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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

After%20Pentecost.jpg

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(11/07/2018) Acknowledgment Rather Than Surrender

Hannah Childless, But Her Prayer Answered

Frank William Warwick Topham (1838-1924)

 

 

Today, the reply addresses sinners coming to GOD on the basis of their acknowledgment of active presence and divine spirit substance, rather than through surrender because of the flesh and conditions that are carnal, material, and social. Despite being raised in the idolatry and spiritual confusion within Egypt and the household of Pharaoh, Moses had an inheritance from GOD through Levi. When GOD spoke to him from a burning bush that Moses had only stopped to examine from curiosity, Moses prostrated himself immediately. Job was challenged and tested by Satan, who did not appear to Job using a visible figure. Multiple disasters were heaped on him, and Job openly complained against divine injustice. Finally, GOD appeared and spoke to Job requiring that he minister to others who were not members of his own family and household. The acknowledgment of Job is seen in that he repented immediately, not that he surrendered. The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” in the Religion and Spirituality forum using the ID “Nami” (Level 3 with 1,128 points, a member since May 06, 2014) posted the following:

 

Surrendering to God?

Simple question. Do you think God will let a situation get so bad due to the unknown that it forces you to do nothing else but to surrender it to him?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. 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. 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. 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. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. (John 20: 24-29, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Salvation Must Be Eternal (11/06/2018); The Answer Jesus Shared (10/28/2018); Chosen Through Sacred Process (09/06/2018); What Divine Salvation Requires (05/15/2018); Christianity Is A Relationship (04/05/2018); Baptism and “the just” (10/05/2017); Accepting the Divine Will? (12/06/2016)

 

“Nami”, divinity offers salvation using fixed methods and operations, yet, salvation is never coerced or forced on anyone. Among Christians, the answer to your question that is to be shared with sinners who become “developing believers” is not simple, for it pertains to divine prerogative; eternal purpose; sacred inheritance and ones participation in existing covenant relationships; and the sovereign will of divinity. The conditions and events endured by those within the household of faith are to be accounted as benefits, edification, and privilege. Thus, different examples may be taken from the holy writings that report incidents from the lives of the prophets. Joseph, who became second in command to Pharaoh of Egypt, and Samuel, who was consecrated and served the High Priest and his sons within the tabernacle even though he was not from the tribe of Levi, never wavered from their sacred visions, and their early experiences of GOD that were granted to them as children. Where Samuel grew up on holy ground, Joseph endured Egypt that represents spiritual confusion. The prophet Jonah was commanded to go and preach repentance to heathens and Gentiles in Nineveh (the capitol city of the Assyrians). He tried to escape the duty by taking ship to Tarshish; and was cast into the sea during a great storm. Jonah was swallowed up by a great fish that had been prepared and sent by GOD. Buried alive within the fish, Jonah prayed prayers of repentance, and was heard. Even so, when the city repented with prayer and fasting, Jonah became angry against GOD for displaying mercy in judgment, rather than punishing them with destruction. There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. For example, when Jacob fled for his life from the home of his father Isaac, the son and heir of Abraham, through deception Jacob had received the sacred blessing for the firstborn. Even so, Jacob knew GOD only as “the GOD of my fathers.” During sleep, he received a sacred vision of angels on a ladder from earth to heaven that filled him with awe and terror. Because he did not understand that his inheritance was one of priesthood, Jacob sought to bargain with GOD. Jacob offered to regard GOD as his own divinity on condition that GOD would protect and prosper him—he also offered to pay and share with GOD a tenth of whatever he might accumulate by all his travels. Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(06/01/2018) A Fulfillment of Proclamation

 

Today, reply is on burial for the dead as the fulfillment of divine proclamation, rather than comfort in bereavement, family duty, or using novelty to express affection and memorial.  The substance of mankind is both from dust and from heaven.  Many of the human errors regarding the condition and state of the dead also are recorded in the holy writings (e.g., in the Golden Arrow below, Job describes a widely held error, that there is a realm of the dead where the living may rest and sleep.  By contrast, the Holy City, New Jerusalem, is to be a realm of those raised and returned from the dead who all will have eternal life.  Even so, the Bible does not teach that we will die, go to our graves, and there live happily ever after.)  While some insist that their dead be interred in settings that have been sanctified through prayer (i.e., church yards; holy ground)—and account it a form of excommunication to be denied burial as a benefit, privilege, and righteous reward for having been loyal members within a church congregation—resurrection of the dead in completion of divine judgment even will include divinity acknowledging and restoring bodies that were destroyed or lost through burning, dismemberment, and explosions.  Beyond resurrection and ones personhood existing in the divine presence, there is little indication within the holy writings that how the physical body is disposed of determines closure, completeness, contentment, or fulfillment for ones spirit.  In the vision granted to John, souls under the altar behave as petitions and prayers for judgment, justice, and righteousness, to wit, the redemption of the body.    The  fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum who uses the ID “?” (Level 1 with 30 points, a member since April 11, 2018) posted the following:

 

Do you want to be cremated or buried ?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Why died I not from the womb? why did I not give up the ghost when I came out of the belly?  Why did the knees prevent me? or why the breasts that I should suck?  For now should I have lain still and been quiet, I should have slept:  then had I been at rest,  With kings and counsellors of the earth, which build desolate places for themselves;  Or with princes that had gold, who filled their houses with silver:  Or as an hidden untimely birth I had not been; as infants which never saw light.  There the wicked cease from troubling; and there the weary be at rest.  There the prisoners rest together; they hear not the voice of the oppressor.  The small and great are there; and the servant is free from his master.  Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery, and life unto the bitter in soul;  Which long for death, but it cometh not; and dig for it more than for hid treasures;  Which rejoice exceedingly, and are glad, when they can find the grave?  (Job 3:  11-22, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Completing Divine Unfinished Business (04/17/2017); Life Is GOD’s Intent (11/15/2016); The Purpose of Resurrection (07/05/2016); The Body of Moses (05/11/2014); GOD Permits Evil? (05/12/2014); Our Present Comfort? (06/28/2013); Come As You Are? (06/29/2013); Scripture at Funerals? (04/30/2013); Why Jesus Authored No Books (05/01/2013)

 

“?”, here are some points mature Christian believers have found helpful for maintaining godly focus on issues of death, mourning, and remembrance:

1.  The word of GOD to Adam (“to dust thou shalt return”)  was speaking about the material form (we say, the body; the flesh) that may exist without life essence (we say, breath, spirit, word) imparted from the makeup of GOD.  A physical complete body may exist, yet, be without spirit content to qualify as “a living soul.”  It is written:  Ecclesiastes 12:  7, King James Version (KJV):  7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was:  and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.

2.  Abraham traveled throughout Canaan as a nomad, and did not seek to obtain property by conquest, by continuous occupation, or purchase.  Abraham was offered a piece of land as a gift, and a show of respect, however, the Patriarch insisted there be an open transaction for the public record in the gate (i.e., downtown; the business district; the town square).  It is written:  Genesis 23:  19-20, KJV:  19 And after this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah before Mamre:  the same is Hebron in the land of Canaan.  20 And the field, and the cave that is therein, were made sure unto Abraham for a possession of a buryingplace by the sons of Heth.

3.  Blood from murder and warfare defile the earth.  Thus, burial comes into view as more than simply an act of sanitation to remove decomposing flesh.  Burial comes into view as an expression of dynasty, family, inheritance and marital love that uses the frameworks of time and space to provide measurable dimensions and unchanging parameters for remembrance.  It is written:   Genesis 49:  28-33, KJV:  28 All these are the twelve tribes of Israel:  and this is it that their father spake unto them, and blessed them; every one according to his blessing he blessed them.  29 And he charged them, and said unto them, I am to be gathered unto my people:  bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite,  30 In the cave that is in the field of Machpelah, which is before Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought with the field of Ephron the Hittite for a possession of a buryingplace.  31 There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife; there they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife; and there I buried Leah.  32 The purchase of the field and of the cave that is therein was from the children of Heth.  33 And when Jacob had made an end of commanding his sons, he gathered up his feet into the bed, and yielded up the ghost, and was gathered unto his people.

4.  The examples from Abraham (who is called the Friend of GOD) and Jacob (also called Israel) are seen responding to the oneness without sameness that mankind is to display as a product and fruit of the earth as well as the initial commission that mankind replenish the earth.  Christians do not preserve dead bodies to await the return of their spirit.  No dead body is of itself holy or sacred (thus, the taking up of Joseph’s body at the Exodus was not an act of idolatry and worshiping his remains); and there is no belief in an “immortal soul,” or reincarnation where spirit content is recycled.  It is written:  1st Chronicles 10:  10-14, KJV:  10 And they put his armour in the house of their gods, and fastened his head in the temple of Dagon.  11 And when all Jabeshgilead heard all that the Philistines had done to Saul,  12 They arose, all the valiant men, and took away the body of Saul, and the bodies of his sons, and brought them to Jabesh, and buried their bones under the oak in Jabesh, and fasted seven days.  13 So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it;  14 And enquired not of the LORD:  therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, regarding the activity, condition, and state of the dead, the holy writings plainly declare the dead neither have awareness or physical feeling; they do not praise GOD; and they neither labor nor rest.  Even so, spirits from the living are being maintained through sacred operations.  Many offer heartfelt prayers that the response of GOD to souls of the saints will continue compassion, mercy, and peace.  It is written:  5.  Revelation 6:  8-10, KJV:  8 And I looked, and behold a pale horse:  and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.  9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:  10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O LORD, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(02/28/2018) Demonstrations of Spirit Truth

Russ Harlan – In the Fiery Furnace

 

Today, reply is on recognizing that answers to prayer often are demonstrations of spirit presence in place of carnal process, material objects, and social events.  Just as GOD is worthy of praise, respect and  worship when he grants mankind benefits, blessings and privileges, GOD is no less GOD when the living encounter disappointments, hardship, and suffering.  He continues to be worthy of awe, obedience, and reverence.  The living neither know all, nor understand all that must be done to continue existence in spite of corruption, death, and mortality.  To be in a stable, lasting relationship with GOD that does not break down or change according to every challenge, circumstance, problem or trouble that comes along, sinners must be “born again”, and become filled with spirit substance imparted from the fullness of divinity (we say, the GODhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit).  A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “Sharon” (Level 3 with 2,082 points, a member since August 30, 2016) posted the following:

Apparently I’m a bad communicator so I’ll try again. My cousin who was a Christian sincerely believed & prayed for healing but died?

My cousin, his wife, 3 small boys, along with thousands of other Christians fully believed their god would restore his health, even as he was lying on his death bed.

Matt 21:22 says “And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith”.

My question is, Why did the god who promised the above not give my cousin, a believer, the healing he asked for?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book!  That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever!  For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:  And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:  Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.  (Job 19:  23-27, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Certainty, Conviction and Faith (01/05/2018); Miracles Are Not Everlasting (07/18/2017); Life Is GOD’s Intent (11/15/2016); On Expecting Quick Results (11/07/2016); Become An Anointed Healer (09/04/2016); Why Did Jesus Heal? (02/03/2015); “Prayer Death”? (02/21/2014); The 2nd Prayer Death (02/22/2014); Miracles are Sacred Events (12/20/2013); Resisting Sin (12/21/2013)

 

“Sharon”, until a person begins to operate consistently relying on spirit substance imparted from the makeup of GOD, they may only be disbelievers, skeptics, and at best “developing believers” whose makeup as Christians is not yet complete and mature.  Not only will it be difficult for those not “born again” to correctly understand the divine process of communication, exchange and interaction they see others experiencing and displaying within their lifestyle and daily routine, it will be difficult for those who have not answered rebirth to properly discern the active presence and process of GOD within their own ongoing lifestyle and daily routine.  A sinner’s inborn spirit must die, be buried, and become raised from the dead, so to speak; and the sinner becomes a new creation through Jesus Christ by receiving a fresh endowment of the same life essence (breath, spirit, Word) that was in the Lord during his ministry on earth. 

While the process of GOD for the salvation of mankind may also include carnal, social, and sacred events (we say, miracles), believers are to realize the appearance and workings of divine spirit by examining and acknowledging divine spirit content.  Streams of inseparable spirit content from the makeup of divinity should appear within attitudes, events, oneself, other persons, prophetic demonstrations, spoken words, etc.  Included are faith, holiness, humility, longsuffering, lovingkindness, righteousness, trust, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

The divinity, glory, and majesty of GOD are immutable and unchanging.  While sacred authority, power, and sovereignty ensure that many of the needs of created beings and living creatures that pertain to their continued existence will be continually met, the integrity of GOD does not depend on whether or not angels or mankind always get what they ask for, or get to have their own way.  Increasingly, mature believers agree that where we are not physically healed during our lives on the earth, we are no less correct to expect full healing at the time of resurrection and the return of Jesus to harvest the earth (we say, the Advent, the Rapture, the Second Coming).  There are multiple divine demonstrations where overcoming pain and suffering is to be seen in their endurance, their failure to destroy or weaken  faith, and their inability to cut off sacred hope, rather than the fact that discomfort, affliction, and hardship have been ended.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Daniel 3:  16-20, KJV:  16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.  17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.  18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.  19 Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated.  20 And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.

(2.)  Job 1:  18-22, KJV:  18 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house:  19 And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.  20 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,  21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither:  the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.  22 In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.

(3.)  Job 2:  7-10, KJV:  7 So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.  8 And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes.  9 Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die.  10 But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.

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

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

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(07/17/2016) GOD’s Way Not Equal?

Scripture points are shared, today, on differences appearing among and between affliction, chastisement, and suffering by Christian believers.  While all believers receive the same atonement and covering from GOD through Jesus Christ, all are not upon the same level of authority, duty, personal maturity, obligation, and privilege.  There may be differences in the character, nature, purpose, quality and substance of our life experiences.  Along with the divine standards that counsel believers not to make public displays for self-promotion and vainglory, the sacred principle is in effect that the gifts we are granted and provided are in accordance with specific works we are expected to do.  Certainly differences in our commitments, cultural awareness, emotional and psychological strength, prayer life, and spiritual preparation also result in believers having diverse experiences within the same community of faith.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Naomi” (Level 1 with 135 points, a member since June 21, 2016) posted the following:

 

Why does it seem like God loves some people more than others?

some people never go through hardships.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And Samuel did that which the LORD spake, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably?  And he said, Peaceably:  I am come to sacrifice unto the LORD:  sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he sanctified Jesse and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice.  And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD’s anointed is before him.  But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him:  for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.  Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this.  Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this.  Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these.  And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him:  for we will not sit down till he come hither.  And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him:  for this is he.  Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren:  and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.  But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.  (1st Samuel 16:  4-13, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  What True Believers Do (07/14/2016); To Him That Hath… (07/08/2016); Freedom and Godly Independence (07/04/2016); GOD Knowing the Price? (06/15/2016); A Culture of Judgment? (03/20/2014); Beyond Punishment (03/21/2014); Continuously Tested (12/31/2013); Chosen To Serve As Prophets (01/01/2014)

 

“Naomi”, it is not that all believers do not endure losses, pain, or suffering; it is that most do not make it the major focus of their conversation and dealing with others; (in this sense) believers suffer in silence, and do not let it show.  An inarguable declaration of divine love for the full Creation and all living creatures, particularly those separated from GOD through the operations of sin, was made by Jesus Christ dying on the cross.  Human error that results from awareness and self-will being dominated by the operations of sin as well as by dependency upon carnal, material and social elements of reality continues to deny, distort and misrepresent many aspects of sacred truth.  Jesus once said, Ye do err not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God (see Matthew 22:  29, King James Version, KJV).  The understanding you have expressed here is the same as that recorded in the Book of Job as having been uttered before GOD by one among the holy angels.  To correctly recognize the many operations of divinity that invisibly exist as a cause or precondition to outcomes we all may see requires discernment (ability to examine ones own sacred content and that within attitudes, events, messages, other persons, purposes, etc.).  Those who are “born again” must “grow up again” by experiencing “growing pains,” life challenges, and even suffering upon the earth.  Through operations of the Holy Spirit, believers receive anointing and deposits from the inseparable aspects of divine makeup that include holy boldness, faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, meekness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Thereby, believers are equipped and grounded to meet adversity, to go on to become mature and “ripe” for harvest, and to be taken up by the Lord at his appearing (we say, Advent, the Rapture, the Second Coming).  In that sacred event, our transformation to existing as “perfected” and eternal companions to divinity will be completed.  Consider again how some of this is stated in the language of the Bible:

(1.)  Ezekiel 33:  15-20, KJV:  15 If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die.  16 None of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him:  he hath done that which is lawful and right; he shall surely live.  17 Yet the children of thy people say, The way of the Lord is not equal:  but as for them, their way is not equal.  18 When the righteous turneth from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, he shall even die thereby.  19 But if the wicked turn from his wickedness, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall live thereby.  20 Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. O ye house of Israel, I will judge you every one after his ways.

(2.)  Malachi 3:  14-18, KJV:  14 Ye have said, It is vain to serve God:  and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?  15 And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.  16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another:  and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.  17 And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.  18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

(3.)  Matthew 6:  16-18, KJV:  16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance:  for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.  17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;  18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret:  and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

(4.)  2nd Timothy 3:  12, KJV:  12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

There is far more that to be said, carefully examined, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (5.)  1st Peter 4:  14-16, KJV:  14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you:  on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.  15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.  16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(07/13/2016) Knowing GOD For Yourself

Access to divinity, judging others, and recovery from the Fall of Adam are topics, today.  For Christian believers, knowing GOD means having certainty that comes by faith, and that asserts GOD is, has spoken, and has done and will do according to his word.  This form of knowing should increase as a heightened awareness that the divine spirit is present and active.  More than doing a work to censure, criticize and punish others, sinners must achieve their own intimate relationship to GOD as a son or daughter, and joint-heir through Jesus Christ.  Our inner substance as created beings and living creatures must be altered by operations of divine Spirit so that our daily routines of life display a testimony like that of Job.  It is written:  Job 19:  25-27, King James Version (KJV):  25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:  26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:  27 Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.  Grounded in sacred fellowship, knowledge and practice, the believer is to regularly use discernment to correctly recognize the divine spirit content in events, messages, oneself, and other persons.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Thomas” (Level 1 with no information on points earned, a member since October 24, 2013) posted the following:

 

Do only bad people get into heaven?

I mean like Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, Islamic radicals, criminals who repent without changing their behavior, etc. as long as they believe in the God of Abraham, right? That is why I shall burn in hell for all of eternity.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?  Ye lust, and have not:  ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain:  ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.  Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.  Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.  Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?  But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.  Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.  (James 4:  1-8, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  To Him That Hath… (07/08/2016); About Other People’s Beliefs (06/22/2016); Knowing? (05/24/2015); According to This Word (09/20/2013); His Burden Is Light? (09/21/2013); A Relationship not Just Knowledge? (06/25/2013); Lost Without GOD? (06/26/2013); How Was GOD Known Before Jesus? (10/06/2012); Jesus, King of Earth? (10/07/2012)

 

“Thomas”, don’t let your anger against, condemnation for, and disappointment with others claiming to “know” GOD deprive you of your own personal relationship to Deity through Jesus Christ.  Given GOD has already judged against mankind in his response to Adam and Eve as a correct expression of the divine will, we as sinners provide no blessing by casting one another down, and doing nothing to cleanse, heal, or lift each other up.  Through the Son, the Father has made a way for many to escape the  condemnation now in place.  Even so, until sinners on the earth begin to take up sacred (instead of secular) knowledge, embrace fellowship with those who are spiritually more experienced, and observe specific divinely provided practices (we say, sacraments), they can not have their own genuine experience of divinity being alive and present with power.  In the same way, many claim to “know” a star athlete (e.g., Lebron James, Peyton Manning, Michael Phelps, Serena Williams), yet, only have understandings that come from episodes (i.e., scattered events), the media, or 2nd and 3rd hand reports, many will say, “I know GOD” on the basis of “he-said-she-said.”  Inseparable aspects from the makeup of GOD must be received and operate within a person as “new life” and rebirth.  Included are faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, meekness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Those who are “born again” also must “grow up again” meeting the same “growing pains,” life challenges, and suffering as all others in the earth.  GOD is a spirit, and can not be engaged using finite human tools that are merely carnal, intellectual, material and social.  Truly knowing GOD is possible because the character, nature, and substance of his Son, Jesus, can be imparted to a believer, and promotes permanent changes through gradual growth, learning, and maturing.  Consider again how some of this is stated in the language of the Bible:

(1.)  Titus 1:  15-16, King James Version (KJV):  15 Unto the pure all things are pure:  but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.  16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

(2.)  Matthew 22:  29, KJV:  29 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

(3.)  John 17:  1-3, KJV:  1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:  2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.  3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

(4.)  1st John 5:  20, KJV:  20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

(5.)  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, be carefully examined, and be spiritually understood.  (For example, (6.)  2nd Corinthians 13:  5, KJV:  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?)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

 

(02/08/2016) More On Divine Justification

Today, I share thoughts in response to the blog by Marcus Ampe at guestwriters.com posted February 02, 2016, Justification – salvation is by grace through faith – JI Packer.  In my present developing Christian awareness, justification pertains to grace, more than to adjudication and formal investigations for truth-finding aimed at establishing conclusive declarations of innocence or guilt.  Works called forth and motivated by faith do not deliver, they display; and the act of being (i.e., existing) is not work.  Rather than an outcome of judgment (i.e., the application of divine law to resolve conflicts and settle disputes), an aspect of deliverance and salvation, or an overlaying of divinity that serves as atonement, justification is the acknowledgment of correct composition and disposition as emergent from GOD.  Properly understood, the things justified by Deity are themselves all appearances and aspects of that that is divine.  Included, therefore, are such elements as covenant, events, forbearance, forgiveness, imparted spirit, miracles, praise, sacred promise, prophecy, eternal purpose, sacraments, and divine utterance.  Hear that a different way:  Covenant is justified; covenant-keeping is justified; covenant law is holy, and just, and good; covenant-breaking is not.  Forbearance and forgiveness are justified—along with all the many acts of GOD to benefit Creation, including Incarnation, damnation, virgin birth, and the second death—defiance, disobedience, idolatry, and rebellion are not.  Ampe’s presentation suggests that some believers seek to justify and save themselves by faith without works, and he begins with the following:

 

Today there is still lots of commotion about works and faith. Still too many Christians do think they do not need any works.
The Catholic church, we must say, has from the beginning seen that certain works were necessary. One can not become a Christian without putting the previous life of sin away by having regret, asking for forgiveness of sins and taking steps to show regret (an act to be taken), opening oneself for remission by going for a baptism (a work).

Not only Rome sees baptism as a channel of sanctifying grace, as the primary instrumental cause of justification, and the sacrament of penance, whereby congruous merit is achieved through works of satisfaction, as the supplementary restorative cause whenever the grace of God’s initial acceptance is lost through mortal sin.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law:  that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.  Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight:  for by the law is the knowledge of sin.  But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;  Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe:  for there is no difference:  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;  Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:  Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;  To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness:  that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.  Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay:  but by the law of faith.  Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.  (Romans 3:  19-28, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Salvation Only Through Christ? (01/07/2016); Actions Make Divine Essence Visible? (12/18/2015); Justified Through Christ? (08/26/2015); Justifying GOD? (03/15/2015); Justification? (12/12/2010); Faith Forced? (12/13/2010)

 

In the emphasis I propose, justification through the active presence and operations of divine grace in the life pertains to the substance of ones existence, and is not a matter of external actions by GOD applied to alter living content as with rebirth and regeneration.  Believers in Christ are to put away the notion of using a standard to measure, rank, and compare themselves against one another, for the Scriptures also speak of GOD being justified.  In the same way, human babies discover and explore their own composition and makeup directing their hands, digits, elbows, and feet into their own mouths, divinity seeks out that that is divine, consumes, inbreathes, ingests and internalizes it, then emanates, beams forth and out-breathes what was sought as pre-chosen and “elect”.  In the holy writings, a condition of being justified is described using such words as anointed, blameless, consecrated, good, innocent, just, pure, repentant, and sanctified.  Applied to finite beings and living creatures, neither having full sacred knowledge, nor a state of ones substance as completely holy and perfected are intended.  Grace and faith should be understood as aspects of our condition as a new creation, not merely as aspects of divinity that operate on our behalf.  Thus, works are the appearance of that that is, not merely efforts and operations of self-will to achieve and accomplish a higher state.  Grace, faith and righteousness are the very substance of GOD.  Consider again the following verses from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible:

(1.)  Job 25:  4-6, KJV:  4 How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean that is born of a woman?  5 Behold even to the moon, and it shineth not; yea, the stars are not pure in his sight.  6 How much less man, that is a worm? and the son of man, which is a worm?

(2.)  Job 32:  1-3, KJV:  1 So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.  2 Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram:  against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God.  3 Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.

(3.)  Ephesians 2:  8-10, KJV):  8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:  it is the gift of God:   9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.  10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, to say, “tribulation worketh patience,” states that existing spirit substance is aroused, increased, and nourished as in (4.) Romans 5:  1-3, KJV:  5 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:  2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also:  knowing that tribulation worketh patience;)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

 

(12/06/2015) Enduring As A Believer?

Today, prophecy (i.e., comfort, edification, exhortation) is shared for those who may feel they are losing as they fight the “good fight of faith.”  Christian believers all begin not having a full knowledge of the process of GOD.  Many once leaned upon expectations that come from child-like ideas, multiple common sense notions, and their “gut instincts” (e.g., that GOD has divine power; knows all, sees all; can control all your enemies; can not be hurt or killed; has supremacy; and has wealth).  Following baptism (death of ones inborn spirit; rebirth having divine DNA, so to speak), the “born again” disciples of Jesus must learn, grow, and mature.  Only by effort and hard work does one successfully apply their new values, answer to fellowship with experienced believers, continue sacred practices, and maintain study of the holy writings.  The believer must become firm as a member within a body and setting that supports their new development before they actually experience the most fulfilling relationship with Christ.  Consider the following from the Bible, and the presentation that appears below:  Hebrews 6:  10-11, King James Version (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:  Also, 1st Corinthians 15:  58, KJV:  58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.  James 1:  12, KJV:  12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation:  for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.  James 5:  11, KJV:  11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.  Prisca Kohtem who participates with me in THE BIBLE STUDY GROUP (a Public Group on Facebook presently having 21,453 members), invited response by sharing a personal appeal that included the following on December 3, 2015 at 4:  33 pm:

 

please brethren i need your assistance, i do help people in difficult moments giving moral and spiritual supports even with scriptures. but when i found myself in similar siruations, hardly will i applied those advices i gave to others. please this is really eating me up. God bless you as you help me out of this. thank you all!

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.  When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.  But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;  Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.  He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.  But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.  (Matthew 13:  18-23, KJV)

 

DOUBLE DAGGER:  Continuously Tested (12/31/2013); Chosen To Serve As Prophets  (01/01/2014); Of Sure Hope and Certainty (09/05/2013); Prophetic Demonstrations (09/06/2013); Struggling? (05/11/2013); Through Much Tribulation (05/12/2013)

 

Prisca Kohtem, be encouraged!  Most of us become disappointed, frustrated, and upset by the process of GOD.  Your predicament of enduring as a believer is spoken of in The Book of Job.  The process of GOD for us is one of growth, longsuffering, patience, and waiting.  Where we desire physical action and material gifts, we often are granted counsel, instruction, or truth, instead.  Believers are being permanently changed through gradual operations by the Spirit.  The only way to get patience is to wait for it; the only way to gain trust is to give it.  Saying this another way:  Those born again must mature again.  Consider again the following:

(1.)  2nd Corinthians 4:  6-11, King James Version (KJV):  6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.  7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.  8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;  9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;  10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.  11 For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

(2.)  Job 3:  23-26, KJV:  23 Why is light given to a man whose way is hid, and whom God hath hedged in?  24 For my sighing cometh before I eat, and my roarings are poured out like the waters.  25 For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.  26 I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came. 

(3.)  Job 4:  3-8, KJV:  3 Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands.  4 Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees.  5 But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest; it toucheth thee, and thou art troubled.  6 Is not this thy fear, thy confidence, thy hope, and the uprightness of thy ways?  7 Remember, I pray thee, who ever perished, being innocent? or where were the righteous cut off?  8 Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same. 

The solution granted to Job is found in (4.)  Job 42:  10-13, KJV:  10 And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends:  also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.  11 Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters, and all they that had been of his acquaintance before, and did eat bread with him in his house: and they bemoaned him, and comforted him over all the evil that the LORD had brought upon him:  every man also gave him a piece of money, and every one an earring of gold.  12 So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses.  13 He had also seven sons and three daughters.          

There are many other verses that should be carefully considered, correctly understood, and spiritually received as a divine word of comfort from the Father.  (For example, (5.)  1st Peter 5:  8-11, KJV:  8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:  9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.  10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.  11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

 

 

(10/07/2014) Knowing the Spirit is Inside?

Today, points are shared on how believers are to be certain they have the imparted, indwelling Spirit from GOD.  Also, there is more on the testing of Job.  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers UK & Ireland” using the ID “Matthew” (Level 2 with 862 points, a member since June 20, 2013) posted the following:

 

Do we have to “feel” The Holy Spirit to have him abiding inside of believers in Christ?

When the Holy Ghost comes to live inside of each individual believer do we have to feel his presence to know for certain we have the Holy Ghost living inside us?

 

THE BATTLE AXE:  The Testing of Job? (10/05/2014)—(5.)  The accounts in Scripture that we speak of as the testing of Job and the temptation of Christ, in fact, are accounts where Satan is tested; and his character, function, and nature are revealed as finite.  Satan is challenged to acquire knowledge, however, the process of knowledge turns upon faith.  While the holy angels are spirit beings, they are diverse, and are not carnal, material and social beings in the manner of men upon the earth.  More than this, only GOD is immortal and incorruptible; and the angels must endure and serve through operations of faith.  In the two accounts of temptation and testing, the spirit and substance of GOD within mankind is to be devoted to deity, and no less in divine quality and value that that within the angels and sacred beasts of heaven.  The question, hast thou considered my servant Job?, is not the same as, have you discovered every flaw and weakness within mankind? have you attacked mankind to the uttermost?  Job was to be examined as a means of gaining correction, insight, sacred knowledge, and divine wisdom.  More than this, Job was to serve as an appearance of the mind of Christ.  The process and purpose of GOD are not shown to be condemnation, destruction, or rejection of the holy angels, Satan, Christ, Job or mankind. 

(6.)  The account of Eve being tested in the Garden of Eden by Satan disguised as a serpent also reveals the desire of Satan to possess the dominion of mankind over Adam’s “flesh of my flesh, bone of my bone” as well as dominion of the pair over the physical earth.  The separation of Job and his wife are not to be overlooked as an indication of the deceiver’s working.  Consider again Genesis 3:  1-19 and 6:  1-3, Job 1:  6-22, Job 2:  1-7, Zechariah 3:  1-10, Matthew 4:  1-11, Matthew 16:  13-24 and 2nd Thessalonians 2:  7-12, KJV.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,  According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:  Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises:  that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.  And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;  And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;  And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.  For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.  Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure:  for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:  For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  (2nd Peter 1:  2-11, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  About Deluding Yourself? (09/22/2014); Delusions and Revelation (09/23/2014); Why The Bible Makes Sense (09/19/2014); GOD and The Framework of Time (09/20/2014); Emotional Appeal? (04/02/2013); Life Given By Knowledge? (04/03/2013); How To Have Conviction (11/24/2012); A Text for Lives Today? (11/25/2012)

 

“Matthew”, here are a few points based upon the holy writings that many Christian believers have found helpful:

(1.)  Like thoughts, emotions, feelings and trust based upon carnal, material and social elements are temporal, and only endure for a brief time.  Often, changes and shifts in ones attention occur suddenly that may be subtle (i.e., barely visible; hidden), that may be extreme, and that completely break off focus and patterns that may have been ongoing for long periods.

(2.)  The presence of the Holy Spirit is to be known by faith that comes through hearing divine utterances (e.g., commandments, law, praises, principles, proclamations, promises, prophecy).  Saying this another way, by permanent changes made through operations from GOD.  Faith is an aspect of the full makeup of divinity along with such elements as forbearance, forgiveness, holiness, joy, longsuffering, love, righteousness, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

(3.)  To receive the imparted, indwelling Spirit from GOD, believers must place themselves in postures that invite (some say, invoke) the active presence of GOD.  Such practices as baptism (death of ones inborn spirit, rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak), confession, sacrificial giving, prayer, and study of the holy writings convey spirit content, and generate organic exchange and interaction among the various inseparable aspects of ones own divine content.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Believers see the invisible, and know what is otherwise unknown by continually exercising discernment, using ones own divine spirit content to recognize and respond to the spirit content presented in such life challenges as events, messages, objects, other persons, prophecy, and Scripture.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC