(11/29/2020) Our Correct Sacred Priorities?

Correctness of members judging the clergy and others within the church, and the priority for clergy preaching the gospel compared to performing “good works” are topics, today. While all believers are to demonstrate and display the love of GOD, all are not called to serve as pulpit preachers. Those who talk about you yet do not speak with you can never correctly know the full extent of what you suffer for Christ, or the specific works he has chosen and fitted you to fulfill. Many within the church mistakenly regard works that are priority among those in the world as somehow vital to redemption and salvation. Such believers focus heavily on the giving of alms, ministering to families, relieving others in their distress and suffering, and devoting oneself to programs for change and social justice. They neglect the preaching of the cross; the needs for rebirth, sanctification, and reconciliation; and the necessity that all members of the church are to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ within their own lifestyles and daily routines. It is written: 1^st Corinthians 1: 17-24, King James Version (KJV): 17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. The user in “Yahoo! Answers” Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Sparkles” (Level 1 with 204 points) posted the following:

Should a pastor spend more time helping the homeless on Sunday mornings rather than preaching inside the church?

My dad is a fundamental Baptist pastor, and recently he’s been spending his sunday mornings helping the homelesss rather than preaching his sermons. Some members of our church committee have suggested that he should spend more time preaching and let the missionaries take care of the homeless.

Updated 20 mins ago:

My dad believes helping the homeless is more important since he is sharing the gospel with the unsaved, and most homeless people are willing to listen.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. (2^nd Corinthians 11: 23-30, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Power We Receive (11/19/2020); Made Perfect By Divinity (11/10/2020); 22 Years Spent Preparing (05/20/2020); The Testimony From GOD (10/22/2019); How Can Christians Preach? (09/25/2019); Giving To The Homeless (03/13/2019); The Answer From GOD (05/19/2017)

“Sparkles”, Christian believers are to demand perfection from themselves before demanding perfection from the clergy or other members of the church. Because the workings of divinity are Spirit in process and substance, many in the church can become confounded and deceived by things that are human concerns and that do not express sacred law, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. There are those who mean well, yet, they continue to behave as instruments of the flesh (e.g., appetite, sensation (such as hearing, seeing, tasting, touching), and emotion/mental operations (e.g., anger, fear, imagination, recall) ). Putting aside the issue of whether you accept that your father has been ordained and is in a peculiar relationship with Jesus Christ as his head, your duty and responsibilities as a member in his flock do not include proclaiming his condemnation, performing judgment, or the posing of questions about his competence. Developing Christian believers must come to acknowledge that salvation is through acts of GOD such as baptism whereby a sinner’s inborn spirit dies, is buried, and is raised from the dead in rebirth and resurrection. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) Romans 14: 4, King James Version (KJV): 4 Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.

(2.) 2^nd Corinthians 10: 12, KJV: 12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

(3.) Luke 16: 10-15, KJV: 10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. 11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? 12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own? 13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. 14 And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him. 15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Romans 14: 16-23, KJV: 16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of: 17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. 18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. 19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. 20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. 21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. 22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. 23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(02/06/2020) Godliness Characterizes Authentic Humanity

 

Today, reply is on whether the Bible promotes slavery. GOD does not extend redemption and salvation to men on the basis of human accomplishments, economic and social status, ethnic origin or race. The Scriptures teach that mankind was created to exist as a companion to immortal, incorruptible, invisible divinity. Authentic humanity as put forth by the Creator is to display godliness, obedience, and the many inseparable aspects of divine fullness that were imparted as life essence. Included are faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. The holy writings have been provided to mankind on the earth even within cultures and nations where the enslavement of others were practiced as acceptable, commonplace, and necessary to maintain institutions for government, prosperity, geopolitical stability, and warfare along with management of ones own business, family, and household. Scripture provides a detailed picture of the human condition that has resulted through the operations of sin. GOD has not yet eliminated sin, and mankind is presently in a divine process of redemption and salvation wherein the living become the new creation. Through rebirth, repentance, and renewal, sinners are endowed to become mature and ripe for harvest by Jesus Christ at his appearing (i.e., the Advent; the Rapture; the Second Coming). All are to endure life challenges on the earth generated by mechanical process, natural law, the Flesh, the World, and other belief systems. The broad range of living experience includes affliction, bereavement, chance occurrences, disappointments, discovery, duty, gradual growth, hardship, imprisonment, inequality, forms of servitude, poverty, sexuality, social injustice, suffering, and the unexpected. Sacred knowledge and divine tools have been given mankind that allow men more correctly to recognize, reject, resist, and recover from the operations of sin. It is written: 2^nd Timothy 1: 7-10, King James Version (KJV): 7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shared) posted the following:

 

Does the Bible promote slavery?

 

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

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Visibility of GOD (01/20/2020); I Am So Satisfied (12/18/2019); Worshiping A Man-made Object (11/04/2019); Christ Displayed Authentic Humanity (10/09/2019); Was Creation A Failure? (05/13/2019); (08/22/2019) Comfort Through New Life; Continuing and Refreshing Creation (04/01/2019); Salvation Through Jesus Christ (03/25/2019)

 

“Anonymous”, mature Christian believers will agree that the holy writings describe the perfected human condition, the life process for the offspring of Adam that is acceptable to GOD, and the elements of mature, authentic humanity. These have been demonstrated through the appearance of divinity on the earth using flesh and the physical form of mankind (i.e., by the Incarnation as Jesus Christ.) The living descendants of the first pair are to display the image of GOD; and as believers and followers of Jesus, they are to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Christ. The errors of ethnic arrogance, covetousness, dehumanization, exaggerated pride, racism, slavery, human trafficking, and violence against one another appear through the operations of sin that oppose the continued existence of sacred law, the Lawgiver, and the universe that is an expression of divine dominion, inarguable prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of divine fullness (i.e., the Creator; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit).

While divinity created the heaven and the earth, and has established mortality as a condition for human existence, a World system of belief has been created by mankind that is intended to ensure human communication, exchange, longevity, movement for populations, and survival. The World system operates relying on such finite tools as intellect, logic, philosophy, carnal reason, science, and technology. The Bible provides a record of divinity appearing on the earth through thousands of events, within thousands of lives, over the course of thousands of years. The system of Christian belief provided by the Scriptures detail guidance, meanings, standards and values for the continued existence of mankind; promote the acknowledgment of divinity as an active presence; and continues the sacred transformation of mankind to become immortal and incorruptible through spiritual process and endowments of divine substance imparted from the makeup of GOD.

While mankind now must face life conditions on the earth that include aging, chance occurrences, disease, death, and uncertainty, divinity has provided mechanisms for godly living that alter, suppress, and in many instances reverse the operations of sin that appear as affliction, crisis, hardship, suffering, and tragedy. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and the music selection from the music ministry of the The Heralds:

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

(2.) 1^st Corinthians 7: 18-24, KJV: 18 Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised. 19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. 20 Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. 21 Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. 22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant. 23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. 24 Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.

(3.) Colossians 3: 8-14, KJV: 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: 11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. 12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

(4.) Colossians 3: 22-25, KJV: 22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God; 23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_UuIoxuLT8.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

 

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(12/16/2019) Presuming To Judge Others?

A depiction of the Parable of the Talents

 

Today, reply is on a parable from Jesus Christ that speaks to condemning and presuming on those having lawful authority who become attacked and slandered when they act to build and show trust to others. Being afraid and fear are very different from being correctly in awe, having respect, and showing due reverence. In the same way some despise their own parents, many express ingratitude and resentment against divinity failing to realize they are practicing forms of blasphemy, self-destruction, slander, violence, and transgression of sacred law. A servant who was shown respect and trust by his master, went so far in error, he declared that his master would find what was due him in the grave (hell). It is written: Luke 12: 42-48, King James Version (KJV): 42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? 43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. 45 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; 46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. 47 And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. Lukas 12: 42-48, Orthodox Jewish Bible (OJB): 42 And HaAdon said, Who then is the sochen haneeman and navon (faithful and wise steward) whom HaAdon will appoint over his avadim to give them their okhel (food) allowance at the proper time? 43 Ashrey is that eved, whom, having come, his Adon will find doing thus. 44 Omein, I say to you, that he will appoint him over all that he has. 45 But if that eved says in his lev, Adoni delays to come to me, and if that eved begins to beat the avadim (servants) and the shfakhot (maid servants), and to gluttonize and get down in his schnapps, 46 HaAdon of that eved will come on a day which he does not expect and at an hour of which he does not have da’as, and will cut him in pieces and assign him the portion of the Apikoros with the koferim (unbelievers). 47 That eved, who had daas of the ratzon of his Adon and did not get prepared or do according to his ratzon, will be beaten with a klap (blow) and not a few. [DEVARIM 25:2] 48 But the one not having had daas, but having done things worthy of a klap, will receive but a few. But to everyone to whom much was given, much will be required from him, and to whom was entrusted much, even more achraius (accountability) will be required. [VAYIKRA 5:17; BAMIDBAR 15:27-30] One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “olam hazeh… ‘olam haba” (Level 7 with 58,929 points) posted the following:

 

Why was The Servant punished for fearing The Master?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12: 32, KJV)

Do not have pachad (terror, fear), Eder Katan (Little Flock), because it is the ratzon, the chefetz (desire) of your Av [shbaShomayim] to give you the Malchut. (Lukas 12: 32, OJB)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Willingness To Forgive Others? (05/24/2019); Doing The Devil’s Work? (02/21/2019); Applying The Divine Standards (10/02/2018); Ye That Work Iniquity (09/24/2018); The Relationship As Servant (06/03/2018); “Occupy Till I Come” (08/30/2017); Opinions and Thought Crimes? (08/25/2017); Called To Be Servants? (11/25/2015)

 

“olam hazeh… ‘olam haba”, a parable (object lesson) was used by Jesus Christ to clarify the operations and substance describing the kingdom of GOD that, like the divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit), is spirit in image, character, nature, and possibilities. A servant was entrusted with a sum of money, and this provided him with an opportunity to please the master. More than this, it gave the servant opportunity to display his willingness to be held accountable, his gratitude, and his otherwise unseen purpose to be an asset or liability bringing honor or disrespect to the master. Not only did the servant repeat insults others had made against his master who provided him with food, shelter and meaningful activity (work), he behaved with presumption (i.e., as one who could appoint himself as a legitimate authority to condemn another). Our fear that derives from the aspects of flesh (e.g., appetite; sensation; emotion/mind) is worthless, does not edify (build up understanding), and does not justify enmity, excuse-making, ignorance, judging others, laziness, or selfishness. Consider again the following that uses language from the holy writings, and a selection from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

(1.) Matthew 25: 22-30, King James Version (KJV): 22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. 23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. 26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: 27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. 28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. 29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. 30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Mattiyahu 25: 22-30, Orthodox Jewish Bible (OJB): 22 And having come forward, the one having received two talents, said, You bestowed upon me two talents. Hinei! Two more talents I gained. 23 His Adon said to him, Shkoyach (well done), eved tov vneeman! A few things you were faithful over, over many things I will ordain you. Enter into the simcha of your Adon. 24 And also the one who had received one talent stepped forward. He said, Adoni, I knew that you are a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering from that which you did not scatter seed. 25 And having been afraid and having gone away, I hid your talent by burying it in the ground. Here, see, you have that which belongs to you. 26 And, in reply, his Adon said to him, You farbissener (mean) eved rah vatzel (wicked and lazy slave), so you had daas that I reap where I did not sow and I gather from which I did not scatter seed? 27 Then why was it not necessary for you to deposit my gelt with the bankers, and having returned, I would have received back that which was mine with interest? 28 Take, therefore, from him the talent and give it to the one having the ten talents. 29 For to every one having, it will be given and he will have abundance; but from the one not having, even what he has will be taken from him. 30 And as for the useless slave, throw him into the outer choshech, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.

(2.) Luke 6: 36-38, KJV: 36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. 37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: 38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

Lukas 6: 36-38, OJB: 36 Be anashim of rachamanut (compassion) just as also your Elohim HaAv is merciful. [TEHILLIM 103:8] 37 Judge not, lest you be judged. And do not condemn, and by no means may you be condemned. If you pardon with mechila (forgiveness), you will be pardoned with selicha (forgiveness). 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, having been pressed down and having been shaken, overflowing, will be put into your kheyk (lap). For by what measure you measure it will be measured in return to you. [Ps 79:12; Isa 65:6,7]

(3.) Matthew 12: 31-33, KJV: 31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. 32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. 33 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.

Mattityahu 12: 31-33, Orthodox Jewish Bible (OJB): 31 Therefore, I say to you, every chet (sin) and gidduf (blasphemy) will be forgiven men, but whoever commits Chillul Hashem against the Ruach Hakodesh will not be forgiven. 32 And whoever speaks a word against the Ben HaAdam [Moshiach] will be granted selicha (forgiveness), but whoever speaks against the Ruach Hakodesh, selicha will not be granted him either in the Olam Hazeh or in the Olam Habah. 33 Either make the etz (tree) tov (good) and its pri (fruit) will be tov, or make the etz nishchat (corrupt) and its pri will be rah; for by its pri the etz is known.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Xxl9Wk3idA.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

 

Orthodox Jewish Bible (OJB) Copyright © 2002, 2003, 2008, 2010, 2011 by Artists for Israel International

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(01/24/2019) Christians Are Following Jesus

 

Today, reply is on whether those who follow Jesus Christ also are commanded within the Bible to worship him as God. In addition to divine law that is the expressed will of GOD, the followers of Jesus will carry out, conform to, embody and obey divine principles, proclamations, and prophecy; sacred doctrine; the imperatives of faith; and promptings by the imparted, indwelling Spirit. Christ is exalted and shown reverence throughout the Scriptures using various descriptive names and titles (e.g., seed of the woman; Immanuel; Messiah; the son of man; Alpha and Omega). While the full revelation of GOD does center specifically in the incarnation of divine substance as Jesus Christ, the eternal purpose of his ministry on the earth is not to be thought of as self-promotion. Created beings and living creatures are to be aware of, discover, and even experience the divinity of Jesus from the time of his conception and being announced by an angel to the woman through whom he was born to the time of his appearing for the harvest (the Advent; the Rapture; the Second Coming). A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Faez” (Level 1 with 101 points, a member since September 10, 2018) posted the following:

 

Jesus said not to worship Him, in Revelation 22:9, Mark 7:7, Mathew 15:9. Then why are Christians not following Jesus?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth? Seeing thou hatest instruction, and casteth my words behind thee. When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst with him, and hast been partaker with adulterers. Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit. Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother; thou slanderest thine own mother’s son. These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes. Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver. Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God. (Psalms 50: 16-23, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: We Have To Believe? (01/06/2019); Divinity Embodied In Flesh (12/30/2018); By Reading The Bible? (11/18/2018); New Commandments From Christ? (06/05/2018); Avoiding Confusion About Antichrist (11/08/2017); Without the Divine Image? (10/15/2017); Tools For Knowing Divinity (05/12/2017); Martyrdom and Tribulation? (09/30/2015)

 

Faez, what it means “to follow Jesus” goes beyond literal obedience to his spoken commands that are recorded in the Bible. His disciples are to appear as incarnations and members of his body; they are to display the image of GOD, and continually manifest Christ-likeness. Those who are mature members of the church that Jesus Christ has created will fulfill sacred duties and divine possibilities provided through a new relationship wherein created beings and living creatures are to permanently exist as companions to divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). Sinners are to receive rebirth and exist as the new creation by containing fresh endowments of life essence (we say, breath; spirit; word) imparted from the character, makeup and nature of GOD. Included are faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, sacred knowledge, wisdom, and wrath against sin. In the same way no one has to beg for what those who love them willingly want to offer and share, divinity does not have to command, demand, and require praise, reverence or worship from those who willingly follow and serve. Such things appear as expressions of gratitude, joy, respect, and reverence. Consider again the following that uses language from the holy writings:

1. John 7: 16-18, King James Version (KJV): 16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. 17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. 18 He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.

2. 2^nd John 6-7, KJV: 6 And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. 7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

3. 2^nd John 9-11, KJV: 9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. Romans 8: 5-9, KJV: 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(09/07/2018) Doctrine, Dropsy, and Sin

A Donkey In a Ditch photo shared by Lutheran Church of the Resurrection

 

Today, reply is on an account of a healing by Jesus Christ that exposes the difference between the authority of law given by GOD and the authority of doctrine and teaching from spiritual men and their traditions.  Many have insisted that the highest need of mankind is for the law of GOD to exist in the earth, for the living are approved through their obedience to law, and more than any other institution or person, the law embodies and makes present divine authority, justice and wisdom.  However, the operation and process of divine law must appear through displays of sacred spirit such as faith, humility and self-abasement, rather than desire for personal achievement, ambition and self-promotion.  Many rely on their own self-discipline and willpower to impress and influence Deity, however, only those who trust and obey truly are lifted up and restored to GOD.  A fighter using the ID “Christian sinner” (Level 7 with 211,509 points, a member since November 28, 2006) posted the following in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum:

 

What was the point to Luke 14:1-6?

Luke 14

One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, he was being carefully watched. 2 There in front of him was a man suffering from abnormal swelling of his body. 3 Jesus asked the Pharisees and experts in the law, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?” 4 But they remained silent. So taking hold of the man, he healed him and sent him on his way.

5 Then he asked them, “If one of you has a child[a] or an ox that falls into a well on the Sabbath day, will you not immediately pull it out?” 6 And they had nothing to say.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand: Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying? But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. (Matthew 15: 7-14, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Sabbath Now and Then? (08/15/2018); Deposits of Sacred Substance (06/27/2018); Christ Rejected By Pharisees? (06/17/2018); Sabbath Acknowledges Divine Personhood (05/14/2018); We Establish Covenant Relationship (05/01/2018); The Law and The Prophets (03/07/2018); Sacred Law and Practice (02/12/2018)

 

“Christian sinner”, just as merely discovering a minor contradiction or technicality in sacred law is not enough to overthrow the dominion of divinity, merely obeying divine law is not enough to justify or redeem a sinner.  Here are some points we often fail to consider:

As Jesus began his ministry on the earth, the Savior was challenged and tested by Satan in the Wilderness, in the Synagogue, and even in the home of prominent community figures.  Numbered by some as his 3rd miracle, Jesus healed a man having dropsy–the doctrines of the Pharisees who insisted on the “law and the prophets” without the Spirit of Prophecy (we also say, the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth).  Dropsy is a disease that appears through swelling of body parts, and is caused by toxins that may result in death.  Dropsy is a literary/narrative type representing sin and doctrine that is vain (i.e., lacking spirit substance from the makeup of GOD).  Thus, dropsy is like leaven (we say, yeast) that causes dough for bread to become puffed up.  A man is not to be commended for merely conforming to and following the law of GOD; such conduct is carnal, mechanical, and after the flesh, rather than an expression of ones divine content, and a genuine display of GOD’s apprehension of mankind and all Creation.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Luke 17: 7-10, King James Version (KJV): 7 But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?  8 And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?  9 Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.  10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

(2.)  Romans 3:19-26, KJV: 19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.  20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.  21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;  22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe:  for there is no difference:  23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;  24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:  25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;  26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

(3.)  Galatians 2: 16-21, KJV:  16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.  17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.  18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.  19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.  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. 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Romans 8: 5-9, KJV: 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God:  for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.  9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(06/03/2018) The Relationship As Servant

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/14/2017) Heritage of the Servants?

 

Today, the reply addresses judgment against divinity by created beings and living creatures.  What many take to be Bible accounts of GOD punishing mankind, in fact, are sacred testimonies that report demonstrations of the divine commitment to mankind—even to the extreme of overturning death through atonement, Incarnation, forgiveness, reconciliation, resurrection, and the imparting of divine spirit content from the makeup of Deity.  Those grounded in Christ are to remain vigilant against unbelievers who seek to destroy salvation from the Lord by making accusations and appeals against GOD on the basis of family feeling, kinship, and love, or human error, indignation and outrage.  The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “Donald Michael Vicks Dog” (Level 6 with 11,065 points, a member since June 06, 2015) posted the following:

 

Isn’t the christian god great? He will let his arch enemy murder your whole family in a bet?

And give you a replacement family as a reward for not complaining?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.  Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, those that remember thee in thy ways:  behold, thou art wroth; for we have sinned:  in those is continuance, and we shall be saved.  But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.  And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee:  for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities.  But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.  Be not wroth very sore, O LORD, neither remember iniquity for ever:  behold, see, we beseech thee, we are all thy people.  (Isaiah 64:  4-9, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Heaven Denied to Mankind? (12/08/2017); A Lawless, Violent GOD? (11/16/2017); GOD Is Imparting Truth (10/30/2017); Divine Wrath Against Sin? (10/17/2017); “Occupy Till I Come” (08/30/2017); Discernment, Focus and Meekness? (07/07/2017); Divine Inheritance and Resurrection? (07/06/2016); An Eternal Inheritance? (06/26/2016); Called To Be Servants? (11/25/2015)

 

“Donald Michael Vicks Dog”, just as the sacred process of judgment by divinity must address many subtleties (i.e., points of truth that display barely visible differences as well as hidden shifts in meaning, quality and value), and so may only be accomplished by an impartial, righteous, and thorough GOD, judgment against GOD requires a breadth and depth of sacred knowledge instead of secular knowledge, a comprehensive awareness of eternal purpose that generates divine action and serves as the context and focus for examining consequences and results from active presence, and the correct discernment and recognition of spirit substances (and their products) that may only be imparted through the operations of Deity.  Included are awe, boldness, faith, gratitude, holiness, and wrath against sin.

The judgment of those in flesh repeatedly expresses bias, presumption, and exaggerated sentiment.  Sinners who become “born again” through baptism (death, burial and resurrection of their inborn spirit) are to exist having divine DNA, so to speak, and, therefore, receive a fresh endowment of life essence (breath, spirit, Word) from the makeup of GOD.  As children and offspring of GOD, developing believers share a “divine point of view” that allows them to discover, see, and more correctly display the balance, completeness, integrity, lovingkindness, restraint, and wisdom of the Creator. 

Mature Christian believers (who have “mellowed” and outgrown their arrogance, defiance, and “self-righteous indignation”) immediately recognize there is no victory over GOD by the Adversary recorded in the account of Job.  For the account to provide authentic revelation regarding the character, makeup, and substance of divinity, Job must display the absolute dependence on GOD by all living that is not merely for life and death; it is also for access to Deity, for  duration, for expectation (we say, hope), for existence, for possibilities, for unchanging value, and more.  Divine grace, ownership, prerogative, and sovereign will may not be dismissed, or ignored.  See with new eyes:  Throughout the holy writings, it is the victory of GOD that mankind can not be overwhelmed and removed from the earth by such devices as betrayal, corruption, death, decay, hardship, lies, persecution, and tribulation.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Jeremiah 18:  3-12, King James Version (KJV):  3 Then I went down to the potter’s house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels.  4 And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter:  so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.  5 Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,  6 O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.  7 At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it;  8 If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them.  9 And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it;  10 If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them.  11 Now therefore go to, speak to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I frame evil against you, and devise a device against you:  return ye now every one from his evil way, and make your ways and your doings good.  12 And they said, There is no hope:  but we will walk after our own devices, and we will every one do the imagination of his evil heart.

(2.)  Isaiah 29:  16, KJV:  16 Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter’s clay:  for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding?

(3.)  Romans 9:  14-24, KJV:  14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.  15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.  16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.  17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.  18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.  19 Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?  20 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?  21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?  22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:  23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,  24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and made a part of our own developing belief.  (For example, (4.)  Psalms 149:  4-9, KJV:  4 For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people:  he will beautify the meek with salvation.  5 Let the saints be joyful in glory:  let them sing aloud upon their beds.  6 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand;  7 To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people;  8 To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron;  9 To execute upon them the judgment written:  this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(08/30/2017) “Occupy Till I Come”

 

Today, thoughts are shared on current events and the end of the world.  Applying the time prophecies of 70 years written in Jeremiah 25:  11-33, King James Version, (KJV) to modern Israel (1948) and acknowledging a modern Babylon, some have calculated 2018 for the end of the world.  Yet, the word of the Lord from Jeremiah was to abide in Babylon and not to seek shelter from Egypt (chapter 42).  Ministries that ignore the warnings against attempting to calculate the coming of Christ on the basis of prophesy risk becoming discredited, and their followers dealt faith-shattering blows and disappointment.  As the caretakers and keepers of the earth, the people of GOD through Jesus Christ have been commanded to “occupy” until the Savior returns.  For Christians, then, “to occupy” means maintain, buildup, and nourish the aspects of Spirit that appear among you; set apart for GOD and sanctify the earth; and be fruitful as you tarry and wait for the return of our Risen Lord.  Christians are to be the active presence, a living vessel containing divine law, and an embodiment of the GODhead in the same way the Son of the Highest has been an Incarnation.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “chad” (Level 1 with 31 points, a member since July 25, 2017) posted the following:

 

Why do people even care about what trump does in office when the world ends in 2018?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.  I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.  They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.  Sanctify them through thy truth:  thy word is truth.  As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.  And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.  Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;  That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us:  that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.  And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:  I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.  (John 17:  14-23, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Politics and The Kingdom? (05/31/2017); Sanctify Yourselves for Tomorrow (05/07/2017); A Species of Animal? (01/31/2017); GOD’s Peculiar People (12/11/2016); His Children Are Sanctified (10/12/2016); Of Such Is The Kingdom (09/01/2015); Jesus As America’s President? (05/20/2015); Faith not Politics? (12/02/2014); Ye Are Not In The Flesh (12/03/2014)

 

“chad”, here are some thoughts I can share:  People care because accountability is always an aspect of genuine love, maturity, and understanding.  Many Christian believers are trusting that our instructions from Jesus for this hour center on preparing ourselves for his Advent (we say, the harvest, the Rapture, the Second Coming), rather than daily fixing on and responding to activism and protest, death and despair, current events, political conflicts, secular knowledge, or emotional, psychological, sexual and social issues.  Such features from the flesh and the world will continue to be aspects of finite human experience that serve as hurdles and obstacles to sacred practice and spiritual growth.  They also are to serve as the necessary challenges, prods, and “growing pains” whereby those who are “born again” are energized to “grow up again.”

Christians are to acknowledge and proclaim the revealed purposes of GOD are the putting forth of existence, life, and the fullness of divine substance.  Believers are anointed, endowed, and supplied with every resource for maintaining divine order that should appear within earth, heaven, the universe, and all Creation.  Developing believers must discover revealed knowledge from GOD, and routinely display deposits of spirit content from the makeup of GOD.  Included here are the inseparable features of faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

For those in covenant and personal relationships with GOD, there will be no “end of the world,” or total destruction of mankind.  Yet, there will be judgment; there will be resurrection of the dead; there will be transformation whereby mankind will be made an immortal companion to divinity; and there will be the elimination of sin and the final destruction of the wicked (we say, the second death).  In the same way only GOD is now immortal and incorruptible, only GOD knows the exact day and hour appointed for the end of things as we now know them.  Because they have not been given an authoritative word from GOD on the schedule of final events, believers are to discipline their bodies and minds to live responsibly as part of the world, yet, as if the Lord will come before you can compete the reading of this response.  Consider again the following that uses 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.)  Revelation 2:  10-11, KJV:  10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer:  behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days:  be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.  11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.) 2nd Peter 3:  8-14, KJV:  8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.  9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.  10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.  11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,  12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?  13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.  14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(09/09/2016) Sheep of His Pasture

Focus, today, is upon the language appearing throughout the holy writings that describes the people of GOD as “sheep”.  To be labeled as sheep or servants of GOD in the Bible is by no means intended as condemnation or insult; and the ownership by GOD of mankind and all Creation are to be proclaimed as are his majesty and sovereignty.  With the divine response to the fall of Adam, sheep became inseparable from salvation through provisions for atonement, expiation, and remission of sins by using blood from offerings and sacrifices; by GOD introducing inheritance among mankind that includes duty, priesthood, prophecy, and sacred knowledge as well as by Deity bestowing divine gifts upon those who continually display humility, love, meekness, obedience, and zeal.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Hercules” (Level 1 with 3 points, a member since May 21, 2013) posted the following:

 

Theists and atheists, is there a problem with people happily considering themselves to be ‘sheep’? Why or why not?

Update: Of course I mean in the proverbial, figurative sense, not the literal sense

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD.  I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick:  but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.  And as for you, O my flock, thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I judge between cattle and cattle, between the rams and the he goats.  Seemeth it a small thing unto you to have eaten up the good pasture, but ye must tread down with your feet the residue of your pastures? and to have drunk of the deep waters, but ye must foul the residue with your feet?  And as for my flock, they eat that which ye have trodden with your feet; and they drink that which ye have fouled with your feet.  Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD unto them; Behold, I, even I, will judge between the fat cattle and between the lean cattle.  Because ye have thrust with side and with shoulder, and pushed all the diseased with your horns, till ye have scattered them abroad;  Therefore will I save my flock, and they shall no more be a prey; and I will judge between cattle and cattle.  And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.  And I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the LORD have spoken it.  (Ezekiel 34:  15-24, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Called Slaves by GOD? (02/10/2016); An Eternal Inheritance? (06/26/2016); Called To Be Servants? (11/25/2015); The Lamb of GOD (08/19/2015); The Sheep Who Lost Their Way? (11/18/2014); Restoring The Lost? (11/19/2014); Teachings on Judgment (06/06/2013); Those Who Never Heard? (06/07/2013)

 

“Hercules”, for most mature Christian believers being called “sheep” who belong to “the Good Shepherd” is thought of as a high privilege.  Keep in mind that during their more than 400-year sojourn among the Egyptians, Joseph and his brothers as Hebrews, and the house of Jacob were set apart as much by their despised occupation as keepers of livestock as by their ethnicity and family ties.  The bias, discrimination, exaggerated pride, and prejudice shown by the Egyptians further set Jacob apart as sanctified to GOD, and served as a shield and wall separating his people in a place of widespread spiritual confusion.  Because the inborn instinct within sheep makes them congregate and group together with quietness and simplicity, large flocks of sheep may be managed with relatively little manpower.  While rams within a flock will dominate all the others, sheep also are capable of distinguishing the individual humans who regularly come among them, and respond as if in a personal relationship (i.e., like pets).  Of all living creatures, a lamb was chosen to bear the wrath of GOD against the first pair (Adam and Eve); and the sentence of death required by divine law was brought against a docile and harmless substitute (we say, “an innocent”).  With this in view, the same Good Shepherd, is also the Lamb of GOD whose blood and body are provided for atonement and propitiation of sin.  Consider how some of this is stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)  Genesis 3:  21-24, King James Version (KJV):  21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.  22 And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil:  and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:  23 Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken.  24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

(2.)  Genesis 46:  31-34, KJV:  31 And Joseph said unto his brethren, and unto his father’s house, I will go up, and shew Pharaoh, and say unto him, My brethren, and my father’s house, which were in the land of Canaan, are come unto me;  32 And the men are shepherds, for their trade hath been to feed cattle; and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have.  33 And it shall come to pass, when Pharaoh shall call you, and shall say, What is your occupation?  34 That ye shall say, Thy servants’ trade hath been about cattle from our youth even until now, both we, and also our fathers:  that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians.

(3.)  Ezekiel 34:  30-31, KJV:  30 Thus shall they know that I the LORD their God am with them, and that they, even the house of Israel, are my people, saith the Lord GOD.  31 And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord GOD.

(4.)  John 1:  29-34, KJV:  29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.  30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me:  for he was before me.  31 And I knew him not:  but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.  32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.  33 And I knew him not:  but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.  34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

(5.)  John 10:  11-16, KJV:  11 I am the good shepherd:  the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.  12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth:  and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.  13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.  14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.  15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father:  and I lay down my life for the sheep.  16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold:  them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

There is far more to be said, carefully examined, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (6.)  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 examples to the flock.  4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(11/25/2015) Called To Be Servants?

Today, Scripture points are shared on the character and nature of servitude as disciples of Christ.  Balance, circumspection and modesty are to be shown by the “born again” believer.  Those having new life will resist pursuing worldly ambitions, covetousness, and self-promotion just as they will avoid boasting, showing off, and vainglory.  All Christian believers are to discipline themselves and maintain self-government while answering the sovereign reign of GOD over all.  As servants and stewards within the household of GOD, Christians are by no means to feel disgraced, or made a fool of when addressing the needs of others, for they truly are divine agents and representatives of Jesus Christ.  Even when employed in secular jobs and worldly occupations, believers are to excel at what they do as their acknowledgment and expression of gratitude for life from GOD as well as their own gift and offering in thanksgiving to the Lord.  Consider again the following from the Bible, and the comments appearing below:  Psalms 100:  1-3, King James Version (KJV):  1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.  2 Serve the LORD with gladness:  come before his presence with singing.  3 Know ye that the LORD he is God:  it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.  Also, Colossians 3:  16-17, 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.  1st Corinthians 7:  21-23, KJV:  21 Art thou called being a servant? care not for it:  but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.  22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman:  likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant.  23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers (Canada)” using the ID “nathan b” (Level 2 with 306 points, a member since February 26, 2009) posted the following:

 

Is it bad for me to be a servant?

Im just wondering I know I am not a leader and in fact i dont like being 1. I genuinely enjoy serving other people. Not in a religious sense no but in a practical sense. If someone ask me to do something i genuinely enjoy doing said thing for them

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  But the end of all things is at hand:  be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.  And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves:  for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.  Use hospitality one to another without grudging.  As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.  If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth:  that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.  (1st Peter 4:  7-11, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Ordinance of Humility? (08/12/2015); When Asked to Serve? (01/21/2015); It Comes With the Job? (01/11/2015); Asked to Carry the Cross? (07/25/2014); Good Intentions? (07/26/2014); Religious Bosses? (07/08/2014); Unprofitable Servants? (01/19/2014)

 

“nathan b”, while Christian believers are called to receive place as joint-heirs, kings, and priests of a divine kingdom with the Lord, all are to continually display the dutifulness, humility, trustworthiness, and zeal that characterize loyal servants.  Just as expressed and preserved through the traditional marriage vow, to obey is one of the highest expressions of love, for in obedience one puts aside their own desires and will to perform the will of another, and to ensure their satisfaction and well-being.  Called and recruited to serve is to be understood as being granted intimate access to those who are anointed and sanctified (we say, holy).  The servant is acknowledged and elevated by the privilege to freely express allegiance and devotion as well as by multiple opportunities to gain merit and earn reward.  The principles believers and disciples are guided by include commitment, dependence, exclusive focus, honesty, perseverance, reliability, respect, self-esteem, and unselfishness.  Consider again the following points from the Bible:

(1.)  Isaiah 65:  13-16, King James Version (KJV):  13 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry:  behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty:  behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed:  14 Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit.  15 And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto my chosen:  for the Lord GOD shall slay thee, and call his servants by another name:  16 That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes.

(2.)  Matthew 20:  25-28, KJV:  25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.  26 But it shall not be so among you:  but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;  27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:  28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

(3.)  Matthew 23:  8-12, KJV:  8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.  9 And call no man your father upon the earth:  for one is your Father, which is in heaven.  10 Neither be ye called masters:  for one is your Master, even Christ.  11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.  12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Isaiah 56:  4-7, KJV:  4 For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant;  5 Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters:  I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.  6 Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;  7 Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer:  their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC