(04/03/2016) The Old Self Crucified?

Points are shared on becoming new creatures, divine revelation, salvation, and the cross.  Knowledge for the first pair (Adam) became carnal, material and social centered upon animals, plants and survival in the natural world.  We, today, are in an ongoing process for permanent change whereby mankind is being made fit to endure as a life companion to GOD.  Believers and disciples of Christ are to receive a new frame of mind, identity, name (reputation), sacred vision, and vocation as priests and kings.  Change that begins with hearing the Scriptures, acquiring new information and being filled with sacred knowledge is amplified and increased by performing sacred practices (e.g., praise, prayer, repentance), fellowship with those who are anointed and endowed by GOD, and the replacement of ones inborn spirit.  Sin may dominate awareness and self-will in the living.  While death is effective as a divine tool that can separate the living from sin, death does not eliminate or remove the consequences and continuing effects of sin.  Sin is duplicated and reproduced until the imparted, indwelling spirit from GOD is again the primary origin for feelings, thoughts, motives, and actions.  Hear how this is spoken from the Scriptures, and consider the presentation below:

2nd Corinthians 5:  17-21, King James Version (KJV):  17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:  old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;  19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.  20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us:  we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.  21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Colossians 3:  5-10, KJV:  5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:  6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:  7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.  8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.  9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;  10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

Romans 10:  17, KJV:  17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Galatians 5:  22-25, KJV:  22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  23 Meekness, temperance:  against such there is no law.  24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.  25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.  26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

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

The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Earl” (Level 2 with 380 points, a member since February 09, 2016) posted the following:

 

Romans 6:6. What does it mean that our old selves are crucified with him? I understand a bit, but I’d like some better insight.?

Update:  I think it’s the idea of us being crucified with Him that’s a bit baffling. Of course, it’s not literal, but in what ways ARE we crucified?

Update 2:  Our old selves are CRUCIFIED, though. That’s excruciating. I’m getting the idea of some real personal pain here. Baptism is easy. I don’t know how to interpret it. I feel like it should be obvious but it’s not.

I’m not familiar with metanoia, but it’s that “metaphorical tortuous death, too” that I’m trying to avoid seeing.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;  And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;  And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.  Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour:  for we are members one of another.  Be ye angry, and sin not:  let not the sun go down upon your wrath:  Neither give place to the devil.  Let him that stole steal no more:  but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.  Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.  And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.  Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:  And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.  (Ephesians 4:  22-32, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Heirs of The Cross? (04/01/2016); Divine Meanings and Values? (03/31/2016); A Self-Less Creation? (02/11/2016); Correct Awe and Respect (02/04/2016); Not Through Human Will? (01/29/2016); Called, The 2nd Adam? (01/10/2016); Offspring of GOD? (12/23/2015)

 

“Earl”, the combined operations of sin and profane knowledge have made necessary multiple sacred processes to cleanse, correct, nourish, and preserve the original Creation that includes mankind.  Divinity is being revealed to all created beings and living creatures through events on a cosmic scale that display the character, nature and substance of Deity, who is spirit.  Eternal purposes, existence, divine order, and sacred law appear as abstract and impersonal aspects of revelation, while, adoption, forbearance, forgiveness, and divine love come into view as joining,  intimate relationship, and unification.  Profound divine acts have been introduced such as atonement, covenant, death, Incarnation, rebirth, resurrection, and sanctification.

Permanent changes must be made within mankind and throughout the universe.  Separated from GOD, and dwelling with animals upon the earth, human awareness became less responsive to divinity than it should be.  Because what we think and feel often are repeated and exist as familiar patterns to ourselves, and to others, our attitudes and behavior also repeats, and may become “defining limits.”   Many behave as “creatures of habit” for whom change, growth, further learning and new experience are disruptive, frightening, and threatening.  Because false knowledge and sin appear to be natural and normal parts of oneself, and may not be seen as contrary, foreign, and strange apart from GOD, finite human tools (e.g., intellect, logic, philosophy, science, technology) can not remove the separation of the Creation from the Creator.

What must be altered for one to become a “new creation” in Christ is not merely ones daily routine, habits, lifestyle, and physical existence.  Their makeup and sacred content must become the same as the Savior’s.  Inseparable aspects of Deity should appear such as faith, holiness, longsuffering, purity, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  By appearing in flesh (we say, incarnate), divinity joins to mankind through consciousness of Jesus Christ dying upon the cross.  Going further, the same Spirit that established the platforms of earth and heaven, and was imparted to Adam (both the male and female) as the breath of life, then links those to GOD who make commitment to Christ through baptism (death of ones inborn spirit, rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak). 

Mature Christian believers who count themselves heirs of the cross, and will read this today, also trust that, despite time and space, through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood and truth from the cross are flowing to here and now.  Consider how this appears using language from the Bible:

(1.)  Romans 8:  5-9, King James Version (KJV):  5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.  6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God:  for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.  9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

(2.)  1st Peter 1:  13-16, KJV:  13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;  14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:  15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;  16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 

(3.)  1st Peter 1:  18-21, KJV:  18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;  19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:  20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,  21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  1st Peter 1:  22-24, KJV:  22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:  23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.  24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

 

 

(02/16/2016) Iniquity Forgiven?

Scripture points describing the peculiar class of sin called iniquity are shared, today.  Atonement must be made for iniquity just as for sins committed in ignorance.  Iniquity and sin oppose the continued existence of divine law, the continued existence of GOD the Creator and Law Giver as well as the existence of Creation established by divinity through law.  Iniquity contends against truth, and is therefore labeled as “perverse”.  Given sin operates through awareness and self-will within created beings and living creatures, release and restoration from iniquity requires divine operations to replace the inborn spirit, and establish in its place an imparted Spirit from the makeup of Deity.  Consider the following verses from Scripture and the presentation below:

Matthew 24:  11-13, King James Version (KJV):  11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.  12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.  13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

2nd Thessalonians 2:  7-12, KJV:  7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work:  only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.  8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:  9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,  10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.  11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:  12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

2nd Timothy 2:  19, KJV:  19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

Micah 7:  18-19, KJV:  18 Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.  19 He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.

The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Jakub” (Level 1 with no points shown, a member since October 18, 2015) posted the following:

 

Does God forgive repeated willful sin?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:  Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:  But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.  And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD:  for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD:  for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.  Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is his name:  If those ordinances depart from before me, saith the LORD, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever.  Thus saith the LORD; If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, saith the LORD.  (Jeremiah 31:  31-37, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  All Sin Is Willful? (10/20/2015); Penance? (10/09/2015); Repentance, Sin and Willpower (09/08/2015); Guilt and Ignorance? (12/04/2014); Joined To Christ Through Faith (12/05/2014)

 

“Jakub”, mature Christian believers understand “repeated willful sin” to be what is called “iniquity” in the Bible.  As a peculiar appearance of sin, iniquity is no material or spirit thing, and is no living entity.  Addictions (e.g., alcohol, gambling, sexual promiscuity, speeding), various bad habits—even thumb sucking, scratching, and swearing—and incorrigible behavior showing lack of self-discipline and restraint often have been described as appearances of iniquity.  Imbalance, injustice, and lack of equality for commitment and compliance shown by covenant partners are labeled “iniquity”.  Iniquity is also called “cherished sins,” “hidden sins” and “lust”.  Like “premeditated crimes,” iniquitous sin is not the same in judgment as “sins of ignorance.”  Because associated with counterfeit love, deceit, and false professions of belief, iniquity is often confused with betrayal and hypocrisy.  Forgiveness, repentance, and atonement are divine responses to sin that reveal the power of Deity to reconfigure the character and nature of the living.  Iniquity specially opposes and resists divine love, righteousness, and the operations of the Holy Spirit seen as rebirth and regeneration.  Here are some points to consider, made in the language of verses from the Bible:

(1.)  Proverbs 16:  5-7, King James Version (KJV):  5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD:  though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.  6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged:  and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.

(2.)  Romans 6:  16-19, KJV:  16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?  17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.  18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.  19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh:  for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

(3.)  Titus 2:  11-14, KJV:  11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,  12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;  13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;  14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Matthew 7:  21-23, KJV:  21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.  22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?  23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you:  depart from me, ye that work iniquity.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

 

(10/20/2015) All Sin Is Willful?

Fornication, iniquity, presumption and self-will are in focus, today.  Many of the things accomplished by divinity, provided to mankind, and required of Christian believers have been introduced, not because there was acceptance and understanding of the gifts from GOD, rather, because there was not.  Doctrine and sacred law have been given, and inseparable aspects of the divine makeup have been imparted that have not eliminated sin, yet, makes it more possible to correctly recognize and completely resist sin.  Sin is contrary to the divine nature within the living, yet, continues to appear as natural and normal until challenged through the operations of GOD.  Consider again the following from the Bible, and the points appearing below:  Proverbs 20:  9, King James Version (KJV):  9 Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?  Also 1st John 1:  8, KJV:  8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  Through the Spirit of Christ, mankind is now privileged to acknowledge salvation by his victories over antichrist spirits, death, bad habits, ignorance of divinity, and all manner of unrighteousness:  1st John 4:  4, KJV:  4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them:  because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.  A  writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Jim” (Level 1 with 62 points, a member since September 25, 2015) posted the following:

What exactly makes a sin willful? Isn’t every sin willful?

Update: Can we be forgiven for it?

Update 2: The reason is because i have willfully sinned many times (sexual sin) and I was wondering if god doesn’t want to forgive me anymore, I feel as if I don’t have a connection with him anymore, I feel empty inside.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot?  God forbid.  What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.  But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.  Flee fornication.  Every sin that a man doeth is without the  body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.  What? know ye not that the body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?  For ye are bought with a price:  therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.  (1st Corinthians 6:  15-20, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Mistakes In Youth? (08/24/2015); Guilt and Ignorance? (12/04/2014); Some People Are Just Bad? (08/24/2014); Sermons About Good Sex? (08/25/2014); Joined To Christ Through Faith (12/05/2014); We Are Still Sinning? (11/30/2013); Like a Thief? (12/01/2014)

“Jim”, perhaps your pastor or one of the mature believers close to you may better serve you, and share with you the personal counseling you seem to be in need of.  Meanwhile, I can share these points:  Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Law Giver, and all divine order generated and maintained through law.  Deliberate and persistent sin is called iniquity (i.e., imbalance; inequality in and violation of covenant) and presumption (i.e., exercising authority that lawfully belongs to another; taking someone’s place without their permission; identity theft). When one sins through ignorance of the law or lack of knowledge regarding sacred customs and practices, they may be forgiven, yet, the blood of atonement still must be applied for their right-standing with GOD to be restored.  While sin has not been created by divinity, is no material thing or object having spirit matter, sin may dominate awareness and self-will within created beings and living creatures.  Through sin, separation from GOD intended for independence and integrity of being becomes exaggerated and distorted to appear as enmity, rebellion, and self-destruction.  In sexual joining, a person risks fornication, where their own spirit is defiled by being joined through their sexual partner to spirits of others who are not physically present.  Depression, inner conflict among multiple spirits, and self-contradiction may appear as well as uncharacteristic attitudes, behavior and conduct.  Here are some points to consider that may help you avoid further error and spiritual confusion:

(1.)  Numbers 25:  29-31, King James Version (KJV):  29 Ye shall have one law for him that sinneth through ignorance, both for him that is born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them.  30 But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the LORD:  and that soul shall be cut off from among his people.  31 Because he hat despised the word of the LORD, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him.

(2.)  Proverbs 24:  9, KJV:  9 The thought of foolishness is sin:  and a scorner is an abomination to men.

(3.)  Proverbs 28:  13, KJV:  13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper:  but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Proverbs 25:  28, KJV:  28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(06/07/2015) Making Sin Appear as Sinful?

Today, focus is upon the sacred work of exposing sin in order to benefit and release others, and how it is different from that of condemning (some say, judging) others.  In a sense, a person’s sins are like the back of their head, their eyebrows, or their chin.  It’s personal:  The features of your head are always a part of you, that you rarely see directly (at best you see depictions, images and reflections).  Others see all the features of your face, even, often including inside you (through your ears, mouth and nose).  Similarly, like your faults and habits, your sins hidden from you will be on view to others.  Those who complain when they are challenged to acknowledge and reject their sins are like those who look in the mirror, then, smash the looking glass because they did not like what they saw in it.  They are satisfied that the mirror is destroyed, rather, than pleased that necessary change has been made, or that the sin is eliminated.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” who use the ID “Anonymous” (the required profile info is not shared) posted the following:

 

Christians?

Why are Christians so quick to call out someones sin when the bible clearly says we all sin and if you break one you are guilty of all? The bible also says you will be judged as you judged others.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.  Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain:  and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.  And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.  Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;  Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.  (James 5:  16-20, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Judge Thy Neighbor? (02/15/2015); On Christians Executing Judgment (06/06/2014); Stoning in the OT? (06/07/2014); Suffering Circumcision? (06/08/2014); We Shall Behold Him (10/17/2013); Angels, Law and Sin (10/18/2013)

 

“Anonymous”, consider the following points:

(1.)  Christian believers are called to participate in a lifestyle as spiritual priests and kings that focuses in demonstrations from the Spirit presence of divinity.  For many, this new life (we say, rebirth) is not embraced and understood always as sacred duty, or obligation to GOD.  However, all must respond to continuing elements of accountability, commandment, commitment, integrity of being, lawful expression, and eternal purpose.

(2.)  Sin is an influence hidden and invisible to created beings and living creatures, for it does not exist as a concrete,  material or physical object having measurable dimensions of height, weight, volume, etc.  Sin may dominate awareness and self-will in the living, yet, sin has no life essence, spirit content, or value as an appearance of divine will.  Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the exalted Law Giver, and the universe displaying divine order as a consequence of law.

(3.)  Sin may be disguised as ordinary appearances of appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, sexual cravings), sensation (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching), and emotional/mental functions (e.g., anger, fantasy, fear, imagination, recall).  As a result, sin is not properly recognized as contrary to ones own spirit makeup, hostile to Deity, and absolutely self-destructive.

(4.)  For all who are born-again believers, identifying, uncovering, and addressing the problems within the household of GOD upon the earth is a sacred benefit and a privilege shared along with atonement, confession, covenant, divine law, promise and prophecy.  The “exceeding sinfulness of sin” revealed through sacred knowledge and godly practices also is to be revealed through the intimate relationship as sons and daughters of GOD and as heirs with Jesus Christ.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually taken into account.  (For example, (5.)  The sacred process is not one of monitoring everyone’s mistakes, nit-picking, harping on wrongdoing, or repeatedly highlighting depravity and scandal.  Rather, new life in Christ is one of being constant, speaking the truth in love, appearing as transparent, and maintaining vigilance for one another’s salvation.)  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

(02/23/2015) Deliverance A Benefit Of Salvation?

Today, points are shared showing that the removal of bad habits, self-destructive behavior and uncleanness also are necessary aspects of salvation.  Many Christian believers continue to be challenged by health problems associated with diet, food, and poverty; and the many divine operations for our salvation along with our transformation to continue with Christ as immortal and incorruptible are not yet completed and fully in place.  The sacred gifts that have been received include those that equip believers to abide and persevere (e.g., forgiveness, joy, longsuffering, patience).  Presently, those who are born again have only an earnest of the Spirit, (we say, a good-faith deposit; a down-payment; an installment; an initial portion) of what we are to receive that establishes eternal life.  Even so, believers are given enough to continue in such ongoing process for permanent change as acquiring spiritual knowledge, fellowship among the elect, practice of sacraments, praise, and prayer.  A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using “quaz” as their ID (Level 7 with 66,639 points, a member since February 26, 2010) attacked using the following errors:

 

Why do christians have the notion that giving up some harmful activity is the same as salvation?

true they have the experience. but god’s activity of saving has nothing to do with our experience.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For we are saved by hope:  but hope that is seen is not hope:  for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?  But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.  Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities:  for we know not what we should pray for as we ought:  but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.  Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called:  and whom he called, them he also justified:  and whom he justified, them he also glorified.  What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?  He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?  Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.  Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.  (Romans 8:  24-34, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Masturbation and Religion? (02/01/2015); Life Choices (12/14/2013); That Mortal Children Die? (12/15/2013); Salvation is Conditional? (01/30/2014); Lower-case or Capital? (01/31/2014); What Salvation Is (01/25/2014); Bible Justice? (01/26/2014); GOD Intervenes? (07/01/2013); Lot and the Angels (05/04/2014); Expulsion from Eden (05/05/2014); Jericho Justified? (07/02/2013); When Jesus Comes Back? (04/19/2013); What’s The Way Out? (04/20/2013)

 

“quaz”, here are a few points to consider based upon the platforms for stable Christian belief that appear in the holy writings.  All believers are called to perform service and work that require soundness of body, mind and spirit:

(1.)  From Mark 12:  26-27, KJV (26 And as touching the dead, that they rise:  have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?  27 He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living:  ye therefore do greatly err.)  The many eternal purposes of divinity for created beings and living creatures are understood as agreeing in a putting forth of existence, life, active presence, and unique person.

(2.)  From Mark 12:  29-31, KJV (29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:  30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength:  this is the first commandment.  31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.)  Continuing relationship is to appear through covenant, exchange, interaction, and sharing made possible by the living serving as vessels of spirit content from the makeup of Deity.  Included are such aspects of divinity as faith, forgiveness, holiness, joy, longsuffering, love, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

(3.)  From 1st Corinthians 6:  12-13, KJV (12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient:  all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.  13 Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats:  but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.)  Addictions, extremes of appetite, and unclean habits result from bondage to sin that opposes acknowledgment of divine law, the Law Giver, the processes of health and wholeness for the living, the processes for praise and worship, and the continued existence of a universe maintained through divine order.

(4.)  From 1st Corinthians 6:  18-20, KJV (18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.  19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?  20 For ye are bought with a price:  therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.)  Sexual joining is always on multiple levels such as the emotional, the physical, the psychological, and the spiritual.  For this reason, ones inborn spirit may become confounded and defiled through the unseen spirits within a sex partner.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  From 1st Corinthians 3:  16-17, KJV (16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?  17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.)  Believers must acknowledge the uninterrupted presence of GOD within.  Granting deliverance and life more abundantly, Christ also is known as “the Chainbreaker” having authority and power to release the spirit within believers from all conflicting and destroying influences.)  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

(02/01/2015) Masturbation and Religion?

Appetite, pornography, repentance, and human sexuality are in view, today.  In the same way we count it wisdom that we do not eat or drink everything we can put into our mouths, it is wisdom not to surrender our minds and bodies to every human feeling and impulse.  Masturbation is not simply a “bad habit” or physical act—it is a framework of exchange and interaction within relationship.  Thus, those who selfishly use their partner in marriage are practicing masturbation.  Where masturbation can not be separated from selfishness, it is a subtle (barely visible; unseen) influence whereby marriages may result in divorce.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “usrnameunav” (a member since January 07, 2009; Level 1 with 123 points) posted the following:

 

Masturbation and religon.?

Ok, so today I went to confession and confessed my sins, particularly masturbation and watching pornographic material. I usually confess every few weeks and for the same things, sexual sins. Well, I confessed today because I wanted to receive the host tomorrow at church. Well after being out all day, when I got home and was relaxing in bed, I unconsciously started looking at naked girls pictures on my phone and began to touch myself. Then the thought of confession came into my head and I immediately stopped, I realized what I was doing. I unconsciously was masturbating, but immediately stopped when I realized what I was doing. So my question is, since I committed the act unconsciously, did I commit sin, and am I still able to receive the host tomorrow at church or do I need to confess again before I receive it?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well.  Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets.  Let them be only thine own, and not strangers’ with thee.  Let thy fountain be blessed:  and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.  Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.  And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?  For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.  His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.  He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.  (Proverbs 5:  15-23, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Sermons About Good Sex? (08/25/2014); About Good Sermons? (08/26/2014); Denying GOD by Eating Shrimp? (11/17/2013); The Dead in Christ? (11/18/2013); The Church as a Bride? (05/15/2013); How Do I Repent? (05/16/2013); A GOD of Love? (05/07/2013); Commanding the Storm? (05/08/2013); Pornography from the Bible? (11/26/2012); More Than Salvation (11/27/2012); Appetite (10/14/2010); Why Clothing? (10/15/2010)

 

“usrnameunav”, here are a few points to consider that must also be shared with those who acknowledge the death of Jesus upon the cross for the benefit of those who would receive Him:

(1.)   Those outside the church are not able to give the advice that comes from Christ by the Holy Spirit.  Such persons only give advice and counsel against the holy writings, against the things provided from GOD for new life as followers of Jesus, and against the imparted Spirit that now resides in you.

(2.)  You are one who is entered into Christ, and He into you through baptism (death of ones inborn spirit, rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak).  The things of your spirit are permanently changed, yet, the things of your flesh, or the material and social world remain the same.  Just as humans are born experiencing hunger and thirst, we also have sexual cravings until death.  Appetite can not be dismissed simply by using intellect, logic, mathematics and science.  Yet, we can use “common sense,” discernment, discipline and regimen to make those choices for when and how we respond to any urgings.

(3.)  Born again, all believers also must “grow up again” by applying their own awareness and self-will to meet the challenges of life upon the earth.  All will be tested, and endure “growing pains.”  Coming into maturity and perfection is a gradual process, and there are many points where a believer will “hunger” for intervention and the active presence of GOD.  Ones spiritual appetite is to be answered through fellowship with other believers, praise, prayer, study of the holy writings, and  unselfish service.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  You are not ignorant of the process shared by the church, and you need ask no questions from others regarding what your own personal faith and understanding demands from you.  Your act of “penance” to rejoin with Christ before the Father seems to require that you control your environment, and remove the things excite generate unwanted excitement.  For all (male and female), it is not because we don’t enjoy our sexuality; it is because we do that we must exercise care.  All porn pertains to the snare of prostitution, and quickly becomes addictive.  More than this, all sexual joining is not physical; and will always be emotional, psychological, and spiritual as well.  Thereby, the defilement and destruction that comes by fornication is being joined to unseen spirits.  Thus, the bottom line for believers has to be something like this:  I know what I want for my Self; what do I want for Christ.  I know what Christ wants for me; I know what He has already done for me.  I know what I can do for me; what shall I do to acknowledge Him.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to the measure of your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/22/2013) When People Covet

Covetousness and divine law are topics, today.  Also, there is more on resisting sin.  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers New Zealand” using the ID “2FollowHim” (Level 7 with 72,848 points, a member since 25 January 2010) posted the following originally asked at Yahoo Answers Canada:

 

Christians, why does God say in the commandments ‘do not covet’?
I believe what God puts forward has good reasons, and we can know
them if we think about it.

What is wrong with ‘coveting’?

What happens when people do covet?

 

THE BATTLE AXE:  Resisting Sin (12/21/2013)— (5.)  That we strive against sin in our individual life does not separate us from divine love.  Rather, the struggle supplies a language and comprehension that serves as a common focus for our communication and sharing with the Almighty.  Our Father in heaven cares, and lives in us and through us, just as parents oversee the development and achievement of artistic or athletic, and other skills in their children, take pride in their accomplishments, and commiserate with them in their disappointments and failures.  In the same way those coming under alcohol addiction deny being overcome and made subordinate, men typically are unaware, and deny operating under the influence of sin.  Many will concede and confess that they want a changed life, and need to do things differently.  There can be no enduring or lasting change until they first acknowledge the their need is to return to GOD.  (6.)  For Christian believers the process of destroying sinful habits begins in prayer, however, not by calling for deliverance and complaining for relief.   The desired change can not be achieved from the operation of ones self-will; escaping, and going outside of ones self is necessary.  Saying this another way, the self must be exposed and seen unadorned.  What is only inside, must continually appear outside as personal, demanding action, and unavoidable until right action is taken.  Thus, a person must use thoughts and words to focus, frame and materialize their own intent.  The intent is then repeated speaking aloud to oneself, repeated in public declaration, and maintained in print (using such devices as promissory notes, pledge cards, goal statements, progress charts, and action check lists).  The intent must be carried into daily and regular action that responds to a specific person or group (e.g., agents of the church, and the Lord), who serve as a “co-laborer” and “fellow-traveler” that will accompany one in their journey.  With prophecy (i.e., comfort, edification, exhortation), carefully selected companions provide correction, encouragement, feedback, perspective and witness that arises from outside of oneself, and from the Spirit of GOD.  The believer must exist within an environment that continually reflects godly intent.  (See Romans 6:  3-5, Ephesians 4:  22-32 and 2nd Corinthians 5:  17, KJV.)

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.  And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?  And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness:  for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.  (Luke 12:  13-15, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Balaam (10/15/2013); My Brother’s Keeper (04/05/2013); Issues for Children’s Church? (04/06/2013); Prosperity Destroys Fools (09/25/2012); Life and Death (09/26/2012)

 

“2FollowHim”, here are a few points useful to Christian believers:

(1.)  To “covet” is to repeatedly direct and fix ones attention (i.e., their feelings and thoughts) upon some carnal, non-spiritual event or material object.  A broad mix of mental and physical activity results that may include various combinations of conflict, envy, fantasy, greed, imagination, lust, passion, self-destruction, and wastefulness.

(2.)  As sin, covetousness opposes the continued existence of divine law, of divine person, and of all that has been created by GOD.  Sin is no carnal, material, or spirit “thing” that exists; yet, sin may dominate awareness and self-will in created beings and living creatures.  Sin does not respond to human logic, reason, or science; and can not be eliminated or totally remove without divine operations that overturn the existing universe of GOD.  Those who covet “forget GOD.”

(3.)  Most TV advertising calls covetousness into operations; and seeks to arouse a desire for goods and products even when they are not needed, or useful.  To desire an object you see because another person has it, to want one better than theirs, and to want one “better” than what you possess is often no more than covetousness.  Similarly, continual dissatisfaction with oneself, ones education, ones employment, ones own home, marriage and relationships also can be the expression of covetousness.

There is far more to be said, properly shared, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4.)  Apart from sacred law and the many provisions of GOD that now include the imparted, indwelling Spirit, humans are not capable of recognizing sin as contrary and foreign to their inherited nature.  Because sin arises from within, it appears to be an acceptable, authentic and harmless part of ones true self.  One of the basic causes of war is covetousness.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.

There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.  The desire of a man is his kindness:  and a poor man is better than a liar.  (Proverbs 19:  21-22, KJV)

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(12/15/2013) That Mortal Children Die?

Death, divine love, and the consequences of life choices are topics, today.  A writer at “Yahoo! 7 Answers” (Australia) using the ID “Just wondering” (Level 6 with 14,287 points, 11 June 2009) posted the following:

 

1 year ago 20 innocent children died in Newtown Ct. Where was a loving god to protect them?

Newtown is but 1 example that demonstrates that such a god does not exist.

Additional Details

Perhaps you are correct Amanda and I apologize to the families should they read this.

 

THE BATTLE AXE:  Life Choices (12/14/2013)—Rightly understood, a believer’s decision to follow Christ as a disciple, and to serve as one who proclaims his teaching through their daily living is a choice to willingly continue within a relationship based upon trust and truth, not upon temporal circumstances, conditions, and events that change over time.  Many would not dare to show certain attitudes and behavior in front of their children, their parents, or their spouse.  However, they fail to realize they often display cheap, crude, offensive, tasteless, and wasteful behavior before GOD.  For this reason, in addition to transgression and violation of divine law, sin must come to be understood as the violation of ones commitment and covenant, of ones conscience, of ones integrity, and of ones own word of promise.  Where you truly believe your conduct and habits are acceptable, and make possible the highest expressions of love and respect to GOD, there is no need for you to seek change.  Where you truly believe you can learn more, do more, share more, seek change and blessing from GOD by increased fellowship with other believers, by prayer for endowments of the Holy Spirit, and by continued study of the holy writings.  (See Job 5:  17-24, 1st Corinthians 11:  32-33, 1st John 3:  19-21 and Romans 14:  22, KJV.)

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.  And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?  I tell you, Nay:  but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.  Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?  I tell you, Nay:  but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.  (Luke 13:  1-5, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Power of Death? (10/01/2013); Divine Love Revealed? (10/02/2013); Feeling Loved By GOD? (06/16/2013); To Find A True Christian (06/17/2013); Must We Really Die? (05/13/2013); Can GOD Die? (05/14/2013); Death Has Been Transformed (05/09/2013); Loving the Enemy? (05/10/2013); Emotional Appeal? (04/02/2013); Life Given by Knowledge (04/03/2013); A Slaughter of Innocents (12/15/2012); Signs of Messianic Belief (12/16/2012)

 

“Just wondering”, here are a few points of understanding you appear to lack that are widely held among committed Christian believers:

(1.)  The existence of corruption and death among mortal beings do not derive from divine substance, sacred operations, and eternal purpose apart from other truths that proclaim and reveal divine love.  Death can not stop GOD from receiving those children and adults who love him.

(2.)  GOD is a spirit who, in the earth realm, appears in carnal and material person (we say, flesh—through people like me and you) within the created beings and living creatures generated from himself.

(3.)  The operations of nonmaterial, non-spirit sin make it that all life in the earth is “at risk.”  Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, of Divine Person, and of all that has been created of GOD.  Yet, sin may dominate awareness and self-will in the living.  Where sin does not appear as contrary and strange to a person’s nature, sin appears as acceptable and normal, and so there is no resistance to sin.

(4.)  The spirit from GOD provided in the ministry of Jesus Christ, establishes a new nature within believers that recognizes and responds to divine love.  GOD must be within you, love must be within us, and others like us, before we can accept the duty and privilege of protecting the innocent, being strong for the poor, being righteous and truthful to all.

There is far more to be said, correctly shared, and spiritually understood.  For example, (5.)  In a sense, until a sinner confesses a need for the permanent changes that GOD provides for their life, the sinner does not exist.  GOD will exist without him, his belief, his respect.  The sinner will not exist as part of the church, the family of GOD, the kingdom of GOD.  Believers in Christ are also the proof for that, and an evidence of sacred things unseen to those who disbelieve.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.  Jesus is coming.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC