(07/03/2013) Theoretical Forgiveness?

Understanding conversion and forgiveness are the focus, today, along with more on divine judgment against Jericho.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Matt” (Level 1 with 1 point, a member since July 29, 2011) posted the following:

So theoretically I could go on a killing spree and still end up in heaven?

Do I understand this correctly? I could theoretically go on a killing spree in a children’s hospital killing by the dozens. And just before the moment I die I “accept” Jesus into my heart I will still go to heaven? That’s f****d up.

THE BATTLE AXE:  Jericho Justified? (07/02/2013)—  (5)  The fighting forces of Israel were not established as a conquering army after the models of Alexander the Great, Babylon, Persia or Rome.  Just as in America today, lawful evictions are carried out by the United States Marshal and his deputies, and the Executioner continues to serve as a legitimate officer of our courts, Israel was to be an instrument of GOD in judgment to effect the transfer of real property, and to carry out as executioner the destruction of incorrigible sinners who were persisting in defiance and rebellion against GOD.  Without the sacred devices and mechanisms provided from GOD (e.g., awe, conscience, discernment, divine law, humility), Created beings and living creatures are incapable of correctly identifying, resisting or eliminating sin.  They fail to grasp that even the most innocent-looking crimes against GOD (such as building a tower at Babel) have cosmic consequences, and send ripples of conflict, death and decay throughout the fullness of Creation.  There is no such thing as harmless sin, sin that has no destructive impact, that does not oppose the continued existence of GOD, and that does not spread impotence and infirmity among created beings.  (6)  Divine condemnation and destruction for the lives of men, women, children, and animals (all living) occur as non-negotiable and unchanging sacred events necessary for balance, completeness, purity and stability of Creation that are governed by divine law, operations of Spirit, and eternal purpose.  Those who charge GOD with cruelty, genocide, and indifference to human suffering usually are themselves unaware, and incapable of establishing and maintaining the full array of responsibilities that pertain to judgment.  Included are calculating negligence, correction, indictment, investigation, justice, justification, reconciliation, resolution, restoration and sentencing.  In their anger, bitterness, confusion, defiance, and fear such critics are biased and perverse in judging GOD, and they deny divine accountability for maintenance of all that is.  See Exodus 15:  25-26, Deuteronomy 7:  14-16, 1st Corinthians 15:  50-57, 2nd Timothy 3:  1-5 and Romans 6:  12-14, King James Version.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.  For scarcely for a righteous man will one die:  yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.  For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.  And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.  (Romans 5:  6-11, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  When Does Judgment Begin? (06/27/2013); Our Present Comfort? (06/28/2013); Struggles? (05/11/2013); Through Much Tribulation (05/12/2013); Does Everyone Go To Heaven? (10/28/2012); Magick and Prayer? (10/29/2012); Chances for Change (09/15/2012); Yet If I Judge (09/05/2012); Father Forgive (09/06/2012); Forgiveness? (12/07/2010)

Matt, here are some points that may help you understand Christian belief more correctly:

(1)  The operations of GOD described as divine judgment are profound, and go beyond simple condemnation and punishment of created beings and living creatures for disobedience of sacred law.  Judgment pertains to the eternal existence of divinity, and further allows the living to access, discover and recognize the otherwise invisible presence and process of divine substance.  The make-up of GOD is spirit matter that is made known as spiritual consciousness.  Included are faith, forgiveness, holiness, joy, longsuffering, love, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

(2)  Through the ministry of Jesus Christ, a believer comes into a new existence before GOD through what may seem like an instantaneous change.  However, that sacred event occurs on the basis of continuous work that began before Creation.  In the same way mankind had no active part or choice in Creation, mankind may only respond to redemption and salvation.

(3)  Conversion as an intellectual choice or mental operation rarely happens upon one’s death-bed, in the final seconds before collision of two automobiles, or in the moments police are firing to subdue a gunman.  Many lose their composure by the approach and nearness of death; their feelings and thoughts are caught up in confusion and upheaval.  Repentance, rebirth, and declaration of Christ are only through the operation of the imparted, indwelling spirit of GOD (we say, the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, the Spirit of Prophecy), for the judgment is an acknowledgment of the unchanging aspects within being and person.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example,  (4)  That the unchanging Sovereign over life would embrace mankind through gradual change (we say, growth), compassion, mercy, and possibility is far from “f****d up”.   Almighty GOD, who has put forth life, draws life to himself, rather than death.  By applying and displaying humility, maturity, respect, and their own divine content, believers achieve a closer relationship, a greater understanding, and a more intimate experience of His amazing grace.)   Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(07/01/2013) GOD Intervenes?

Deliverance and divine interventions that determine human behavior are a topic, today, along with more on freewill.  The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Kush” (Level 1 with 1 point, a member since June 24, 2013) posted the following:

Why do Christians say god stopped or saved “them”from doing this or that?

…..THAT’S SIMPLY CRAZY AND HYPOCRITICAL!

IF God created man perfect before being placed in the”garden of eden”….
And then allowed “SIN” to enter into his “perfect” garden,creation and world without doing anything,
Why would he care if you “sinned” or not now?…
HE forfeited it in the beginning when he could have stepped in and stopped them.(from sinning)…..HE IS GOD….RIGHT?,ALL POWER IS HIS NO?..YES?…WHICH ONE IS IT?

For better words,why interfere now? he should have done that in the beginning then you wouldn’t have to deal with it!…..

No matter how you try to explain it,it makes no sense!

I see what you mean by”made in his image”

BATTLE AXE:  Freewill is Finite (06/30/2013)—One may have “freewill” without also having lawful authority and jurisdiction, skill as a decision-maker, privilege through membership, and so-called “rights” secured through government or political participation.  For mankind, the many limits to freewill derive from the finite and conflicting natures of carnal, material, physical, social, and spiritual reality.  The unsanctified attitudes and actions of created beings and living creatures that emerge from freewill can not be justified before GOD even by the ministry of Jesus Christ.  Submitting to Christ, ones will is reconfigured and restructured to give expression to divine substance, sacred operations, and eternal purpose.  Freewill continues to be finite within believers and followers of Christ, yet, is increasingly responsive to divine will, and appears more and more clearly as an aspect or instrument of divinity.  See Deuteronomy 23:  21-23, Matthew 10:  8, Romans 6:  16-23 and 1st Corinthians 2:  11-16, King James Version.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:  he leadeth me beside the still waters.  He restoreth my soul:  he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:  for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.  Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:  thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:  and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.  (Psalms 23:  1-6, King James Version)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Those Who Never Heard (06/07/2013); If You Are Sent…? (06/08/2013); Tests for Origins (08/27/2012); Jesus Our “Advocate” (08/16/2012); Wrong To Love? (08/17/2012); (10/29/2011) Binder 32:  Those Yet Unsaved; (09/05/2011) Dispatch 26:  The Shield; Adam Saved? (12/03/2010); 13 Epistles (12/04/2010)

“Kush”, here are some points important to those now living in the kingdom of GOD as believers through Jesus Christ:

(1)  GOD is a spirit, and his being and make-up consists totally in divinity and sacred matter.  Included are faith, holiness, longsuffering, joy, peace, wisdom, and wrath against sin.   GOD is revealed to and known by created beings and living creatures only through the operation of deposits and endowments of divine spirit matter present within their own awareness and being.

(2)  For mankind, the influences that determine actions, choices, beliefs and commitments are often subtle (we say, barely visible, fine and undetectable), and may go beyond the flesh (i.e., appetite, sensation, mental functions).  In the same way human error and mistakes are most correctly recognized after one takes action, sin remains hidden and invisible until self-will is made manifest in action or utterance.

(3)  Sin is not a carnal, material or physical thing; is not made of living substance or spirit; and is not put forth from GOD.  Even so, sin may dominate self-will in created beings and living creatures.  The “mystery” of sin is so great that multiple sacred mechanisms and operations have been provided to mankind as shields and tools against sin.  Included are anointed leaders, covenant, divine law, forbearance, forgiveness, incarnation (i.e., the appearance of GOD among mankind in flesh), life companions in holy matrimony, priesthood, prophecy, the cross and the imparted, indwelling spirit of GOD (we say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Truth, the Spirit of Prophecy).

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example,  (4)  Those who insist that their animal or angelic nature, their finite intelligence, or logic, or luck, or reason are sufficient to understand the profound truths of sovereign being, divinity and eternal life, usually do so through ignorance, immaturity, pride, and stubbornness.  They reject the life of continual spirit growth, learning and new experience that must be provided by GOD.)   Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(06/29/2013) Come As You Are?

Acceptance, change, and repentance are topics, today.  Also, there is more on the sacred mechanisms for comforting believers who are in mourning.  The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “nick” (Level 4 with 4,489 points, a member since December 26, 2008) posted the following:

After I come to Jesus though as I am, do I still have to repent?

Or should I repent first and then come? Or can I stay as I am after I come?

THE BATTLE AXE:  Our Present Comfort? (06/27/2013)—Just as believers repeatedly experience appetite such as hunger, thirst and cravings for sexual activity as human, natural and normal life process, believers will repeatedly experience feelings and thoughts about those in their lives who become deceased.  Included may be family, loved ones, or even strangers identified in an evening news broadcast.  The various operations of GOD to permanently suppress the power of death over human awareness center in the appearance of GOD in flesh as Jesus Christ (we say, incarnation); the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus from the dead; the ascension of Jesus into heaven; and the falling of the Holy Spirit upon prepared believers.   While death continues as a feature of finite being for all who are in flesh, through Christ mankind is now released from the widespread depression, fear, ignorance, and worship of death that formerly corrupted relationship with the Creator.  Such solutions for bereavement as hope, joy, law, love, promise, and sacred visions are supplied of GOD.  These convey life-energy, are forward-looking, and are rooted in practical truth.  They endow a mourner with an inheritance of continuing purpose and stability without the burdens of apathy, coldness, hardness of heart, indifference, morbidity, and lack of affect.  See Philippians 1:  21-30, 2nd Peter 1:  2-4 and 2nd Corinthians 5:  1-21, KJV.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Moreover thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the LORD; Shall they fall, and not arise? shall he turn away, and not return?  Why then is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return.  I hearkened and heard, but they spake not aright:  no man repented him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done? every one turned to his course, as the horse rusheth into the battle.  Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the LORD.  How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of the LORD is with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he it; the pen of the scribes is in vain.  The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken:  lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what wisdom is in them?  (Jeremiah 8:  4-9, King James Version)

DOUBLE DAGGER:  How Do I Repent? (05/16/2013); The “Jesus Way”? (05/17/2013); Unless You Repent (03/05/2013); The Childhood of Jesus? (03/06/2013); Unexceptional Beginnings (11/22/2012); Believing Everything? (11/23/2012); Turn From Sin? (02/15/2011); About Promises (02/16/2011)

“nick”, here are some points Christian believers must be aware of that are important for avoiding spiritual confusion:

(1)  For many, “come as you are” means GOD extends unqualified acceptance and approval to all (they may even say, “unconditional love”).  More correctly, “come as you are” means a person’s errors, faults, limits and weaknesses that repeatedly frustrate and overwhelm family, friends and others are no obstacle to GOD.  “Come as you are” does not mean “stay as you are.”

(2)  Like forgiveness, repentance is not a “one-time” sacred event.  As operations carried out by eternal GOD, forgiveness and repentance are conditions for being and existence, and should be continuously present before GOD through imparted spirit matter such as faith, holiness, longsuffering, love, and wrath against sin.  

(3)  In water (and spirit) baptism, a believer makes a public choice to internalize and submit to divine operations that will change their inner nature.  (We say a believer is “born again” from divine DNA.)  In addition to changes in attitude, behavior, conduct, desire, knowledge and life style GOD gradually establishes such permanent changes in the new believer as ability to discern and recognize the quality and value of spirits, correct consciousness of divine intent and eternal purpose as well as the believer’s self-awareness and authority through truth.

There is no simple explanation, or abbreviated way to clarify the many profound truths of being in a genuine relationship with GOD that goes beyond “me, myself and I” by focusing upon such high themes as judgment, prophecy, resurrection and sanctification.  There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example,  (4)  Repentance begins as a confession of need for the permanent change that only GOD may bring about.  Ones need is for more than different or new experiences that are carnal, material and social.  There must be an acknowledgment of divine power and sovereignty as the source for being and growth that we call “life” along with conviction of ones own absolute personal dependence upon GOD.)   Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(06/17/2013) To Find A True Christian?

Judging others to find a “true Christian” is the topic, today.  Also, there is more on not feeling loved by GOD.  The “Yahoo! Answers Top Contributor” using ID “Forrest Toney” (Level 7 with 26,620 points, a member since February 12, 2011) posted the following:

Is it likely I can find a true Christian who is obeying all of Jesus’ sayings?  
Additional Details

MKE-MKE ……… I STILL LOVE YOU , ANYWAY . I GUESS I GOT YOUR GOAT . WHY CONSIDER YOURSELF A CHRISTIAN IF YOU DO NOT THINK YOU HAVE TO OBEY ALL OF HIS SAYINGS /

THE BATTLE AXE:  Feeling Loved By GOD? (06/16/2013)—Believers often fail at first to see the love of GOD that must appear in themselves through gradual change that is growth and transformation.  Like their own chin, their nose, or the back of their head, divine favor and love can be with a believer at all times, however is intended to be visible to others, partially viewed or unseen by themselves, glimpsed infrequently, or seen only as a mirror image and reflection.  The love of GOD is made visible through ministry and unselfish acts to serve and uplift others.  Believers therefore proceed on the basis of divine utterance and their own content of sacred substance such as faith, longsuffering, the promises of GOD, proclamation, prophecy, righteousness and wisdom.  Believers are to increasingly recognize spirit matter interwoven with the routine things of their experience, instead of seeking unusual displays of supreme authority such as exorcism, healing, marvels, miracles, raising the dead, signs, storms, upheavals, and wonders.  See 2nd Corinthians 5:  6-8, Mark 10:  35-45 and Hebrews 6:  10, KJV.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.  Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.  But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment:  yea, I judge not mine own self.  For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified:  but he that judgeth me is the Lord.  Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts:  and then shall every man have praise of God.  (1st Corinthians 4:  1-5, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  About Preaching the Gospel (04/18/2013); When Does Gossip Become Sin? (01/08/2013); Understanding Hell (01/09/2013); Why Is GOD Blamed? (08/23/2012); Fire Baptism (08/24/2012); Jesus Our “Advocate” (08/16/2012); Wrong To Love? (08/17/2012)

Forrest, many make the mistake of seeking to assess and evaluate divine presence within created beings and living creatures by using reasoning and standards that only apply to carnal, material and social realities.   Here are some points for understanding important to avoiding spiritual confusion and unbelief:

(1)  Accurate and thorough examination of mankind requires a divine judge who has served as a righteous king, a holy priest, and a suffering savior.  Judgment to determine spiritual righteousness must be balanced, detailed, formal, impartial, and methodical, yet must embrace compassion, empathy, love and respect.

(2)  In divine judgment, attitude, behavior and conduct are “surface” effects that may indicate unseen spirit content, and sacred substance.  However, the same effects also may appear through the flesh (appetite such as hunger, thirst, and sexual cravings; sense such as hearing, seeing, tasting, touching; and operations of mind such as desire, fantasy, imagination, recall).

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3)  Ones own human standard and process to apply the things from GOD that would identify a “true Christian” may be flawed, and may lack the necessary fineness to capture subtlety (barely visible differences) between and among operations of the Holy Spirit within believers.  Members of the body of Christ are to be complementary, diverse, interdependent, and perform at multiple levels of commitment, faith, gifts, knowledge, maturity, skill, and perfection.)   Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/16/2013) How Do I Repent?

      Actions, feelings, and repentance are topics, today. Also, there is more on the church as “a bride,” and the “same sex” nature of Christian commitment. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Fly” (Level 1 with 120 points, a member since January 12, 2013) posted the following:

Christians please help?

How do I repent?

I know I have to feel sorry for my sins. I am very confused about my feelings, but I dont think I am truly sorry for my sins. I want to be sorry, and I want to truly repent for it. How do I do it? Since being sorry is a feeling, is it even possible to control my feelings?

But there’s one thing for sure – I am willing to change my ways and stop sinning (try my best), and obey God’s commandments. I just want to be real sorry (Godly sorrow). I really want to repent and receive forgiveness for my sins.

Please help me!

THE BATTLE AXE: The Church as a Bride? (05/15/2013)—(5.) Both ones awareness of GOD, and ones self-awareness must change for there to be acceptance of ones own existence as created by GOD, and to embrace the possibilities for relationship with the Creator established through the ministry of Jesus Christ. The complex changes that must occur include a person acquiring new knowledge (we say, learning), and eliminating earlier knowledge (we say, un-learning) at the same time. The believer must come to know the “person” of GOD as expressed in covenants, judgments, sacred operations, praises, promises, and eternal purposes. See Exodus 19: 4-6, Deuteronomy 14: 1-2 and 1st Peter 2: 1-10, KJV. (6.) The truths that center upon carnal being, the conflicts between flesh and spirit, and the management of human sexual appetite are not canceled and denied by the ministry of Jesus Christ as redeemer, savior, and Risen Lord. All who come to Christ must submit to change whereby all belief, conduct and relationships become visible in the light of divine person, and sacred purpose. It is not that believers feel no desire for adultery, casual sex, premarital sex, same sex experience, sexual fantasies, or other emotional, physical and psychological adventures. It is because, in our humanity, we do; and we humble ourselves to GOD for balance, change, correction, growth, insight, maturity, rebirth and sanctification. (7.) New Jerusalem is the gathering place where all believers will abide; and is called “the Holy City” and “the Bride of Christ.” Correctly understood, this is not a reference to some physical location that may be identified on the earth or in the heavens by using the frameworks of time and space so much as to the continuity, permanence and spirit-being of all who will continue to exist within the eternal sphere of divine person. See Exodus 23: 20, John 14: 1-3, Matthew 25: 31-46 and Isaiah 57: 15, KJV.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (Titus 2: 11-14, King James Version)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Repentance Must Come Before Resurrection (04/27/2013); Destroyed in Noah’s Flood? (04/28/2013); When Jesus Comes Back? (04/19/2013); How to Love GOD? (03/24/2013); His Burden is Light (12/10/2012); How to Have Conviction (11/24/2012); A Text for Lives Today? (11/25/2012); Knowing Who Your Real Friends Are (12/11/2012); The Gender of Angels? (10/09/2012); Sin Unknown? (10/10/2012); The Spirit by Measure? (09/22/2012); A Man in Heaven? (09/23/2012); Aliens? (09/24/2012); Wrong to Love? (08/17/2012); The Young Less Religious? (08/18/2012)

    
     Fly, please, consider the following. There are many points of truth that Christian believers must accept, and regularly apply in continuous practice before they gain certainty, personal insight, and full understanding. The examples below agree with Bible teachings, and the life experience of those who are born again:

(1.) Like forgiveness, love and genuine wrath against sin, repentance is an operation of the imparted, indwelling Spirit of Christ. These sacred operations are not merely outcomes of human emotions, and feelings. A person’s self-will must be transformed, and their process for selecting actions must be re-patterned to express being, change, and desired conditions while being anchored in a peculiar awareness of GOD, all at the same time.

(2.) Repentance is not an aspect of divine person or sacred content such as faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, righteousness, and wisdom. As with many sacred operations and eternal truths, repentance is operationally defined (i.e., known by actions taken; known through obedience.) and Created being and living creatures must know repentance.

(3.) In the same way the Holy Spirit must complete the sacred operations begun in a human choice to be baptized (i.e., spirit death, burial, resurrection, and new birth), the Spirit also completes the process of repentance.
    
     There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Repentance is not what you feel; it’s what you do. Begin or step-up the discipline and practice of sacraments in your daily routines. Fast. Expand your prayer life. Enrich your study. Show greater respect to Christ, and all others in your life. Change every behavior that promotes gossip, inattentiveness, lying, malice, possessiveness, pride, or selfishness. That’s what GOD and others should be able to recognize as your repentance, and divinity working in you also.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/11/2013) What to Take Literally

The Bible and human awareness are topics today with more on forgiveness.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Secular Thinker – I’m back.” (Level 1 with 186 points, a member since February 28, 2013) posted the following:


Christians – Which parts of the Bible should I take literally?

I love how the Christians constantly state that all of the verses I attack as evidence for God being an evil tyrant, or making no sense whatsoever aren’t to be taken literally, yet at the same time tell me to take the ones stating him to be a “loving and merciful” god as literal fact. Funny.


THE BATTLE AXE:  Not Even Sorry? (03/10/2013)—For all Christians, to bestow forgiveness is a duty (i.e., a necessary spiritual task that must be completed without regard to ones likes and dislikes, cost and personal sacrifice required, or the earning of payment and rewards).  Because forgiveness is always granted as a freely given gift, no one must abase themselves, beg, or endure disgrace to receive forgiveness. For many salvation begins in acknowledging and confessing ones need for forgiveness. The rage for a justice filled with human anger, darkness, “pay back”, venom and revenge must become a desire for godly charity, forbearance, pardon, peace, light and restoration.  For many salvation begins in acknowledging and confessing ones need for forgiveness.  The completion of ones mortality should also include calling forth and extending forgiveness to those who remain as survivors.  Forgiveness pertains to the ministry of salvation, therefore, higher issues than continuing and restoring trust within personal relationships are involved.  Aspects of righteous judgment must come into view, including balance, guilt, impartiality, mercy and thoroughness.  Yet, forgiveness is not to be regarded as a tool to alter and manipulate others so much as a sacred mechanism for further experience and revelation of Divine Person and Spirit.  The transformation of created beings from mortal and temporal to immortal and incorruptible demands longsuffering, repentance, sorrow for sins, and wrath against sin as well as forgiveness of others.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:  Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.  For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers:  but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.  And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?  But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;  But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts:  and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:  Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.  (1st Peter 3:  10-16, King James Version)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Wanting to Have Our Way (03/09/2013); Not Even Sorry? (03/10/2013); No Contradictions? (01/15/2013); Accomplished in Christ? (01/16/2013); Translation, Please… (01/11/2013); Why So Much Murder? (01/12/2013); Confusion 2013 (01/13/2013)


The challenge of the holy writings cannot be successfully met by relying solely upon academic logic, human reason and “secular thinking.”  The Bible is intended to impart divine content to created beings and living creatures, and all Scriptures use the gateways of awareness and consciousness to deposit spirit content from the person of GOD.  Included are faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, wisdom and wrath against sin.  GOD is a spirit, and may only be known through spirit and actuality that we typically refer to as “truth.”

The processes of human mind go beyond thought, just as they go beyond “truth.”  Such mental operations as desire, doubt, fantasy, forgetting, imagination, lying, premonition, projection, recall and unbelief are aspects of mind, also.  The primary aspects of human spirit center neither upon thought, nor feeling (i.e., emotion).  Being and existence proceed from the action and presence of Divine Person and Spirit.  Because the flesh and form also determines consciousness in the created, many respond only to appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, craving for sexual contact), sense (e.g., hearing, seeing, touching), and the continuous changes we call “mind”.  Sin easily dominates self-will despite that sin is “no-thing” having carnal, material or spirit substance.  Like “anti-matter”, sin does not exist, and cannot be detected without devices provided by GOD.  Yet sin has direction, effect and presence opposing divine law, sacred order, and the continued existence of all that is created as well as the Creator.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, the Bible is a record of divine actions, performed among and through men.  A divine point of view is given us so that we see thousands of lives, shown over the course of thousands of years.  The Bible is a record detailing divine covenants, laws, priesthood, acceptable praises and prayers, promises, proclamations and prophesies.  The profound change in understanding required by readers of the Bible is so sweeping, we say, “You must be born again,” and “grow up” again (i.e., be  established in a new spiritual consciousness).  To correctly grasp the simplest points does require a mindset supplied by GOD through the Holy Spirit.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/06/2013) The Childhood of Jesus?

Childhood, divine messengers, the adult ministry of Jesus, and the benefits of Scripture are topics, today, along with additional points on the Savior’s lessons and warnings about repentance found in Luke 13:  1-5 (KJV).  The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Ganesh” (Level 2 with 533 points, a member since January 4, 2010) posted the following:


Can some one enlighten me about Jesus’s childhood life.?

I want to know where and how Jesus spent his childhood from his age of 1 to 20 years.

THE BATTLE AXE:  Unless You Repent (03/05/2013)—In the incident described from Scripture (Luke 13:  1-5, KJV), Jesus used concerns and questions from the multitude as material for illustrations and parables that would teach the doctrines from GOD.  Seeing the opportunity, Jesus announced that there must be repentance, and the time for repentance is now, rather than later.  He avoided the issue of himself being from the despised region of Galilee, and shunned an obvious chance to promote the truth that, fulfilling the prophecies of Messiah, he had been born in Bethlehem of Judea.  Consider the following points:  (1) No specific actions or sins were identified as having been committed, or as demanding the people’s immediate repentance.  Jesus spoke to encourage the understanding that repentance is change in ones overall lifestyle and person such that one obtains right standing with GOD.  The changes demanded as repentance require divine alterations for the fundamental makeup of mankind, and not merely voluntary change in ones behavior and conduct.  The perfection of mankind pertains to many divine goals.  Thus, the pressure and urgency for mankind’s repentance is not only from damage and loss by sin; they also derive from ongoing sacred operations and divine processes to transform human nature, and are not merely produced by carnal, material and social conditions upon the earth.  (2) When others encounter condemnation, disfavor, obstacles and troubles that you yourself escape this is not an automatic indication of their chastisement by GOD, or of your having divine blessing, favor and reward for your own righteousness.  Rightly understood, divine prerogative and grace should come into view.  (3) While mankind has no place in its own salvation (the same way it had no place in its own creation), to be in right standing with GOD, there are many actions men first must take, and understandings they must acquire on their own behalf by exercising self-will and volition in cooperation with GOD.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.  And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.  And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.  But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.  And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.  And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.  And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.  And when they saw him, they were amazed:  and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.  And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?  And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.  And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them:  but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.  And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.  (Luke 2:  41-52, King James Version)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Golden Age? (01/10/2013); A Golden Ticket? (11/30/2012); And This Was Good News (12/01/2012); Reading Only The Red Part (11/19/2012); According to the Eternal Purpose (11/20/2012); Why Only Luke (02/22/2012); Returning To GOD (02/23/2012); Girdle 34:  The Life Was The Light (12/19/2011); Binder 6:  The Plan Of This Work (10/03/2011); Missing Years? (02/25/2011); A Reborn Heart (02/26/2011); Jesus Special? (10/01/2010); Coping? (10/03/2010)

Christian believers are often disappointed when they look to the Bible and other ancient writings for information about the childhood of Jesus.  However, they should not be.  The Scriptures are intended as a record of divine activity and process; and, provides a divine point of view using incidents from thousands of lives over the course of thousands of years.  The holy writings are not biographical and historical in their nature; yet, they are an “official record” of sacred acts, divine motives, eternal promises, and spiritual purposes.

The Scriptures provide a revelation of GOD as Creator, and the place of mankind within the fullness of the universe and the Creation of GOD.  As such, the Bible provides details upon such aspects of human experience as (1) establishment of a priesthood in the earth modeled after that in heaven, (2) creation of the “world” (the system put forth by mankind for human survival that includes language, building cities, the rise and fall of kingdoms, and the course of one-world empires), (3) the progressions of divine law and covenant, including instances of judgment against sin, and (4) the fulfillment of divine proclamation, promise and prophecy as response to confession, petition, praise and prayer. 
 
Readers should be pleased that the holy writings emphasize the rich three-and-one-half adult years of ministry performed by Jesus upon the earth along with a vision of his priesthood in the heavens.  The full Gospel describes the inheritance of mankind from the Creation of Adam as son of GOD to the conclusion of judgment and the end of all mortality.  Rightly understood, the absolute excellence of the Scriptures is that they convey to mankind and instill such substance from the person of Jesus as faith, holiness, humility, forgiveness, joy, longsuffering and wrath against sin.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, generally speaking, believers are safe to apply the rule, “children should be seen and not heard.”  In material and social terms they “bring little to the table.”  In addition to the limitations of poverty—children have no income from employment or investments; cannot regularly obtain for themselves or others food, clothing shelter and health care; and have little savings—children do not employ critical thinking needed to effectively exercise authority and power.  Emotion, fantasy, and imagination often dominate the mental activity of children.  As a result their behavior is repeatedly impractical, inconsistent, inefficient, irregular and unfocused.  As a stage in human development, childhood should be a time of directed learning, planned growth and preparation, rather than a time of accomplishments, exploits, and resolution for the conflicts, duties and reversals of human relationship.  Because children are held to be marginal and unfit as the most correct models for responsible adults and institutions, and may not always command the full cooperation and respect of those to whom they are sent, their service as divine messengers is regularly exploited, overlooked, opposed, slandered and undermined.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/27/2012) More Than Salvation

      That the life, death and resurrection of Jesus pertains to more than simply salvation for mortal beings is considered, today. Also, there is more on difficult passages within the Scriptures that impress some as pornography, and the error of reading the Bible to locate spicy material. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “God’s Father” (Level 4 with 2,554 points, a member since October 20, 2012) posted the following:

Christians, was the whole Jesus dying for our sins thing just a token ceremony…?

…or did it literally alter God’s brain in a way that he was able to let sinners into heaven, something that he would have been unable to do before this?

If someone does something bad to me, and I can’t forgive them, but I then have a son who gets crucified, will it change my brain chemicals so I’m suddenly able to forgive the person who wronged me?

THE BATTLE AXE: Pornography from the Bible (11/26/2012)—Many of us have had the experience as children growing up of looking in the dictionary to find “forbidden” words (ain’t, cain’t, and hate) as well as those ending with the letter “k” (d i_ _, f u_ _, puss_k). Titillated and thrilled, we were eager to show off to our friends, who rejoiced and agreed it was “totally scandalous!” In a sense, that is a normative pattern in child development. Similarly, in spiritual development, believers are often mislead to read the holy writings as if they may be understood using only the frameworks of carnal, material and social living. Thus, for example, that Ezekiel records prophecy, a revelation of Divine Person, and sacred visions appears irrelevant to readers who are not yet mature. Those adults who are malicious, and who seek to overthrow the salvation of GOD through Jesus Christ, can not be regarded as in the innocence (or the ignorance) of children. Failing to realize the proper application and the eternal value of such writings as the Song of Solomon, the teachings that speak in terms of adultery, or the epistles identifying intimate relationship for Jesus and the Church, those who share negative critiques of the Bible presume to destroy divine condemnation and sacred judgment. However, what they offer in place of redemption and salvation must be recognized as finite, lacking divine substance, temporal, and weak. Most NFL fans would love to have a copy of their coach’s playbook when only the most trusted players are to have it.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (Titus 2: 11-14, King James Version)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: How Was GOD Known Before Jesus? (10/06/2012); Jesus, King of Earth? (10/07/2012); By Grace (09/04/2012); The Work of Jesus (03/13/2012); Signs of a Prophet (03/14/2012); Grace and Law (01/20/2012)

      Many mature Christian believers now understand the appearance of GOD upon the earth in human flesh (called the Incarnation) is more than a sacred process for the salvation of mankind. Apart from the intent of making divinity known and visible to created beings and living creatures, there are imperatives of divine existence that must be fulfilled for the balance, beauty and completeness of divine person. Saying this another way, for GOD to be all that GOD is, was and ever shall be, many possibilities of form and substance also must be made extant. Understanding that GOD is an eternal, unchanging spirit, we acknowledge Christ as a distinct appearance of GOD in flesh subject to both divine and natural law, and (therefore) capable of change, with the Holy Spirit, as the active aspect of divine will.

      Sin is not a material substance; and, despite that sin was first identified among the angels, sin is not a spirit, or substance having spirit matter. Sin has not been created by GOD, or by any living thing. Sin opposes the existence of divinity, and all the emanations from the divine. Included are authority, humility, law, love, person, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin. While sin is no “thing” that exists and lacks dimension, form and divine substance, sin may dominate the self-will of created beings and living creatures. Sin has effect, direction, and presence. Almighty GOD and his Christ have demonstrated that sin cannot overwhelm divine will; and the process for altering self-will to add divine substance, requires divine disclosure, revelation, consciousness and choice in the living.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, grace is the aspect of divinity whereby sin is dismissed through forgiveness, and a divine apparatus is put forth to reconfigure the Creation. Through grace death is established as a divine tool and is used in such divine operations as mercy, judgment, re-birth, regeneration, sanctification, and resurrection to secure both the dead and the living as well as make permanent a fellowship with GOD that may be spoken of as eternal life with GOD.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/01/2012) After the Rapture?

     The possibility of repentance following the Rapture, and more on salvation through childbearing appear, today.  The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Larissa” (Level 1 with 90 points, a member since October 30, 2012) posted the following:


After the rapture will it be to late to repent?


THE BATTLE AXE:  Saved in Childbearing (10/31/2012)—While every female may come into increased attention, honor and respect from her family, friends, and community by giving birth to a child, the love of GOD and salvation are not conferred through the animal and human acts of copulation, impregnation, labor, and delivery.  A woman’s awareness of her place in divine purpose must be transformed.  All her core beliefs and ideas for existence must expand and shift.  Included are her feelings and thoughts on change, condemnation, death, duty, fear, forgiveness, health, growth, innocence, love, maturity, obedience, pain, parenting, truth, strength, and eternal life.  Contrary to the initial plan, Adam (the name used by GOD for both the male and female) was made to be mortal after their self-will had been yielded to sin, and the full endowment of Spirit from GOD deposited within them had become inaccessible to them, lost and suppressed.   As created beings, finite, mortal and temporal, that would have no continuity and permanence, mankind could no longer exist in correct relationship to eternal divinity.  Birth followed by rebirth are sacred processes and operations to install the divine image, person and spirit content where reproduction determines only kind, form and species.  Going further, everlasting life and the hallowed inheritance of the divine nature within mankind is fostered, generated and preserved through nonnegotiable provisions of eternal law serving as the expressed will of GOD.  Thus, childbearing also is seen as essential to the integrity and soundness of sacred law that was in place before all life began.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:  Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.  But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.  To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever.  Amen.  (1st Peter 5:  6-9, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Gospel not Logical? (09/16/2012); Chances for Change (09/15/2012); Returning To GOD (02/23/2012); The Prophets (02/24/2012); Binder 37:  We Have Waited (11/03/2011); Binder 36:  All Things New (11/02/2011)


     Here are some understandings important to mature Christian believers:

     The Rapture (also called his appearing, the Second Advent, the Second Coming) is spoken of as Christ reaping the harvest of souls that has grown up from the seeds planted through his ministries in the earth, and from the heaven.  Continuing to use the agricultural and farming metaphor, the harvest must be mature, ready and ripe before the work of ingathering begins.  Because bad seed has been planted by the Devil and his children, many hateful and noxious plants have also grown up, and are ripe.  Thus, the work of ingathering must also be a work of separation whereby the products of good seed are embraced, and the products of bad seed are cut down, removed, and destroyed by fire.  While they were still only seed and seedlings, no clear difference could be seen consistently between the bad and good plants.  In their final stages of growth, however, their fruit and byproducts are openly displayed before mankind, before GOD, and before all the host of heaven.

     Many trust that there is a period of possibility following the departure of the sanctified and saved.  They hold that those raised from the dead along with the living that remain in the earth have opportunity to change, repent, and return to GOD.  However, all the elements vital to salvation will no longer exist in the earth.  Included are acknowledgment of divine law, the anointed assemblies, the preaching of the Gospel, the holy Scriptures, and the imparted, indwelling spirit of Christ, the Holy Ghost.  The unhindered influence of angry and self-destructive spirits will make it that sin is unrestrained.  The lake of fire will become the mercy of GOD to release the unregenerate from their misery.

     There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, the Rapture is also called the first resurrection.  In that sacred event, believers are “caught up to meet him in the air,” because the earth will be too defiled and polluted from sin for him to set foot upon it.  All those taken up to GOD in that sacred event are called “blessed.”  In the second resurrection that follows, Christ does not approach the earth at all.  The wicked are brought before him as the judge who sits upon the great white throne.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIXWashington, DC

(10/12/2012) Double Standard?

      Condemnation for attacks by Christians, Christian growth, hypocrisy, and portrayals on TV are topics, today, along with more on when prayer works. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Emma” (Level 2 with 426 points, a member since August 5, 2012) posted the following:

Aren’t christians a bit double standard?

I saw a TV-show where a christian thought someone was doing a bad thing (in relation to God/religion) but to stop him from doing the bad thing, she did a bad thing too. But it was alright for her to do it, but not alright for him to do it? Now I know it’s just a tv-show, but isn’t it pretty realistic of what a christian would do? and isn’t it extremely double standard?
Why do they think it’s okay to do something bad to other people, as long as it’s for their God they are doing it!! that’s the worst thing about people being religious..

Additional Details

If he was doing a play with homosexuality in it, and she was going to stop it by sabotaging it..

And I know every body is a little double standard sometimes, but some christians just act like they are saints, when they are actually really mean themselves..

THE BATTLE AXE: When Prayer Works (10/11/2012)—All prayers are not the same before GOD. Yet, many Christian believers mistakenly think that every follower of Jesus, everywhere, automatically has the same access to GOD through their own prayers as when Jesus, an assembly of believers, or the Holy Spirit prays on their behalf. Ones access to GOD varies in accordance with many factors, including the authority of their office, the specific spiritual gift(s) wherewith they are endowed, their peculiar anointing, the maturity of their ministry, and details of the work they must perform. (For example, see 1st Corinthians 12: 28-30, KJV). Hindsight reveals that often prayer may be answered, however, (1) the divine answer may not be accepted as correct and fitting; and (2) the answer may not be understood. Here, the prophets Jonah and Daniel come into view; particularly Daniel. Although an angel appeared to explain in detail his visions, recorded prophesies from others, and troubling questions about the future, Daniel was overwhelmed by the breadth, depth and scale of GOD’s response. The prophet was given an answer for multitudes of believers in ages to come, rather than a simple statement to satisfy a single man.

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: 1-11, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: To Be or Not To Be? (08/26/2012); Why No Answer? (08/25/2012); Girdle 48: Be Ye Doers (01/04/2012); Girdle 44: The Good Seed (12/31/2011); TV Shows? (02/02/2011); Lip Service? (03/01/2011); Useful Movies? (02/28/2011); Two Wisdoms? (10/12/2010)

      Living under conditions generated by both the natural world and social world, Christians must respond to secular standards that have been created and established entirely by mankind that do not acknowledge sacred truth. Included are customs, oral and written history, language, popular culture, science and tradition. Skill to apply and maintain spiritual standards consistently must be developed over time as part of acquiring discipline, insight, and maturity.

      For those continuing to develop as Christian believers, their errors or shortcomings never result from the doctrine and teachings of Christ, the sacred lifestyle of those reborn, or obedience to divine law. Every person choosing Christ undergoes change, and a divine process of transformation. In the course of becoming perfected, the believer experiences “growing pains,” must make many choices and decisions, and must arrive at increasingly higher levels of spiritual functioning. Just as the errors of children are not always from lack of intelligence or ability to reason, so with believers. In place of the Holy Spirit, their behavior and conduct will continue to display and express deeply rooted emotional, material, psychological and other concerns for an undetermined period.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, while TV programs often are carefully prepared by teams of educated, experienced and talented persons, there are many limitations to how effectively they can present sacred issues. The skill of their performers and writers are only surface. Amusement, entertainment, fantasy and imagination are vital; and even elements that are absurd, repulsive and shocking are presented as though they have equal validity, because they will attract an audience. Thus, viewers may see a comedy broadcast offering a new vision of the American family, and highlighting a marriage proposal as romantic, where a same sex couple appear pledging their love for one another and their unborn adopted child, and the birth-mother (ignored as a woman) is in the background sharing a sonogram of the fetus. In addition to other, perhaps, unintended messages influencing young people are the notions that all gays are celebrities (and all celebrities may be gay); unwanted babies can always be bought, sold and given away; we should work for our dreams and fantasies rather than duties and goals; and life is whatever you can afford and pay for.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC