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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(06/16/2013) Feeling Loved By GOD?

The topic today is how to tell one is loved by GOD, and there is more on how the church is “good.”  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Dawn” (Level 2 with 301 points, a member since April 23, 2013) posted the following:

Christians why don’t I feel loved by God?

He sometimes answers my prayers and why does it feel like he really doesn’t care about me

THE BATTLE AXE:  Church is Good? (06/15/2013)—While Bible knowledge, information, or academic and intellectual excellence are not needed for one to be saved, full truth and understanding continue to be important for cooperation, interaction, and sharing as a church body.  Members of the church nourish one another by prophesying.  All believers serve GOD as spokespersons who speak his word to comfort, edify (build-up the faith and understanding of others), and exhort (encourage and urge immediate, unselfish action).  Simple acts of ministry include sharing baked bread, providing transportation assistance, showing ones smile, and visiting the sick.  See 1st Corinthians 14:  1-5, KJV.  The truth shared with non-believers, non-members, children and adults is the same, for there is only one truth.  However, given differences among their demands, expectations, and needs, how the truth is shared with minors and outsiders often has to be adjusted.  In the same way parents must respond to the death of adult family, friends and casualties occurring through public events, children must gain strength for the loss of schoolmates, family, and recurring tragedies.  As an association of men, women and children who participate at various levels of commitment, maturity, skill, spiritual power, study, and understanding, the church must also use such tools as acknowledgment, assigning duty, authority, division of labor, goal-setting, praise, and reward.  Even so, the church does not buy, sell, or make merchandise of compassion, forbearance, forgiveness, inclusion, mercy, resurrection, or the imparted, indwelling Spirit.  See Luke 17:  1-10 and Acts 8:  3-25, KJV.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.  We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.  He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.  Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer:  and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.  Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us:  and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.  But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?  My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.  And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.  For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.  Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.  And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.  And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.  And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him.  And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.  (1st John 3:  13-24, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  A GOD of Love? (05/07/2013); Commanding the Storm? (05/08/2013); Wanting To Have Our Way (03/09/2013); The Love of GOD (03/03/2013); Our Need for a Son (03/04/2013); Therefore There Was Trust (01/07/2013); When Does Gossip Become Sin? (01/08/2013)

Dawn, for believers in Jesus as Savior and Christ, the experience of knowing the love of GOD is not made real within our understanding by changeable emotions and thoughts.  As physical persons, humans often acknowledge love only when displayed through such carnal, material, and social features as affection, attention, attraction, lust, passion, and romance.  The ability to correctly discern and recognize love as an appearance of divine being is acquired only by the operation of GOD through the Holy Spirit.

GOD is a spirit who does not function in the finite, limited manner of created beings and living creatures.  Thus, instead of the frameworks of time and space that characterize human interaction, the lovers of GOD learn to answer within spheres emanated from the inseparable aspects of divine content.  Included are such sacred substance as faith, forbearance, holiness, joy, longsuffering, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

Where any person receives baptism, and enters into death, resurrection, and re-birth of their own spirit substance, we say, they are “born again.”  However, born-again, they must encounter “growing pains,” learn, meet peculiar challenges from the flesh and from the world, and persevere to arrive at spiritual maturity and perfection.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, most believers endure periods of “looking for love (i.e., the love of GOD and Christ) in all the wrong places (i.e., using the wrong indicators as evidence).”  In part they are misdirected because they seek only the pleasure of love without its pain.  Such developing believers fail to grasp that as an aspect of divine make-up and being, love is invisible without unselfish actions to add value and benefit to others, obedience (the putting aside of self-will to carry out the will of another), and suffering that appears through uncomplaining execution of duty¾included here are giving, risk-taking, and sacrifice.)   Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(06/15/2013) Church is Good?

Excitement and the value of the church are topics, today.  Also, there is more on the possibilities and salvation of atheists.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Ricky” (Level 1 with 163 points, a member since June 5, 2013) posted the following:

Church is good right? why is church good?

Lots of people are there right; why is church exciting?
what is your answer’s? thanks

THE BATTLE AXE:  Salvation for Atheists? (06/14/2013)—Baptism depicts and shows how one dies to sin, and is re-born having the Holy Spirit (we may say, reproduced from divine DNA).  The believer receives sacred substance from the make-up and person of Almighty GOD that includes faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  The spirit content from GOD that also is in Christ is what qualifies a believer for heaven.  Many will accomplish things that are commendable, important, and memorable by human standards, and will still not be in fellowship with Christ or the Father.  Salvation and eternal life for believers are not provided on the basis of ones knowledge of the doctrines, holy writings, observances, practices, sacraments and teachings of the church.  At the Second Coming, when Christ will harvest the earth to receive all those who are in communion as his redeemed and his saved, the persons lifted and transformed to be immortal and incorruptible will already have been identified as those who contain endowments of divinity that govern operation of their inner being and self-will.  (See Mark 16:  9-16, Romans 6:  3-18, John 3:  6-8 and 1st Peter 1:  18-25, King James Version)

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,  Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,  That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;  That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,  May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;  And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.  Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,  Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end.  Amen.  (Ephesians 3:  14-21, King James Version)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Church as a Bride? (05/15/2013); How Do I Repent? (05/16/2013); Church Mandatory? (05/06/2013); A GOD of Love? (05/07/2013); A Spirit Church? (04/04/2013); My Brother’s Keeper (04/05/2013); GOD in Schools? (12/20/2012); Naaman the Leper (12/21/2012); Unexceptional Beginnings (11/22/2012); Believing Everything? (11/23/2012); Attending Church? (11/12/2012); A Holy Kiss? (11/13/2012)

Ricky, here are some points most genuine Christian believers continue to endorse as useful:

(1)  Church attendance and participation in a sacred community are intended to lend order and structure for growth in ones measure of the spirit of Christ that is deposited by GOD upon their receiving the Gospel.  As a human institution that is part of the world (the man-made system for exchange and survival) the church is carnal, material, and social in its nature.  However, as an institution identified through divinity and spirit content the church is correctly described as immortal, incorruptible, and invisible.

(2)  While GOD is described as immutable and unchanging, human awareness is characterized by instability, lapses in focus, and shifts of attention.  Even where there has been careful learning, practice and strict training, many are easily drawn away by curiosity, diversity and novelty.  Mankind may innocently digress or forget; and self-will in created beings and living creatures may still respond to the non-material, non-spirit influence of sin.

(3)  While fellowship within a local congregation does not replace ones individual and private experience with GOD through prayer and worship, assembly and association are necessary for developing discernment of holy substance, and ones ability to recognize the active presence of GOD within others and throughout Creation.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4)  Salvation through Jesus is the sharing of a sacred ministry and priesthood.  Believers are not called simply to enjoy the pleasure of personal blessings and intimate communion with GOD.  There is work to be done.  Included are the various tasks for demonstrating obedience and respect to divine law, fulfilling sacred promises, offering praise, participating in ongoing judgment, performing prophecy, preaching, and publishing divine proclamation.)   Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/16/2013) Accomplished in Christ?

     Topics, today, include circumcision, and both natural and spiritual benefits to mankind through the ministry of Jesus.  Also, there is more on contradictions.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Joshua” (Level 2 with 256  points, a member since October 25, 2012) posted the following:


Jesus has been circumcised, why do Christians not do the same ?

The circumcision is the tradition of patriarchs and prophets since Abraham (pbuh) that God commanded him to do it. Following this commandment, all Jews and Muslims are circumcised.

Jesus, the god of Christians, also has been circumcised under the approval of his mother Virgin Mary which is beyond any reproach.

So why do Christians not do the same ? Why do they not follow their god ?

THE BATTLE AXE:  No Contradictions? (01/15/2013)—Bits from a 5,000-pieced jigsaw puzzle may appear not to belong in a given grouping because of their color or the image they bear, nonetheless their place can be easily discovered as they are fitted together with the pieces whose shape indicate they belong on one of the edges.  The holy writings are a single source for knowledge and understanding among those seeking GOD in Christ.  Not only are the many details and unrecorded truths of Scripture impossible to comprehend without guidance and help from the imparted, indwelling Spirit of GOD, believers cannot correctly embrace the many continuing experiences of sacred truth that come by giving, practice of the sacraments, prayer, unselfish service, and heartfelt worship without the continuing ministry of Jesus as Risen Lord.  Saying this another way:  Just as sworn testimony from multiple eyewitnesses in judgment may not be exactly the same, or agree word for word, yet jurors may account the statements under oath as truth because of agreement and corroboration, believers must examine and assign value to the full dispensation of GOD by focus upon accord.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;  And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.  (John 8:  31-32, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Vows and Covenants? (12/17/2012); Fasting “After the Spirit” (09/19/2012); Binder 30:  The Mark of GOD (10/27/2011); (08/31/2011) Dispatch 21:  The Ally (Sometimes); Annual Feasts (12/29/2010); Conspiracy? (12/08/2010)


     Mature Christian believers typically accept that the divine demand for circumcision goes beyond a cutting of the flesh (see Deuteronomy 30:  6, Jeremiah 4:  4 and Romans 2:  28-29, KJV), and speaks to the content and makeup of ones spirit in relationship to GOD.  The many special truths that emerge by the ministry of Jesus upon the earth include:  Incarnation (the appearance of Almighty GOD in a human body); fulfillment of all divine promises for an heir to Adam that would restore the dominion of mankind over the earth (that had been transferred to the serpent); satisfaction of all demands for oblations and sacrificial blood (e.g., atonement, burnt offerings, thank offerings, trespass and sin offerings); and obedience to all divine law for the natural and spirit worlds that would generate and reinforce faith, miracles, repentance and sacred revelation.  (See Galatians 2:  20 and Romans 6:  4, KJV)

     Just as believers may account themselves as redeemed and saved because of things physically done by Jesus, Christians may also hold that they are now present in heaven before GOD through the resurrected person of Jesus (see Colossians 3:  1, KJV).  This notion (often called “living vicariously”) can be understood easily where we acknowledge that, as fans, we rejoice or are sorrowed as though we ourselves were spoken of when we hear reports about our favorite athletes and celebrities whom we follow (despite being strangers to them) as “family” and  loyal supporters.  It is sufficient that believers are circumcised in the person of Jesus.  Similarly, believers are “credited” as having accomplished 40 days of fasting and prayer in the wilderness, so many in the church do not fast, today; Jesus attended all mandatory covenant feasts required of the eldest, the firstborn and heads of families at both the Tabernacle and the Temple at Jerusalem, so this is discontinued; Jesus correctly participated in, and shared the Passover, so that now Christ is received through the Lord’s Supper (called Communion); and the judgment of our enemies is going forward and will be completed through Jesus Christ, so grudges and revenge are no longer reasonable motives.  (See Colossians 2:  8-13, KJV.)

     There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, covenant through Jesus Christ is to secure levels of spiritual reality for mankind, and therefore, goes beyond creating and maintaining a geopolitical nation or a society subject to death, sin and time.  Through Christ there is the end of mortality; and upon the close of divine judgment against sin, only immortal and incorruptible beings will continue in what is called “eternal life.” )  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/30/2012) The Law Not Flawed

      I have been prompted to think about the law again, its purpose and benefit; and there is more on redemption through the blood of Jesus Christ. A reply was posted at thoughts.com commenting on (12/27/2012) Hellfire and Brimstone Preaching? The writer, “SeasonedBeginner” stated the law was flawed, and only those blind to the freedom and hope brought by Christ in the New Covenant continue to be judgmental. “Justice” has been mercifully replaced with forgiveness. My initial response appears below:

Honor to GOD! The law was not so much flawed as our understanding and acceptance of the law. Thou shalt not steal, thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not commit adultery should still be in effect—and you need not go to Newtown to ask how sound such thinking would be for a righteous God and his people. The law, itself, is a manifestation of divinity, and is not easily embraced using only tools of the flesh such as seeing, hearing, smelling and tasting. The death and resurrection of Christ was not to eliminate divine judgment and wrath against sin; rather, to certify Jesus as a righteous judge. Thanks a lot for sharing your thoughts. Enjoy the rest of the holidays.

THE BATTLE AXE: Purchased With Blood? (12/29/2012)—The ministry of Jesus to mankind is comprehensive, and still is being carried out both upon the earth, and from heaven. While for many, being covered by the blood of Jesus signifies atonement, or remission and propitiation for sins, rather than redemption, the blood of Jesus overspreads all the levels of divine process and sacred purpose. Included are birth, death, judgment, promise, prophecy, and sanctification. Although believers speak of experiencing GOD through divine history, infrequent episodes, and discrete events, the operations of GOD are all eternal, inseparable, open-ended, and progressive. Thus, redemption cannot be separated from salvation, and the two equally entail cleansing, forgiveness, rebirth, repentance, and sacrifice.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me. My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness. Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts. I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is my delight. Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me. I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments. (Psalms 119: 172-176, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Vows and Covenants? (12/17/2012); Christians Who Ignore GOD’s Laws (10/25/2012); The Crux of the Matter (10/26/2012); Violence In The Bible (02/26/2012); Why Confess Before Priest (02/27/2012); Trouble For The Good (01/15/2012); Chain Of Command (01/16/2012); Free From Law? (11/03/2010); Love a Choice? (11/04/2010)

      The law of GOD has never been a weapon against goodness, love, obedience, respect, or truth; yet, many complain against the law as an attack upon “freedom”; an unnecessary burden of obligation; an unholy instrument that generates despair, fear, shame and terror; and an obstacle to the full integrity and legitimacy of created beings and living creatures.

      The divine purposes of law include creating and maintaining order among a broad and diverse assembly of sentient beings that possess self-will. Just as the law is to reveal and make known the will of Almighty GOD, the law is to make known and visible an immaterial and unseen presence that is sin. For most, knowledge of the law is by faith, rather than by detailed and exacting study of every ordinance or statute. The benefits and blessing of law are a foundation for the security of the universe, for the law fosters and imparts balance, comfort, continuity, joy, hope, peace, stability, strength, wisdom, and eternal life.

      In the kingdom of GOD, punishment and death are not the outcomes of obeying law, performing sacred duty, sharing love, or speaking holy truth; and the covenant law provided to establish a righteous nation in the earth was not given with an intent to increase human misery. The damage and threat that results from sin was first identified among the holy angels. When divine law was extended to mankind upon the earth, this was in the nature of admonition, restoration, and salvation. All law is not spoken in a language of prohibition (thou shalt not); and, rightly understood, it is law that commands the existence of all benefit. Law is a form of Light, and there is no flaw in light or in the Light-Giver. Only those who seek to abide in darkness fear and hate the light.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, sin does not exist as a being or thing created by GOD. Anguish, death, and pain absolutely must appear as alarms against sin, and there must be knowledge that works to limit the damage that comes by sin. The overwhelming threat posed by sin cannot be realized without spiritual power, divine instruction, and immediate consequences in living experience. Sin opposes the existence of divine law, of divine person, and of divine Creation.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/28/2012) Does Everyone Go To Heaven?

     Forgiveness of all sins, the sacred process of salvation, and whether all go to heaven are topics, today. Also, there is more on women ordained to minister. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Chase” (Level 1 with zero points, a member since July 5, 2012) posted the following:

If all sins are forgiven, does everyone go to Heaven?

Jesus died for everyone, for ALL their sins to be forgiven. Does that mean we all go to heaven? Since everyone is cleansed of their sin.

THE BATTLE AXE: Women Ordained to Minister? (10/27/2012)—In the Old Testament, Huldah the prophetess lived in the second quarter of Jerusalem, and did not have ongoing access to either the king’s palace or the Temple located within Zion. New Testament models of consecrated service include the examples of the prophet Simeon, and the prophetess Anna. In devotion to GOD, Anna never left holy ground by leaving the Temple, and lived as a widow in continual fasting, prayer, and proclaiming testimony from GOD. Simeon was not a priest or Levite, yet, he also was sanctified, and continued as a constant presence among those of the Temple community. As with prophets, virgins and widows of the Mosaic covenant, their separation followed a spiritual event that served as their being “called”, and was confirmed by the fulfillment of foretold events that were to occur as signs. Many, today, disregard and ignore the requirement of being spiritually called and then affirmed through signs. Ministry is held to be a professional occupation, or a vocation (hobby), and one is qualified through academic examination, employment history, licensing, and self-selection. The social overlay upon the spiritual process of the church demands a high level of genuine discernment by all who seek to share in congregation. Ambition and desire for status are not generated or produced by the Holy Spirit. Where believers continue to need acknowledgment and praise from family, from peers, from others, or even from GOD, this contends against the assurances of faith. The pair, Aquila and Priscilla, who traveled with the Apostle Paul and sponsored a church within their home, served with no greater title and office than “helpers in Christ Jesus.” Given that the commission of those who serve may be known only to GOD (and through GOD by discernment of the Holy Spirit) believers are often denied by those having the celebrity of institutional identity. Several women are noted in the Scripture who supported the ministry of Jesus by their own ministry of giving. Apart from self-employed women (usually harlots), those having small businesses, and widows, there were relatively few independent women having financial means, and who managed property and large households. The New Testament contrast of Mary and Martha portrays the difference between passive and active service, intimate and impersonal relationship. Admonitions appear against “ever learning and never coming into the knowledge of the truth;” and believers are cautioned that “faith without works is dead.” As a result many women are now actively serving as evangelists, fundraisers, mothers over the church, school teachers, and “godmothers” who conduct new believers through preparation for baptism or confirmation. It remains that, exclusive and single-minded commitment of their lives to Christ appears most completely and correctly achieved today only by those women that serve as nuns. The threefold challenge to overcome the various aspects of the flesh, the material world, and the social milieu make it that every woman must prayerfully examine the divine dispensations of marriage, homemaking, and the promise written in Scripture that a woman shall be saved through childbearing.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. (1st John 3: 4-11, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Gospel not Logical? (09/16/2012); Unwelcome Gifts? (09/17/2012); Chances for Change (09/15/2012); What He Died For (09/14/2012); Father Forgive (09/06/2012); Binder 35: Whom The Lord Loveth (11/01/2011); Forgiveness? (12/07/2010)

      
     Here are some answers shared among mature Christian believers:
      
     Forgiveness is only one aspect of the full work in the sacred process of salvation. A sinner seeking recovery to GOD must cooperate with, and yield to operations by the Holy Spirit (also called the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth). In addition to forgiveness there must be atonement, propitiation for sin, repentance, rebirth, regeneration and sanctification. Profound and involuntary change must occur in the life that goes beyond attitude, behavior, conduct and speech. Saying this another way: Once you are “born again” you must “grow up again;” encountering the “growing pains” of spiritual transformation while still in a material, nonspiritual and social world.
      
     New knowledge, information and understanding are important for making clear to others the changes they see occurring in the life of a believer. However, arguing, debate, logic and intellectual reasoning are not the actual substance that is to be shared with others. The believer demonstrates and displays to others a sacred content they otherwise would never be allowed to access or see. Included are faithfulness, godliness, holiness, humility, longsuffering, purpose, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

      Forgiveness does not remove defilement of body, mind, spirit and human will within created beings and living creatures. The corruption of divine substance must be halted and reversed. Forgiveness alone does not correct what and who a person has become through the influence of sin. The benefit of forgiveness appears as a counterweight provided in evaluation and judgment against sinful deeds as well as in the continuance of ones correct standing and position within relationship.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, just as the Scriptures describe both a first and second death, a first and second resurrection, there are a first and second judgment. The first judgment focuses upon ones sacred content, and is followed by destruction in the lake of fire of all those lacking the substance of GOD. The second judgment examines the deeds of all those from the earth who will then be immortal and incorruptible.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIXWashington, DC