(03/13/2017) What Does Divinity Want?

OUR REFUGE AND STRENGTH
The Religious Art of Morgan Weistling

 

Today, reply is made to a question on what Jesus Christ “wants” from a believer/sinner?  The Creator desires, lacks, and “wants” nothing from created beings and living creatures as though depending and relying upon what they might supply.  Yet, all who exist through his authority, grace, love, power, and sovereignty are to acknowledge and respond to the active presence and revelation of divinity.  The process of the Creator is one of giving that allows the receiver to make a return to GOD.  Only by first accepting and applying the gifts and ministrations from divinity do believers/sinners obtain the indispensable benefits and provisions that pertain to life from GOD.  Thus, only where one first obeys are they given the imparted, indwelling Spirit; only where one first yields in humility are they granted holy boldness.  Where one has genuine awe, sacred knowledge, love, and a sound mind, it is natural to exalt Deity, express gratitude, and uplift the name of GOD.  In addition to obeying divine law, the living will apprehend atonement and propitiation for sin, display their own spirit content imparted from the makeup of GOD, and engage divinity through commitment, discernment, humility, repentance, reconciliation and unselfish service as well as participate within divine oneness without sameness.  One of the many fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

 

What does Jesus want from me? What does He ache for?  Why does He want me to glorify Him? What does He get out of it?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?  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.  For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:  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.  For he that is dead is freed from sin.  Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:  Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.  For in that he died, he died unto sin once:  but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.  Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.  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.  (Romans 6:  3-13, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Complete Divine Revelation? (03/10/2017); The Need for Incarnation? (09/29/2016); Fear That Acknowledges GOD? (07/15/2016); What GOD Demands (05/10/2014); The Body of Moses (05/11/2014); Immortality (02/08/2014); The Male, the Female, and GOD (02/09/2014)

 

“Anonymous”, you are asking for an answer from Jesus Christ, or (at the least) from a credible sacred source, or spokesperson of divinity (we say, an apostle or prophet).  The following is what the Holy Spirit is providing for you through me, and I advise you consider it carefully:

There are peculiar conditions and criteria that must be met for created beings and living creatures to (1) continue their existence as having life, (2) to acquire sacred knowledge, maintain a sacred lifestyle, and have fellowship among those who are sanctified (i.e., set apart to serve GOD), (3) to be in an ongoing transformation to become immortal, incorruptible companions to divinity as well as (4) to realize a present-day life experience that would include authority, godliness, forgiveness, hope, joy, meaningful activity and work, peace, prosperity, and wisdom.  For now, mankind must respond to a limitation of being mortal; however, through Jesus Christ, sinners achieve release from the “sentence of death” by the atonement and propitiation for sin established by the Savior’s ministry upon the earth and from the heaven.

The process from our Creator is one to prophesy (we say, to comfort, edify, and exhort).  Thereby believers/sinners receive the benefits of a personal relationship with divinity.  All are required to acknowledge the active presence of GOD, discern (i.e., use our own spirit content to recognize the spirit substance within events, messages, ourselves, other persons, prophecy, sacred writings, etc.), and willingly respond to the demands, duties, and responsibilities that arise from our being accounted as a new creation, the offspring and seed of GOD, and true vessels who contain divine Spirit.  Consider again the following:

(1.)  Micah 6:  6-9, King James Version (KJV):  6 Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old?  7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?  8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?  9 The LORD’s voice crieth unto the city, and the man of wisdom shall see thy name:  hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it.

(2.)  Zechariah 7:  9-14, KJV:  9 Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother:  10 And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart.  11 But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear.  12 Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the LORD of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets:  therefore came a great wrath from the LORD of hosts.  13 Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the LORD of hosts:  14 But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations whom they knew not. Thus the land was desolate after them, that no man passed through nor returned:  for they laid the pleasant land desolate.

(3.)  Zechariah 8:  16-17, KJV:  16 These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:  17 And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour; and love no false oath:  for all these are things that I hate, saith the LORD.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Jeremiah 9:  23-24, KJV:  23 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:  24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth:  for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.)   Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(12/13/2016) About Giving to GOD

TREASURE IN EARTHEN VESSELS

 

Today, giving and receiving are considered as transactions that manifest the active presence of the Creator.  More than simply a duty, a habit, exaggerated pride, showing off and vainglory, or even the expression of gratitude, giving, receiving, and returning are aspects of organic relationship.  The breath of life imparted to Adam and his mate came directly from the makeup and substance of divine person, and, despite death as a penalty for sin, their offspring eventually will be restored to exist as living companions to divinity.  With this in view, the endowment of mankind may be understood as akin to respiration that sees the intake of breath, its corruption, its being exhaled and expelled as well as its becoming refreshed and renewed.  The many practices among mankind that involve bestowing and giving gifts, offerings and sacrifices to Deity are further appearances of the character, makeup, and process of divinity as abundant, immeasurable, inexhaustible, and radiant.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “Solitary Wiccan” (Level 5 with 8,670 points, a member since May 06, 2014) posted the following:

 

How can I convince religious people to stop giving their money to Televangelits?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?  Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.  Ye are cursed with a curse:  for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.  (Malachi 3:  7-9, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Diversity and Prophetic Gifts (11/22/2016); More On Sacrificial Giving (11/03/2015); A $1,000 Dollar Seed? (11/02/2015);  Christ Receives the Tithes? (08/04/2015); A Price for Religious Liberty? (06/30/2015); On Being Good Stewards (12/17/2013); Traditional Marriage? (12/18/2013)

 

“Solitary Wiccan”, the giving of believers has to be understood in accordance with the appearance of GOD within mankind through divine spirit.  Along with being accountable and obedient (unselfishly putting aside ones own will, carrying out the will of another), to give and share are among the highest expressions of mature love (thus, stealing comes into view as hate, death, and the destruction of life).  In the same way communication, exchange, and interaction are accomplished among nations by using emblems, tokens, and symbols, relationships with divinity are established and maintained using multiple “common” elements for meaning and value.  Included are blood, currency, images, intentions, music, purposes, and words.  Things that, in fact, are carnal, material, secular, and social can be used in limited ways as vessels that carry and transfer spirit content (e.g., water, wine, a burning bush).  The inseparable aspects of Spirit imparted from the makeup of GOD (e.g., faith, holiness, longsuffering, meekness, wisdom, wrath against sin) are immutable, invisible, and without physical form except as established through sacred operations (e.g., anointing, consecration, Incarnation, sanctification).  The awareness that GOD is active and present is to continue as uninterrupted within created beings and living creatures.  Divine order and sacred law therefore require behavior, devices, and mechanisms that express, “call to mind,” and make the operations of Spirit recognizable and visible.  Consider again the following you may have read before:

(1.)  2nd Corinthians 4:  3-7, King James Version (KJV):  3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:  4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.  5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.  6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.  7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

(2.)  Colossians 3:  16-18, KJV:  16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.  17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.   (For example, (3.)  Hebrews 7:  4-10, KJV:  4 Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.  5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:  6 But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.  7 And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.  8 And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.  9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.  10 For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(11/16/2015) Put On Charity?

Today, Scripture points are shared on the place of clergy, judging others, and the value believers are to place upon the church.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID  “Anonymous” (required profile information does not appear) posted the following:

Best way to contribute to my church?

It’s an unusual situation where 2 churches combined into one. 2 senior pastors, and about 80 regular members (small church) One preacher I don’t care for in over 300lbs, lazy, and cherry picks his associates, lives in a 1/4 mil home where most of us live in 150K homes, has 4 kids, nice car, only 30 or so, The other is great, I don’t think their on a salary but split the pot. If I give, it goes to both

Update: When we are singing or the other preacher preaches….fat boy just plays on his smart phone. I’ve talked about this with my PhD shrink and he says to stay, just skip the bad preachers sermon weeks, in bible study and have lots of friends there

Update 2: Oh, I’m not being swindled, I only give $5 currently.

Update 3: I would eventually give around $100 a month to support the church bills and pastors salary….not much, but is for me. I believe it makes sense to be apart of a church on many levels and it does me a lot of good, I have made many good friends there and have grown closer to the Lord.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;  Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any:  even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.  And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.  And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.  And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to God and the Father by him.  (Colossians 3:  12-17, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Unto The Pure (11/15/2015); Pointing Out Error? (10/07/2015); A Correct Church? (10/05/2015); We Judge Each Other? (10/04/2015); Any Way For Men To Behave? (09/06/2015); Different Strokes, For Different Folks? (06/22/2015); Disliking Other Christians? (06/03/2014); How To Renew The Mind (11/22/2013)

“Anonymous”, many are satisfied to experience the church as a carnal and social reality.  Their focus centers in personal communication, exchange, and interaction.  However, all who are called to Christ must take on a new understanding, and “see with new eyes.”  The goal is to become like Christ, a child and heir to GOD.  Thus, more correctly understood, the church is a divine tool to establish permanent changes that will result in mankind becoming immortal and incorruptible at the coming of Jesus Christ.  Believers are to become “ripe” for harvest; and this must begin with baptism (death of ones inborn spirit and rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak).  Once “born again,” the believer must “grow up” again, and become mature by meeting life challenges upon the earth.  By continuous observation of sacred practices (some say, sacraments) believers maintain the peculiar forms of law we call self-control and self-discipline.  The followers of Jesus will acquire sacred knowledge through ongoing fellowship with more experienced believers, regular prayer and worship, study of the holy writings, and unselfish service that demonstrates and proclaims the gospel message to others.  It remains, our spiritual value to one another depends upon our being in correct relationship with GOD through Christ.  The following Scriptures may help you achieve clearer focus:

(1.)  Jeremiah 3:  15, King James Version (KJV):  15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

(2.)  Hebrews 13:  17, KJV:  17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves:  for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief, for that is unprofitable for you.

(3.)  1st Timothy 5:  19, KJV:  19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.

(4.)  1st Samuel 16:  7, KJV:  7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him:  For the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

(5.)  James 2:  8-10, KJV:  8 If ye fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:  9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.  10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (6.)  James 4:  10-12, KJV:  10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.  11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren.  He that speaketh evil of his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law:  but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.  12 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy:  who art thou that judgest another?)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(11/15/2015) Unto The Pure

Fraud and giving among, and by members in communities of faith are the topic, today.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “James” (Level 5 with 6,700 points, a member since August 18, 2012) posted the following:

Religion is legalized fraud?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.  Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord:  for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,  And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:  That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;  If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.  Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect:  but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.  Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended:  but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,  I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.  (Philippians 3:  7-14, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  A $1,000 Dollar Seed? (11/02/2015); More On Sacrificial Giving (11/03/2015); Respect to Our Religious Beliefs? (04/21/2015); Conflict Because of Religious Belief? (01/30/2015); When People Covet (12/22/2013); On Judging Preachers as “Fake” (12/23/2013);  Jesus Arose Bodily (12/24/2013)

“James”, for those who are members of organized faith communities, acknowledging sacred duties and taking up responsibilities to express their love and respect for divinity are in agreement with their personal goals and understandings.  Enslavement, oppression and robbery do not come into view.  For Christian believers, this also means that the tasks they perform as followers of the Lord are not contrary to the new nature they receive from the makeup of Deity (we say, rebirth; the Holy Spirit).  For those who think like thieves, condemning others, covetousness, deceit, envy, fear, and possessiveness are more in line with their character than the dutifulness, respect and unselfishness disciples of Christ are to display.  While there is a formal contract among believers to be in mutual support, all they give and share is directed to GOD.  Consider again these points from the holy writings:

(1.)  Titus 1:  15-16, King James Version (KJV):  15 Unto the pure all things are pure:  but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.  16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

(2.)  Psalms 116:  12-14, KJV:  12 What shall I render to the LORD for all his benefits toward me?  13 I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.  14 I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.

(3.)  Proverbs 3:  9-10, KJV:  9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:  10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

(4.)  1st Peter 5:  2-4, KJV:  2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;  3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.  4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  Malachi 3:  8-11, KJV:  8 Will a man rob God?  Yet ye have robbed me.  But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee?  In tithes and offerings.  9 Ye are cursed with a curse:  for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.  10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if he will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.  11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/02/2015) A $1,000 Dollar Seed?

Today, points are shared on the place of free will offerings and sacrificial giving as an aspect of the new life from GOD for our salvation.  Televangelists now regularly appear requesting large sums of money for their ministries.  Along with those teaching what it means to sow a “thousand-dollar seed,” I am aware of one pastor who openly welcomes gifts of one million dollars to prepare believers for a second holocaust forecast by end-time Bible prophesies that will soon come against the Israelis of Judea.  A divine process wherein ones spirit content becomes engaged must occur that is very different from intellectual argument, begging, influence, and persuasion.  No appeals can be made to those who lack meekness (ability to respond to guidance and instruction from the Holy Spirit), to those answering filthy lucre, to unbelievers, or to atheists, financiers and most of those outside the body of Christ.  Confessions of need, challenges, intercession, and the stirrings of faith must be made that are directed, and pertain only to the body of believers.  Messages and utterances of the Holy Spirit are mistakenly heard as open appeals to the general public.  The continuing administration of donations and funds are as necessary to the current survival of the church as was the missionary work of the early apostles and disciples that made possible the continued outreach from Jerusalem by the community of anointed believers there.  The cycle of  expenditures and outlays for the work of spreading the Gospel, with the demonstrations and displays of acceptable prayer and worship, demand dependable and regular income as well as the repeated replenishment of resources and reserves.  Consider again the following from the Bible, and the points appearing below:  Galatians 6:  7-9, King James Version (KJV):  7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked:  for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.  8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.  9 And let us not be weary in well doing:  for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.  Also, 2nd Corinthians 8:  20-21, KJV:  20 Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:  21 Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

1.  Evangelism must continue as a sacred work until the return of Jesus Christ to harvest his believers from the earth.  The primary focus for disciples of the Lord are prophecy, publishing revelation, and continuing unseen operations to comfort, edify and exhort other believers.  Yet, many mistakenly hold that the work for the body is no more than church attendance, fomenting unrest, fund-raising, preaching, self-improvement, singing spiritual songs, social welfare, and teaching questionable doctrines.  An authentic ministry to the modern world that will address the spiritual needs of billions of persons in multiple nations can go forward only by each believer acknowledging a duty to provide, according to their own means, the needed financial, human, material, and sacred resources. 

2.  Dedication, expectation, perseverance, urgency and zeal should characterize the work of the church.  In addition to showing exclusive acknowledgment of divinity as the source of their salvation, believers are also to demonstrate correct sacred knowledge, and awareness that the present period with opportunities for divine salvation must be ended before the coming of Christ.  Using the metaphors of sowing, planting, and waiting for ones harvest, it is correct to speak of changing times, seasons, the closing of doors, and no longer having the present access to GOD.  The many ongoing temporal events for rebirth and new life will soon be withheld.

3.  Just as offerings and sacrifices were transferred to GOD  from the holy altar by sacred fire, material gifts and money are delivered to Christ through the fire of ones indwelling Spirit as godly intent, praise, sacred purpose, and willing submission.  All gifts from the earth must become spirit substance, before they are received by divinity.  In the process of the World, those choosing to donate, and support the work of a pastor or organized ministry by making gifts of money may be spoken of as their “co-workers” and “partners”.  The pastor or ministry may then be described correctly as the agents, employees, personal representatives, and spokespersons of the giver:  The recipient must answer to the giver, not to GOD.  For the World, affiliation with the recipient’s good deeds and religious works, also means being associated with their flaws, shortcomings, and sins.  By giving, a believer becomes vulnerable, and is seen risking their genuine salvation.  The World accounts providing goods or money, and other practical works apart from religious ceremonies and rituals as mere manual labor and mechanical routines.  Relevant issues therefore are non-spiritual such as access to records, accountability, credit agency ratings, ethical oversight (e.g., uncovering and removing conflicts of interest), and transparency for finances.

4.  By programs that permit voluntary contributions and donations to be provided from believers, present day disciples are to experience the same blessings of development, growth, and spiritual power that were granted to those of the early church.  Many come to GOD wanting to know, carry out, and share those plain and simple things within their means that may be used to please divinity.  They become hesitant when they find that their behavior and motives will be examined and questioned with hostility.  Commercialism, consumerism, covetousness, materialism, pride, selfishness, and even being wealthy are condemned by many within the church.  Often believers desire to give, however, they may not feel encouraged to serve or express their love to GOD by their giving until special opportunities are provided by crises, emergencies, and unusual occasions.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, 5.  Those who are turned to GOD through Jesus Christ have no part with Mammon, and the Great Whore who both make merchandise of humanity and all the earth.  Christians are turned to the earth as caretakers and husbandmen.  Therefore, the works of harvesting and ingathering should be associated with freedom, joy, rebirth and release.  Anxiety, bitterness, complaining, resentment, stinginess and suspecting others are divisive, and tend to destruction.  Those who condemn, envy, and persecute the church on the basis of outward appearances—because they do not discern eternal purposes and sacred operations—routinely focus upon desperation, extravagance, fear, greed, scandal, slander, waste, and weaknesses concealed among clergy and other individuals in positions of authority and trust.  They do not accept that abundance, favor, fertility, fruitfulness, healing and plenty make the active presence of divinity known and visible.  Peace is the godly outcome of giving and sharing that bring about celebration, thanksgiving, and unity.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(08/04/2015) Christ Receives the Tithes?

Points are shared, today, on tithing as a spiritual practice among Christian believers.  Rightly understood, to tithe is to maintain ones consciousness of GOD.  Many think of tithes as necessary to maintaining the priesthood and formal activities of the church.  However, as our divine High Priest, Jesus Christ receives the tithe as an actual appearance of ones Spirit before the divine presence.  When tithing is regarded as only another earthly financial routine like donating, giving, and investing, paying tithes becomes a secular process from the world that is focused upon material needs, political process for distributing resources, and social aspects of interaction.  Regrettably, such tithing is often experienced as merely more indebtedness and “bill-paying”.  Yet, there are things that believers must do, and that may not be left to those who disbelieve.  While ones offerings, sacrifices and tithes legitimately are to be applied to addressing the practical needs for a congregation, the tithes nevertheless must be understood as a peculiar sacred mechanism for acknowledgement and contact with the Resurrected Christ (see Hebrews 7:  8, KJV).  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID 2.718281828459045235360287471352662497757247093699 (Level 7 with 117,278 points, a member since February 26, 2006) posted the following:

It’s my understanding if you cheat on your tithing you go to hell. Can someone back me up on that?

Me I’ve been condemned to hell four times on here already. By church people. So I have nothing to lose. I can cheat on my tithing all I want, or simply refuse to pay it. Like what are they going to do.

My question is this, what about you holy fervent people that are hoping to get into heaven? Don’t tell me none of you cheat on your tithing. Earnest replies appreciated.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;  To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;  Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.  Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.  And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:  But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.  And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.  And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.  (Hebrews 7:  1-8, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  A Price for Religious Liberty? (06/30/2015); Some Points on Tithing (03/19/2015); Ananias, Liar, Thief or Blasphemer?  (01/12/2015); On Being Good Stewards (12/17/2013); Traditional Marriage? (12/18/2013); Sacrificial Relationships? (10/23/2013); Relationship by Unselfish Giving? (10/24/2013)

“2.718281828459045235360287471352662497757247093699 ”, in their understanding of what it means to live by faith, many Christians today deny any obligation to the laws of tithing.  They fail to grasp that tithing pertains to continuing their spiritual relationship with divinity expressed as accountability, commitment, duty, and promise so that tithing is not merely a matter of ceremony, economics, finances, legal requirements, opinions, personal preferences, ritual, and tradition.  Tithing pertains to trust.  Consider the following points:

(1.)  Every believer is challenged to continue the life of Christ by operating as part of a collective (we say, assembly, body, congregation, church) that embraces believers past, present and future.  In addition to voluntary donations and gifts from the members (we say, offerings) to pay for necessary materials and services, there also must be “sacrifice” (i.e., enduring loss; letting go of what one wants to retain; relinquishing; surrender; yielding) that makes visible the continuing awe, gratitude, humility, respect, reverence, and suffering on behalf of, and within the body.

(2.)  Most correctly understood and practiced as a spiritual act (like confession, forgiveness, petition and praise during prayer), tithing is accomplished properly only through consistency, dependability, discipline, maturity, regularity, and stability.

(3.)  Believers are permitted to “borrow” and use for personal needs the monies that should be given the church as tithe.  It is understood, emergencies and unanticipated problems may occur.  Even so, as surely as refinancing does not eliminate ones mortgage and indebtedness, because a new process of repayment comes into view, borrowing tithes requires penalty and repayment.  Ten percent (10%) becomes fifteen percent (15%).  Just as foreclosure and revocation of ones ownership of their home is not cancelled immediately by missed mortgage payments, and one must make focused efforts to meet the financial demand, one is not damned immediately by mishandling tithes, or by displaying attitudes and behavior within the church that is immature, unrepentant, unreliable and untrustworthy.

There is much more that could be said, and that must be correctly understood and spiritually taken into account.  (For example, (4.)  For Christian believers, tithing appears as an expression from and movement by the Holy Spirit to edify and nourish the body, to feed his lambs.  Like breathing and speaking truth, tithing is something believers do to stay alive (i.e., to make a ceaseless, uninterrupted expression of faith; to continue with “peace of mind”).  Tithing is not done from motives of ambition and reward.  Mature believers all acknowledge that, without their own full participation, the church will not exist; and an important aspect of the work by Jesus Christ will not be able bear its intended fruit.)  I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(06/30/2015) A Price for Religious Liberty?

Points are shared on government, religious liberty, and the price believers must pay to have a presence as a community of faith.  The work of any government is the making and keeping of agreements (we say, contracts, covenants, treaties).  Every legitimate government acknowledges that its population requires the full spectrum of human needs be met, including those that are carnal, emotional, financial, intellectual, psychological, sexual, social, and spiritual.  Throughout human history, government as a tool of the World has been used both to support and to suppress religious expression.  A necessary goal for every community is the continuation of its own existence; and some tasks unselfishly undertaken now are intended to benefit later generations, and their offspring they will never live to see.  In addition to providing money and human resources for things concrete, mundane and pedestrian, there must be a focus upon things that are conceptual, speculative, and unseen.  Included are benefits for minorities (e.g., children, ethnic groups, veterans, women) that will not be delivered directly to everyone; normative conditions and services we acknowledge as having benefit, therefore, ought and should be available within the community (e.g., hospitals, libraries, preschool); unmet needs; possibilities; and a controlled process that will carry all into the diverse experiences of life.  An angry writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “nepaliasianman”, (Level 3 with 1,667 points, a member since June 03, 2015) posted the following:

 

Why don’t the government demolish all the churches since their not paying taxes?

If churches are not a bussiness than don’t donate your money to Preachers and Pastors?

If you don’t large amount of money to these people and make them rich than it is a bussiness organisation and should immediately start paying taxes or fined. If not demolish the damn Church?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul:  neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.  And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus:  and great grace was upon them all.  Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,  And laid them down at the apostles’ feet:  and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.  (Acts 4:  32-35, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Separation of Church and State (07/04/2014); On Being Good Stewards (12/17/2013); Traditional Marriage? (12/18/2013); Sacrificial Relationship? (10/23/2013); Relationship by Unselfish Giving?(10/24/2013); A Spirit Church? (04/04/2013); My Brother’s Keeper (04/05/2013); Attending Church? (11/12/2012); Attending Church? (11/13/2012)

 

“nepaliasianman”, you have a friend in high places who is willing to tell you that, those who are angry against the church usually do not have sacred knowledge that comes from divinity, and are strangers to the true nature and work of believers.  Struggling with the hostile view that comes from such sources as academics, complainers, disbelievers, gossips, neighbors, and public media, the church is taken to be an excuse, or explanation (we say, scapegoat) for serious failures, losses, and problems within a community.  Seen “up close, and personal,” the day-to-day life within the church is seen to operate strictly upon the basis of loving acceptance, godliness, sacrifice, and suffering.  Please consider the following:

(1.)  The shared commitment to permanently live together as a sovereign collective to be known as a commonwealth, municipality, state or nation is one to combine and equitably distribute goods, merchandise, real property, and other resources to ensure communication, exchange, growth, health, prosperity, security, and survival.

(2.)  The many goals expressed by government as the establishment of personal freedom also correctly include allowing and encouraging the full development, maturation and participation of all its citizens.  Thus, included are provisions for individual expressions of conscience, faith, “peace of mind,” and spiritual development (we say, religious liberty).

(3.)  Funding of operations for churches and their programs that address the quality of life as they serve the community include the full range of expenses seen with every institution within the state.  Money must be privately raised for such recurring expenses as mortgages, rents, insurance, property taxes, cooling/heating, indoor plumbing, lights, sanitation, and repairs to say nothing of food, clothing, water, rectory, books, informational handouts (we say, programs), instruments, sheet music, advertising, or media broadcasts.  As with many businesses, the church and its members also come under the attack of deceivers, false brethren, liars, plunderers, robbers, thieves, thugs, and vandals.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and patiently taken into account.  (For example, (4.)  The service provided by religious communities often are called intangibles, for they pertain to immeasurable and irreplaceable aspects of a community’s life and value.  Included are its reputation (we say, name, track record) for compassion, discipline, farsightedness, honor, integrity, intelligence, maturity, stability, soundness, strength, and trustworthiness.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith, sacred knowledge, and spiritual maturity.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(02/24/2015) Prayer in Public?

The proper places for private, public and secret prayer are considered today along with the Savior’s condemnation of counterfeit religious displays and vainglory (we say, showing off).  The prophecies of Jesus to condemn hypocrisy and self-promotion do not contradict the divine exhortations to continue good works, importunity, intercession, devotions performed out-of-doors, and shared prayer.  Given that the gathering places once set apart only for service to GOD now also are used as social halls, community centers, and auditoriums for civic service, amusement and recreation, church sanctuaries are often defiled and profaned by personal chatter, gossip, quarrels and whispering.  Some congregations even display cadavers and honor their dead in the areas once strictly set apart for intimacy with GOD by divine laws against uncleanness.  While the tabernacle and temple were divinely chosen as locations for oracles, offerings and sacrifice, no specific place has been commanded by Deity as the setting for prayer.  Prayer has been neither forbidden nor required on the basis of age and gender criteria; and group prayer is practiced by as few as two partners as well as by many more than one hundred.  (See Acts 1:  12-15, Acts 21:  4-6, 1st Timothy 2:  1-6 and James 5:  13-18, KJV.)  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Yk” (Level 2 with 397 points, a member since February 05, 2015) attacked using the following:

 

When Christians pray in public like a church is that the same as praying in a closet with the door shut like Jesus Christ said to pray?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them:  otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.  Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.  But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:  That thine alms may be in secret:  and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.  And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are:  for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.  But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.  But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do:  for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.  Be not ye therefore like unto them:  for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.  After this manner therefore pray ye:  Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.  (Matthew 6:  1-9, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Saved by a Prayer? (10/31/2014); Is Prayer an Act of Faith? (11/01/2014); Perfection and Prayer? (08/27/2014); Prayer not Enough? (07/12/2013); A Tree Falls To The South (07/13/2013); Outgrowing Childhood Prayers? (04/07/2013);  Confessing Only to GOD? (04/08/2013)

 

“Yk”, here are a few points that many Christian believers take into account regarding prayer:

(1.)  Prayer is one form of intimate communication between believers and divinity that permits multiple forms of heartfelt exchange and interaction.  Included are acceptance, agreement, appeal, approval, confession, dedication, intercession, lamentation, listening, petition, praise, promise, sacrifice, sealing, and submission.

(2.)  Because prayer also cleanses and sets apart for service (we say, sanctifies), the sanctuary of most church buildings are accounted anointed, consecrated, and purified through prayer.  Thereby, as though it were the upper room recorded in scripture, the area where believers assemble becomes their most holy place wherein they may receive the divine presence; and it is not simply because of its size that congregations gather there for instruction, prayer, and worship.

(3.)  No believer ever prays alone.  Their prayers are joined to those of the angels, to those of Christ and the Holy Spirit as well as to those of every other believer who was, who is, and who will be.  Thus, the power of a single prayer is amplified and multiplied.

As with all the things of our salvation, there is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Believers pray without fear in all places (the home, the workplace, the battlefield) understanding that nothing can separate us from the love of GOD in Christ.  The assembly or body is itself a “closed setting” wherein believers may offer prayer as though concealed and hidden.  Outsiders may hear or see the carnal dimensions that indicate believers are praying such as bowing the head, folding the hands, or bending the knee.  However, the Father, the Son, and the Spirit are in a direct communication that does not even require speaking aloud.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith and spiritual maturity.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/25/2014) A Christmas Message, 2014

Today, a brief reflection on Christmas is shared.  While the divine benefits of Christmas at first are experienced and made visible through abundance, freedom, giving, and gratitude, atonement and rebirth are at the heart of Christmas.  Along with holy blood conveying innocence, life, and purity, the priceless gifts of Christmas include unselfish sacrifices of immortality, majesty, mortality, and sovereignty; discipleship; fellowship; and eternal inheritance.  Around the world today, there are many customs, practices and traditions used to celebrate Christmas as a holiday.  However, throughout the kingdom of GOD, Christmas is a day of judgment, divine appearance in flesh (we say, Incarnation), and the bestowal of grace upon all created beings and living creatures.  Christmas separates those who acknowledge divine love, sacred wisdom, and the supremacy of GOD from those who do not.  Permanent changes and eternal operations are made visible and revealed to all through such life experiences as birth, condemnation, discovery, death, fasting, healing, reconciliation, and restoration.  In addition to a foretaste of new life and new relationship with divinity mankind receives divine comfort, encouragement and enlightenment with assurances and promises of glory, joy, perfection, and sanctification.  All are to see with new eyes and holy understanding that mankind is forever embraced to be an immortal, incorruptible companion to divinity.  May your spirit be enriched and divinely touched this Christmas, 2014, and throughout 2015, the coming New Year.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.  I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.  Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.  I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.  (Acts 20:  32-35, KJV)

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/16/2014) Cleansing the Temple, and the Body

     Today, readers are warned against persistent errors and recurring thoughts that block our understanding of the signs for the Advent, and Second Coming of Jesus.  As surely as Jesus must complete cleansing the Sanctuary in heaven before harvesting the earth, hearts and minds throughout the body of believers and all in covenant also must be cleansed and purified.  The appearing of Messiah will be on a scale that requires more than a single voice crying in the wilderness.  Christian believers are in need of a “wake up” call to re-examine their unspoken assumptions.

THE BATTLE AXE:  Giving Forgiveness? (03/15/2014)—(5.)  To err is human, to forgive is divine, and to only give “lip service” to forgiveness is hypocrisy.  The giving and accepting of apologies pertain to courtesy, etiquette, and social customs.  Many apologize to maintain relationships grounded in feelings.  Forgiveness is always the display of divinity that resides within a believer, and speaks to maintaining right relationship with GOD.  There are many difficult and dangerous challenges that Christian believers must accept.  The necessary work of spreading the Gospel is difficult, and must go forward through one continuing expression of life.  (See John 10:  36-38, KJV.)  While mercy may only appear through judgment, and where there is lawful authority, forgiveness appears where there is perfection (i.e., balance, completeness, distance (we say, impartiality, perspective), and stability).  Consider again how Joseph was not in the place of GOD to condemn or destroy his brothers, yet, he was in position to make visible the divine willingness to forgive (Genesis 50:  15-22, KJV).

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)  Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:  Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:  Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.  And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!  But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:  For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.  And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved:  but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.  Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.  For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.  Behold, I have told you before.  (Matthew 24:  15-25, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  About the Second Coming? (01/18/2014); Unprofitable Servants? (01/19/2014); Recognizing True Prophets (05/02/2013); Jesus, A Party Animal? (05/03/2013); When Jesus Comes Back? (04/19/2013); What’s The Way Out? (04/20/2013)

     Several popular Christian ministries based in the United States are now pursuing the mission of teaching the six signs of the end given by Jesus, the two given by the Apostle Paul, and eleven other occurrences given by the prophets through regularly broadcasting radio and television programs, and providing print media to our Nation, in Jerusalem, and throughout all Israel.  Included are projects from Mike Evans (The Jerusalem Prayer Team), John Haggee (John Haggee Ministries), Perry Stone (Manna Fest), and Irwin Baxter (End Times).  In addition to their raising alarms in response to such current events as the United States demand for peace talks between Israeli and Palestinian leaders, these and other ministries are now preaching many sensitive Old and New Testament prophecies that pertain to the Second Coming of Jesus as Messiah.  Naturally, their methods and motives are coming under scrutiny to the extent they are repeatedly making appeals for funds, and they participate in the cash economy of Israel by sponsoring and conducting holy-land tourism.  However, they also are encountering deeply ingrained and hidden beliefs that appear as Christian prejudice and skepticism, and that can only be removed by correct knowledge of the Gospel.

     Many Christian believers fail to realize that there are Bible prophecies of a third temple to be raised in Jerusalem.  At this very hour, a temple institute exists, and modern day believers in the Covenant are preparing to build and restore the ancient temple.  Many articles for the temple service have been re-created including the Ark of the Covenant.  Christians may have read the many passages and verses that speak to these events numerous times.  However, because their minds were set in a frame to say “Judaism is finished, and does not count anymore,” they did not properly discern the nature of these messages.  Thus, where believers focus on promises from the Book of Revelation, many see the service of Jesus in heaven as our High Priest to be the “third temple;” and are fixed on the promise that there will be no more temple, for mankind will have free access to GOD and to the Lamb. 

     Following are a few points of recurring error and conflict that all should be alert to:

1.  There is a single act a believer may perform that completes and finishes salvation.  Included are reciting the sinner’s prayer; water baptism; making a sizeable financial donation (the $1,000 dollar seed) or tithing; perfect attendance at church functions; study of catechism, or instruction leading to baptism and confirmation; pilgrimage to cathedrals, conferences, holy shrines, Jerusalem, Israel, Rome, or various mega churches.

2.  Christianity is a separate religion; and believers in GOD through Jesus Christ should have nothing to do with Israel, with Jerusalem, or with Jewish people.

3.  There are multiple shared doctrines among the various world belief systems that make them basically the same.  Differences among their methods and practices are primarily a matter of lifestyle and culture. 

4.  The spiritual goals of faith communities are all the same, and should continue to co-exist without conflict despite such diverse labels as Baha’is, Buddhism, Catholicism, Confucianism, Daoism, Hinduism, Islam, Jains, Parsis, Protestants, Shinto, Sikhs, Voodoo, and Zen.

5.  Faith is personal and private, and pertains to ones own salvation and those with whom we have intimate relationship (ones spouse, family, co-workers, friends).

6.  Believers can outgrow all their bad habits and weaknesses without “going public,” or having to make special efforts such as confession, fasting, and prayer.

7.  Christ died at the cross to end the need for all divine law, ritual, ceremony, and tradition.  Believers no longer have to attend church or participate in religious groups.

8.  The actions and writings of scholars have the same spiritual merit and weight as the things shared by those who are strictly churchmen, clerics, or prophets.

9.  Believers are correct to endorse what some call “replacement” theology.  The new covenant church established by Jesus Christ was not supposed to complement and co-exist with the covenant of Moses, and has annulled or destroyed the sacred partnership with the Jews (also called “the law” in the holy writings).

10.  There is no single shared discipline or lifestyle that is to be observed among all believers.  Therefore, no one should be condemned for being different.  All aspects of popular culture and social doctrines addressing economic differences, ethnicity, gender, nationality and race also have place within the Kingdom of GOD.

11.  The same things provided from GOD to bring about gradual and successive spiritual change can also be used to alter carnal, material, and social things.

     There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example (12.)  What ever is held and spoken by a single Christian has been approved and endorsed by all.  All believers have the same authority to acknowledge the authority of GOD, yet, all may not speak as ordained agents of GOD.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

Charity never faileth:  but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.  (1st Corinthians 13:  9, KJV)

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC