(12/27/2018) Offering Yourself To Christ?

 

Today, Scriptures are shared on what it means to offer oneself to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shown) posted the following:

 

What does it mean to give your life to Christ?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8: 16-18, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Rendering Our Reasonable Service (06/15/2018); What Divine Salvation Requires (05/15/2018); Knowing What To Believe? (12/31/2017); Bereavement, Death and Suffering (11/10/2017); Rebirth, Growth and Transformation (09/29/2017); Sons of GOD Suffer? (09/19/2017); Becoming A Full Person (02/12/2017)

 

“Anonymous”, among Christians, to give oneself to divinity is to acknowledge accountability to GOD. Believers willingly accept the permanent changes in their character, makeup, and substance that will be provided through operations of imparted life essence (we also say, breath; spirit; word) from the divine fullness (the Creator; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). Sinners are to commit themselves to experiencing discovery, gradual growth, learning, suffering, unselfish service, and transformation to exist as immortal, incorruptible companions of GOD. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Romans 6: 3-6, King James Version (KJV): 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

2. Romans 6: 11-17, KJV: 11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. 15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

3. Romans 12: 1, KJV: 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

4. 2^nd Timothy 2: 11-13, KJV: 11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: 13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

5. Galatians 2: 20, KJV: 20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 6. 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.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(11/12/2018) The World War Centennial

WW1 British Soldiers Marching into Jerusalem (see reference below)

Acknowledging the great human event of World War I, and the greater event of armistice and multiple peace accords that have followed since that earlier time along with both Armistice Day 2018 and Veterans Day 2018, a blog is reprinted that was originally published as THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD: (01/06/2016) A Note On Spirit Warfare (the image above was downloaded from the Wikimedia Commons Internet site, 7:05 PM (11/11/2018) @

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Israel_in_World_War_I_-_British_soldiers_marching_into_Jerusalem_H_OP_040.JPG

 

 

Today, Scriptures are shared responding to a question on spirit warfare.  Properly understood, destruction and death are not the highest manifestation of divine glory.  The most sublime display of supernal glory is incarnation, where divinity takes on carnal form, or operates from within created beings and living creatures as an imparted, indwelling, Spirit from GOD (we say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth).  As those in warfare under the authority of GOD, believers do not decide who is the enemy, or what is their target, any more than those in secular forces may choose the flag to be raised, or the uniform to be worn.  Christian believers do not embrace any teaching on jihad that identifies divine warfare where mankind is set in opposition to mankind. Because cleansing, the works of faith, eternal life, healing, and salvation are the primary purposes revealed by divinity through Jesus Christ, Christian warfare does not center in the usual carnal objectives of conquest, conscripting laborers and slaves, expanding territory, and seizing the property and wealth of others.  The Holy Spirit empowers and enables operations to prepare a harvest from the earth of those who are spiritually ripe.  No works in the name of GOD—including those to carry out divine judgment and wrath against sin—are driven or fueled by the finite human tools that typically ignite and maintain deadly conflict such as anger, bitterness, spiritual confusion, envy, error, ethnic arrogance, hatred, immaturity, malice, racism, and revenge.  Readers are encouraged to think about the following verses from the Bible as they review the comments below:

2nd Timothy 2:  23-26, King James Version (KJV):  23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.  24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,  25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;  26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

2nd Timothy 2:  3-5, KJV:  3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.  4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.  5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

Romans 13:  11-12, KJV:  11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep:  for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.  12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand:  let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

2nd Timothy 4:  6-8, KJV:  6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.  7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:  8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day:  and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Romans 8:  35-39, KJV:  35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.  37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.  38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,  39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

One of several fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (required profile data not shared) posted the following:

What if God gave you some spiritual weapons, like a translucent glowing bow, a sword covered in fire, or a bible that shoots lasers?

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:  6-11, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Different From ISIS/Daesh? (12/11/2015); Agents of Allah? (01/26/2015); Holy Wars? (11/06/2014); Crimes Christ Crucified For? (11/07/2014); Prince of Peace? 07/18/2014); War and Peace? (07/17/2014); A GOD of War? (03/12/2013); “Authorized Personnel Only” (03/13/2013); Mob Rule and Violence (09/27/2012); Suppose I Am Wrong? (09/28/2012)

“Anonymous”, the Deity a Christian serves is a god of Judgment, and one who never separates from anger against and opposition to sin.  The serious language of conflict and spiritual warfare is used among those who are disciples of Jesus Christ to establish awe (i.e., the correct awareness of divine authority and power as eternal and matchless; we also say, fear of the Lord) and humility as well as to complete baptism (i.e., death of ones inborn spirit; rebirth from divine seed) and sanctification (i.e., being isolated, or set apart for sacred service).  What we endure here, now, gets us ready to be fully transformed at the appearing of Jesus.  Until then, multiple works are being carried out by divinity to make permanent changes in a believers character, spirit content, and living nature.  Those born again must gradually “grow up again” while living upon the earth, and becoming mature and perfected through growing pains that may include bereavement, life challenges, disappointments, duties, obstacles, losses, repentance, reversals, sacrifice, and sufferings.  Consider again the following Scriptures:

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

(2.)  2nd Corinthians 10:  3-5, KJV:  3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:  4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)  5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

(3.)  Ephesians 6:  10-12, KJV:  10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  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.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(11/04/2018) Known By His Fruit

 

Today, reply is on the fruit and lifestyle that makes developing believers knowable and known as followers of Jesus Christ. Those who are born again are to display Christ-likeness in addition to performing ministry, repentance, unselfish service, godly works, and worship. The fruit of their efforts should be seen within themselves and from those to whom they have ministered such as commitment, gratitude, growth, joy, praise, respect, and zeal. The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” in the Religion and Spirituality forum using the ID “Life Forevermore” (Level 5 with 8,975 points, a member since March 27, 2011) posted the following:

 

What is Jesus referring to in this verse; how would someone go about obeying this instruction; what’s the concept here; your own experience?

Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. (Revelation 3: 14-16, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Relationship As Servant (06/03/2018); Ye Are The Branches (03/21/2018); I Am The Vine (03/20/2018); Recognizing True Christian Prophets (02/26/2018); The Spirit of Meekness (12/15/2017); …And They Will Know (10/23/2017); Spirit Content From GOD? (09/26/2016)

 

“Life Forevermore”, Christian believers are cautioned to understand that coming into a stable relationship with divinity is a sacred process that requires commitment and discernment. There are many conditions, situations, and smooth operators that counterfeit, mimic, and undermine authentic godliness. Those who are the new creation from Jesus Christ are to be known, recognized, and responded to on the basis of their fresh endowment of invisible spirit substance from the makeup of divinity. Inseparable aspects of divine fullness (we say, the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) should be displayed. Included are faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, meekness, oneness without sameness, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Consider again the warning to the church in Laodicea and the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) Matthew 7: 15-19, King James Version (KJV): 15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

(2.) Mark 10: 42-46, KJV: 42 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. 43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: 44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. 45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

(3.) 1^st John 4: 1-3, KJV: 1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

(4.) James 2: 17-20, KJV: 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) James 3: 11-18, KJV: 11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? 12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. 13 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. 14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 17 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. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(09/20/2018) Receiving What We Ask

 

Today, reply is on the application and expression of faith, sacred knowledge, and spiritual conviction when presenting petitions to GOD in prayer.  Christian believers demonstrate that their prayers are “already answered” when they display accord with one another and divinity by operating on the basis of godly expectations and sacred promises.  Such features appear as forbearance, joy, longsuffering, meekness, peace of mind, and wisdom that affirm the declarations of divinity recorded within the Scriptures (e.g., blessings, cautions, curses, and warnings; covenants; judgments and divine law; proclamation, promises, and prophecy).  A writer in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum using the ID “canadacraig” (Level 6 with 19,830 points; a member since August 19, 2006) posted the following:

 

When you ask GOD for something – believe that ‘it’ has ALREADY been given to you. But how are you supposed to do that – exactly?

This is in reference to a scripture verse found in the Bible.

Matthew 11:24

“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. (Romans 4: 16-22, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Anything We Ask For? (09/12/2018); What May We Request? (05/24/2018); The Meaning of “Faith” (03/28/2018); Praying For “More Faith”? (01/12/2018); Coincidence or Answered Prayer? (11/15/2017); Teach Me To Pray (03/21/2017); Become Like Jesus Christ? (10/27/2016)

 

“canadacraig”, mature Christian believers must seek the gifts and tools for sacred ministry through prayer and supplication. In the way they direct and focus their own awareness, spirit content, and self-will (we say, willpower), the disciples and followers of Jesus are to exist as the new creation of Christ, who are in an eternal relationship with divine fullness (we say, the GODhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) that may be interrupted by sleep, yet, will not be ended by the second death.  Sinners must become “born again” through baptism (a death, burial, and resurrection of ones inborn spirit), and receive a fresh endowment of inseparable spirit substance from the makeup of GOD (e.g., faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, meekness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin). As vessels of spirit from GOD who is immortal, incorruptible and unchanging, developing believers are to “grow up again” and become ripe for harvest from the earth by Jesus Christ at his coming (his appearing; the Advent; the Rapture; the Second Coming).

Because the goal of the Christian believer is to become Christ-like, godly, and spiritually mature (i.e., balanced; complete; consistent; stable), the process of new life is one of discovery, gradual growth, learning, and transformation along with unlearning for many things of the flesh and the world. Sacred knowledge is to be embraced in place of secular knowledge; and the frameworks of time and space often may not be fitted to the eternal purposes and works of divinity. There must be development and sanctification through exercise and practice of discernment (using one own spirit content from the makeup of GOD as a standard to recognize and respond to the spirit substance present within events, messages, oneself, other persons, the holy writings, etc.).

Operating in the flesh appears as appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, craving sex), sensation (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching), and expressing emotion/mind (e.g., anger, doubt, fantasy, fear, recall, thought). To “walk in the spirit” is to conduct oneself in accordance with the word of GOD provided as admonitions and warnings; divine law; guidance and instruction; proclamation, promises, and prophecy; and the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Developing believers successfully accomplish living in the Spirit as commitment, consistency, and decisiveness, not by displaying emotion, feelings, or carnal reason. Where believers act upon and speak in faith they carry out sacred expectation (we say, they show what believers are commanded to hope for). Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Hebrews 11: 6, King James Version (KJV): 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

2. Romans 8: 13-17, KJV: 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

3. John 15: 15-16,KJV: 15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. 16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.) 1^st John 5: 10-15, KJV: 10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. 14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(09/06/2018) Chosen Through Sacred Process

 

Today, reply is on the participation of mankind in divine revelation, racism, and the elements created beings and living creatures must use to be in continuing sacred relationship. Racism does not make visible the authority, character, integrity, power, purity, and righteousness of GOD. Only where the living continually embody inseparable substance from the makeup of GOD can a true sacred relationship with divinity appear. Included must be such elements as faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, reverence, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Those who are beloved and chosen of GOD appear as having a special relationship because of sacred operations such as divine chastisement, inheritance, judgment, oneness without sameness, ordination to minister godliness, and suffering with praise, thanksgiving, and consecrated worship. Being divinely chosen is to demonstrate sacred possibilities, and should remove bias, hate, malice and unlawful judgment (we say, prejudice) among men, for there is no assignment of benefits and privilege intended to create or maintain exploitation and imbalance. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shown) posted the following:

 

Why is God, creator of all humankind, a racist who chose only a certain people?

Why didn’t he give his message to ALL people?

How did people invent so many other gods? I mean, what gave them the idea that those other gods were real, when, clearly, their beliefs were a delusion?

Why did God need the Israelites to tell people they were delusional, because only God is real? Why couldn’t God reach them the way he reached the Israelites?

What was the point of his racism? What was the point of talking to a select few? Why not talk to everyone?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Ye are the children of the LORD your God: ye shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead. For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth. (Deuteronomy 14: 1-2, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Judgment Against The Canaanites (08/01/2018); Deposits Of Sacred Substance (06/27/2018); When Speaking Of Christlikeness (06/25/2018); Changed And Made Christ-like? (06/19/2018); Tools for Revelation? (10/26/2015); Few Are Chosen (07/06/2015); Why the Jews Were Called Out? (06/15/2015)

 

“Anonymous”, racism is a finite, carnal, and temporal social process found within groups of men, and is not an appearance or expression of divine personhood, a spiritual operation performed by agents and spokespersons sent by GOD, or a sacred process carried out by divinity. Even so, there are many patterns in human affairs that are mistakenly taken to be displays of favoritism and preferential treatment by GOD shown to mankind on the earth. The errors that appear derive from many sources. Included are sanctions and other aspects of divine law (e.g., admonitions; correction; curses; punishments); differences that result by genetic diversity, culture and tradition, education, personal maturity, home-training, and nourishment; events and occurrences expressing divine blessing, disfavor/favor and wrath against sin; relying on secular knowledge (e.g., academic studies; recorded history; logic; philosophy; politics; science) in place of sacred knowledge (e.g., divine covenants; proclamations; sacred promises; prophecy; visions) as well as cynicism, disbelief, ignorance, and skepticism.

While the present revelation that makes visible the unseen divine fullness (we say, the GODhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit; the Trinity) does not expose all of the mysteries and secret truths from GOD, revelation can be clearly understood as the process GOD is using to make divinity knowable, known, accessible, and approachable. In addition to the appearance of divinity using human flesh as Jesus Christ (we say, the Incarnation), there are displays of spirit presence and power that include imparting endowments of sacred substance (we say, breath; life essence; spirit; word) and that use mankind as instruments having divine consciousness and as godly vessels containing divine will. The living are to become set apart (many say, anointed; chosen; sanctified) by their responses to the revelation they receive. Thus, as developing believers they will display accountability, commitment, dedication, a lifestyle proclaiming divine righteousness, and willingness to continue unselfish service to GOD.

Living in ongoing relationship with divinity is not a process that originated and has been maintained through exercise of human consciousness and willpower; and because devices used by GOD to provide his revelation to all Creation include familiar human elements of family, inheritance, judgment, and tribes, the error persists that mankind’s focus should be upon human achievement. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Deuteronomy 29: 29, King James Version (KJV): 29 The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.
2. Exodus 19: 3-8, KJV: 3 And Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel; 4 Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself. 5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: 6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. 7 And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the LORD commanded him. 8 And all the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the LORD.
3. Titus 2: 11-15, KJV: 11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) John 14: 21-26, KJV: 21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. 22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? 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.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(08/31/2018) Serving in Christian Relationships

Today, reply is on serving as a Christian within personal, romantic, and sexual relationships.  A writer in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum using the ID “amber” (Level 1 with 4 points; a member since January 23, 2014) posted the following:

 

Is it a sin for a Christian to get annoyed in a situation like this?

My boyfriend is 22, has no drivers license, he doesn’t have a car, claims he can’t afford his license but yet has had money for weed , booze, etc. his family constantly wants money from him. He doesn’t have much ambition but he did get saved recently but still lacks ambition. I am 24 and I got saved a little over a month ago. I am annoyed and wonder if it is sinning. Like if I’m late taking him to work he will text me and say “I told you to be here at 8:15am” . I am tired of him depending on me. I felt the Holy Spirit leading me to dump him about 4 weeks ago but I didn’t listen and now I am anxious, stressed, and annoyed.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  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.  For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  Because the carnal mind is enmity against God:  for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.  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.  (Romans 8:  5-9, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Completeness, Integrity and Wholeness? (06/21/2018); Bible Language About Spirit? (06/13/2018); Why Spirit Displays Personhood (06/06/2018); Sacred Ministry or Parenting? (05/10/2018); The Gift(s) From GOD (04/08/2018); The Meaning of “Faith” (03/28/2018); The Spirit of Meekness (12/15/2017)

 

“amber”, here are some points Christian believers should not be ashamed to share.  Those who are “born again” must also “grow up again” by discovery, gradual growth, fellowship, service, study, and suffering; becoming mature as the “new creation” of Jesus Christ may take a life time.  While a Christian believer is challenged to continually make Jesus Christ visible to others through their every-day lifestyle and daily routine, there is a great difference between a genuine ministry of sacred service wherein we manifest divine forbearance, forgiveness, and redeeming love as opposed to our ongoing carnal, emotional, material, and psychological commitments to family, friends and others.  Just as all healthy human interpersonal relationships and sincere love are different from infatuation and “puppy love” because they require all parties involved to share accountability, display commitment, promote stability, and provide communication that is clear and complete, correct relationship with the Creator requires acknowledgment, praise, prayer, and unselfish service.  By revealing that the gifts of the Holy Ghost could not be received until after he would leave the earth, the Savior also revealed that we may not receive the last, great, gifts of life from our parents, grandparents, and other loved ones until they are taken away from us.  Many make idols and possessions of others by creating and continuing false relationships of dependence.  Through the operations of GOD we may become bereaved of our parents, teachers, and others we admire who unknowingly serve as “a crutch;” they must go to allow the challenges, duties, and problems that will call forth and make possible our new levels of growth, independence, maturity, and wholeness that otherwise would be denied to us.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1.  Ecclesiastes 5:  1-7, King James Version (KJV):  1 Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools:  for they consider not that they do evil.  2 Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God:  for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth:  therefore let thy words be few.  3 For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool’s voice is known by multitude of words.  4 When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools:  pay that which thou hast vowed.  5 Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.  6 Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error:  wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?  7 For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities:  but fear thou God.

2.  Ephesians 4:  10-15, KJV:  10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:  13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:  14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;  15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

3.  Ephesians 4:  26-30, KJV:  Be angry, and sin not:  let not the sun go down upon your wrath:  27 Neither give place to the devil.  28 Let him that stole steal no more:  but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.  29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.  30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

There is far more to be acknowledged and received as part of ones own spiritual fullness.  (For example (4.)  Galatians 5:  19-26, KJV:  19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,  20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,  21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like:  of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.  22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  23 Meekness, temperance:  against such there is no law.  24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.  25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.  26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.)  Even so, to the rebuke of the Adversary and the furtherance of the faithful in Jesus Christ, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20180831135212AAqcpUp

(06/07/2018) Commitment To The Brand?

The image advocates religious neutrality in the workplace

 

Today, reply is on ethics and the obligations of employees to their employer regarding the expression and practice of their spiritual beliefs both in and outside of the workplace.  Becoming selected and hired by a going enterprise is more than a matter of selling oneself and being paid to labor; “getting a job” means entering a relationship to obtain benefits and resources for ones life.  In modern work settings—agricultural, financial, government, industrial, medical, theatrical—every employee is required to exercise restraint, and to help maintain a positive work atmosphere free of conflicts based on age, arbitrary differences, ethnic and national origin, personal traits (e.g., hair color, height, weight), religious beliefs, and their concerns for developing their own career or business.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo Answers” forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data shown) posted the following in the Religion and Spirituality section:

 

Did you know my company made a rule outlawing religious artifacts and praying at our work?
They states we can pray after work or on a lunch break in private.The company has no right to tell my conservative brothers and sisters when and where to pray!!! First amendment!

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.  (Proverbs 20:  11, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Relationship As Servant (06/03/2018); Blessed In Our Deeds (05/29/2018); Duties of a Christian? (03/13/2018); Called To Be Servants? (11/25/2015); It Comes With the Job? (01/11/2015); Religious Bosses? (07/08/2014); On Religious Items (08/29/2012); On Cults (08/30/2012)

 

“Anonymous”, here are some points on belief, conscience, personal integrity, and grace that may be helpful: 

Currently, when a worker accepts a position with a firm, they are expected to acknowledge that they are also a representative of the company Brand.  In the same way you are recognized and respected as a legitimate agent and representative who embodies the firm, and provides its “human face” to the public during work hours and in the workplace, a worker’s behavior and conduct before the public in non-work settings also will influence how the firm is evaluated, respected, and supported.  The relationship between employee and employer continues when you are in the public arena on the basis of ethics, principles, purposes, and standards, and is not simply a matter of consumer products and services.  Many young workers are not aware of this, and feel strongly that, once they complete their shift at work, they can dismiss, ignore, and openly oppose all the demands and rules of their employer, and their workplace. 

The covenant (i.e., the formal, legal agreement; the verbal or written contract) between an employee and an employer should be understood as projecting beyond the specifics of their job description, their to-do list, or a flow chart displaying their daily duties.  A workplace is a social setting having all the same needs for fiscal soundness, health care, hygiene, nourishment, law enforcement, and crisis management as those of a small town.  A workplace can include those from diverse backgrounds, marital status, multiple knowledge and skill sets as well as those having different levels of job experience, personal ambition, commitment to the company mission statement, and devotion to  the discipline/field, to say nothing of differences among its workers for their levels of emotional, psychological, and spiritual maturity.

Both employers and their workers also are expected to acknowledge a set of unspoken assumptions and conditions (we say, adopt a common-sense understanding; accept as binding points that are logically consistent and interdependent with those of their formal agreement).  Thus, knowing there is a company issued uniform, unless it is an aspect of his job, a new employee will not appear on his first day of work wearing logos of the competitor, and expect to continue in the workplace without challenge, comments that may be negative, and conflict.  A commitment to address and satisfy one another’s needs must come into view, and must develop over time establishing such features as continuity, flow, mutual accountability, shared identity, respect, job satisfaction, and trust.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Romans 6:  16, King James Version (KJV):  16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

(2.)  Romans 6:  8-14, KJV:  8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:  9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.  10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once:  but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.  11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.  12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.  13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin:  but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.  14 For sin shall not have dominion over you:  for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

(3.)  2nd Corinthians 4:  17-18, KJV:  17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;  18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen:  for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  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.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(06/03/2018) The Relationship As Servant

 

Today, reply is on fellowship with divinity, the beauty and fullness of servitude as demonstrated by Jesus Christ, and the character of service as love.  The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum who uses the ID “?” (Level 1 with 88 points, a member since May 11, 2018) posted the following:

 

Please explain this biblical teaching to me?
I went to church today and my pastor was talking about how the Son of God will wash the feet of the faithful if they so asked. Why would a man, who claims to be God’s son, chose a life of servitude. If anything we should be washing his feet and shouting to the heavens that we had such an honor as to tend to Jesus’ needs.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?  (Romans 6:  16, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Endurance, Humility and Obedience? (06/04/2017); Genuine Spiritual Discernment? (03/27/2017); Carrying Out Divine Law? (03/20/2017); A Servant and More (08/17/2016); Humility and The Cross? (03/15/2016); Called Slaves by GOD? (02/10/2016); Called To Be Servants? (11/25/2015); The Ordinance of Humility? (08/12/2015)

 

“?”, many are not careful to discern divine attentions and benefits.  Here are some points on the meaning and value of servitude as demonstrated by divinity that are important among mature Christian believers:

1.  Where servitude is a voluntary and willful offering of ones personhood and full spirit content, there also is continuing communication, exchange, and interaction (we say, access; approachability; relationship) that displays other aspects of  the Spirit imparted from GOD.  Included are accountability, faithfulness, humility, longsuffering, patience, respect, trust, truth, and unselfishness.

2.  In addition to commitment, discernment, lovingkindness, and self-restraint, those responding to divine law, sacred proclamations, and the eternal purposes of GOD will display obedience (the putting aside of ones own desires, goals, and objectives to carry out and perform those of another).

3.  Otherwise unseen aspects of the beauty, fruitfulness, goodness, and power in servitude to divinity are made visible through Jesus Christ as the lamb of GOD’s covering for Adam, and the ram caught in the thicket for Abraham.  Included are atonement for sin, endowing and adding value to others, grace (unmerited favor), and propitiation (appeasement; conciliation) as well as sacrifice (loss in giving up something valued).

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, the divine process for mankind being joined to Christ is through his works whereby the Savior was joined to the Father.  Included are circumcision, forgiveness, Incarnation, resurrection, revelation, ascension.  Thus, it is written:  John 14:   8-14, King James Version (KJV):  8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.  9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?  10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself:  but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.  11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me:  or else believe me for the very works’ sake.  12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.  13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.  Also, John 13:  13-17, KJV:  13 Ye call me Master and Lord:  and ye say well; for so I am.  14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.  15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.  16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.  17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/28/2018) The Meaning of “Faith”

 

Today, reply shares a Christian understanding of “faith” as an aspect of the confluence (meeting of streams; coming together) of sacred substance that exists as GOD.  In contrast to conjecture and speculation, faith pertains to a conclusive consciousness (we say, knowing) within the living of existing and possible operations, and process for divinity.  The followers of Jesus acknowledge faith as part of the life essence (breath; spirit; Word) and the fresh endowments through rebirth that may be imparted from the makeup of divinity to exist within created beings and living creatures.  The operations of sacred faith are to be seen through the acceptance of divine commission and duty; continual acknowledgment of revealed truth; commitment; endurance of “growing pains,” hardship, and suffering as well as maturity, patience, stability and willingness to await the return of Jesus to harvest the earth.  A writer in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “Ayebanengiyefa” (Level 1 with 73 points, a member February 26, 2016) posted the following:

 

What is faith?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him:  for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.  But without faith it is impossible to please him:  for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.  (Hebrews 11:  5-6, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  What Is A Spirit? (03/06/2018); How Are We Justified? (03/05/2018); Meanings for “These Three”? (01/25/2018); Praying For “More Faith”? (01/12/2018); Certainty, Conviction and Faith (01/05/2018); Relying on Sacred “Evidence” (11/20/2017); The Makeup of GOD (09/25/2017)

 

“Ayebanengiyefa”, in my understanding as a Christian believer “faith” has been revealed (shown by GOD) to be a spirit substance that exists as a recognizable dimension of his own divine fullness (we say, the GODhead; the Trinity; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit).  Faith is inseparable from all the other aspects of divinity that exist as the makeup of GOD, thus, wherever you find faith there will be other spirit matter such as holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness,  personhood, presence, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

Faith (and the other invisible things of GOD) are to be known as active and present on the basis of their effects and influence upon the things that are seen, touchable, and visible.  Included are social exchanges and relationships.  Because faith is not a carnal, material and physical object, many confuse faith with emotion(s) and feelings, or thoughts and mental process (e.g., belief, convictions, desire, imagination).

GOD is the origin of all sacred faith.  Sacred faith operates and is applied in accordance with covenant, divine law, judgment, sacred knowledge in place of secular knowledge, godly principle, eternal purpose, and consecrated utterance (the word of GOD appearing as praise, proclamation, promise, and prophecy).  Consider again the following points to reveal GOD that use language from the Bible:

(1.)  Habakkuk 2:  1-4, King James Version (KJV):  1 I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.  2 And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.  3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie:  though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.  4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him:  but the just shall live by his faith.

(2.)  Matthew 9:  20-22, KJV:  20 And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:  21 For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.  22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

(3.)  Matthew 9:  27-31, KJV:  27 And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou son of David, have mercy on us.  28 And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him:  and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.  29 Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.  30 And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.  31 But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.

(4.)  Romans 5:  1-5, KJV:  1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:  2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also:  knowing that tribulation worketh patience;  4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:  5 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.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.) Romans 9:  30-33, KJV:  30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.  31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.  32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;  33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence:  and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(02/18/2018) Being A Good Samaritan

The Parable of The Good Samaritan Defines Our “Neighbors” As Those Who Show Mercy When There Is Need

 

Today, reply is on whether there is a divine blessing for those who help others through what they do when they are at work.  During his ministry on earth, Jesus encountered many dietary laws, customs, and traditions among the Jews intended to sanctify (set them apart) as a people and possession of GOD.  Many features in their way of life were based on doctrines and judgments from the law received from divinity; however, the ethnic arrogance, continuing of grudges, prejudice, racism, and elitism that developed was in no way commanded from GOD.  Thus, using an object lesson (parable) Jesus spoke to the unwillingness of a priest and a Levite to help a wounded man they both saw lying in the road.  Many were insulted that Jesus—a rabbi from Galilee (an area considered the “boondocks”) and an outsider to both the Temple community and Jerusalem—would dare teach “love thy neighbor” also can mean love other peoples and tribes long accounted as enemies and strangers.  In the heat of their anger against him, they even accused Jesus of being a Samaritan, a demoniac, and a person having unclean spirits and devils.  The writer in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “Garfield the Cat” (Level 7 with 129,073 points, a member since January 23, 2012) posted the following:

 

Do you believe that helping those in need is a blessing from God?

The other day at work I’ve had a customer tell me that I’m a Godsend and a blessing to my job because I went above and beyond to bring a motorized cart to her vehicle so she wouldn’t have to walk very far and she was really grateful and happy about it

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?  He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?  And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.  And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right:  this do, and thou shalt live.  But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?  And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.  And by chance there came down a certain priest that way:  and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.  And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.  But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was:  and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,  And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.  And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.  Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?  And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.  (Luke 10:  25-37, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Mankind’s Priesthood in Heaven (02/16/2018); Truths To Live By (02/02/2018); Divine Priesthood on Earth (01/31/2018); The First To Help? (12/22/2017); Undergoing A Sacred Transformation (10/24/2017); In Spirit and Truth? (10/02/2017); Called To Serve Unselfishly (07/06/2017); GOD’s Peculiar People (12/11/2016)

 

“Garfield the Cat”, simple things we do for others often have profound meaning and enormous value that address more than their visible needs that are carnal, material, secular, and social.  Among Christian believers, cheerful and generous giving, sacrifice that fulfills commitment and duty as well as unselfish service are indicators that divinity is present as an imparted spirit from the makeup of divine fullness (we say, the GODhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit).  Sinners who turn to Jesus Christ receive fresh endowments of life essence (breath, spirit, Word), are “born again,” must “grow up again,” and must become mature while living on the earth as vessels of divine DNA, so to speak.  Through discovery, gradual growth, learning, and sacred practice, the sinner becomes a developing believer, who can minister to others.

Not all believers serve as clergy, evangelists, healers, preachers, or teachers, yet, all are accounted as “gifted” and may share what they themselves have received as divine substance.  Many serve as caretakers, classmates, family, friends, parents, emergency first responders, or volunteers.  They will display inseparable aspects of divinity such as balance, faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Believers may not appear to be blessed by GOD for their service to another, for the presentation of rewards are scheduled for a later time. Even so, through their lifestyles and daily routines believers are to demonstrate and display godliness.  This is not intended to convert, proselytize, and recruit new church members so much as it is to make visible within and through the living the active presence who is GOD.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Matthew 5:  6-9, King James Version (KJV):  6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness:  for they shall be filled.  7 Blessed are the merciful:  for they shall obtain mercy.  8 Blessed are the pure in heart:  for they shall see God.  9 Blessed are the peacemakers:  for they shall be called the children of God.

(2.)  Mark 10:  42-45, KJV:  42 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.  43 But so shall it not be among you:  but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:  44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.  45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

(3.)  Luke 18:  9-14, KJV:  9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:  10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.  11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.  12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.  13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.  14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other:  for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  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.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC