgment, and an outward demonstration of inner order, propriety and respect toward GOD.  What they wear is not intended for boasting, showing off, and vainglory.  Their attitude, mind-set and motives are directed to knowing and pleasing GOD.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, believers have to be careful to avoid the trap that baits them into judging others.  Because all believers must gradually develop and grow, everyone who participates in a gathering at the church does not come being on the same level of commitment, devotion, maturity, and understanding.  All appear because they are confessing their need for change, correction and growth.  The welcome is equally to those seeking peace and rest as it is for those seeking their place as disciples, laborers and workers for the kingdom.  What appears as casual dress and clothing more suited to play often has been chosen for its value as a lubricant to contact (i.e., familiarity, recognition, remembering), being in proper uniform for hard work, and a lever to interaction that will nourish the body.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(09/24/2015) Holy Garments?

How the exalted glory and honor of GOD are known and recognized through the use of priestly garments by clergy are topic, today.  Consider again the following from the Bible and the points below:  Matthew 22:  8-13, King James Version (KJV):  8 Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.  9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.  10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good:  and the wedding was furnished with guests.  11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:  12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.  13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.  14 For many are called, but few are chosen.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers (UK & Ireland)” using the ID “Jack” (Level with 84 points, a member since August 22, 2014) posted the following:

Why do the Pope and bishops wear expensive, flowing, glamorous robes? Are they trying to tell us how superior they are?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples,  And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?  Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see:  The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.  And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.  And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?  But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses.  But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.  For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.  Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist:  notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.  (Matthew 11:  2-11, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Whatsoever Ye Shall Ask?  (09/21/2015); Not Anti-Catholics, Antichrists?  (09/22/2015); Any Way For Men To Behave? (09/06/2015); Worship Wear? (01/23/2014); Mankind Destroyed? (01/24/2014); Why Clothing? (10/15/2010); Known by GOD? (10/16/2010)

“Jack”, the ways of the church are “mysterious” and “secret” to all (including Christian believers) until they are firmly rooted and grounded in sacred knowledge, and divine spirit.  Only then can simple things correctly be seen as profound (far reaching; having multiple dimensions; on a cosmic scale).  On the one hand, the clergy of the church continue in a severe isolation and poverty—their homes, places of shelter and the very clothes on their back are property of the body (the church they serve); yet, they are surrounded by the evidences of divinity, the wealth of sacred inheritance, and access to the Most High through the ministries of Jesus Christ.  Thus, consider again the regalia of Aaron the High Priest, and the following points shared through the holy writings:

(1.)  Exodus 28:  1-3, King James Version (KJV):  28 And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron’s sons.  2 And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty.  3 And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron’s garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office.

(2.)  Exodus 28:  9-11, KJV:  9 And thou shalt take two onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Israel:  10 Six of their names on one stone, and the other six names of the rest on the other stone, according to their birth.  11 With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, shalt thou engrave the two stones with the names of the children of Israel:  thou shalt make them to be set in ouches of gold.

(3.)  Exodus 28:  29-30, KJV:  29 And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before the LORD continually.  30 And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be upon Aaron’s heart, when he goeth in before the LORD:  and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before the LORD continually.

(4.)  Daniel 10:  4-6, KJV:  4 And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel;  5 Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz:  6 His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.

(5.)  Revelation 1:  12-14, KJV:  12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;  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;

(6.)  Revelation 19:  7-9, KJV:  7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him:  for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.  8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white:  for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.  9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

There is far more to be considered, and carefully understood.  For example, (7.)  Revelation 19:  13-15, KJV:  13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood:  and his name is called The Word of God.  14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.  15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations:  and he shall rule them with a rod of iron:  and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(09/06/2015) Any Way For Men To Behave?

Adornment, dress codes, indignation, and freedom in the church are topics, today.  No mature Christian will agree that believers may enter the divine presence looking like a flash mob ready to destroy a convenience store?  The sacred collective created by Jesus Christ is a body made up of spirits, and is not just another social organization rooted in material existence, personal preference, private opinions, and selfish choice.  Churches do not have bouncers and security staff like night clubs, however, the deacons and ushers are empowered within the shared covenant to maintain necessary order.  (I recall a fellow ejected one Sunday, shouting that he was a child of GOD, and it was his right to “come as you are.”  They rebuked him saying, as a son he must practice obedience; and they were quick to literally lift him up and out.)  Developing believers often are surprised that clergy and officers within their own assembly are endowed with divine authority, and also must demonstrate the wrath of GOD against sin such that the behavior of church members may come under censure for what appear to themselves as arbitrary, and a simple “matter of choice.”  Rightly understood, those who willingly come to Christ do so surrendering choice and free-will submitting themselves to the diverse operations of GOD that pertain to having eternal life.  Trusting GOD, believers may encounter divinity in settings that range from the bedroom to the battlefield, from the chapel to the burial place.  Whatever the setting for praise, prayer, and obeisance, Christian believers seek to be sanctified (i.e., cleansed; set apart for divine service; made ready to be taken when the Savior comes to harvest his followers from the earth) at all times, and be seen by the Father covered through the blood and righteousness of Christ.  With this in view, believers offer and present themselves sharing gifts made acceptable by faith, gratitude, humility, love, respect, reverence, simplicity, and truth.  The fighter who uses the ID “Hugh” at “Yahoo! Answers” (Level 3 with 1,103 points, a member since March 10, 2015) posted the following:

 

Religion and spirituality. I was thrown out of church (by force) because I did not comply with the dress code, is this any way for men of?

the cloth to behave, as soon as he saw me started to go on about how I was dressed and I was a disgrace and that I was never to come back again…..You could have knocked me over with a feather when the Minister rushed at me screaming at the top of his voice ‘put your trousers back on you heathen’ and then threw me out. What has happened to the church in this day and age?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,  According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:  Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises:  that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.  And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;  And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;  And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.  For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.  Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure:  for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:  For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  (2nd Peter 1:  2-11, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Should Men Take Their Hats Off? (05/15/2014); The Issue Is Not Accuracy (05/16/2014); Worship Wear? (01/23/2014); Mankind Destroyed? (01/24/2014); Why Clothing? (10/15/2010); Known by GOD? (10/16/2010)

 

“Hugh”, a church is more than an abstraction or secular organization only when the believers faithfully discharge peculiar spiritual duties unselfishly sharing their personal resources (including knowledge, money, skills, talent, time).  GOD is to be approached as exalted, pure, and sovereign.  The casual behavior that many enjoy as harmless in other settings is specially regarded as abominable, filthy, offensive to GOD, and profane when occurring in the Sanctuary—the largest area of a worship place set apart for members and their guests to gather and welcome the divine presence.  Included are gum-chewing, gossiping, partial nudity and wearing clothing for sexual attraction such as shorts, skinny jeans, and swim gear, smoking, and whispering.  For Christian believers participation in the activities of their assemblies, congregations, groups for praise, prayer, service and study as well as for full communities of faith are governed by by-laws composed and adopted by the body as well as by commandments, examples, guidelines, and principles written in the Bible.  Those who voluntarily commit themselves to a church all are required to experience specific sacred events (e.g., baptism, confession, confirmation, instruction, offering, the ordinance of humility, the right hand of fellowship).  In addition to being present for various ceremonies, rites, and solemn rituals for worship, members are expected to regularly attend sessions for decision-making and handling the financial and practical affairs of the group.  Here are a few points from the holy writings that have helped born-again believers who must mature again understand their religious liberty, duty, obligation, and privilege:

(1.)  John 14:  23-27, King James Version (KJV):  23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words:  and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.  24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings:  and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.  25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.  26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.  27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you:  not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

(2.)  1st Timothy 3:  14-16, KJV:  14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:  15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.  16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:  God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

(3.)  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.

(4.)  1st Corinthians 14:  36-40, KJV:  36 What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?  37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.  38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.  39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.  40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

(5.)  1st Timothy 5:  19-22, KJV:  19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.  20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.  21 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.  22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins:  keep thyself pure.

There are many other Scriptures that should be carefully considered, correctly understood, and made a permanent part of ones own sacred knowledge.  (For example, (6.)  2nd Corinthians 13:  7-14, KJV:  7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.  8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.  9 For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong:  and this also we wish, even your perfection.  10 Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.  11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.  12 Greet one another with an holy kiss.  13 All the saints salute you.  14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

 
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC