(12/21/2020) Recognizing Authentic Christian Believers

Both believers and skeptics have been known to approach even those who are long-time Christian believers demanding, “Show me some ID.” Attitudes, social behavior, obeying sacred law, and good works from an individual will change according to events and as expressions of the flesh (e.g., appetite, sensation, emotions/mind). Such measures are unpredictable and unstable, will not be consistent over time, and are not reliable as gauges of sacred content. Displays of spiritual gifts (e.g., healing; prophesying; speaking in tongues) are more to make the divine presence known and visible, and are not intended to point out those who are and ar not believers, or those having favor with GOD against those who do not. Because there must be discernment that comes only by the Spirit of GOD, many who are not themselves Christians find it difficult to correctly recognize and respond to others who are authentic Christian believers. Development, growth, and sacred practices established by the Holy Spirit must appear within the ongoing lifestyle and daily routine of every sinner who turns to Jesus Christ for redemption, lasting change, and salvation. Even so, a sinner who begins as a Christian believer today is to be regarded as a member of the family of GOD, however, they may require twenty or thirty years to become a balanced, consistent, full, and mature disciple and follower of Christ as the one and only Savior, and they will not become immortal and completely perfected until the Second Coming of Jesus. Water baptism is a sacred ceremony shared by mankind to acknowledge that divinity is now performing unseen acts within the body, consciousness, and spirit of a sinner whereby they receive the death, burial, and resurrection of their inborn spirit. A sinner who is reborn is a vessel containing divine DNA, so to speak, and is an offspring of GOD who receives “new life” through continuing operations of the Holy Spirit that impart a fresh endowment of sacred substance from the makeup of GOD. It is written: Romans 6: 3-11, King James Version (KJV): 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. 10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Forest Toney” (Level 7 with 80,205 points) posted the following:

I can’t find any so called Christian who is obeying all of Jesus’ saying , so can you do it?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? (2^nd Corinthians 13: 4-6, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Casting Pearls Before Swine? (12/17/2020); The Device of Inheritance (12/01/2020); Made Perfect By Divinity (11/10/2020); The Power We Receive (11/19/2020); Do We Follow Paul? (10/01/2020); Spiritual Integrity and Maturity (05/12/2020); The “Perfection” Of Baptism (11/17/2019)

“Forest Toney”, at first, most sinners who embrace Christian belief become misdirected in their search for salvation by focusing on legal codes, finite human institutions, religious traditions, and their own wrong-doing, rather than by being careful to develop a right relationship with divinity through Jesus Christ. Sound knowledge of Christ focuses on his character, his ministry, his practices, his teachings, and the makeup of his Spirit that is to be imparted from the substance of GOD. Inseparable aspects of divine fullness are to be received that include balance, commitment, maturity, restraint, and stability. Faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, wisdom, and wrath against sin must appear. Those who become “born again” also must “grow up again” for what we may receive before the actual Second Coming of Christ is only an earnest or “partial payment” of all those on the earth will eventually receive. Every new believer must become transformed to exist as a life companion to divinity who resembles, reflects, and reveals the likeness of Jesus. This occurs through operations of the Holy Spirit that are embedded within ones life-process and daily routing. Included are such elements as discovery, gradual growth, learning, practice of sacred works (e.g., discernment, praise, prayer, repentance), study of the holy writings, and suffering. Discernment is a use of ones own sacred content to identify and respond to the endowments from divinity that reside within events, sacred messages, other persons, prophecies, the Scriptures, etc.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, using language from the Bible: 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.

Image downloaded 2:05 PM, December 20, 2020 @ https://sd.keepcalms.com/i/saved-by-grace-through-faith-ephesians-28-3.png

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(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.

Image downloaded 4:05 AM, November 29, 2020 @ https://i.pinimg.com/736x/f2/0a/a7/f20aa724ac0080b38b2850509d17a2b5.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(11/22/2020) Explaining The Earlier Covenants

The images of Abraham (left) and Jesus Christ (right) are shown together acknowledging the connection among the diverse covenants through Abraham, Moses, and Jesus Christ.

Covenant practices and signs are in view, today, responding to a question on the frequent discussions of circumcision that appear from the Apostle Paul. The early church was required to demonstrate that they were anchored in the sacred knowledge displayed among the temple elders and the Rabbis. Paul began his apostolic ministry within the synagogues by appealing to believers among those who regularly attended. At first, belief in Christ was put forth as only a further expression of GOD’s covenant promises granted to the Jews. However, many of those who escaped from captivity and exile became grounded in tradition, and were determined to restore and preserve the covenant of Moses along with the Torah as what earlier had been provided as the highest blessings from GOD. Circumcision that had been bestowed on Abraham and his household as a mark of covenant relationship was not correctly acknowledged by the time of Moses, nor was circumcision uniformly practiced when divinity appeared on the earth using human form and life-process as Jesus Christ. Christ received circumcision as part of his inheritance and authentic humanity. Even so, circumcision was never intended by divinity as an outward mark of approval and consecration, or as a mark of disgrace and humiliation. Authentic sanctification (being set apart to serve divinity) appears by conformity to covenant law and sacred practices (e.g., observing the Sabbath; tithing; using the prayer shawl); and while circumcision is to be a visible declaration of commitment to relationship with divinity, a man will display his circumcision to fewer than 100 others during his entire lifetime (e.g., companions, doctors, family, etc.). It is written: Romans 4: 8-16, King James Version (KJV): 8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. 9 Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. 10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. 11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: 12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. 13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: 15 Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. 16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum on Religion & Spirituality who used the ID “ShalloWhale” (Level 6 with 18,373 points) posted the following:

Why is circumcision mentioned so much in the Bible?

Why was it so important that the Apostle Paul kept referring to it?

Updated 1 hour ago:

Is it a sloppy intrusion by male culture into a sacred text?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death. Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself? Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. (John 8: 52-58, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Made Perfect By Divinity (11/10/2020); The Foreskin And Circumcision? (10/13/2020); Do We Follow Paul? (10/01/2020); Godliness Characterizes Authentic Humanity (02/06/2020); Heaven Speaks Using Mankind (09/15/2019); No Wall of Partition (07/05/2019); Scripture Has No Ethnicity (05/27/2019)

“Shallowhale”, your focus is on the flesh, not the Spirit. Just as Christian believers today are to share with skeptics and sinners who seek new lives that release them from the operations of sin, the Apostle Paul was repeatedly challenged to explain what appeared as hidden connections among the operations of divinity through Jesus Christ and the earlier proclamations, sacred promises, and prophecies from GOD. Circumcision was granted to Abraham as a visible sign of covenant relationship between immortal, incorruptible, unseen divinity and mankind. GOD was to be acknowledged as more than an abstract Creator and Maker; divinity was to exist in continuing relationship through spirit process and substance imparted from the makeup of GOD that included balance, commitment, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, mercy for those found guilty in judgment, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. The covenant of Moses that followed some 400 years later provided the divine presence through sacred law, identity as a sacred nation, and as a divine instrument to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of GOD. By focusing on the law as the foremost of all divine blessing, many mistakenly rejected and refused to receive and embody an indwelling spirit that would remove the obstacles continued by finite flesh (e.g., appetite; mind; sensation; self-will (willpower) ). Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) Jeremiah 31: 31-37, King James Version (KJV): 31 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: 32 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: 33 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. 34 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. 35 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: 36 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. 37 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.

(2.) Galatians 3: 16-18, KJV: 16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. 17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. 18 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.

(3.) Galatians 3: 26-29, KJV: 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Hebrews 10: 28-29, KJV: 28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 3:26 AM, November 22, 2020 @ https://oneway2day.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/abraham-jesus-sm.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/26/2020) Hidden Substance Is Revealed

The image depicts Abraham answered by GOD when he was challenged to offer Isaac in sacrifice at Mount Moriah.

Today, reply is on the benefits and purposes for divine tests and trials such as the sacrifice of Isaac by Abraham at Mount Moriah. Acts, deeds, and works that appear as religious among men must meet a higher standard of spirit content to be authentic and valid as aspects of relationship with divinity. The spirit meaning, process, substance, and value of ones works must come into view. For many giving is from pride, obedience is from fear, sacrifice is from idolatry and lust for blood, and zeal is from impatience and restlessness. Throughout the holy writings there are accounts where divinity challenges mankind in order to elevate their priesthood, their preparation to receive the Incarnate Christ, the spirit quality of their service, and their own content as offspring and vessels who contain divine substance imparted from the makeup of GOD. Otherwise immeasurable and invisible sacred elements must be present such as commitment, conviction, reverence, righteousness, and trust. Thus it is written: Malachi 3: 13-18, King James Version (KJV): 13 Your words have been stout against me, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee? 14 Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts? 15 And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered. 16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. 17 And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. 18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who used the ID “Darth Vader” (Level 2 with 564 points) posted the following:

Why would a all loving and all knowing God tell Abraham to kill his son Isaac to test his loyalty to God?

If God loves his children why would he tell Abraham to kill his son Isaac who he loved most to test his loyalty?. If God knoweth all things like it says in the Bible why would he tell Abraham to kill Isaac to test his loyalty if he knew that Abraham would and was going to until an angel came and stopped him?.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. (James 2: 19-24, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Testing That Nourishes Growth (04/21/2020); Where Is The Sacrifice? (12/26/2019); Understanding Oneness Without Sameness (08/27/2019); A Divine Covenant Partner (06/11/2019); Works Without Divine Faith? (05/06/2019); Abraham Demonstrates Spiritual Growth (05/30/2018); The Heir To Abraham (10/23/2016)

“Darth Vader”, having experiences of Christian discovery, gradual growth, and the fruits of careful learning, practice, and unselfish service, many mature followers of Jesus Christ discern that the challenge by GOD to Abraham was provided to make visible otherwise hidden and invisible aspects of relationship for created beings and living creatures as companions to divinity. In addition to determining the full depth and range for the measureless dimensions of Abraham’s connection to the Almighty as the “Friend of GOD” what appears at first to be judgment (i.e., assessments; evaluations; tests; trials) are operations by divinity to guide and transform the sacred substance within Abraham, his priesthood as an evangelist and servant to the Most High GOD who built altars and dug wells traveling as a nomad, his family, and all mankind. Abraham was examined for his content of the inseparable aspects of spirit first shared with Adam as life essence (breath; spirit; utterance; word) that must be imparted from GOD for the living to be made fit as a companion to divinity. Included are balance, commitment, faith, holiness, integrity, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible and How Great Thou Art, a selection from the music ministry of Wintley Phipps:

(1.) Romans 4: 2-11, King James Version (KJV): 2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. 3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. 6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, 7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. 9 Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. 10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. 11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:

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

(3.) Romans 10: 1-10, KJV: 10 Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. 2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. 5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. 6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) 7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) 8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8X-fTtMhWII.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 9:05 PM, October 25, 2020 @ http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1917/1432/1600/abraham.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/20/2020) “What if” and “Maybe”

Today, the reply focuses on the figure of Lucifer/Satan and the sufficiency of the sacred knowledge provided to mankind through the gospels, promises, prophecies, and the revelation from GOD by Jesus Christ. During the present season of grace, divinity draws mankind into healthy relationships that are grounded in trust. Displays of divine anger to arouse fear, guilt and shame are suppressed. It is carnal reason and secular knowledge that encourage asking “what if,” the proposing of contradictions, and the use of “maybe” and “perhaps” to make irrelevant suggestions. The imagination, or the flesh and the mind are their origin, not the Holy Spirit. The Bible provides guidance, information and instruction on sin and the transgressions of multiple sinners including the unclean spirits named as Adversaries to divinity. Even so, there is little focus on Satan as the Deceiver and an enemy to mankind’s salvation through Jesus Christ. Satan should not be thought of as all-knowing, immortal, or all-powerful. While the holy writings speak of spirits being cast out and exorcised, the Scriptures do not promote belief and study of death and the macabre, common dreams, the occult, belief in authority among beings who are supernatural, or belief in superstition; rather the Scriptures present the appearance of GOD within thousands of events, occurring in thousands of human lives, over the course of thousands of years. Defiance, rebellion, and wickedness appear to be artifacts and the residue of operations that were present during the chaos and flux in place at preexistence. Minor oddities that do not conform to the divine order seem to have continued as progressive corruption and opposition to the immutable, unchanging expressions of sacred law, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. These are to be acknowledged as aberrations, distortions, and ungodly influences that oppose the continued existence of divinity, the universe, and all Creation. Most mature Christian believers do not pose questions that go beyond the sanctified discourse encouraged through the holy writings. It is written: Deuteronomy 29: 29, King James Version (KJV): 29 The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law. A fighter in the “Yahoo Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

If God is all powerful then why couldn’t he prevent Lucifer from becoming Satan?

Or even realize it was going to happen before creating Lucifer?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous. (1^st John 3: 4-12, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Tarrying For One Another (10/15/2020); Christian Teachings About Devils (08/21/2019); Doing The Devil’s Work? (02/21/2019); And There Was War? (06/12/2018); Opposing The Divine Will (03/30/2018); Names of the Adversary? (03/19/2017); Destruction of the Adversary? (01/06/2017); About Lucifer in Scripture (02/18/2016)

“Anonymous” a primary purpose of Christian belief is to preserve and restore divine fullness (we say, divine substance; the image of GOD; ongoing relationship between the Creator who exists within a consecrated and separate sphere of life) to all created beings and living creatures who will continue to exist upon the earth. Properly understood, just as Christian belief is broad and inclusive regarding the things that pertain to mankind’s existence, life essence (the breath; spirit; word) imparted from the makeup of divinity, and the sacred works of redemption and salvation that have followed the transgressions of divine law by Adam, Christianity is focused and avoids “what if” questions that continue conjecture, speculation, and spiritual confusion. What Christians receive as the gospel, divine promises, prophecy, and revelation are to be accounted as sufficient to establish faith and the many inseparable aspects of the divine nature within mankind. Included are balance, commitment, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. While Lucifer (also called, Satan and the Devil) is a created being who represents the sum of wickedness that results by operations of sin, sin has not been created by divinity, and contains no sacred substance from the makeup of GOD. Christians are to know that Satan once had favor with GOD, appeared in Eden, and was present at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, yet, he will never be allowed to enter the New Jerusalem, and will not be welcomed at the meeting in the air when Christ appears to harvest his people from the earth. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible and Kyrie, a selection from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

(1.) Ezekiel 28: 13, King James Version (KJV): 13 Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.

(2.) Romans 6: 16, KJV: 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?

(3.) Matthew 4: 1-11, KJV: 1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. 2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. 3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. 5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, 6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. 7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. 8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; 9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. 11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

(4.) Matthew 12: 43-45, KJV: 43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. 44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. 45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

(5.) Mark 8: 31-34, KJV: 31 And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32 And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him. 33 But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men. 34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

(6.) 1^st Peter 5: 8-11, KJV: 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5G8dZTWwvmU.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 4:40 PM, October 19, 2020 @ https://biblepic.com/53/21172.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(07/07/2020) According To Divine Schedules

Today, the reply centers on the frameworks of time and space, and the availability of divine schedules and timetables that show specific dates for sacred end time events. Properly understood, time and space have been provided as a device from divinity to provide structure for consciousness within created beings and living creatures. Acts of GOD that reveal the active presence of spirit are discerned through their content of authority, balance, consistency, focus, power, eternal purpose, and stability. As seen through miracles and selected natural events, divinity appears using time and space; however, the operations, process and substance of divine fullness are not forced to operate only in accordance with requirements generated by time and space. Throughout the holy writings, there is no indication that divinity requires either the light that facilitates the sight and vision in angels, animals, humankind, or sacred beasts, nor does divinity require the comprehension and grasp regarded within the living as enlightenment. The multiple forms and levels of light and darkness known to GOD are not all perceptible or useful to mankind. It is written: Genesis 1: 14-19, King James Version (KJV): 14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: 15 And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. 16 And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. 17 And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, 18 And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good. 19 And the evening and the morning were the fourth day. The fighter in “Yahoo! Answers” Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Tracy” (Level 3 with 1,236 points) posted the following:

God have a set day and time when he will bring this wicked world to an end?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah, saying, Thus saith the LORD; If ye can break my covenant of the day, and my covenant of the night, and that there should not be day and night in their season; Then may also my covenant be broken with David my servant, that he should not have a son to reign upon his throne; and with the Levites the priests, my ministers. As the host of heaven cannot be numbered, neither the sand of the sea measured: so will I multiply the seed of David my servant, and the Levites that minister unto me. Moreover the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, saying, Considerest thou not what this people have spoken, saying, The two families which the LORD hath chosen, he hath even cast them off? thus they have despised my people, that they should be no more a nation before them. Thus saith the LORD; If my covenant be not with day and night, and if I have not appointed the ordinances of heaven and earth; Then will I cast away the seed of Jacob, and David my servant, so that I will not take any of his seed to be rulers over the seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: for I will cause their captivity to return, and have mercy on them. (Jeremiah 33: 19-26, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: In The Last Days (09/13/2019); Recognizing The End Times (04/16/2019); Messiah Already Has Come (04/14/2019); Divine Preparations for Advent (03/17/2019); His Words About Returning (12/02/2018); The Fullness of GOD? (05/21/2017); GOD and The Framework of Time (09/20/2014); About Knowing the Name of GOD (09/21/2014)

“Tracy”, while there are recorded proclamations, promises, and prophesies that detail divine prerogative, celestial commitment, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD, no sacred calendars or schedules from GOD that show appointed times for divine actions have been provided or revealed to mankind. Divinity is to be known through spirit and truth that are not given form and substance by time (past, present, future) and space. Mature Christian believers often acknowledge the character, process, quality, and substance of GOD as immortal, immutable (unchanging), incorruptible, and invisible. The frameworks of time and space are understood as aspects of divine order and sacred law that permit the universe to serve as the sphere of life for mankind. Even so, time and space were not created to meet any needs among divinity; they were provided as benefits and tools for the created beings and living creatures. The divine fullness (we also say, Deity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) exist both outside of and within the frameworks that further delimit and impose divine definition for mankind. Divinity has provided descriptions, indicators, and signs that authenticate sacred events, however, the sacred materials are very different from the products of human bible study and other research to develop predictions and time prophecies have not been provided from GOD. Although they consist in things of the flesh, there is a certain predictability to what GOD will do in accordance with the courses for feast days, observations and seasons, however, material objects, locations and times are not used to establish certainty, faith, or commanded expectation (hope). The life process given the church sees specific sacred events recorded as history in the holy writings continued and repeated as timeless through exchange and interaction of doctrine, the Gospels, sacred practice, suffering, and unselfish service. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of John Michael Talbot:

(1.) John 3: 6-15, King James Version (KJV): 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. 8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. 9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? 10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? 11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. 12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? 13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

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

(3.) 1^st John 1: 1-3, KJV: 1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

(4.) 2^nd 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.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=292oVAbThuA.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 2:58 PM, July 06, 2020 @ https://www.clg.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/I-the-Lord-do-not-change.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(07/05/2020) Living Your Best Life?

The photo depicts a small child receiving water baptism.

Today, reply is on the proper focus for living our best lives as developing Christian believers. Sinners who turn to GOD through Jesus Christ are not to spend their time complaining, despairing, moping, quarreling and debating within themselves, confessing weakness, or proclaiming fear. All are supplied with sacred knowledge, life-giving testimony, and inarguable witness that allow those in Christ to continue the Savior’s work of sharing comfort, direction, and exhortation. It is written: Ephesians 2: 8-9, King James Version (KJV): 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Floyd” (Level 1 with 146 points) posted the following:

How far will god forgive?

For the past two years, I have lived in guilt over my sins. Some big and small. It’s a constant burden waking up knowing you can’t live your best life with this. I know god is forgiving, but how can he forgive me? I feel like I have a one way ticket to hell, and there is no way out of it. If I pray, confess, accept the blood of christ and change, will God really help me?

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

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Divine Process and Substance (06/24/2020); Acknowledging And Confessing Sin (06/21/2020); 22 Years Spent Preparing (05/20/2020); Heaven Speaks Using Mankind (09/15/2019); Be Still Before GOD? (05/20/2018); No Fear In Love? (05/17/2017); Fear That Acknowledges GOD? (07/15/2016)

“Floyd”, living your best life becomes possible through Jesus Christ who provides multiple levels of newness and divine fullness. There must be choosing new focus and choosing new knowledge that come by our acceptance of the water baptism experienced by Jesus (that usually features death of the inborn spirit with rebirth from divine DNA) and his resurrection life (the new life granted to Jesus following his crucifixion and burial). Errors, sin, and transgressions are not primary for mankind’s redemption and salvation during this season of divine grace and revelation. The otherwise hidden and invisible character and nature of GOD are being imparted to those who become “born again” and who receive fresh endowments of the life essence (breath; spirit; utterance; word) bestowed on mankind from the makeup of GOD at Creation. Inseparable aspects of the divine fullness are received that include balance, faith, holiness, humility, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Those born again must also “grow up again” and become mature/ripe for harvest from the earth by the Lord at his coming. Developing believers are to exist as the new creation of Jesus Christ who are being transformed through discovery, gradual growth, sacred practice, study of the holy writings, suffering, and unselfish service. The joint-heirs with Christ will be made perfected through their final judgment and the Savior’s advent (Second Coming). Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Donnie McClurkin:

(1.) Psalms 103: 1-4, King James Version (KJV): 1 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

(2.) Psalms 103: 6-14, KJV: 6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. 7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel. 8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. 9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. 10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. 13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. 14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.

(3.) 1^st John 4: 18-21, KJV: 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 19 We love him, because he first loved us. 20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? 21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

(4.) 1^st John 4: 1-8, KJV: 1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 4 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. 5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. 6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. 7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xcEX4aP8Sk .) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 1:45 PM, July 05, 2020 @ https://www.lovethispic.com/uploaded_images/48868-Life-Is-A-Precious-Gift-From-God.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(04/26/2020) Divine Protection Against Covid-19?

Jesus Christ, impressed by a demonstration of faith, reveals his authority to forgive sins by healing a paralytic.

 

Today, reply is on the divine use of the present global health crisis and covid-19 for divinity to become further acknowledged by mankind. Properly understood, GOD has exalted authority and sovereignty over Creation through both the easy and difficult aspects of life that men will encounter. Divinity is not seeking a new name, or broader reputation as the creator or the destroyer of corona virus. Mature Christian believers will hold that GOD is not required to demonstrate his divinity and dominion over mankind by responding to every condition, or instance of trouble and human circumstance. Consider again Daniel 3: 13-21, King James Version (KJV): 13 Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king. 14 Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? 15 Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands? 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. 17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

 

Why won’t Jesus protect everyone in church from Corona virus?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD. And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause. And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life. So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown. And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes. Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips. (Job 2: 1-10, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Testing That Nourishes Growth (04/21/2020); They Which Are Called (04/09/2020); The Place Of Meeting (04/08/2020); A Habitation of Spirit (04/05/2020); Endure Trials Through Faith (03/31/2020); On Behalf Of Others (03/26/2020); The Challenge of Covid-19 (03/22/2020)

 

“Anonymous”, it is not a new thing that mankind has to exist enduring the threat of death; and, given the possibilities of rebirth and resurrection from the dead, it is not necessary that everyone escape having to conclude their mortality by death. The operations of death, divine law, self-will, and sin have not been eliminated from the earth by GOD; and they continue to serve as sacred devices that make visible spirit substance and process that are inseparable aspects of divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). Divinity even has appeared on the earth using human flesh and life process as an anointed evangelist and healer (Jesus Christ) to clarify the multiple expressions of dominion, personhood, power, eternal purpose, and sovereign will that are being put forth by GOD. Included are focus on the duration of existence among humanity, the joining of mankind within the oneness without sameness that is shared among the Godhead, the fulfillment of divine Creation through sacred law and judgment, and the manifesting of otherwise hidden aspects of divinity through prophecy and Revelation. Divinity may exist and reside within the consciousness and self-will (willpower) of Created beings and living creatures. Also, the living may be directed and guided through fresh endowments of spirit matter imparted from the makeup of GOD. Believers are granted opportunities to undergo permanent change where they rely on sacred knowledge rather than secular knowledge, and they become transformed using divine tools, rather than finite human tools such as intellect, logic, philosophy, and science. The focus for believers must go beyond good and bad behavior, sin, and the flesh. We are to exist as companions to immortal, incorruptible, GOD who will remain immutable and invisible. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible and a selection from the music ministry of Dr. Charles G. Hayes & Warriors:

(1.) Mark 2: 1-12, King James Version (KJV): 1 And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house. 2 And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them. 3 And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four. 4 And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. 6 But there was certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, 7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only? 8 And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts? 9 Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? 10 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) 10 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) 11 I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (2.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRoe3iExVjU. Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

 

Image downloaded 1:50 AM, April 26, 2020 @ catholicharboroffaithandmorals.com/Childrens%20Sermon%2018th%20Sunday%20

After%20Pentecost.jpg

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(04/21/2020) Testing That Nourishes Growth

 

Today, reply is on the process and substance of testing, temptation, and trials that mankind undergoes from divinity. From Wuhan, China to New York City, America covid-19 death tolls are being published, without totals for those who have recovered. There have been multiple cases of recuperation from covid-19, yet, not a single successful treatment regimen appears to have been properly documented! In the same way discussion of testing for covid-19 continues in the United States to be a distraction to publishing the details for successful treatment of the disease, many confuse challenges that regularly accompany life experience on the earth with punitive interventions by the Creator to declare divine dominion over mankind. Among mature Christian believers, testing by GOD is understood as providing correction rather than punishment, and pertains to GOD completing sacred operations that establish immortality, eternal life, sanctification, and the expression of immutable permanence. Discourse properly centers on the outcomes of Creation, judgment, prophecy, redemption, sacred law, salvation, solemn promise, resurrection life, and the second death. It is written: Revelation 3: 10-13, King James Version (KJV): 10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. 11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. 12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. 13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shown) posted the following:

 

If millions of people catching a terrible disease is another test from our loving and benevolent God then is dying from it a pass or a fail?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: (2^nd Peter 2: 9, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Challenge of Covid-19 (03/22/2020); Jacob Wrestled With GOD? (09/26/2018); Testing and Divine Process (06/12/2017); Temptations, Tests and Trials? (05/12/2015); Is Sin a Matter of Temptation? (04/22/2015); The Testing of Job? (10/06/2014); Knowing the Spirit is Inside? (10/07/2014); Continuously Tested (12/31/2013); Chosen To Serve As Prophets (01/01/2014)

 

“Anonymous”, the Creator has continuing contact and exchange with mankind on the earth by appearing as spirit process and substance within human awareness and self-will (willpower). The testing that Christians undergo are stages in their cleansing, development and spiritual growth along with levels and phases in their becoming mature/ripe for harvest by the Lord at his coming. Divine testing is not opposition to entice, manipulate, or seduce someone to do evil. Your idea seems to be that GOD is administering challenges, temptations, tests and trials to the living as though they are students in a classroom where their knowledge and skills must be assessed and rated, and their achievement of grade-level standards must be determined and acknowledged. More correctly, sinners must undergo permanent change within covenant relationship through operations of divinity that include acquiring sacred knowledge rather than academic or secular knowledge; receiving fresh endowments of life essence (breath; spirit; utterance; word) imparted from the makeup of GOD; and becoming altered by multiple interactions among the inseparable aspects of divine fullness such as balance, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Rather than a focus on material objects and social behaviors, testing and transformation by GOD are through discovery, gradual growth, practice, and study of things sacred as well as by passing through divinely generated events and operations that call forth, display, and extend ones own spirit content. Thus, developing believers are to embody accountability, commitment, discernment, forbearance, forgiveness, gratitude, praise, prophecy (comfort, edification, exhortation), purpose, reconciliation, unselfish service, and suffering. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Wintley Phipps:

(1.) Zechariah 13: 7-9, King James Version (KJV): 7 Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones. 8 And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. 9 And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.

(2.) 1^st Corinthians 3: 11-15, KJV: 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. 14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

(3.) James 1: 13-15, KJV: 13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GznYI1aFolM.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

 

Image downloaded 3:40 PM, April 20, 2020 @ https://i.ytimg.com/vi/BRdx6Mx79Ak/maxresdefault.jpg

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(04/20/2020) Demonstrating Dependence on GOD

Nebuchadnezzar challenging the faith of the three Hebrew companions

 

Today, the reply is on the many demonstrations of divine power and purpose provided by divinity using “weak” Christian believers and sinners on the earth. To accomplish salvation a believer must walk in the divine strength demonstrated by Christ, rather than his own human knowledge and willpower. Christian believers are endowed with holy boldness and spirit power that permits them to exist as a conquering army. To fulfill the eternal purpose of the Creator, operations of the inborn spirit, the flesh, and the mind may not dominate human awareness and self-will (willpower). GOD appears to those on the earth primarily through operations of spirit character, process and substance. It is written: 2^nd Corinthians 4: 5-11, King James Version (KJV): 5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “shoeshopper3” (Level 3 with 1,242 points) posted the following:

 

Why do you have to become wreak in order to be a Christian, and why does the personality become so boring?

Updated 24 mins ago: Weak.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people that were with him, rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley. And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me. Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there remained ten thousand. And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people are yet too many; bring them down unto the water, and I will try them for thee there: and it shall be, that of whom I say unto thee, This shall go with thee, the same shall go with thee; and of whomsoever I say unto thee, This shall not go with thee, the same shall not go. So he brought down the people unto the water: and the LORD said unto Gideon, Every one that lappeth of the water with his tongue, as a dog lappeth, him shalt thou set by himself; likewise every one that boweth down upon his knees to drink. And the number of them that lapped, putting their hand to their mouth, were three hundred men: but all the rest of the people bowed down upon their knees to drink water. And the LORD said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the other people go every man unto his place. (Judges 7: 1-7, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Resurrection Of Christ (04/16/2020); New Birth By Resurrection (09/27/2019); Flesh As Divine Vessels? (01/14/2018); Testing and Divine Process (06/12/2017); On Weakness? (07/03/2014); The Spirit is Willing (10/20/2012); Spirit Matter (10/21/2012)

 

“shoeshopper3”, the work of a Christian is never showing independence or self-promotion so much as it is the demonstration of interdependence, obedience, respect, and reverence. Mature Christian believers agree that necessary aspects for a full relationship between divinity and the created beings and living creatures on the earth require that the living acknowledge inseparable sacred properties and aspects of consecrated expression such as covenant law, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. The character, process, and substance of divine fullness (we also say, Deity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) is active presence appearing as “spirit” (i.e., breath; life essence; utterance; word). To exist having discrete and separate being, the living must receive fresh endowments of spirit substance from the makeup of GOD that include balance, commitment, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Through the elements regarded by some as “weakness” (e.g., forgiveness, gratitude, humility, mercy, nonviolence, patience, restraint) the living become capable of acceptable responses to divine dominion, glory, grace, judgment, immortality, invisibility, perfection, and purity. Rather than continue focused by pursuits in the world system for human survival that depends on the finite tools of carnal reason, intellect, logic, and science, Christian choose to undergo operations by the imparted, indwelling Spirit from GOD that transform ones nature. As vessels of divine substance and the offspring of GOD upon the earth, believers all are to display the image of GOD, and are to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ. Consider again the instruction to sinners who turn to GOD through the ministry of Jesus that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music prophesies of Steve Amerson:

(1.) Judges 6: 13-16, King James Version (KJV): 13 And Gideon said unto him, Oh my LORD, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites. 14 And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee? 15 And he said unto him, Oh my LORD, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house. 16 And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.

(2.) Daniel 3: 14-17, KJV: 14 Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? 15 Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands? 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. 17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.

(3.) 2^nd Corinthians 12: 6-10, KJV: 6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. 7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVM8eD-4pag.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

 

Image downloaded 2:16 AM, April 20, 2020 @ https://www.bibleblender.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/image_thumb-7.png

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC