(10/09/2019) Christ Displayed Authentic Humanity

The image depicts the compassion and authentic humanity of Jesus as he wept over Jerusalem, and as he acknowledged the death of his friend Lazarus

 

Today, the reply is on the display of authentic humanity by Jesus Christ while in flesh on the earth. Following the fall of Adam, mankind could not embody divinity except by coming and going in what we might call “episodes” and “visitations”. The “hand of the Lord” (i.e., the Holy Spirit) might fall on someone (e.g., Ezekiel, Samson, Saul, Daniel), however, the spirit would not remain. Jesus would show the abiding image of GOD for the new creation that would have a fresh endowment of the same divine spirit imparted to Adam from the makeup of GOD. Also, the doctrine and teaching of the Father shared by Jesus along with the gospel of the cross and his resurrection, would be the foundation whereby every member of the church headed by Christ would be enabled to receive the indwelling Holy Spirit (we also say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth). It is written: John 14: 15-21, King James Version (KJV): 15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. 20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. 21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Norine” (Level 1 with 37 points, a member since October 01, 2019) posted the following:

 

Re: Matt 12:28 “If I cast out devils by the Spirit of God the Kingdom of God has come unto you” who is the Holy Spirit. Did Jesus fulfill…?

Update: THE PASSOVER IN LUKE 22:16; 18 WHEN HE SAID

“…I WILL NOT ANY MORE EAH THEREOF, UNTIL IT ***BE FULFILLED*** IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD” (LUKE 22:16)?

AND

…”I WILL NOT DRINK OF THE FRUIT OF THE VINE, UNTIL THE KINGDOM OF GOD ***SHALL COME” *** (LUKE 22:18)?

ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 12:28 THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS THE HOLY SPIRIT! DID JESUS FULFILL SETTING UP “TABLES” AS THEY DID UNDER THE “FIRST COVENANT” (HEB 9:1-2) ON THE DAY OF PENTECOST (ACTS 2:2-3)?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. (1^st John 4: 12-16, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Entered Into Divine Glory (09/03/2019); Understanding Oneness Without Sameness (08/27/2019); Spirit Using Human Form (08/16/2019); Moses Was Not Divine (04/24/2019); GOD’s Will Be Done? (03/27/2019); Flesh As Divine Vessels? (01/14/2018); An Habitation of GOD (07/24/2016); The Cross and The Pharisees? (04/21/2016)

 

“Norine”, an important way to understand the distinct operations on the earth by Jesus Christ and by the Holy Spirit is to continually acknowledge that, at all times while in flesh, Jesus was required to display and manifest authentic humanity. His behavior, conduct, and speech were always fashioned, formed, and made to be consistent with such finite human elements as appetite, sensation, and emotions/mind at the same time he was being permanently altered through operations of the Holy Spirit that determine accountability, commitment, discovery, godliness, gradual growth, ability to serve unselfishly, and the endurance of suffering. Jesus would proclaim the truth that fresh endowments of the same life essence (we say, breath; spirit; word; the law and the prophets) imparted to Adam at Creation will be imparted from GOD to abide and indwell the church he would found. The appearing of Jesus on earth presenting mortality as the Son of Adam and the Son of GOD does not conflict with or contradict his appearing in the heaven as an aspect of full Godhead and as the Word. The inseparable sacred substance of divinity includes faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) Philippians 2: 5-13, King James Version (KJV): 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

(2.) Hebrews 12: 1-4, KJV: 1 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, 2 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. 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. 4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

(3.) Luke 17: 20-24, KJV: 20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: 21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. 22 And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it. 23 And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them. 24 For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Romans 6: 19, KJV: 19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

 

Image downloaded 11:00 PM, October 08, 2019 @ https://nallifollowthelight.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/jesus-crying.jpg

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(09/29/2019) Ones Spirit Must Grow?

 

Today, reply is that the sacred process and substance for both damnation and salvation are conditional. It is written: Matthew 22: 2-11, King James Version (KJV): The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen. One of the fighters in the public forum at “Yahoo! Answers” on Religion and Spirituality using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data appears) posted the following:

 

Is this true: Christ didn’t save us all: he gave us the opportunity to be saved?

Is that correct or false according to the Bible?

I am in no way disregarding the efforts of the Son of God but we are still able to die if we do not believe in Him. So why say he has saved us all when he has only unlocked the door for us and it is up to us to open it and go through it.

 

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

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Kingdom Within You (09/26/2019); Now Are Ye Light (09/18/2019); Heaven Speaks Using Mankind (09/15/2019); Those Who Prefer Evil (09/02/2019); The Saved Are Numberless (04/29/2019); “I Never Knew You” (03/23/2018); Caution! Work In Progress (10/19/2017)

 

“Anonymous”, it is not that divinity has not granted forgiveness and a way of new life for mankind; it is that many men do not acknowledge the acts of GOD, do not respect divine love, and do not trust. In the same way blessing and cursing continued to be conditional for those in covenant with GOD who left Egypt with Moses, damnation and salvation continue to be conditional and depend on the choices and responses the living make to divinity. Apart from the provisions of GOD, mankind is finite, fragile, mortal, and may not endure as a companion of immortal, incorruptible divinity. This has been demonstrated by the response of men to the sanctions of sacred law as well as all the process and substance of both redemption and salvation. Sin has not been eliminated by the death of Jesus on the cross, yet, GOD has made it possible for mankind to recognize sin is contrary to divine and human nature, to reject the promptings of sin, and to overcome sin through renewed human self-will (willpower). The lives of created beings and living creatures can be dominated and terminated through the operations of sin. Sin promotes nonexistence and a return to the conditions in place before the founding of heaven and earth. As a benefit and privilege through Jesus Christ, sinners can be transformed through a fresh endowment of the same life essence (we say, breath; spirit; word) imparted to Adam. Even so, those “born again” must “mature again.” They must live on the earth as vessels of divine spirit, must display the image of GOD, and present the likeness of Jesus Christ. Spiritual growth is to occur through commitment, discernment, discovery, fellowship, learning, practice, unselfish service, and suffering. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a presentation from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

1. Romans 10: 13-17, King James Version (KJV): 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? 17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

2. 2^nd Thessalonians 3: 1-3, KJV: 1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: 2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

3. 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.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended (for example, 4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owkc0PZWigc&list=PLN-HWgUQXbLNnbCpJM6rhVO8-yEdJmEib&index=8&t=0s.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

 

Image downloaded 1:05 AM, September 29, 2019 @ https://pics.me.me/satarh-2cor-4-3-4-kjv-but-if-our-gospel-be-hid-24944179.png

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(08/15/2019) According To Your Faith

The Evangelist Phillip and the Ethiopian Eunuch receiving the Gospel

 

Today, reply is on the use of faith as a standard to determine the correctness of spiritual presentations, and developing discernment to consistently grasp spiritual meaning, quality, and value. Sinners who turn to Jesus Christ in repentance are like infants and newborn babes who must come to correctly recognize their own parents and those in affiliation as family. At first there may be displays of indifference and rejection, because everyone is a stranger. All developing believers start out operating in terms other than genuine spiritual knowledge and experience, and must be built up and edified through the Holy Spirit. Redemption and salvation are not one-time events so much as a continuous and ongoing stream of events. This makes it that believers will experience discrete episodes of discovery and growth, yet, will not have complete and full understanding. Believers are able to accept a condition of partial knowledge because there is a condition of full commitment and trust. Grace has been bestowed on those who follow Christ, and serves as an earnest or “good-faith payment” of their coming transformation and eternal rewards. It is written: 1^st Corinthians 13: 9-12, King James Version (KJV): 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality, who uses the ID “Rolando C I” (Level 6 with 18,913 points, a member since April 29, 2008), posted the following:

 

Why does the king james Bible include Acts 8:37 ?

And other translations exclude it ?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. (Hebrews 4: 12-13, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: We Must Acknowledge Christ (08/08/2019); The Requirements for Relationship (06/30/2019); Recognizing Holy and Unholy (01/31/2019); We Have To Believe? (01/06/2019); The Word From GOD (12/11/2018); By Reading The Bible? (11/18/2018); Knowing What To Believe? (12/31/2017); From Cover to Cover? (01/04/2016); Translation, Please… (01/11/2013); Why So Much Murder? (01/12/2013)

 

“Rolando C I”, in context, the verse you refer to presents a clear, yet not full declaration of the faith a Christian should express (Acts 8: 35-38, King James Version (KJV): 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. 36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.)

For me, the following presentation conveys the same declaration: Gevurot 8: 35-38, Orthodox Jewish Bible (OJB): 35 And having opened his mouth, and beginning from this keta (section) of the Kitvei Hakodesh, Philippos began to preach and fier ois (elucidate) Yehoshua/Yeshua to him. 36 And as they were going along the derech, they came upon some mayim and the eunuch says, “Hinei, mayim! What prevents me from being given Moshiach’s tevilah of teshuva in the mikveh mayim?” 37 [And Philippos said, “If you have emunah b’chol levavcha, it is mutar. And he answered, saying, Ani ma’amin ki Rebbe Melech HaMoshiach Yehoshua Ben HaElohim hu.] 38 And he commanded the chariot to stop and both went down into the mikveh mayim, both Philippos and the eunuch, and Philippos gave him Moshiach’s tevilah of teshuva in the mikveh mayim.

Where sinners begin their return to GOD through Jesus Christ by embracing instruction from the holy writings, many become convinced that they must continue using only the exact wording and precise presentation they were first shown. As developing Christian believers, they want to be alert and on guard against spiritual confusion that accompanies the use of materials and messages from sources that may be in conflict, that are not biblical, and that have questionable origins. Rather than respond to the holy writings relying on finite academic, scholarly, and secular tools such as intellect, logic, philosophy, and science, the Christian believer is to apply sacred standards of faith and other spirit matter imparted from the makeup of divinity. Included are forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Believers are to practice discernment wherein their own fresh deposit of life essence (breath; spirit; word) from divinity enables them to recognize and respond to the same spirit substance (we also say, the image of Jesus Christ) as it appears within events, other persons, themselves, the holy writings, etc. Consider the following from the Bible:

1. Hebrews 5: 12-14, KJV: 12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Yehudim in Moshiach 5: 12-14, OJB: 12 For indeed by this time you ought to be [rabbininic] morim saying shiurim, but instead you have need again to be taught the orthodox Jewish basic ikarim (principles, essentials) of the Divrei Hashem, and you have become one having need of cholov and not solid okhel. 13 For everyone partaking of cholov is unacquainted with HaDivrei Tzedek, for he is an olel (infant).  14 But solid okhel is for the mevugarim (mature ones, adults), the ones whose keilim (faculties) have been trained by practice for distinguishing both HaTov and HaRah. [T.N. In the next chp a warning is given to the Messianic Jew who re-submits Yehoshua to re-trial and reassigns the original verdict of deceiver: no re-rebirth, no rerepentance for such shmad]

2. 1^st Corinthians 12: 3, KJV: 3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

Kehillah in Corinth 1, 12 : 3, OJB: 3 Therefore, I make known to you that no one speaking by the Ruach Hakodesh of Hashem says, “Al Yehoshua ki Cherem hu” (“a curse of the ban of destruction is on Yehoshua”), and no one is able to say, “Yehoshua hu HaAdon” except by the Ruach Hakodesh.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 3. 1^st Corinthians 2: 14, KJV: 14But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Kehillah in Corinth 1, 2: 14, OJB: 14 But a natural person does not receive the things of the Ruach Hakodesh of Hashem, for they are narrishkait (foolishness 1:21-24) to him, and he is not able to have personal saving da’as of them, because they are discerned in the Ruach Hakodesh.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

 

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

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(05/30/2019) The Holy Spirit Comforts?

Tina L. Connor Think On These Things… (image reference below).

 

Today, reply is on the action and work of the Holy Spirit whom Jesus Christ sends to his church on the earth to continue the ministry of redemption and salvation. Jesus spoke of the divine agent he would send to the church from the Godhead as “the Comforter,” suggesting the primary role of the Spirit would be to help the flock endure the loss of the Good Shepherd. Other names given the Spirit (e.g., the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Grace, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth), make it clear that just as there are many gifts bestowed by the Spirit, there are many tasks and sacred works carried out by the Holy Spirit beyond addressing bereavement, uncertainty, and the absence of the Lord. The active presence himself from the Father and Son was the power the church needed to complete the work of displaying the image of Christ, global evangelism, and spreading the Gospel to all the world, fulfilling the Great Commission. It is written: Matthew 10: 16-22, King James Version (KJV): 16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. 17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; 18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. 19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. 20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. 21 And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. 22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Spirituality and Religion who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shown) posted the following:

 

What does it mean that the Holy Spirit comforts you?

John 14:16-17

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. (Acts 4: 29-33, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Evidence Is Spirit (05/29/2019); Blaspheming the Holy Spirit (05/08/2019); Believers Must Receive Gifts (09/30/2018); The Comfort Through Christ? (01/13/2017); Comfort? (09/06/2014); We Become Comforters? (07/19/2014); The End of Pain? (06/10/2013); Night Cometh (06/11/2013)

 

“Anonymous”, to obtain mercy sinners must enter into judgment; to obtain comfort, believers must enter into unselfish service and suffering. In the same way the Father and the Holy Spirit encouraged, reinforced and supported the ministry of divinity appearing on the earth using form and flesh (we say, the Incarnation as Jesus Christ), the Holy Spirit is the primary agent and representative of Jesus Christ as the High Priest in heaven who continues to build up, edify, and nourish the living body of divinity on the earth that is the church. Multiple sacred works are being performed to complete the transformation whereby created beings and living creatures will exist as immortal, incorruptible companions of the divine fullness (i.e., the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). Sinners who turn to GOD through Jesus Christ are to receive a fresh endowment of life essence (breath; spirit; word). Inseparable spirit substance from the makeup of GOD is provided that establishes such elements as balance, faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, wisdom, wrath against sin, and zeal.

Atonement, forgiveness, judgment, eternal life and many of the works of GOD to recover and preserve Creation require that mankind receive deposits of spirit substance and perform works of tarrying, waiting, and witnessing sacred events that are to be completed by GOD. The comfort mankind must receive from divinity goes beyond the human condition as carnal, material, political, and social. More than hugs, kisses, drying our tears, and personal responses of affection are needed. Thus, divinity uses the frameworks of time and space when communicating, exchanging, and interacting with mankind; however, human life must be acknowledged as brief, episodic, lacking continuity, and unstable. Divine mechanisms are being shared that permit mortal beings to operate in relationship with GOD as though the frequent interruptions of appetite, emotion, sickness, and death do not occur. Included are assurance, atonement, covenant, dynasty, family, forgiveness, inheritance, longevity, pledge, prophecy, rebirth, resurrection from the dead, vision, and revelation.

Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. 2^nd Corinthians 1: 2-7, King James Version (KJV): 2 Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.  5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. 6 And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 7 And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.

2. 2^nd Corinthians 7: 1-4, KJV: 1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man. 3 I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you. 4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 3. 1^st Thessalonians 4: 13-18, KJV: 13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

 

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(01/09/2019) A Single Sacred Revelation

 

Today, reply is on revelation as a sacred process that goes beyond merely presenting accounts from the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. In the same way the “proof” and seal that Jesus of Nazareth is Messiah is not that he performed miracles or his resurrection from the dead, the seal of apostleship is not the performing of miracles, it is manifesting the Holy Spirit. When Jesus was openly challenged on the authenticity of his doctrine, and questioned whether the source of his power to work miracles and the origin of his Spirit were from devils, the Lord solemnly cautioned the scorners to correctly discern the Spirit (we also say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth): There will never be forgiveness for those who falsely accuse and blaspheme the Holy Spirit. Developing Christians are to continually affirm sacred truth on the basis of their endowment of faith, and to avoid conjecture, distrust, speculation, suspicion, and “stinking thinking” that only produce spiritual confusion. Argument and debate regarding secular history, popular figures, or notable churchmen and clergy also are vain (i.e., lack sacred content from the makeup of GOD; do not produce sacred fruit; do not edify the community of faith). For divinity to become apprehended by created beings and living creatures, there must be joining and sharing of unseen and visible aspects of inseparable divine substance and active presence. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality public forum using the ID “guitarman” (Level 1 with 22 points, a member since January 16, 2007) posted the following:

 

The Gospel was written decades after the death of Jesus. Is Paul (aka Saul) the only link in between the death of Jesus and the Gospel?

Jesus appeared to him once in a vision. Paul (Saul) wasn’t an eyewitness to the life of Jesus. He didn’t witness the crucifixion or the resurrection. He didn’t mention anything about the birth of Jesus, the life of Jesus, the miracles of Jesus, the trial of Jesus, or really much of anything about Jesus. Is he a reliable link/ source?

Update: I forgot to mention that Saul wasn’t an apostle either. Jesus just appeared to him in a vision after the death of Jesus.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Am I am not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord. (1^st Corinthians 9: 1-2, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why Paul Observed Tradition (07/10/2018); We Establish Covenant Relationship (05/01/2018); One Complete Divine Revelation (07/09/2017); A True Apostle? (09/20/2015); No Cause For Alarm? (06/21/2015); Saul of Tarsus (03/26/2014); The Nature of Scripture (03/27/2014); And This Was Good News (12/01/2012); A Need to Fear? (12/02/2012)

 

“guitarman” Jesus must be apprehended using more than a “gospel” that provides a biography of his life and a record of his ministry. Many mature Christian believers now approach the Bible as a complete library of holy writings that provide a single sacred revelation whereby divine fullness (i.e., all divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) is made knowable, known, accessible and approachable to created beings and living creatures. The Scriptures record divinity appearing to mankind using thousands of events, within thousands of lives, over the course of thousands of years. Jesus is linked to the Creation of heaven and earth; to the priesthood of Adam and his heirs who appear as Patriarchs; to the establishment of covenant, inheritance, and promissory relationship between divinity and mankind on the earth; to the execution of judgment against sin; to the fulfillment of all eternal purpose; and more.

A different way of thinking is required that puts aside carnal reason, secular knowledge, and critical thinking, for these are things determined through faith and sacred knowledge. In the same way forgiveness, resurrection from death, and the final elimination of sin are carried out as sacred operations expressing accord within the Godhead, yet, employ created beings and living creatures as vessels of life essence (blood; breath; spirit; word), the full revelation of the character, nature, and substance of GOD is being provided through visible and continuing operations. Inseparable aspects of divinity are imparted to sinners who become born-again that include faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

As with those, today, who are anointed to serve as apostles, consecrated spokespersons, teachers, and those providing testimony within the ongoing divine judgment (we say, prophets; witnesses), it is more correct to attribute the sacred accomplishments we see associated with Paul, Barnabas, James, Silas and others to the imparted, indwelling Spirit and Jesus Christ as Risen Lord. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible that includes part of Paul’s answer to those who challenged his office and authenticity:

1. 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.

2. Romans 6: 3-9, 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.

3. Ephesians 4: 11-16, KJV: 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. 2^nd Corinthians 13: 3-9, KJV: 3 Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. 4 For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you. 5 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? 6 But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates. 7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. 8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. 9 For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(09/10/2018) Unselfish Ministry To Others

 

Today, the reply speaks to how and when Christians should bury and memorialize the dead. Aside from restoring life to the dead, the most powerful gifts we may bestow upon those who have lost a loved one to death include our active presence; our example of restraint and self-discipline; our smile; our lovingkindness; our listening ears and hearts as well as the display of continued commitment, respect, and willingness to work for our shared goals. Through his ministry on the earth, Jesus acknowledged that, in times of mourning and loss there was a need for assurance, comfort, and good news that now has been filled by GOD through the death and resurrection of his Son. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:

 

Should a Christian go to a funeral on a Sunday?

One of my cousins teenage daughter died of a drug overdose. They are having funeral on a Sunday afternoon (today). I was taught as a Christian Sunday is reserved for celebrating Jesus’ Resurrection and life so it’s kind of blasphemous to try to to have funeral that day.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment: Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause. If thou meet thine enemy’s ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again. If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him. Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause. Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked. (Exodus 23: 2-7, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Sabbath Now and Then? (08/15/2018); When Christians Attend Funerals (05/27/2018); Life Is GOD’s Intent (11/15/2016); The GOD Who Loves? (10/02/2016); To Keep It Holy (02/23/2014); 7 “Godly” Sins? (02/24/2014); Our Present Comfort? (06/28/2013); Come As You Are? (06/29/2013)

 

“Anonymous”, in addition to the distress connected with performing or witnessing the raising of the dead at wakes or the internment of others, many people feel great inner conflict when asked to attend funerals and formal memorials for the dead. They may feel a powerful mix of conflicting emotions that includes arrogance, embarrassment, exaggerated pride, fear, guilt, shame, sorrow, and uncertainty. Here are some points Christian believers are encouraged to consider:

1. Many who are not members of a church congregation have attended Christian services and programs to acknowledge the decease of family or friends; such mourners may now mistakenly think of themselves as Christians, and may think that the meaning and purpose of attending church and religion pertains more to burials and funerals than to redemption, salvation, or anything else.
2. Among Christians, discomfort and uncertainty about burying the dead may be found because the holy writings teach that to bury or cremate the remains of those who are deceased is a work of the flesh, not a work of the divine Spirit.
3. Many still acknowledge traditions that teach the living become spiritually defiled, unclean, and unfit to serve divinity by contact with the dead.
4. Many are disturbed by conflicts regarding which day of the week is to be observed as the Sabbath and how to maintain holiness and sanctity for the Sabbath day.
5. Many Christians account it a sacred work expressing compassion and humility to bury the dead, and to comfort their living survivors.
6. Some developing believers are certain they have a duty to minister to those who are bereaved, yet, most are not formally instructed, and are unclear how to properly go about such service.

The following points from the Bible also are important:

Mark 10: 42-45, King James Version (KJV): 42 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. 43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: 44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. 45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Hebrews 6: 10-15, KJV: 10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. 13 For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, 14 Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. 15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.

1^st Thessalonians 4: 13-18, KJV: 13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, Luke 9: 57-62, KJV: 57 And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. 58 And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. 59 And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. 60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. 61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. 62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(06/14/2018) The Divinity Of Christ?

 

Today, reply is on whether the Great Commission appearing in the Gospel of Matthew teaches that GOD is a trinity.  A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

 

How does Matthew 28:18 teach that God is a trinity?
Jesus tells his disciples to baptize people in the name of his God, the Father and of himself and the holy spirit. Where does Jesus say that he is a part of his God and that all three make up the one God?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be:  but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.  (1st John 3:  2, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Christianity Is A Relationship (04/05/2018); Jesus Called “Almighty GOD?” (12/21/2017); Jesus Demonstrated Perfected Humanity (10/29/2017); All Who Express Divinity (06/21/2016); The GOD Part of Jesus? (05/06/2015); Aspects of Divinity? (06/15/2014); Son of Adam and of GOD? (06/16/2014); Focus of Believers? (06/17/2014)
 

“Anonymous”, because we understand personhood as an attribute of divinity, as Christian believers, our ways of speaking and thinking about GOD include such elements as communication, Incarnation, interaction, names, praise, prayer, relationships, sacrifice, and titles.  Even so, our consciousness of Jesus Christ as an aspect of divine fullness (we say, Deity; the Godhead; the Trinity; the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) does not result from a single statement in Scripture, a single sacred event (we say, miracle), or a single account (we say, gospel) of the life and ministry of Jesus on the earth.  The revelation of divine fullness through the holy writings must address aspects of sacred process and proclamation that occur before the frameworks of time and space, before the platforms of heaven and earth.  The holy writings, therefore, provide multiple streams of sacred truth (e.g., government chronicles, covenants, doctrine, divine law, promises, prophecy, visions), and require that sinners be apprehended by GOD (we say, born again; become incarnations of divinity) through fresh endowments of inseparable spirit substance imparted from the makeup of GOD that establish the possibility for created beings and living creatures to exist as Christ-like, a new creation, and the offspring of GOD.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Matthew 28:  16-20, King James Version (KJV):  16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.  17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him:  but some doubted.  18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.  19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:  and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

(2.)  John 17:  11, KJV:  11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.

(3.)  John 17:  20-26, KJV:  20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;  21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us:  that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.  22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:  23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.  24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me:  for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.  25 O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee:  but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.  26 And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it:  that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.

(4.)  Isaiah 63:  16, KJV:  16 Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not:  thou, O LORD, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  John 14:   8-14, KJV:  8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.  9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?  10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself:  but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.  11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me:  or else believe me for the very works’ sake.  12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.  13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(05/23/2018) Did The Prophets Know?

 

 

Today, reply is on doctrine of the Trinity, the Gospel, sacred knowledge, and the process of GOD for relationship with mankind.  Man is to live on the earth and become mature for more perfect companionship with divinity through life experiences that include rebirth, discovery, gradual growth, praise, prayer, practice of holy sacraments, and unselfish service.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following in the Religion and Spirituality section:

 

Did Abraham, Noah, and all the prophets know that God was a Trinity or was that only revealed during Jesus’ time?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.  He came unto his own, and his own received him not.  But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:  Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.  And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.  John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me:  for he was before me.  And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.  For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.  No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.  (John 1:  10-18, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  What Divine Salvation Requires (05/15/2018); Sabbath Acknowledges Divine Personhood? (05/14/2018); Firstborn Of Every Creature (05/09/2018); The Origin And Source (04/26/2018); Christianity Is A Relationship (04/05/2018); Thoughts On Divine Personhood (12/07/2017); That GOD Is Immutable (05/04/2017); 3 Persons, 3 Minds? (02/03/2016)

 

“Anonymous”, revelation whereby divinity now becomes knowable, known, accessible, and approachable must appear for mankind using Incarnation and the frameworks of time and space.  The church and the doctrines of grace, repentance, and salvation did not exist in the beginning, and appeared in accordance with sacred process.  Consider the following that may enrich your study on the revelation of divine fullness (we say, the Godhead; the Trinity; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit):

1.  The Creator immediately began to communicate, exchange, and interact with Adam in ongoing relationship in the first Sabbath that followed the creation of the female, Eve.

2.  Sacred knowledge, divine law, and multiple streams of sacred truth are unchanging as artifacts of divine personhood and eternal purpose that remain everlasting, immortal, and incorruptible.

3.  Changes in mankind, the holy angels, and relationship with divinity were introduced through the operations of sin that included correction, death, mortality, priesthood, rebirth, resurrection, and the second death.

4.  While mankind may receive fresh endowments of spirit substance from the makeup of GOD (we say, the imparted, indwelling Spirit), those “born again” must “grow up again” and become mature/ripe for harvest from the earth at the Advent of Jesus Christ (we say, his appearing; the Rapture; the Second Coming).  The finite tools for gaining secular knowledge must be put aside, and developing believers must rely on such divine gifts as atonement, covenant, forbearance, forgiveness, prophecy, and reconciliation.

Also, here are some points that use language from the Bible:

(1.)  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.

(2.)  2nd Peter 1:  16-21, KJV:  16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.  17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.  18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.  19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:  20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.  21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man:  but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

(3.)  1st Peter 1:  7-16, KJV:  7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:  8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:  9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.  10 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:  11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.  12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.  13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;  14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:  15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;  16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Luke 24:  25-27, KJV:  25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:  26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?  27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/07/2018) Speaking According To Faith

 

Today, reply is on the state of the dead, the difference between angels and spirit content from men, and Christian ministry to children in their bereavement.  At death the spirit content that projects the character, personality, and spirit makeup within the living is removed, and separated from the flesh.  The lifeless body (we say, cadaver; corpse) may be buried or interred; while the spirit matter returns to GOD.  The tool Christian believers have been given for comforting one another during their bereavement is called “prophecy”.  How sacred truth is presented and shared with children may vary from how the same truth is shown to adults, however, there is only one faith, one Lord, one baptism, one God and Father of all.  There is no teaching from the Bible that says spirit content that leaves a human body and goes to live and interact in heaven among the angels and other sacred creatures there.  The dead praise not GOD; do not watch over and protect the living; and the dead have no carnal, mental, and social abilities (e.g., communication, talking, exchange).  The dead must be restored to life (i.e., there must be resurrection) for judgment according to divine law.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shown) posted the following:

 

Religion- I told my son his late mom is now with the angels when he asked me. Am I deceiving him?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:  But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:  Which none of the princes of this world knew:  for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.  But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.  But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit:  for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.  For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.  Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.  Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.  But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God:  for they are foolishness unto him:  neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.  (1st Corinthians 2:  6-14, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Lower Than The Angels? (09/12/2017); Signs From The Dead? (01/15/2017); Life Is GOD’s Intent (11/15/2016); On Really Seeing Angels (10/09/2016); Spirit, Spirit Beings, Spirit Persons? (10/13/2015); Getting It Right About Angels (05/10/2015); Comfort? (09/06/2014)

 

“Anonymous”, non-biblical teachings on the angels often result in spiritual confusion; this is also true during times of bereavement when honest expressions of ones developing belief and faith may contain and impart errors and misunderstandings.  Expressions of our own individual affection and feelings of love can not replace, or accomplish all the sacred work required to be done within the household of faith by proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the love of GOD.  Among Christian believers there also are specific sacred things that are to be shared as comfort with those who endure bereavement.  Believers are to minister to one another from what they themselves have received as deposits and endowments of spirit substance from the makeup of GOD through Jesus Christ.  Included are expectation (we say, hope), faith, gratitude, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, purpose, resilience, regeneration, and renewal of the mind.  Such consolations are effective during grief and mourning because a believer’s consciousness is centered on, and interwoven with streams of prophecy and divine revelation.

The Creator has made it that every man, woman, and child must be prepared to endure the completion of their own mortality and separation(s).  Loss of a parent, a child, a spouse, and other loved ones will be experienced throughout every aspect of the emotional, material, psychological, social, and spiritual order fitted together within ones own person.  Thus, many experience bereavement as a form of temporary insanity.  The sudden introduction of absence and imbalance should not be met by dismissing reality and truth, or relying on exaggeration, fantasy, and extremes of imagination.  Regaining balance, self-discipline, firmness, purpose, and stability are reasonable goals and practices.  Existing as “born again,” finite, and mortal, children and adults who belong to Christ are continually challenged to “grow up again” (mature/ripen) on the earth before being harvested by Jesus Christ at his appearing (we also say, the Advent, the Rapture, the Second Coming).

Where we counsel children and those who are only beginning the long journey to fullness and maturity in their bereavement we must acknowledge the existing level of their grasp and understanding; and it is not incorrect or unkind to speak to them using (1) their own language, (2) the shared language within relationship as well as (3) the new language provided from GOD intended to carry them forward in the divine will.  Often, where children mistakenly appear to be lying by adult standards, the young ones are answering with responses that correctly and sincerely express their heartfelt desire, their faith imparted from GOD, their intent, their perseverance, and their efforts to apply and focus their own self-will (willpower).

Even within the communities and families of Christians those enduring a loss may operate as though it is acceptable to use commonly held and familiar doctrine and teachings that are not found within the holy writings.  Some feel they are justified on the basis of the importance of behaving as accepting, non-judgmental, supportive, and understanding.  Others feel that children may be weaned from the devices used as short-term solutions while they are being brought gradually to the fullness of Christ.  Because there are many subtleties (barely visible differences; hidden shifts in meaning, quality, and value) involved, those who take up alternatives to Christ should be cautioned, for in effect they say, “I am right when I am wrong, because….”  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  1st Corinthians 12:  25-27, King James Version (KJV):  25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.  26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.  27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

(2.)  Matthew 18:  10, KJV:  10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

(3.)  Colossians 2:  8-12, KJV:  8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.  9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.  10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:  11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:  12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

(4.)  Colossians 2:  18-19, KJV:  18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,  19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  1st Thessalonians 4:  13-18, KJV:  13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.  15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.  16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God:  and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air:  and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/14/2018) “The End Is Near”

 

Today, focus is on false prophets, the need for divine end time prophecy, and the fullness of sacred revelation through Jesus Christ.  Instruction on the end times are not intended to frighten believers, threaten sinners with death, or cause panic and upheaval among the faithful.  For many, end time prophecy focuses solely on recognizing and responding to current events and conditions that may be seen within the present geopolitical system and world order (we say, signs of the Apocalypse, and that the world as we know it is ending).  Specially sensitive are time prophecies that attempt to calculate and predict a specific day, year, or hour for the return of Jesus to harvest the earth (we also say, his appearing; the Advent; the Rapture; the Second Coming).  While no angel, apostle, disciple, preacher, prophet, or other spokesperson from GOD has been entrusted with, ordained to disclose, or sent to reveal the secret information regarding the Day of the Lord, there have been men and church groups on the earth who—insisting on the authority of the Bible, and the righteousness of their own faith—foolishly have preached a time for the Last Day based on their discoveries through prayerful and scholarly study.  The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “Grandma” (Level 1 with zero (no) points shown, a member since November 09, 2007) posted the following:

 

Don’t preachers who keep saying “Jesus is coming soon” realize they are damaging credibility of Christianity?

And playing into the hand of the scoffers of II Peter 3:3-4? Saying “the end is near” repeatedly is like crying wolf when there is no wolf.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!  O Israel, thy prophets are like the foxes in the deserts.  Ye have not gone up into the gaps, neither made up the hedge for the house of Israel to stand in the battle in the day of the LORD.  They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The LORD saith:  and the LORD hath not sent them:  and they have made others to hope that they would confirm the word.  Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, The LORD saith it; albeit I have not spoken?  Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord GOD.  And mine hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies:  they shall not be in the assembly of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the Lord GOD.  Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace; and one built up a wall, and, lo, others daubed it with untempered morter:  Say unto them which daub it with untempered morter, that it shall fall:  there shall be an overflowing shower; and ye, O great hailstones, shall fall; and a stormy wind shall rend it.  (Ezekiel 13:  3-11, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Coming(s) of Christ (03/11/2018); Recognizing True Christian Prophets (02/26/2018); Avoiding Confusion About Antichrist (11/08/2017); Sharing The Correct Message (01/30/2017); Sodom and Gomorrah Again? (05/30/2016); About The End Of The World (08/30/2015); The Imminent Return of Christ? (07/19/2015)

 

“Grandma”, Christians are commanded to not be “troubled” by talk that the “end is near.”  The process of GOD for salvation is not one dependent on the finite human tools of intellect, logic, carnal reason, and science.  Christian believers become joined to GOD through the consciousness and self-will that continues within Jesus Christ, and that present sacred substance in place of the approaches for compiling data, recording observations, and making various tests of the soundness of ones conclusions.  Rather than say, “the end is near,” developing believers proclaim that completion, fulfillment, transformation, and the will of GOD are near.

The Gospel (we also say, good news) proclaimed by Jesus Christ and his followers to advance the revelation of divine fullness (we say, the GODhead; the Trinity; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) includes guidance, instruction, promises, signs, and warnings that enable disciples of the Lord to avoid error, false prophets, and spiritual confusion.  In the same way divinity has appeared through the works of Creation, existence and life, the majesty, righteousness, and sovereign mercies of GOD will appear through judgment, resurrection, and the second death.

Mature Christians who center their awareness on eternal purposes and sacred knowledge will not rely as much on the frameworks of time and space that generate such finite features as destiny, doom, fate, history, politics, science, secular knowledge, and speculation.  The proclamations of GOD received as declarations of love, divine law, promise, and prophecy are as shining truth that always dispels the darkness of “the unknown.”  Sinners who become “born again” are to receive a fresh endowment of inseparable spirit content from the makeup of GOD that includes certainty, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Similarly, the operations of end time prophecy further establish sacred joining and relationship to divinity along with readiness, security, vigilance, and zeal.  Already Christians are to acknowledge they exist as the new creation through Jesus Christ.  Even so, at present, only GOD is immortal and incorruptible (not the holy angels, the sacred beasts of heaven, nor the 24 elders).  Both heaven and earth are temporal, and all the things of heaven and earth will undergo permanent change.  Consider the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Isaiah 65:  16-18, King James Version (KJV):  16 That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes.  17 For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth:  and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.  18 But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create:  for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.

(2.)  2nd Peter 3:  9-14, 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.  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.

(3.)  2nd Thessalonians 2:  1-4, KJV:  1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,  2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.  3 Let no man deceive you by any means:  for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;  4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Revelation 21:  1-3, KJV:  1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth:  for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.  2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.  3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC