(12/04/2018) On Seeing The Father

James Tissot (1836-1902), He That Has Seen Me, Has Seen the Father

 

Today, reply is on mankind seeing the Father while on the earth through Jesus Christ. Throughout his Incarnation, appearing in flesh, the Word consistently displayed authentic humanity and personhood. Jesus was so “average” in his appearance that he had to be betrayed with a kiss from someone close to him when the temple guards and Roman soldiers came to arrest him at the Garden of Gethsemane in the dark of night. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality, who uses the ID “Mario” (Level 3 with 1,960 points, a member since September 26, 2006) posted the following:

 

Is there a physical description of Jesus in the bible?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further. But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them. And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? (Luke 24: 28-32, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Mystery of GODhead (10/21/2018); GOD Has Come Down (10/09/2018); These Three Are One (10/03/2018); What Is A Spirit? (03/06/2018); Certainty, Conviction and Faith (01/05/2018); Knowing the Invisible GOD (09/17/2017); Yet In My Flesh… (06/07/2016); Seeing Jesus While Alive? (02/05/2016)

 

“Mario”, the Scriptures do not include a plainly worded description of the appearance and physical features of Jesus Christ. Mature Christian believers are not to dwell on the Savior’s physical traits, or any similitude that could become an idol. The Savior is to be apprehended through the sacred operations of spirit we call discernment whereby ones own endowment of spirit content from the makeup of GOD is used as the standard that permits recognition and response to the same spirit as it appears within events, other persons, messages, promises, prophecy, etc. We acknowledge that Jesus was nondescript, and an “every-man” who made a lasting impression and was memorable through direct exchange, interaction, and sacred experiences granted to provide revelation, witness and testimony. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. John 14: 5-10, King James Version (KJV): 5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. 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.

2. Luke 7: 19-23, KJV: 19 And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? 20 When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? 21 And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight. 22 Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. 23 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 3. John 20: 24-29, KJV: 24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. 26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. 27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(09/26/2018) Jacob Wrestled With GOD?

Edward Knippers, Jacob and the Angel (1990)

 

Today, reply is on the Bible account of Jacob wrestling with an angel. The image above was downloaded from the Auckland Theology and Religious Studies blog (December 3, 2015 ) Edward Knippers ― Advent offering 3: Angelic Muscles and Masculinities by Caroline Blyth at https://aucklandtheology.wordpress.com/category/edward-knippers/). A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality public forum who uses the ID “Genius” (Level 1 with 8 points, a member since August 13, 2018) posted the following:

 

Hey believers remember that story in bible where god was in a wrestling match?

I would have given god 3 stunners, 3 rock bottoms, 3 tombstones, 3 pedigrees, 3 atiude adjustments, 3 spears and the sharpshooter

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die. Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. (1^st Corinthians 15: 32-33, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Chosen Through Sacred Process (09/06/2018); Eating and Drinking Christ?(07/03/2017); Inheritance Must Become Commitment (05/15/2017); Church Attendance and Inheritance (09/11/2016); Sheep of His Pasture (09/09/2016); An Eternal Inheritance? (06/26/2016); Blessing and Inheritance from Abraham? (06/05/2014); On Christians Executing Judgment (06/06/2014)

 

“Genius”, in responding to the account of Jacob wrestling with an angel, many mature Christian believers would prayerfully consider the following:

The calling to divine service, sanctification, and separation of Jacob to serve as “the second Adam” began even before Esau, his twin brother, threatened to kill Jacob, and forced Jacob to leave the home of their parents, Isaac and Rebekah. Rebekah had been barren before GOD allowed her to bear the tw0; and while they were still struggling against one another within her womb, GOD indicated that one would prevail, and be used to further reveal divine grace. The Patriarch Isaac was the heir to the priesthood of Abraham. While his sons were both aware that the blessing Isaac would pronounce upon his primary heir would provide a double portion to the one he had chosen (i.e., 2 sons, 3 portions; 12 sons, 13 portions). Prior to the operations by GOD, neither of the twins correctly understood that Isaac’s blessing would be a divine proclamation, and sacred prophecy.

Because our Creator is also a God of judgment, Jacob wrestling with the angel may be thought of as a judgment scene. Divine fullness (we also say, the Godhead; “the active presence;” the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) appeared and was manifest to Jacob embodied and using the form of an angel. Later, divinity would appear among mankind using flesh and human form (we say, Incarnation) as Jesus Christ. The Savior displayed authentic humanity through birth, gradual growth, ministry, suffering, completing mortality on the cross, and demonstrating the resurrection from the dead that pertains to appearing in the tribunals of judgment. The struggle of Jacob that night, alone in his travels, also portrayed the life of Abraham as a nomad, the testing of Jesus Christ in the wilderness by Satan, and the struggle of Jesus in prayer at Gethsemane.

Like those who become born again through baptism and the operations of the Holy Spirit, Jacob was blessed, received an inheritance, then, had to undergo gradual change and growth before he could acknowledge that the GOD of Abraham and Isaac was also the GOD of Jacob. The following points use language from the Bible:

(1.) Genesis 25: 20-23, King James Version (KJV): 20 And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah to wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Padanaram, the sister to Laban the Syrian. 21 And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived. 22 And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to enquire of the LORD. 23 And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.

(2.) Genesis 27: 38-45, KJV: 38 And Esau said unto his father, Hast thou but one blessing, my father? bless me, even me also, O my father. And Esau lifted up his voice, and wept. 39 And Isaac his father answered and said unto him, Behold, thy dwelling shall be the fatness of the earth, and of the dew of heaven from above; 40 And by thy sword shalt thou live, and shalt serve thy brother; and it shall come to pass when thou shalt have the dominion, that thou shalt break his yoke from off thy neck. 41 And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob. 42 And these words of Esau her elder son were told to Rebekah: and she sent and called Jacob her younger son, and said unto him, Behold, thy brother Esau, as touching thee, doth comfort himself, purposing to kill thee. 43 Now therefore, my son, obey my voice; arise, flee thou to Laban my brother to Haran; 44 And tarry with him a few days, until thy brother’s fury turn away; 45 Until thy brother’s anger turn away from thee, and he forget that which thou hast done to him: then I will send, and fetch thee from thence: why should I be deprived also of you both in one day?

(3.) Romans 9: 10-18, KJV: 10 And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; 11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) 12 It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. 13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. 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.

(4.) Hebrews 10: 30-31, KJV: 30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) Genesis 6: 3, KJV: 3 And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

 

(04/15/2018) The Child Of Prophecy

The image depicts the hand of Jesus restraining the hand of Peter.

 

Today, reply is on the acknowledgement of covenant and law by Jesus Christ, and his surrender to the mob sent to arrest him at Gethsemane.  Jesus was among those within the Garden as an Incarnation of divinity to fulfill the promises and prophesies of GOD, a priest, a prophet, a rabbi, and the “ram caught in the thicket.”  Rather than resist the arrest, fight against the force that was dispatched, or take flight, Jesus acknowledged that his role was to submit as a lamb that would be placed on the altar of sacrifice.  When Peter attacked using a sword, Jesus rebuked him, and healed the servant of the High Priest whose ear Peter had cut off.  The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses the ID “?” (Level 6 with 14,244 points, a member since April 16, 2017) posted the following:

 

If someone told Jesus what was going to happen to him, and gave him a gun, would he have tried to escape?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:  Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.  And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.  And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.  So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.  As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.  Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;  Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;  And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;  Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.  (Hebrews 5:  1-10, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Yes, Jesus Did Die (04/01/2018); His Suffering At Gethsemane (03/12/2018); Jesus Demonstrated Perfected Humanity (10/29/2017); The Cross was Premature? (04/07/2016); Animals Do Not Sin? (09/29/2013); GOD is Acknowledging (09/30/2013); The Passion at Gethsemane (03/28/2013); Separated and Sealed? (03/29/2013)

 

“?”, Christian believers are to understand Jesus correctly knew that he himself was a child of prophecy, and that he was anointed and ordained to complete the events of his life that included his death, burial, and resurrection from the dead.  Through the holy writings, through the events surrounding his birth (e.g., the slaughter of the innocents by King Herod; the Temple prophets Anna and Simeon), through the challenge made by Satan following his water baptism (turn this stone into bread), through the confirmations he received through prayer, and through many other sacred events that served as signs, he was strengthened to continue his ministry on the earth as one having authentic humanity, as one sent from GOD, and as one who would suffer the same fate as many others who served as divine prophets and spokespersons.

The revelation of GOD granted to Moses was that the Creator and Deliverer is also a GOD of Judgment.  Moses was allowed to see his glory, and Jesus Christ came as the image of GOD to further display the forgiveness, the mercy, the obedience, the reconciliation, the righteousness, and the surrender that pertain to divine judgment.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Matthew 23:  29-39, King James Version (KJV):  29 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,  30 And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.  31 Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.  32 Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.  33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?  34 Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes:  and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:  35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.  36 Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.  37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!  38 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.  39 For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

(2.)  John 18:  3- 13, KJV:  3 Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.  4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?  5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.  6 As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.  7 Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.  8 Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he:  if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:  9 That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.  10 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.  11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath:  the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?  12 Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him,  13 And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.

(3.)  Matthew 16:  21-28, KJV:  21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.  22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord:  this shall not be unto thee.  23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me:  for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.  24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.  25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it:  and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.  26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?  27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.  28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Matthew 26:  52-54, KJV:  52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place:  for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.  53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?  54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

 
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

 

 

(03/12/2018) His Suffering At Gethsemane

 

Today, reply is on the suffering of mankind expressed through Jesus Christ at Gethsemane.  Like David, who fasted and prayed for a sick child, daring to seek relief from divine rebuke and unanswered prayer, yet still had to accept the immutable judgment against himself, Jesus sought to reason with the Father on accepting an alternative to the cross that would continue his living ministry on the earth.  In accepting the duty of tending his father’s sheep, David became accountable for each member of the flock, and did not rely on GOD to intervene whenever he might have to retrieve them from the jaws of a lion or a bear.  Similarly, Jesus accepted accountability for the flock he was given, and was not to rely on action by the Father to complete the duty of the Son as the Good Shepherd. The meaning, purpose, and work of the blood of Gethsemane was not the same as that for the blood of his scourging, and the blood of the cross.  The humanity of Jesus had to be authentic, and could not be artificial, counterfeit, or a “knock off.”  Even so, the Savior’s makeup and integrity are manifested differently according to different demands, forms, and requirements of law (e.g., carnal, covenant, mechanical, natural, sacred), and the possibilities for his operating at the same time as the son of Man, as the Son of GOD, and as one sharing the fullness of divinity (we say, the GODhead; the Trinity; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit).  Just as incense was used to lift and  make fragrant the prayers of the saints, yet, was not enough to replace the blood of atonement, the blood of Jesus offered to supply a new testament could not be sufficient without the cross.  A writer in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “jacque” (Level 1 with 26 points, a member since March 07, 2018) posted the following:

 

Why did jesus ask the lord to take this cup away from him when he knew he can take it and endure all the pain on the cross?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.  For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.  Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.  And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:  For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.  If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?  But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.  Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence:  shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?  For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.  (Hebrews 12:  1-10, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Whoso Keepeth His Word (03/09/2018); Using Repetition in Prayer? (02/21/2018); Sons of GOD Suffer? (09/19/2017); Accepting the Divine Will? (12/06/2016); The Cross was Premature? (04/07/2016); The Passion at Gethsemane (03/28/2013); Separated and Sealed? (03/29/2013)

 

“jacque”, even like all of us, today, Jesus had to be careful not to “overplay his hand,” so to speak.  Jesus behaved before GOD as an ordinary human on our behalf.  While demonstrating faith and reliance upon divinity, he continued to humble himself, focusing all upon the will of GOD, rather than answering self-promotion.  Following the Passover meal where he instituted the Lord’s Supper, Jesus and his apostles went out to the Garden of Gethsemane, where they would camp the night.  However, just as the Savior could feel a light breeze, the heat of a summer day, and the cold of a long night, the Lord sensed the impending doom, and realized his dying on the cross was swiftly approaching.  As the Son of the Highest, Jesus turned to the Father confessing gratitude and offering fervent prayer.

Among mature Christians, that a man can not be accountable for, become correct by self-will (his own willpower), or explain and justify his sin and transgression of divine law is an overwhelming limitation that utterly condemns the living to despair, hopelessness, and eternal separation from GOD.  The courage required for one to go before GOD, and plead in judgment while aware of the truth of their guiltiness can be neither fashioned nor purchased through the finite tools and resources of the flesh.  Being in the form and process of a created being, a man, Jesus could be certain of (be sure; know) many things, yet, he continued to always be in a mode like every other man of “risk-taking” and uncertainty.  To lose proper balance and focus would be to blaspheme GOD, presume upon the divine sovereign, despise the sacred mercy within judgment, and incur total damnation.

Jesus did not suffer physical harm at Gethsemane; however, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually, Jesus endured great anguish and isolation in place of sanctification along with weakness rather than strength.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Luke 18:  10-14, King James Version (KJV):  10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.  11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.  12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.  13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.  14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other:  for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

(2.)  Matthew 26:  40-42, KJV:  40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?  41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation:  the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.  42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

(3.)  Mark 13:  31-37, KJV:  31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.  32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.  33 Take ye heed, watch and pray:  for ye know not when the time is.  34 For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.  35 Watch ye therefore:  for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:  36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.  37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

There is far more to be said, thoughtfully practiced, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  James 5:  16-18, KJV:  16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.  17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain:  and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.  18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(02/21/2018) Using Repetition in Prayer?

A Depiction of Jesus in Prayer at Gethsemane

 

Today, reply is on believers becoming immersed in and joined to divinity through sacred prayer.   The idea of “vain repetition” in ones prayers addresses making public displays of ones religious practices to impress others, and addresses offering prayer to Deity that lacks spirit content from the makeup of GOD.  Through the example and guidance shared by Jesus Christ, we see that the problems that make a person’s prayers ineffectual arise from the intent, process, and purpose of their prayer.  Sacred prayer is to be more than a repeating of specific language and speech, or recurring requests to meet recurring needs.  In the same way, “I love you” may be exchanged countless times between a man and his spouse without the familiar words becoming false, meaningless and trite, believers may approach divinity sharing “thank you,” “please forgive,” and “Amen” without also committing transgression of divine law, or the offering of “vain repetition.”  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

 

Why did Jesus say the same prayer 3 times in a row, if praying repetitiously is bad?

(Matthew 26:39-44):

“And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.”

And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, thy will be done.” And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words.”

Some sects teach praying in repetitions is bad but Jesus prayed in repetitions in this example

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are:  for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.  But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.  But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do:  for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.  Be not ye therefore like unto them:  for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.  (Matthew 6:  5-8, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The GOD Who Answers? (04/04/2017); Benefits of the Rosary (02/14/2017); The Cross was Premature? (04/07/2016); The Power in Prayer? (08/22/2014); The Rosary and Other Prayers? (08/23/2014); Why Christians Pray for Others (01/12/2014); GOD is Jesus? (01/13/2014); The Passion at Gethsemane (03/28/2013); Separated and Sealed? (03/29/2013)

 

“Anonymous”, here are some points Christian believers benefit by:

(1.)  In the same way saying “I love you” should never be thought of as boring, powerless, and unnecessary between a husband and wife, repeating specific phrases, thoughts, and words in prayer (e.g., thy kingdom come, thy will be done) are not forbidden or prohibited.  Even so, all who pray are counseled to avoid “vain repetition,” making presentations that lack spirit substance from the makeup of GOD such as balance, faith, gratitude, humility, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, and unselfishness. 

(2.)  The sacred process of prayer is one of contact, exchange, and interaction with the fullness of divinity (we say, the GODhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) by the spirit substance that has been imparted to a created being or living creature, and is more than a matter of speaking words, the grandness and poetry of ones vocabulary, or using speech to create a focus on desires.  There is a rejoining of spirit to Spirit, and an affirmation of sacred personhood that displays oneness without sameness.

(3.)  Just as prayers can not be offered to change the heart and mind of GOD (i.e., bribe, influence, manipulate divinity),  there are many secular and worldly things maintained through mechanical means and natural laws that do not respond to the prayers of believers.  Even so, it is correct to importune and persevere in prayer.

(4.)  Given that divinity is immutable and unchanging, there are multiple features that repeatedly appear as aspects of sacred prayer.  Included are confession, requesting counsel, declaring the terms of covenant, intercession, petition, praise, and thanksgiving.  Properly offered prayers do not present complaining, nagging, self-promotion, condemning and slandering others, or gossip and talebearing.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.) using language from the Bible, sacred prayer continues discovery and displaying respect by believers as well as instruction and revelation from divinity:  Romans 8:  26, King James Version (KJV):  26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities:  for we know not what we should pray for as we ought:  but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(04/07/2016) The Cross was Premature?

Eternal purpose, benefits from sacred processes, revelation, and the cross are topics, today.  All that has occurred up to this time has been a preamble to eternity.  Along with love among ourselves as his disciples, vigilance and watchfulness have been commanded.  That the Son of GOD would become incarnate and die upon the earth was agreed upon before the Creation.  Therefore, Jesus dying upon the cross was not a spontaneous episode, or an occasion developed on the basis of human affairs, current events, global politics, crises, and natural disasters.  While Jesus prayed his death would be delayed, and called to the Father at Gethsemane before his arrest and trial, Jesus accepted that his condition in flesh did not allow him to fully apprehend and grasp the many unseen elements and features of the Father’s will.  Even before his example of how we are to face death that he displayed in the presence of his mother, Jesus demonstrated the faithfulness, submission, and trust we all are to show as children of the Highest.  Readers are encouraged to consider how this is stated using the following Scriptures and in the presentation below:

2nd Peter 3:  3-6, King James Version (KJV):  3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,  4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.  5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:  6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:  7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

2nd Peter 3:  9-13, KJV:  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.

Ezekiel 12:  27-28, KJV:  27 Son of man, behold, they of the house of Israel say, The vision that he seeth is for many days to come, and he prophesieth of the times that are far off.  28 Therefore say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; There shall none of my words be prolonged any more, but the word which I have spoken shall be done, saith the Lord GOD.

Habakkuk 2:  3, KJV:  3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie:  though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

Hebrews 10:  36-38, KJV:  36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.  37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.  38 Now the just shall live by faith:  but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Bluebootz” (Level 6 with 11,225 points, a member since June 29, 2012) posted the following:

 

Did Jesus leave the earth stage knowing that a return of the Christ would have greater benefit in another time line?

What I mean is….did he see that his work or ministry was becoming too much of a challenge for the mindset of that time and place?
Did he notice that his message would have a greater impact or be heard more completely in a different time and place with a more enlightened audience?

So he left, with a promise to return.?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Therefore be ye also ready:  for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.  Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?  Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.  Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.  But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;  And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;  The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,  And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites:  there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.  (Matthew 24:  44-51, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Heirs of The Cross? (04/01/2016); Revelation and The Cross (03/27/2016); The Cross and Eternity (03/21/2016); Atonement and The Cross? (02/29/2016); The Cross Must Occur? (02/23/2016); An Eternal Plan and Process (07/05/2015); Son of Adam and of GOD? (06/16/2014); Focus of Believers? (06/17/2014)

 

“Bluebootz”, for mature Christian believers Jesus Christ dying upon the cross was a “prophetic demonstration” carefully prepared and carried out to fulfill sacred proclamations in place from the time of Adam and Eve as well as to provide a new testament in his blood that would accurately represent and exceed all previous covenants between the Creator and those created.  Many streams of truth and eternal purpose came together at the cross, and are described throughout the Scriptures in terms of multiple sacred events, and divine operations.  Included are anointing, atonement, deliverance, Incarnation, judgment, justification, priesthood, reconciliation, resurrection, sacrifice, sanctification, and rest.

The cross was not an “on the fly” adjustment, or “last ditch effort” to correct a divine plan that was not “going well.”  Nor were the things that appeared “premature” or subject to “bad timing.”  GOD is a spirit who has put forth all that exists, the finite created beings and living creatures, their tools of awareness and self-will, and their spheres of life.  To be knowable and known by the living, divinity is being revealed and presented in the holy writings through thousands of events within thousands of lives, over the course of thousands of years.  The Bible, therefore, provides a divine point of view.  The architecture of the cross has been woven into the fabric of the universe, and displays the same regularity and divine order established by Deity as the cosmos.

The operations of sin oppose the continued existence of divine law, the Law Giver, and all that is maintained through sacred law.  Sin has not been created by GOD, is no material or physical thing, is no living, thinking creature, and in no way imparts, reproduces, or supports life essence (we say, breath, spirit, word).  Sin may be a residue of chaos and formlessness that preceded the beginning of Creation.  Because sin has direction, effect, and “presence”, sin may be managed, however, sin can not be destroyed, eliminated and erased as an ordinary, common object.  Sin may dominate awareness and self-will in the living. 

The blood from the cross pertains to the continuing work of Jesus Christ as High Priest within the Temple of heaven.  We speak of Christ as the Lamb of GOD whose blood is acceptable to alter the records of life that must be used in all  judgment.  Presently, the judgment of believers is ongoing, and the followers of the Lord are being made ripe to be removed from the earth as his harvest at the Advent (some say, the Rapture, the Second Coming).  In addition to cleansing the Sanctuary from the sins confessed and examined at the Mercy Seat, there are other important aspects of eternal life that are being carried forward under the authority of Christ, who is Son of GOD.  The building of the Holy City (New Jerusalem) is to be completed; allotment of homes and duty assignments for the saved are to be prepared; tribunals are to be carried out in judgment of the wicked; and the second death must be concluded.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  Trust that, despite time and space, through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood and truth from the cross are flowing to here and now.   I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(07/25/2014) Asked to Carry the Cross?

Duty, love, unselfish service to GOD, and the “Gethsemane point” are in view, today.  (No BATTLE AXE appears.)  The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Andrew” (Level 4 with 2,636 points, a member since January 09, 2011) posted the following:

 

Asked to be a godparent but don’t want to be? 

The baptism is for my niece and nephew . At the time i felt obliged to say yes, but now i realize i dont even want to go to the baptism let alone be a godparent. The baptism is this Sunday, i dont know what to do now. I am not even a religious person in fact i cant stand it ( no offence intended ) Most of my family are religious though. I dont think it be right either for me being none believer to be a godparent, and i think it be unfair on my niece and nephew.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.  And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.  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?  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?  Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.  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.  (Luke 17:  5-10, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  What GOD Demands (05/10/2014); The Body of Moses (05/11/2014); The Obedience of Jesus? (04/15/2013); Why Would GOD Worry About Us? (04/16/2013); The Passion at Gethsemane (03/28/2013); Separated and Sealed? (03/29/2013)

 

“Andrew”, even reading and responding to questions here at “Yahoo! Answers” is a dangerous and difficult task that many only respond to willingly because they accept it as their duty from GOD.  Here are a few points I hope you will find helpful that may make a positive difference for your life as a Christian:

(1.)  When Jesus and his apostles had completed their last Passover meal together with the initiation of the Lord’s Supper and the ordinance of foot washing, the Savior became overwhelmed with the thought of his ministry on earth being ended by the cross.  When they went to the place where they were to be encamped for the night, Jesus approached the Father in prayer to ask that his death be delayed.  Jesus had reached and would have to endure an emotional, psychological, and spiritual agony that we now refer to as a “Gethsemane point.”  Is that where you are?

(2.)  Duty and service to GOD are not a matter of ones ability apart from GOD, ambition, experience, personal pleasure, self-promotion, skill, or talent.  There are things a believer must do—like it, don’t like it—that absolutely must be carried out.  While completing our sacred duty may provide special benefit to family, friends and loved ones, the simple tasks we are challenged to carry out often pertain to maintaining divine order for earth, heaven, and the entire universe as well as the continuum of eternity. 

(3.)  Born again, all believers must “grow up” again by meeting life challenges upon the earth.  Believers are encouraged, instructed, and supplied to answer one another with love (we say, unselfish surrender), and respond to GOD with total commitment.  Examples from Isaac quietly waiting upon an altar to be struck by his father Abraham to that of Jesus at Calvary demonstrate the maturity we are to acquire wherein we obey and discharge duty no matter the cost (we say, the sacrifice, the suffering).

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Asked to be accountable, asked to be responsible, asked to be shown up by the many other people whom you account more worthy than yourself, asked to take the risk of being more than just a bystander, pride makes most of us hesitate.  The “hero” in a crisis is a person who was committed to doing their best before the emergency, or need for special assistance appeared.  Where believers refuse to participate or share in any given role of ministry, it always should be only because it would damage or interrupt their other ongoing commitments to GOD.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(09/29/2013) Animals Do Not Sin?

The notion that animals do not sin is focus, today; and there is more on the death and dying of Jesus upon the cross.  The “Yahoo! Answers Canada” writer using ID “Arctic Spirit” (Level 5 with 6,874 points, a member since July 21, 2010) posted the following:

 

If it was Adam and Eve that sinned first, and death would be the result of that sin…?

…. Why do other creatures that had nothing to do with the human population had to pay for the sin of man? Wild animals never sinned, humans did!!!

 

THE BATTLE AXE:  Dying in Terror and Joy? (09/28/2013)—  (5.)  The death of Jesus was not simply the completion of mortality for a single sinner, the death of a single man.  The cross depicts the destruction of all sin, where sin is understood as no material thing created by GOD, or contained within the substance of created beings and living creatures.  Sin appears through human experience as a frightening mix of deformed and malformed desires and intentions (we say, horrors, monsters and monstrosities).  Sin may not control and influence the will of GOD.  Sin opposes the continued existence of divinity, of sacred law, and of all that has been put forth as Creation.  Sin is without being, measurable dimensions, feelings, personness, or divine purpose.  Yet, sin has direction, effect, and presence, and may invisibly dominate awareness and self-will in the created.  Sin is not a divine essence like the inseparable aspects of sacred person (e.g., faith, glory, holiness, joy, longsuffering, truth, virtue, and wisdom).  Jesus suffers and dies on behalf of all who need release from enslavement to sin, ignorance of GOD, and the burning loss of divine nature.  Through surrender of his blood and life essence (flesh and spirit) there can be permanent restoration to GOD that only comes by atonement, re-creation (we say, becoming new creatures, being born again, rebirth), repentance and sanctification.  Upon the cross, Christ was made to be sin, and the wrath of GOD against all sin was turned against him.  The cross served as an altar (i.e., a holy table; a point of contact and joining for both heaven and earth).  Rejected, Jesus may not set foot upon the earth, nor is he immediately lifted up into heaven.  For this reason, the cross is a scene of final judgment, the day of the Lord.  Graves are opened; in the city, the dead are seen to be revived; and at the place of a skull (Calvary, Golgotha) where Jesus is suspended between heaven and earth, there is a storm of silence, stillness, and unexpected darkness.  (See Psalms 30:  1-12, Revelation 6:  17, 2nd Corinthians 4:  6-11, and Revelation 20:  11-15, KJV.)  (6.)  As the finishing work for salvation, the resurrection appearances, his return to the celestial presence of the Father, and his ascension must occur before the final completion of the three-and-one-half year ministry of Jesus upon the earth could be celebrated in heaven.  Yet, Jesus could rejoice dying upon the cross being fully alive to the praises, proclamations, promises and prophecies provided by GOD for all mankind.  Through the imparted, indwelling Spirit of GOD, there would be triumph over all the fear, pain and violence introduced by sin as continuing aspects of existence for mankind.  Through the imparted, indwelling Spirit it is possible to achieve every godly goal—nothing would be impossible—and all duty for created beings and living creatures would be within their capabilities.  The physical processes of death and dying remain unchanged; however, the application of death in judgment is transformed.  Death and dying that end sin and separation from GOD no longer quenches faith, divine joy, love and genuine reverence.  Only the second death removes all possibilities for continuing and restored existence.  (See Psalms 115:  15-18, 1st Corinthians 15:  50-57 and Romans 8:  35-39, KJV.)

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Ye shall therefore keep all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them:  that the land, whither I bring you to dwell therein, spue you not out.  And ye shall not walk in the manners of the nation, which I cast out before you:  for they committed all these things, and therefore I abhorred them.  But I have said unto you, Ye shall inherit their land, and I will give it unto you to possess it, a land that floweth with milk and honey:  I am the LORD your God, which have separated you from other people.  Ye shall therefore put difference between clean beasts and unclean, and between unclean fowls and clean:  and ye shall not make your souls abominable by beast, or by fowl, or by any manner of living thing that creepeth on the ground, which I have separated from you as unclean.  And ye shall be holy unto me:  for I the LORD am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine.  (Leviticus 20:  22-26, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Destroyed in Noah’s Flood? (04/28/2013); Both Born Holy? (04/29/2013); Why Blood? (04/13/2013); Time Before the Sun? (04/14/2013); A Second Adam? (03/25/2013); GOD Hiding in Plain Sight (03/26/2013); Sin Without Wrongdoing? (08/28/2012); On Religious Items (08/29/2012)

 

“Artic Spirit”, here are a few points on sin and the divine Creation that are being used to prepare Christian believers for the completion of divine judgment:

(1.)  Sin opposes the continued existence of GOD, whose makeup is entirely of spirit, yet, who appears to mankind in flesh as Jesus Christ.  Sin is no material thing put forth by GOD, and lacks dimension, divine substance, and sacred purpose.  Even so, sin has direction, effect, and presence; and sin is able to dominate awareness and self-will in created beings and living creatures.   

(2.)  Sin was first detected among holy angels in the place of celestial presence (we say, heaven).  Sin opposes the existence of divine law.  Sin does not function or operate according to emotions, intellect, logic, mental power and reasoning.  Thus, college professors, those born in poverty, those of the middle class, those born in a royal house, all may become subject to sin. 

(3.)  All things in existence upon the earth are not alive.  Even so, objects that exist for ones awareness may become aspects and instruments for focus through sin.  Divine content may be contained and transferred through things that are not alive.  (Examples are consecrated altars, blood, and holy ground.)  In the earth realm, an atmosphere or culture that promotes defilement, idolatry, things that are profane, and sin may be fashioned using things that are made by mankind.  Things also may be formed from human imagination to spread defilement and profanity.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4.)  The destruction of all living in the flood at Noah’s day is a depiction of divine judgment to correct and fulfill Creation.  The operations of sin are subtle (we say, barely visible; unseen), and cannot be detected, resisted or eliminated without correctly using an array of tools supplied by GOD.  Included are cautions, covenants, divine law, the record of judgments against sin, and the imparted, indwelling Spirit of Jesus.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(03/29/2013) Separated and Sealed?

      Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, keeping pledges and promises to the church, and the role of apostles concerning spiritual gifts are topics along with more on the passion of Christ at Gethsemane. A “Yahoo! Answers” Top Contributor using ID “cricketlady” (Level 7 with 109,398 points, a member since February 9, 2009) posted the following:

Who were the two people That God struck dead because they did Not keep their word?

There was this person or persons in the Old Testament that promised God that if they could sell a plot of ground that they would give all the money to “someone” and they sold the plot of ground and they kept part of the money it sold for. And God struck them Dead because they had lied. I believe they were even Asked~~”Is this all the money Or all that you got for the plot of ground: and the lied and said Yes.

Additional Details

And what was the role of Peter in the New Testament??

THE BATTLE AXE: The Passion at Gethsemane (03/28/2013)—Just as Jesus endured many experiences of inner disquiet that could only be resolved through prayer, reflection and unselfish service, every believer must experience unresolved spiritual events. What we typically call a “crisis of faith” in fact may be “such as is common to man,” and an aspect of spiritual growth that should be regarded as customary, predictable and standard (see again Psalms 37: 1-40, KJV). Only where properly anchored in things past and strengthened though the indwelling spirit, are followers of Christ able to embrace all the things that are ongoing as well as things prophesied and things yet to come. Where Jesus was in agony and sorrowed, it was not from self-pity, a notion that his ministry had failed, or for fear of suffering and death. His inner nature was resisting and fighting off the transformation whereby he would portray all sin upon the cross, and he was increasingly aware that the Father’s withdrawal had begun (see 2nd Corinthians 5: 21, 2nd Chronicles 24: 20, Psalm 22: 1, Mark 15: 34, KJV). His prayer vigil and submission at Gethsemane would also be Jesus’ answer to charges by Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin that he was guilty of defiance, rebellion and blasphemy (see Matthew 26: 58-68, KJV).

  

THE GOLDEN ARROW: I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, and the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses. For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so he was their Saviour. In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old. But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them. (Isaiah 63: 7-10, KNV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Spirit Matter (10/21/2012); Caesarea Philippi (10/22/2012); Upon This Rock (02/21/2012); Why Only Luke? (02/22/2012); Returning To GOD (02/23/2012); The Prophets (02/24/2012); Sin Against The Spirit (01/26/2012); Blasphemy? (03/06/2011); In The Rain? (03/07/2011); Conspiracy? (12/08/2010); Lost Faith? (12/09/2010); False Witness? (10/31/2010); Bible Complete? (11/01/2010)

      A husband and wife, Ananias and Sapphira, are reported having “lied to the Holy Ghost” in Acts chapter 5, King James Version. The nature of their sin went beyond betrayal of the early church community, covetousness, debt, disorderly conduct, fraud, and perjury. The pair demonstrated blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. As new creatures alive in ongoing judgment before GOD through the Spirit of Jesus, the pair annulled their rebirth, broke covenant with the congregation of believers, and denied union with the Father and the Son. The two had no other source for life, and so, dropped dead as victims of their own choices for materialism. Given it is the absolute and total rejection of divinity, blasphemy against the Holy Ghost places a seal upon ones inner nature so that there can never be the rebirth and repentance that comes only by the operation of the Holy Spirit. The grace of GOD is permanently refused (see again 2nd Chronicles 24: 20 and Hebrews 10: 23-31, KJV).

      As an apostle, Peter had learned directly from Jesus as a constant companion, such that Peter was a living ark of testimony. While the work of the apostles did include baptizing new believers, exorcism, healing, preaching, and establishing new local congregations, their preeminence was that they had been specially prepared to serve as witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection, and as witnesses for the Advent of the Holy Spirit. Peter, John and others were not given authority to bestow or remove the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands. However, their demonstrations and prayers for others to receive the Spirit were usually answered; and the apostles then certified whether the manifestations were the same as those at Pentecost.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, Ananias and Sapphira are figures (types) like Adam and Eve. Neither pair assigned right value (judgment) upon their inheritance from GOD (the Holy Spirit that covered their nakedness, and the Holy Ghost that fell on Pentecost). Therefore, righteous judgments from GOD were revealed to admonish, benefit and guide all who thereafter would be endowed with spiritual gifts from GOD.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/28/2013) The Passion at Gethsemane

      Focus, today, is upon the passion of Christ, and there is more on the Advent of the Holy Spirit. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Billy” (Level 1 with 95 points, a member since March 27, 2013) posted the following:

Why did jesus sweat blood?

THE BATTLE AXE: The Spirit and Pentecost (03/27/2013)—The holy seeds planted by Christ were words of proclamation, promise, and prophecy while the actual harvest was to be the glory of the earth contained as the imparted, indwelling spirit from GOD. Called the “promise of the father” (see Acts 1: 4 and 8, KJV), the Comforter (John 14: 26, KJV) and the Spirit of Truth (John 15: 26, KJV), the Spirit found in Jesus was to indwell and transform mankind. The entire Holy Spirit as a person of the GODhead cannot be deposited into mankind. However, mankind receives peculiar gifts that are divine substance representing the life of Jesus, and permitting the further revelation of GOD. As joint-heirs with Jesus, only partial authority and power are bestowed upon mankind, while Christ as the firstborn from death is exalted and preeminent above all (Matthew 28: 17-19 and Colossians 1: 18, King James Version).

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And David went up by the ascent of mount Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot: and all the people that was with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up. (2nd Samuel 15: 30, King James Version)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Accomplished in Christ? (01/16/2013); The Need to Purify Heaven (01/17/2013); Did Jesus Know? (12/22/2012); The True Miracle (12/23/2012); (09/15/2011) Dispatch 36: His Grace; (08/24/2011) Dispatch 16: The Ally (Wounded); To Save Jesus? (03/12/2011); Having Life? (03/13/2011); The Lord’s Prayer (12/18/2010); Awesomeness? (12/19/2010)

      Billy, many mature Christian believers understand the passion and suffering of Jesus began immediately following the last Passover meal and introduction of the Lord’s Supper that we call “Holy Communion.” His thoughts regarding the purposes of GOD became increasingly troubled and unclear. Jesus did not doubt, yet, he experienced a frightening uncertainty, and an overwhelming sense of sorrow. The agony of crucifixion began within his spirit through the separation for betrayal that was committed by Judas. Just as the rebellion of Absalom against his father King David displayed the wrath of GOD against David in particular, against his entire household and against the covenant nation, Judas leaving the assembly depicts the rejection of Christ by the Temple elders, by all Israel, and by the world as described through the Roman Empire. More than this, Jesus again saw the unchanging wrath of GOD against sin leveled against all the earth as at Noah’s day, and that, both the condemnation and salvation for mankind was being sealed.

      The holy writings report his prayers at that time (see Matthew 26: 36-46 and Mark 14: 32-43, KJV). Specifically we read: And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. (See Luke 22: 44, King James Version.) Many read this as saying, Jesus was pouring out his life as he prayed. More correctly, the aspects of flesh are brought into view, for sweat represents effort (works rather than faith) as well as uncleanness (we say “dis- fellowship,” “enmity” and “sin”). His mortality is affirmed, and his death is again foreshadowed as the sweat is swallowed up by the earth (from dust thou art…).

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, in spirit, the trial initiated by Judas was a continuation of the trial from Satan that followed the baptism by John at the Jordan River (e.g., Matthew 4: 1-11, KJV). Many things were unknown to Jesus, and he had to go forward on the basis of his faith not having seen or heard the testimony from heaven that had been given to John (the dove, the voice). Forty burning days and freezing desert nights without food and drinks challenged Jesus to commit himself to a total dependence upon GOD, as would the lash, the crown of thorns, the nails and splinters of the cross.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC