(10/09/2018) GOD Has Come Down

A Depiction of Jesus Christ Being Examined by the Apostle Thomas

 

Today, reply is on the operation of divinity using one-time events on the earth in response to the operations of mankind as carnal, material, and social. Patterns and similarities among the descriptions of one-time events may appear that prolong their presence, and allow them to serve as admonitions, reminders, and warnings. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality public forum who uses the ID “Arni” (Level 4 with 2,784 points, a member since July 21, 2016) posted the following:

 

Can God physically come down from the skies and portray his presence, cause if he cant theists have nothing and no possible evidence?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. (Acts 10: 40-43, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Christian Beliefs Are Forward-looking (09/23/2018); The Coming(s) of Christ (03/11/2018); Divinity In Continuing Incarnation (02/07/2018); Secular History, Sacred Revelation? (01/11/2018); Sin No “One-time” Event (01/03/2018); The Device of Incarnation (10/18/2017); Salvation Takes A Lifetime (04/06/2017)

 

“Arni”, in Christian belief all things are possible for divinity. The process of GOD whereby created beings and living creatures receive and continue having awareness of divine fullness (we say, the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) is spoken of as revelation, and is accomplished by sacred events (we say, miracles) that, as recorded in the Bible, include the appearance of divinity using thousands of events within thousands of human lives over the course of thousands of years; the birth, growth, suffering and death on the cross by divinity abiding on the earth using human form as Jesus Christ (we say, Incarnation); and the imparting of inseparable spirit substance from the makeup of GOD that transforms the human nature and self-will of sinners (we say, being “born again”; rebirth).

Along with sacred law, graphic and memorable displays are provided from GOD that describe the divine prerogative, eternal purposes, and sovereign will of divinity. Such elements appear as atonement for sin; discernment (ability to recognize and respond to spirit content from GOD); proclamation; prophetic demonstrations; sacred promises; and resurrection from the dead. The power and effect of manifestations from the immortal, incorruptible and invisible GOD are so great they may occur as one-time events, and will not be repeated over and over as ordinary carnal, material, and social events. Even so, they will appear as ever-present intent, meanings and values from GOD that are to be apprehended through the continuous operations of faith, godliness, hope, and love. By receiving a fresh endowment of life essence from GOD (breath; spirit; word), the living are to contain the same sacred substance that exists within Jesus Christ (e.g., faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin); and it becomes the indwelling Spirit that will shape their awareness and understanding.

Because the process and purpose of the Second Coming (we also say, his appearing; the Advent; the harvest; the Rapture) will be unlike that of the Incarnation, Christian believers are preparing for GOD to come down (i.e., be active and present) as never before. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) Exodus 19: 16-22, King James Version (KJV): 16 And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled. 17 And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God; and they stood at the nether part of the mount. 18 And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly. 19 And when the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder, Moses spake, and God answered him by a voice. 20 And the LORD came down upon mount Sinai, on the top of the mount: and the LORD called Moses up to the top of the mount; and Moses went up. 21 And the LORD said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish. 22 And let the priests also, which come near to the LORD, sanctify themselves, lest the LORD break forth upon them.

(2.) 1^st Corinthians 2: 7-10, KJV: 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

9 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. 10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

(3.) 2^nd Timothy 1: 7, KJV: 7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) John 20: 24-31, KJV: 24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. 26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. 27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. 30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: 31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(09/14/2014) Not Images Used in Worship?

Idols, idol worship and familiar objects among believers are topics, today.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Not Banana!” (Level 1 with 16 points, a member since June 04, 2014) posted the following:

 

When God said not to make any graven images in the 10 Commandments, didn’t he mean “except statues of Jesus and nativity scenes”?

“And crosses and fish. Those are ok too”.

Did God forget to include that part?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Who hath formed a god, or molten a graven image that is profitable for nothing?  Behold, all his fellows shall be ashamed:  and the workmen, they are of men:  let them all be gathered together, let them stand up; yet they shall fear, and they shall be ashamed together.  The smith with the tongs both worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his arms:  yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth:  he drinketh no water, and is faint.  The carpenter stretcheth out his rule; he marketh it out with a line; he fitteth it with planes, and he marketh it out with the compass, and maketh it after the figure of a man, according to the beauty of a man; that it may remain in the house.  He heweth him down cedars, and taketh the cypress and the oak, which he strengtheneth for himself among the trees of the forest:  he planteth an ash, and the rain doth nourish it.  Then shall it be for a man to burn:  for he will take thereof, and warm himself; yea, he kindleth it, and baketh bread; yea, he maketh a god, and worshippeth it; he maketh it a graven image, and falleth down thereto.  He burneth part thereof in the fire; with part thereof he eateth flesh; he roasteth roast, and is satisfied:  yea, he warmeth himself, and saith, Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire:  And the residue thereof he maketh a god, even his graven image:  he falleth down unto it, and worshippeth it, and prayeth unto it, and saith, Deliver me; for thou art my god.  They have not known nor understood:  for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand.  And none considereth in his heart, neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say, I have burned part of it in the fire; yea, also I have baked bread upon the coals thereof; I have roasted flesh, and eaten it:  and shall I make the residue thereof an abomination? shall I fall down to the stock of a tree?  He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?.  (Isaiah 44:  10-20, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Divine Law for Mankind? (07/29/2014); Divine Law Speaks of Spirit? (07/30/2014); Face to Face Like Moses? (01/28/2014); Covenants and Relationships (01/29/2014); Believers and the Cross (06/24/2013); A Relationship not Just Knowledge? (06/25/2013); On Religious Items (08/29/2012); On Cults (08/30/2012)

 

“Not Banana!”, here are a few points on idols and idol worship that should help you avoid spiritual confusion:

(1.)  The worship of idols center in the belief that a man-made and material object may contain spirit substance.  While the object itself may not be regarded as a god, goddess or divine person, the idol may be thought to allow humans to approach and access divine authority, essence and power; carry out or perform natural and sacred events (e.g., healing, control of storms, miracles); display and make visible the genuine appearance and features of a divine person (e.g., awesomeness, immortality, perfection, purity, radiance, strength); or itself possess power and will separate from any divine person.

(2.)  There are many familiar objects used in human communication and exchange that display a great deal of careful investment of craftsmanship, design, detail, money, talent, skill, and other resources.  Many require attention, obedience, and specific responses from human beings, yet should not be regarded as idols.  One example would be the octagonal Stop signs posted at traffic intersections alerting both drivers and pedestrians. 

(3.)  Among Christian believers, items for decoration and ornamentation may be used to continue awareness, or express and further encourage humility, piety, and respect.  Even so, material things are not held to contain the Spirit of GOD, and are not used as objects of worship.  Included are gold and silver chalices, the monstrance, and other communion ware.  Only created beings and living creatures (we could say, GOD-made vessels) are fit to receive divine content from the makeup of GOD, who is immortal and incorruptible. 

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  The emblems of bread and wine are used in sacred operations whereby the spirit content of believers is nourished, reinforced, and further sanctified.  Believers must have godly discernment (i.e., ability to apply and use ones own endowment of spirit substance as a standard to recognize spirit content among such things as events, messages, holy writings, other persons, and eternal purposes).  Material objects are used continually to communicate with mankind, and many are consecrated (set apart) and devoted for holy service.  Yet, this does not mean they should be served and worshiped in place of GOD.  When Moses and all those who left Egypt arrived at Sinai, and a covenant through the Ten Commandments was proclaimed, there was an audible voice and several displays (lightening, thunder, winds).  Neither the mountain, the natural elements, or the man, Moses, was to be worshiped, for the focus was to be GOD through acceptance of sacred law.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/14/2013) Before Abraham Was…

The eternal person of Christ, false doctrine, and the universe are in view, today, along with more on how the Decalogue was received.  Again, I could not share my response (below) with the “Yahoo! Answers” writer who posted the question.  The person using ID “Sincity” (Level 2 with 273 points, a member since September 27, 2012) posted the following:


Does “before abraham I am” show jesus says he was god?

Or is it just a false doctrine invented by men?


THE BATTLE AXE:  “Authorized Personnel Only”? (03/13/2013)—The more than 400 year sojourn for the twelve tribes of Jacob within Egypt not only resulted in their acculturation and assimilation into Egyptian society, many aspects of their sacred inheritance had become suppressed and forgotten.  Included were circumcision, expiatory sacrifice, the ministrations of priesthood, tithing, sacred promises and prophesies.  While Hebrews were segregated and lived mostly within the area of Goshen restricted to despised occupations as herders and keepers of livestock, many aspired to full citizenship, and copied secular Egyptian customs, dress and manners.  Arriving at Mount Sinai, many remained essentially unchanged in their attitudes and desires despite having witnessed (1) the wrath of GOD against sin displayed as plagues against Egypt, (2) miraculous deliverances through the parting of the sea and the Passover (3) as well as the provision of water in the wilderness for men, women, children and cattle.  The followers of Moses had been chosen to become a nation, however, genuine commitment, faith and unity were not yet as widespread that they could all enter into the divine presence to receive the law graven in stone by the finger of GOD.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;  But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:  Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,  Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.  Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:  Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.   For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:  But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.  (1st Peter 1:  18-25, King James Version)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Need to Sanctify Heaven (01/17/2013); The Price of Humanity? (12/13/2012); Spirit Matter (10/21/2012); How Was GOD Known Before Jesus (10/06/2012); Jesus, King of Earth (10/07/2012); Divine Self-Sacrifice? (09/30/2012); Binder 7:  The GODhead (10/04/2011); GOD’s Favorite (02/19/2011); Confess?  Yes! (02/20/2011)


In describing the operations of GOD that pertain to the establishment of a Creation that would continue as eternal, and that also includes the transformation of mankind to be incorruptible and immortal, it is correct for mature Christian believers to accept that the ministry of Jesus was established before the foundation of the earth.  The eternal being of Christ (some say “Messiah“) and the existence of divinity in multiple persons (for example, see Genesis 1:  1-3; John 1:  1-4 and 17:  4; and Ephesians 1:  3-6 KJV) are teachings that agree with, and further endorse what mankind has received as knowledge about divine intent, sacred process, and sanctified purpose.

While a major focus of the Bible is the creation of mankind and life upon the earth, the scope of divine action and presence extends to a universe of GOD.  The teachings from Scripture also promote our understanding that, at the time Adam was put forth, (1) Heaven was already filled with angels, sacred beasts and other created beings; (2) behavior and beliefs were expressed among the angels that later are called “sin” and “rebellion” (Ezekiel 28:  11-17, KJV); (3) cleansing for sin and sacrificial worship was introduced in heaven through the Temple and Sanctuary; (4) sin was initiated upon the earth by a celestial being disguised as a serpent (Genesis 3); and (5) mankind became fixed as mortal and temporal.

Divine action to recover the earth must address the fullness of Creation.  As a result, such features as rebirth, redemption, repentance, judgment and salvation are being applied throughout the living system that is our universe, and are more than simply mechanisms to favor mankind.  Hidden connections, dependence and unseen relationships are now in place, and make it that destruction of sinners, and elimination of sin must be accomplished in a manner that will preserve divine order, undo spiritual confusion, and make permanent those creations that, in fact, fulfill divine will.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, for the earth, flesh and spirit must be unified by transformation of inner content and sacred substance from the person of GOD.  GOD is a non-material spirit; and may be understood as consisting of peculiar elements such as faith, grace, holiness, joy, longsuffering, love, wisdom and wrath against sin.  GOD has used birth, carnal form, death, resurrection and ascension to appear among mankind through Jesus Christ; and, mature Christians believe, continues incarnate.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/13/2013) “Authorized Personnel Only”

Topics, today, are Moses as a prophet of GOD, and the conditions among the people that had to be met when Israel received the law at Mount Sinai.  Also there is more on GOD as a “man of war.”  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “none” (Level 1 with 95 points, a member March 12, 2013) posted the following:

Why were the Israelites not allowed to go with Moses on top of Mt. Sainai to get the ten commandments?

THE BATTLE AXE:  A GOD of War? (03/12/2013)—Because it is colorful, graphic, memorable and easily understood, language associated with war is used throughout the holy writings.  War is often regarded as a display of divine authority and power.  However, war is always only a human enterprise that entails armed conflict, widespread death and costly destruction.  As such, the impact of war may be crippling, global, and enduring.  Despite its promotion of violence, many advocate war as having great benefit.  Just as many believe there cannot be life without death also, many hold that there cannot be life without war.  War is regarded as “good” where war fuels such necessary aspects of social living as consumerism; economic, industrial and technological development of nations; employment; medical research; and population control.  GOD does not use war in any of the primary expressions of divine process, and sacred purpose (e.g., Creation, forgiveness, judgment, repentance, revelation, salvation, sanctification).  Until rebirth and growth through the Holy Spirit, many Christian believers also continue the many conventions, habits and traditions using language that speaks of spiritual warfare, friction, oppression, persecution, rebellion, and struggle.  See Isaiah 2:  4, Micah 4:  3, Ephesians 6:  10-17 and 2nd Corinthians 3:  5, King James Version.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth.  And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken:  for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.  (Exodus 33:  16-17, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Why A “Spokesperson” (01/14/2013); No Contradictions? (01/15/2013); Put Every Man His Sword By His Side (01/01/2013); The Meek Will Inherit (10/16/2012); About False Witness (09/09/2012); The Prophets (02/24/2012); Bad Luck (02/25/2012); The Cause Of Unrest (01/30/2012); Dispatch 30:  Servants of the Lord (09/09/2011); A House of gods (08/31/2012); Heaven For Muhammad? (09/01/2012); (08/15/2011) Dispatch 7:  Weapons (Language)

Every man, woman and child among the tribes of Jacob and the mixed multitudes that journeyed with Moses to Mount Sinai themselves heard (and felt) the voice of GOD proclaim the divine law for covenant.  Terrified, they pleaded that GOD would not appear to them or manifest himself by such a display and voice ever again.  It became a permanent feature of all covenant relationship with mankind that GOD will only “speak” to those on the earth by operating through anointed spokespersons.  Since that time, priesthood and prophecy have been amplified to include intercession and mediation.  See Exodus 20:  1-21, King James Version.

As a prophet of GOD, Moses was elect, and had direct connection to and responses from the Divine Person.  Moses was chosen to carry out and fulfill upon the earth pre-set tasks pertaining to the divine priesthood in heaven as well as to proclamations, promises, and prophecies granted mankind through the Patriarchs.  Moses was given peculiar life experiences that served as his anointing and separation for holy service.  Included were authority to demonstrate judgments against sin (i.e., plagues); compassion; courage; deliverance from death at birth; deliverance from capital punishment for the crime of murder; repentance; peculiar “sightings” and visions of GOD; and wrath against sin. 

Moses is a type and figure representing sacred law, divine rule, and the sovereignty of GOD over all Creation.  While the human character of Moses included the flaws of curiosity and poor anger management (Numbers 20:  1-12, KJV), Moses stood out before GOD in humility and meekness.  Moses was one teachable; one responsive to guidance and instruction from the Spirit of GOD.  Like Abraham, Moses was blessed to be in intimate personal relationship with GOD (Numbers 12:  3, Isaiah 11:  4, Exodus 33:  11 and Deuteronomy 34:  10, KJV).

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, Moses also served as a herald who proclaimed the coming of a Christ and Messiah whereby GOD would rule mankind in the earth through divinity in the flesh (see Deuteronomy 18:  15-18, Acts 3:  13-24 and Acts 7:  37, KJV.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC