(04/09/2013) Evidence of the Unseen Spirit?

      That faith is itself the evidence of faith is the focus today along with more on confessing only to GOD and refusing confession to clergy, and others within the church. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Tzadiq” ( Level 6 with 13,644 points, a member since April 3, 2007) posted the following:

Christians: Faith is the evidence of things not seen, What is the evidence of our faith?

THE BATTLE AXE: Confessing Only to GOD? (04/08/2013)—(5.) Even many long-time believers within our congregations do not grasp the benefit from a discipline of confession to a figure who serves both as agent and spokesperson for GOD, and for the worship community. Behaving as if personally attacked, or as if their private access to GOD can be denied by people like themselves, such persons often are spiritually immature, reprobate and unregenerate. They identify confession, intercessory prayer, and seeking to speak personal truth in love as submission to ungodly authority; and fail to realize that their own spirit is one of bitterness, defiance and rebellion that, in fact, challenges all divine order. More correctly, clergy should be seen as embodiments and incarnations of divine law. See Psalms 19: 7-13 and James 5: 16, KJV. (6.) While Jesus taught that privacy and secrecy should be practiced in almsgiving, devotions and prayer, the Lord’s instruction was directed against religious externalism—observing ceremonies, practices and rituals to give an appearance of righteousness before GOD, while lacking faith and other sacred content. The Lord condemned such hypocrisy as “going through the motions,” flamboyant public displays, pretension, self-promotion, and showing-off. The course of the Gospel is to be one of making truth visible that was heretofore hidden (we say, revelation). All are to see visible fruits from our prayer life and service along with material and social outcomes. See Matthew 6: 1-18 and Luke 6: 43-45, KJV. (7.) Many believers in Christ do not correctly acknowledge the covenant nature of new life. As a sacrament of the church, confession is to further mold the collective consciousness and unity that must be established. To the extent one refuses all duty and obligation to the clergy and others of the congregation, and the salvation they seek is personal and specific to themselves, those wrongly insisting on “intimate salvation” have not yet put away pride, and surrendered themselves to Christ as their Savior. Such persons have no part in the body of Christ, and remain unsaved. See Numbers 15: 29-36, 1st Samuel 10: 17-27 and Acts 5: 1-11, KJV. (8.) In the same way, the home cannot replace the church, nor the church replace the home, private worship is not intended to totally replace gathering with others in public. Each setting is to supply unique experiences that are fitted together as completeness, spiritual maturity, and soundness. Relationship to clergy is not a substitute or replacement for relationship with GOD; and is understood as another divine tool along with baptism, penance, repentance and death. See Mark 9: 33-42, John 17: 14-23 and Hebrews 10: 24-26, KJV.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 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. (Romans 5: 1-9, King James Version)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: GOD Hiding in Plain Sight (03/26/2013); Given the Cloud of Witnesses (11/29/2012); A Golden Ticket? (11/30/2012); The Faith of Ones Parents? (11/18/2012); Reading Only The Red Part (11/19/2012); Why “Mysterious” (11/11/2012); Childlike Faith (10/18/2012); When Prayer Works (10/11/2012)

    
     Tzadiq, many mature Christians understand faith as an aspect of divine person. In this view, GOD is a spirit, and we must worship him in spirit and in truth. As a feature that makes up divine being, faith exists only in GOD, not created beings and living creatures; and faith is inseparable from such sacred substance as forbearance, forgiveness, holiness, joy, longsuffering, love, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Through the appearance of GOD in the person of Jesus Christ (called “Incarnation”), mankind receives an added measure of the spirit from GOD that was once provided to mankind in Creation. The holy spirit believers are to now receive is the same essence that operated in Creation; and serves to alter, change and transform human makeup.

      Recognizing the presence and operation of divine substance is not accomplished merely by intelligence, logic, mental functions, and reason. Through baptism (we say death and re-birth), the spirit a believer was born with, and that becomes altered through sexual joining and repeated sins, is completely replaced by a fresh endowment from GOD that includes faith (we say, “divine DNA”). Existing with this spirit, believers are then sons and daughters of GOD, who must develop and mature after the dictates of their own sacred content.

      Faith itself is the evidence of faith, just as righteousness is the standard for realizing righteousness, and truth is the verification of truth. For mature Christian believers, faith is acknowledged as present by its peculiar visible consequences and effects. Included are comfort, edification, and exhortation (called prophecy). Thus, faith from GOD appears in human action, attitude and utterance.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, following judgment, mankind is to exist with GOD immortal and incorruptible. At this time, humans are not able to perfectly perceive and realize the fullness of divinity; and only those themselves having a mature awareness established through the many different gifts provided by the Holy Spirit correctly discern at all the truths of divine being and holy person.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to the measure of faith you now contain.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(04/08/2013) Confessing Only to GOD?

      Whether it is mandatory to confess sins to the clergy is the topic, today. Also, there is more on outgrowing childhood prayers. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Donald” (Level 6 with 12,780 points, a member since May 12, 2009) posted the following:

If its mandatory to confess our sins to a Catholic Priest, is it a sin if we confess our sins to God only?

Why would we need to bypass God to please the Catholic Church?

THE BATTLE AXE: Outgrowing Childhood Prayers? (04/07/2013)—We of the church must first triumph in relationship to GOD as our Father through Jesus Christ, within our hearts and thoughts, rather than in society and in the streets. For both children and mature Christian believers, where all that is spoken in prayer can be accounted as truth, prayer is equal to praise and testimony in judgment. Even so, the most important aspect of prayer is often nonverbal, and is not a matter of the words we speak. Thus, instead of exaggerations, flattery, and guile, attitudes of humility and respect ensure our access to GOD. Included are allowing our thoughts to be directed by sacred truth, bowing, genuflecting, folding our hands together to hold them back from sin, and waiting in silence. (See Romans 8: 26-27, KJV.) Privately speaking in tongues has importance and value for ones personal growth in the Spirit that can be recognized and understood by all within the church. However, speaking the truth with understanding, and prophecy are more necessary for growth and order within any assembly. (See 1st Corinthians 14: 1-5, KJV.) Many believers deliberately speak using prayers recorded in the Bible, and language from the holy writings. Christian adults also accept that intent and purpose are aspects of prayer. As a result, while we strive to be open, honest and thorough in prayer, confessing our faults and needs, believers respectfully leave many things unsaid. Included are complaints, condemnation of others, defiance, insults, and requests for permission to violate divine law and sacred order. (See Hebrews 4: 12 , Daniel 9: 3-22, Matthew 6: 9-15 and Luke 11: 1-4, KJV.) We receive opportunities for prayer as a gift; however, they are also aspects of duty—things that must be done (like it, don’t like it) despite every difficulty, inconvenience, and sacrifice that may be required. Just as parents are to guide their children in the things from GOD for life and love, it is also the duty of children to refresh, and share with their parents from the fountain of GOD’s spirit that our children receive.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: So Joshua rose up early in the morning, and brought Israel by their tribes; and the tribe of Judah was taken: And he brought the family of Judah; and he took the family of the Zarhites: and he brought the family of the Zarhites man by man; and Zabdi was taken: And he brought his household man by man; and Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was taken. And Joshua said unto Achan, My son, give, I pray thee, glory to the LORD God of Israel, and make confession unto him; and tell me now what thou hast done; hide it not from me. And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done: When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it. (Joshua 7: 16-21, King James Version)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why Confess Before Priest (02/27/2012); GOD Was Sorry? (02/28/2012); Girdle 4: The Sin of Achan (11/19/2011); Binder 27: Confession (10/24/2011); Dispatch 46: Effectual Fervent Prayer (09/25/2011); Confess? Yes! (02/20/2011); “Subtle” (02/21/2011); Why Confess? (12/16/2010); Mercy is Just? (12/17/2010)

    
     Donald, where you will first show respect to GOD in prayer, the following points should have great clarity:

(1.) Pastors, priests, deacons, elders, and other clergy are to be respected as spiritually anointed and experienced agents or spokespersons that make GOD present and visible in the reality of believers.

(2.) As with chastisement and punishment a child receives from their parents in the home, the effectiveness of confession as a process to gain cleansing, peace of mind, and spiritual strength comes only by agreement, covenant, obedience, and willing submission. 
 
(3.) Many are disheartened by their continuing need for spiritual increase and power, for it usually appears as confusion, infirmity, unbelief and weakness. Those appointed as intercessors and mediators in the church also are in the same condition; and, therefore, are fit to stand on our behalf, and with us as companions.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) The demands upon the congregation are binding, and mandatory upon believers through faith and trust toward GOD. In most instances, the order and structure in place have been experimentally and experientially tested for hundreds of years, and through thousands of lives. Outcomes and results have been approved because they have provided true sacred benefit.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/16/2013) On Producing Atheists

The increase of atheism from reading the Bible, and more on titles and respect among Christians are topics, today. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Edward” (Level 2 with 976 points, a member since February 13, 2013) posted the following:

Will reading the Bible produce more atheists than it does followers – will there be a turning point?

Many atheists have cited the ridiculous claims made in the Bible as one of the reasons not to belief in the Christian, or any god. That Christian claims for divinity are man-made, having man’s Bronge-aged thinking stamped all over it.

THE BATTLE AXE: On Titles and Respect (03/15/2013)—The holy spirit that must exist throughout the body of Christ is visible as cooperation not competition, diligence not fault-finding, empathy not envy, expectation not carelessness, forbearance not censure, unity not schism. Those appointed to demonstrate the displeasure and rebuke of GOD are also charged to show balance, forgiveness, humility, kindness and impartiality (see again, Luke 17: 10, 2 Peter 2: 11 and Jude 1: 9, KJV). Special titles are bestowed upon all within the Church of Jesus Christ including names as children of GOD, heirs of GOD, peacemakers, sons of GOD, and children of Light (e.g., Luke 20: 36, Romans 8: 17 and 1st Thessalonians 5: 5, KJV). The belief that GOD is active and present through human figures is a basic truth promoting the worship of GOD as a congregational and shared act, rather than merely a matter of private and secret displays (Galatians 2: 20, Hebrews 10: 24-25, KJV). It remains, duty and responsibility often require the division of labor as well as the making of difficult choices and decisions. Those given the necessary tasks of “picking and choosing” must be anchored, mature and stable, while continuing as open to instruction and new experience from GOD. Those who seek to “lord it over” the people of GOD usually lose their place within the kingdom of GOD, for pride and self-exaltation always result in a collapse. There are no rewards for exaggerating ones authority and “playing GOD”; there are only rewards for acknowledging, humbling oneself and serving GOD. (See Job 32: 20-22, Matthew 23: 1-12, Mark 10: 43 and 2nd Corinthians 1: 21, 24, King James Version.)

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (Matthew 7: 13-14, King James Version)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Price of Humanity (12/13/2012); Remembering the Holocaust? (12/14/2012); Believing Everything? (11/23/2012); Why “Mysterious” (11/11/2012); Attending Church? (11/12/2012); See With New Eyes (11/06/2012); Does GOD Feel? (10/05/2012); About Conversion (09/03/2012); By Grace (09/04/2012); Repelled by the Bible (08/13/2012); Jealous, Not Crazy (08/10/2012); The Divine Tool of Death (08/11/2012); The Need For GOD (01/31/2012); Feelings and Liberty (02/01/2012); Girdle 33: The Nearness Of GOD (12/18/2011); Girdle 34: The Life Was The Light (12/19/2011); (08/13/2011) Dispatch 5: Weapons (Vengeance); Girdle 28: Grounded In Love ( 12/13/2011)

Many have wanted to examine and look into the things from GOD for mankind, and have failed to rightly grasp the realities of spirit and non-matter that pertain to sacred belief. There are many indications that GOD would have it so (for example, Matthew 22: 14, Luke 13: 23-39, 1 Peter 1: 12 and Revelation 17: 14, KJV).

The hard truth that separates Christian believers from atheists, humanists, secularists and others is that the holy writings describe the Most High GOD as judge over the spirit content of all created beings and living creatures. The revelation of divinity proceeds through a record of priesthood, covenant, and continuous judgment against sin. The GOD who proclaimed his name to Moses, and “explained” the peculiar vision of his Person, is a god of unavoidable, nonnegotiable judgment (Exodus 34: 6-8, KJV).

Like popularity, pride in ones good looks and wealth, pride in ones intelligence does not fit a person to understand the things of GOD. Only substance from within divine person establishes ones capability for understanding of the Scriptures. Included are faith, holiness, humility, joy, righteousness, wisdom and wrath against sin.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, only spiritual operations through the imparted, indwelling Spirit of GOD such as rebirth, repentance and sanctification produce Christian believers. Atheists will abound through ignorance, spiritual confusion, separation from GOD, self-promotion, and operations of self-will in mankind that oppose the existence of divine law, Divine Person, and the full Creation of GOD—what mature Christians call “sin”.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/15/2013) On Titles and Respect

Continuing our prayers to encourage GOD’s blessing upon the church of Jesus Christ, the newly elected Pope Francis I, and all who serve as spiritual leaders in the earth, our topic today focuses on titles and respect shown to clergy and others. Also there is more on the eternal person of Christ. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Beyondthebox” (Level 4 with 3,948 points, a member since June 19, 2010) posted the following:

Although Jesus said, call NO man your father, teacher, rabbi?

( i’m pretty sure that includes guru, pastor and pope) sheeple will always insist on having a king to follow right?
Since sheeple insist on having to follow a king, don’t wish that the new pope will use his influence to promote kindness toward all, oppression of no one. genuine kindness doesn’t pick and choose?

THE BATTLE AXE: Before Abraham Was… (03/14/2013)—Just as the sudden removal of all plant life from the earth would result in a chain of destruction and upheaval, the sudden removal of all who are presently tainted by sin would cause disproportion and ripples of imbalance throughout the universe. The salvation of mankind is therefore carried out as an aspect of perfecting all that is. As the primary agent in the divine process, Christ who may be within all, also must be above all.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country: And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it. And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise. But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son. But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance. And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him. When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen? (Matthew 21: 33-40, King James Version)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: My Sheep Hear My Voice (03/08/2013); Wanting to Have Our Way (03/09/2013); Idols of Flesh? (03/12/2012); The Work of Jesus (03/13/2012); Dispatch 45: Partakers (09/24/2011); Dispatch 42: Unprofitable Servants (09/21/2011); Why No Answer? (08/25/2012); To Be or Not To Be (08/26/2012); Respect? (01/02/2011); Not Accepted? (01/03/2011); Spirit or Word? (12/11/2010); Justification? (12/12/2010); Faith Forced? (12/13/2010)

The counsel of Jesus, to call no man on earth “Father”, is a warning against idolatry, and the promotion of clergy, family, and all temporal leaders as false gods. Eternal life and salvation from judgment against sin do not result from actions by created beings and living creatures operating apart from Almighty GOD. The flesh generates many devices and mechanisms that are distractions for the people of GOD, and will interfere with their pursuit of the Gospel. 
 
Mature Christian believers generally agree that those who are consecrated and sanctified for service to the church often have greater emotional, psychological and spiritual burdens placed upon them, for they are accountable to GOD, and under scrutiny within themselves and by the full assembly in ways that constitute continual (though not always correct and righteous) judgment. See 1st Timothy 3, King James Version.

Given that experience, gifts, skills and understandings of spiritual truth varies from person to person, it remains that there are many who are not prominent, yet may make unique contributions to a body of believers. Where such persons serve as clergy, cooperation, obedience and respect are to be shown their authority and service, even where their character, demeanor and personality do not make them likeable (see John 10: 36-38, 1st Timothy 5: 17-18, KJV).

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, the high standard of cooperation, mutual support and respect that should appear in the church is often called “love.” Even the lowliest servant within the household of GOD is not to be abused, insulted, mistreated, or obstructed in their work, or spiritual growth (see Matthew 18: 6, Luke 12: 42-38 and Romans 14: 4, KJV). Consider how this also might include both Death and Satan.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/08/2013) My Sheep Hear My Voice

     Complaining against clergy and leadership within the church, hypocrisy, truth, and more on the language and process of the Scriptures are shared, today.  A BATTLE CRY acknowledges the new status of Pope Benedict XVI as emeritus and the music ministries of singer Joe Ligon and composer/arranger Dr. James Cleveland.  The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Badwolf” (Level 2 with 434 points, a member since June 7, 2012) posted the following:

Does the fact that you are spiritually guided by hypocrites like Cardinal O’Brien and such not scare you?

if the cant be true to themselves ,how the hell do you know if the can even tell you the truth of religion

Additional Details

haha ..like all the non catholics in here ..its not like the Evangelists and pastors up and down the land act any better

say what ..you have hit the nail on the head ..this could have easily been a question about political leaders

THE BATTLE AXE:  Non-existent Debt? (03/06/2013)—Created beings and living creatures owe no debt to Almighty GOD for the endowments of divine substance, eternal life, repentance and wisdom that are bestowed upon them through Jesus Christ, nor must they make payment for the sacred operations to nourish, console and maintain existence such as creation, judgment, redemption, resurrection and sanctification.   Even so, because humans presently rely almost entirely upon language and tools for communication that emerge from a “common ground” of carnal, material and social experience, appeals and explanations regarding need for change in the makeup of existence must go forth.  Awareness, behavior, belief, expectation and myriad processes of self-will are built up, corrected and restored through the holy writings; and this is to prepare mankind to become permanently incorruptible and immortal.  The systems and traditions that were introduced to crystallize acknowledgment of the Invisible included animal sacrifices, free-will offerings, a tabernacle/temple tax and tithing to support the earthly priesthood.  However, these are all completed through the atonement by Jesus Christ; and the Scripture proclaims that following judgment of the wicked, mankind will no longer be mortal.  GOD will dwell with men, and there never again will be a temple or worship to counteract and remove the effects of sin.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.  Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.  But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.  This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.  For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.  But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.  And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.  (James 3:  12-18, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Attending Church? (11/12/2012); A Holy Kiss? (11/13/2012); Double Standard? (10/12/2012); Family and Romance (10/13/2012); A Sanctuary? (08/21/2012); Shaken Once More (08/22/2012); Why Confess Before Priest (02/27/2012); GOD Was Sorry? (02/28/2012); Binder 28:  Purity (10/25/2011); Binder 27:  Confession (10/24/2011); Binder 26:  The Priest’s Lips (10/23/2011); Dispatch 43:  Mercy (09/22/2011); Dispatch 41:  Victory (09/20/2011); Lip Service? (03/01/2011); To Give a Life? (03/02/2011); Church a Duty? (01/11/2011); A Good Name? (01/12/2011); Two Wisdoms? (10/12/2010); Why Sacrifice? (10/13/2010)

THE BATTLE CRY:  Readers are encouraged to hear “I’ve Been in the Storm Too Long” rendered by Joe Ligon, a music minister for many years with the vocal group, The Mighty Clouds Of Joy.  When it was announced that Pope Benedict XVI would be leaving office as leader of the Catholic Church to become the first emeritus since the year 1415, this gospel lament that demonstrates fervent prayer and importunity immediately came to mind.  While the lyrics, music and vocal styling draw upon the rich treasury of “sorrow songs” found in African American culture, this piece composed by the Reverend James Cleveland, is held to be a matchless classic of modern, Southern gospel music, and one of the most memorable and thought-provoking captures of Black gospel tradition.  Cleveland has been called the “King of Gospel,” and is credited with having been the driving force behind the creation of the modern gospel sound that brings the daring of hard gospel, jazz and pop music influences to arrangements for mass choirs.  In 1967, along with Albertina Walker, called the “Queen of Gospel,” Cleveland founded the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA).  MP3 files are available from the 1979 Mighty Clouds album “Changing Times” as well as the 2003 Aretha Franklin album, “One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism.”

     Rightly understood, the church does not focus upon communities, families, isolated individuals, nations, and the animal aspects of our human condition.  The church established upon the earth by Jesus Christ is a divine tool to (1) make known and visible the action, person and presence of GOD in the earth; (2) complete various ongoing sacred processes including creation, judgment, repentance,  revelation, salvation and sanctification; (3) impart divinity and sacred truth that emanate from the Divine Person.  Through the church, human nature and mankind are to be altered, changed and transformed.  Thus, many mature Christian believers agree that ones assurance and security as a member of a local congregation derives from their personal experience of continuous spiritual discovery and growth, rather than upon the beliefs, opinions, service and works from clergy, and other individuals. 

     The church as a social institution is a mechanism to ensure that specific practices and sacraments are maintained.  Included are baptism, confession, contemplation, prayer, preaching of the Gospel, public worship, and sharing the Lord’s Supper.  While donations to comfort the poor may be distributed by those who regularly assemble, the church is not to be a primary provider of burial, clothing, food, health care, housing, or protection and psychiatric services that address sexual violence. 

     Those who acquire identity as new creatures in Christ acknowledge that the church must respond to realities of the earth, yet can never be simply another product of the flesh (i.e., appetite such as hunger, thirst, sexual craving; sensation such as hearing seeing, touching; and mind such as desire, fantasy and imagination).  Only when grounded in the Holy Spirit may believers achieve the self-discipline that allows embracing others of the church without conflict, criticism, gossip and slander, because their continuing activity, consciousness and focus are then by, through, and upon spirit substance (such as faith, forgiveness, hope, humility, joy, longsuffering, love, sanctification, wisdom). 

     There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, since you mention “truth”…Pontius Pilate asked Jesus the question, What is truth?  Those who wanted assurance that the doctrine and teaching from Jesus was truly sent by GOD were told their own conformity, obedience and performance of divine will would establish the certainty of their origin.  Similarly, Jesus alerted the church that there would be wolves in sheep’s clothing—those seeking to have influence within the body who would use deceit and disguise their destructive motives.  See John 18:  33-38, John 7:  14-18, Matthew 7:  1-5 and Matthew 7:  15-20, King James Version.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC