(12/22/2019) Blame and Punishment Removed?

Today, reply is on the multiple appearances of blame and punishment within the holy writings. For created beings and living creatures to correctly discern and resist the operations of sin, all must receive fresh endowments of spirit substance imparted from the makeup of GOD. Sin has not been put forth from divinity, has no sacred content, and is no ordinary physical object you may put in your pocket. Sin opposes the continued existence of all sacred law, the Lawgiver, and the divine order that serves as the universe. Sin promotes a return to the chaos, confusion, and flux that were in place before the founding of heaven and earth (we say, preexistence). Sin may dominate consciousness and self-will (willpower) within the living; and can not be controlled or eliminated using finite human tools such as emotion, imagination, logic, and carnal reason. Responding to sin, to one another, and to GOD require a correct understanding of sin. Divine mechanisms and operations now exist to release mankind from sin, and restore the living as companions to divinity. It is written: Ezekiel 33: 11-20, King James Version (KJV): 11 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? 12 Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth. 13 When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it. 14 Again, when I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; if he turn from his sin, and do that which is lawful and right; 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. One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answer” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shared) posted the following:

 

If all references to blame and punishment were removed from the Bible, would it represent a better set of teachings, despite being shorter?

Updated 2 mins ago:

Or are blame and punishment simply too central to Christian teachings, the Bible would lose a lot of its appeal to the simple minded followers who yearn for people to be punished?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20: 10-15, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Sin Opposes All Existence (12/13/2019); More Required Than Crucifixion? (12/10/2019); A Death Penalty Necessary? (11/27/2019); The Commandments Against Sin (11/26/2019); The Perfection Of Divinity (09/17/2019); The Penalty of Death? (04/26/2019); Divine Priesthood on Earth (01/31/2018)

 

“Anonymous”, a full and complete revelation of GOD requires the appearance of divinity on the earth using human flesh as Jesus Christ. The teachings of the Bible focus on the appearance of the divine priesthood on the earth entrusted to Adam that was patterned after the sacred operations within heaven where Jesus is High Priest. The issues of correction and remission for sin with forgiveness and reconciliation exist as (1) artifacts of divine order, (2) immutable conditions for the continuance of heaven and earth, (3) the sanctions appearing within the law, (4) unchanging eternal purpose, and (5) the expressed will of divinity (we say, the proclaimed, sovereign will of GOD). Through divine works (e.g., anointing, birth, aging, death, resurrection) that make divinity knowable, known, visible and approachable, created beings and living creatures are granted “sacred knowledge” and inseparable spirit substance from the makeup of GOD that men must contain so they bear the image of GOD, and may resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ. Included are balance, completeness, faith, forbearance, holiness, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

When divine fullness appeared to Moses, GOD permitted the prophet to see aspects of his glory, and declared to Moses with an audible voice how divinity was to be known and spoken of. In addition to the authority and power that appear in Creation, the presence of GOD who is immortal, incorruptible, and invisible spirit is to be acknowledged as a deliverer and savior, and as a “God of judgment.” Judgment involves more than condemning and damning finite human attitudes, behavior, and conduct. Divine judgment includes (when possible) applying mercy to those who are guilty; assigning and establishing meaning, standards, and values; delivering admonitions, cautions, and warnings; determining the absence/presence of divine substance; distributing divine rewards; eliminating the operations, presence, and effects of sin from the universe; gathering and grouping tools and workers; making visible otherwise hidden aspects of divine fullness (e.g., grace, impartiality, restraint, righteousness); providing clear examples that demonstrate correct responses to divinity; and continuing existence along with eternal life. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible; and a selection from the music ministry of Steve Green:

(1.) Exodus 34: 4-8, King James Version (KJV): 4 And he hewed two tables of stone like unto the first; and Moses rose up early in the morning, and went up unto mount Sinai, as the LORD had commanded him, and took in his hand the two tables of stone. 5 And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD. 6 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, 7 Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation. 8 And Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped.

(2.) Ecclesiastes 12: 13-14, KJV: 13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

(3.) 1^st Corinthians 3: 11-17, KJV: 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. 14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. 16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uZcGaixMhg.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

 

Image downloaded 10:45 AM, December 22, 2019 @ https://image3.slideserve.com/ 6713706/he-will-put-the-sheep-on-his-right-and-the-goats-on-his-left-matthew-25-33-n.jpg

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(12/18/2019) I Am So Satisfied

 

Today, reply is on how requirements that mankind acknowledge and worship the Living GOD emerge from the Creator’s dominion over divine order, existence and life. While there are many elements of divine process and truth that are determined, immutable, and unchanging, the living are to exercise autonomy, creativity, liberty, privilege, and self-government. GOD has used the device of family to populate the earth, and has used inheritance to maintain the continuity of fellowship with humanity, the presence of sacred law, the outworking of eternal purpose, and the practices of offering, sacrifice and worship, rather than allow the dominion of death and mortality that resulted from the operations of sin. It is written: John 4: 23-24, King James Version (KJV): 23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shown) posted the following:

 

Why is there a commandment for which gods one shall believe in? Is this something we are able to choose?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee. (Psalms 33: 18-22, KJV)

 

THE DOUBBLE DAGGER: Those Who Are Convinced (12/08/2019); In Fear To GOD? (12/05/2019); Why Do They Sing? (11/14/2019); Comfort Through New Life (08/22/2019); The Word From GOD (12/11/2018); The Church Of Jesus (06/18/2018); Free Speech in Church? (12/18/2017)

 

“Anonymous”, as a Christian believer I have to share with you the same wisdom from GOD that is to be shared within the church, and I can not share an “answer” to the two questions you pose (even fools can give answers). Mankind is to exist in relationship with the Creator, and must depend on divinity for both existence, life, purpose, and substance. The operations and content of divinity are established as a feature within our human makeup through the life essence (we say, breath; spirit; word) that was imparted to a figure formed from the dust of the earth. Adam became a living soul having inseparable aspects of divine fullness that included balance, completeness, faith, holiness, integrity, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, peace, personhood, respect, wisdom, and wrath against sin. As the Creation of GOD, mankind’s acknowledgment of divine fullness (we also say, the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) comes by these and other elements interacting within human consciousness and self-will. Immortal, incorruptible, invisible GOD is apprehended and discerned as an active and present influence expressing sacred law, divine order, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. Adam was not an equal to GOD, yet, man was to be a companion to divinity who is capable of displaying the image of GOD, and is to reflect, resemble, and reveal the character, nature, and qualities of Jesus Christ. Through the operations of sin, mankind now must inherit life conditions with imperfections and weaknesses that include appetite, mortality, and relying on secular knowledge, carnal reason and social interaction, rather than divine anointing, commanded expectation (hope) and sacred knowledge. Consider the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Luther Barnes:

(1.) Micah 6: 6-9, King James Version (KJV): 6 Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? 7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? 8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? 9 The LORD’s voice crieth unto the city, and the man of wisdom shall see thy name: hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it.

(2.) Matthew 9: 10-13, KJV: 10 And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? 12 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. 13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

(3.) Jeremiah 9: 23-24, KJV: 23 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: 24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended (for example, (4.) I am so satisfied (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-I-AjsRe6c). Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

 

Image downloaded 2:50 AM, December 18, 2019 @ http://delivertheword.com/theloveofgod/files/2011/11/2nd_03_X26586_TheLoveOfGod_

Deuteronomy10_12-13_8x10_v1_10a-1280.jpg

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(12/10/2019) More Required Than Crucifixion?

 

Today, the reply acknowledges that more than dying on the cross was provided by Jesus Christ during his ministry on the earth. Jesus served as an anointed High Priest to make atonement for sin. The good works Jesus performed included comfort, exorcism, healing, miracles, and teaching. In addition to fulfilling divine proclamation, promise, and prophecy on the cross, Christ became the embodiment of sin, and was destroyed by the Godhead in accord. More than this, the Savior established the new covenant promised to the Jews that also applies to all mankind, and Christ addressed the human predicament that resulted from the operations of sin by furthering the restoration of humanity through forgiveness and reconciliation. Because of his resurrection, those who come to Christ now receive eternal life, and exist as the new creation. It is written: Psalms 51: 9-12, King James Version (KJV): 9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. 12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” pubic forum using the ID “Bob” (Level 6 with 11,539 points) posted the following:

 

Did the all knowing magic god Jesus know his crucifixion was a total waste of time and that humanity would keep on sinning?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2^nd Corinthians 5: 17-21, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Sin Depicted Using Flesh (11/22/2019); Taboo To Be “spiritual”? (10/07/2019); New Birth By Resurrection (09/27/2019); Now Are Ye Light (09/18/2019); Paying For Our Sins? (08/20/2019); Jesus In This Environment? (04/30/2019); Mockers in the Last Days (11/14/2012)

 

“Bob”, as surely as Jesus knew that there would be mockers and scorners like those appearing in this public forum, the Son of the Highest understood that the redemption and salvation of mankind requires more than (1) forgiveness and forbearance; (2) more than the appearance of divinity in human flesh (we say, Incarnation); (3) more than that Jesus endure the conditions for existence and life that resulted from the sin of Adam (we say, the human predicament that includes agony, humiliation, mortality, and suffering); (4) more than death of a holy one on the cross to provide pure blood for a priestly atonement; and (5) more than resurrection from the dead to establish a new platform for divine judgment that provides grace and mercy in addition to the second death.

Mankind would have to receive fresh endowments of the same life essence (breath; spirit; word) originally imparted to Adam from the makeup of GOD. As companions to immortal, incorruptible divinity mankind is to resemble, reflect, and reveal the image of GOD, and display the character and nature of Jesus Christ. Sinners who become “born-again” receive into their consciousness and self-will inseparable aspects of divine fullness. Included are balance, completeness, expectation (hope), faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Those who are born-again are to “grow-up again” while living on the earth, and are to become mature/ripe for harvest by the Lord at his appearing (we also say, Advent; the Rapture; the Second Coming).

Developing and mature Christian believers now are in an ongoing process of transformation through discovery, gradual growth, sacred practices (e.g., fasting, praise, prayer), study of the Scriptures, unselfish service, and the endurance of suffering. Death and all sin will be eliminated from the lives of those called “the just,” and they will be made perfected as they meet the Lord in the air. There first must be tribunals of judgment against “the wicked” before sin is eradicated from their lives, and they themselves are released from existence. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the acapella music ministry of Glad;

(1.) 1^st Corinthians 1: 17-18, King James Version (KJV): 17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

(2.) 1^st John 1: 5-10, KJV: 5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

(3.) Revelation 21: 6-8, KJV: 6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rmu9V5kEHQ.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 12:26 PM, December 09, 2019 @ https://i.pinimg.com/736x/7f/3b/b9/7f3bb934533e7155d2ae7625a511c0a9.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(08/22/2019) Comfort Through New Life

The image of one child comforting another depicts what should be the divine process within the church where every member supports the others.

 

Today, reply is on divinity as the comforter of Christian believers who are continuing in the human predicament. Christians do not have direct and immediate physical access to Jesus Christ as the Head of the church. Therefore, the comfort we speak of as divinity drying all our tears as we continue to meet life challenges and conditions on the earth are imparted to mankind through gifts and operations by the Holy Spirit (also called, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth). Included are higher levels of faith, healing, praise, prayer, prophecy, thanksgiving, and visions from the ministries of Jesus Christ that otherwise could not appear. The present provisions where believers are to display forbearance, forgiveness, mercy and spirit content from GOD to one another are not the same as those that will appear following the Second Coming of Jesus, when Christ will meet in the air those who are members of his body on the earth. Thus, it is written: Revelation 21: 1-5, King James Version (KJV): 1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. A writer in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “Peter” (Level 3 with 1,225 points, a member since May 14, 2019) posted the following:

 

What does it mean in Christianity when they say the Holy Spirit is the comforter?

I picture comforter is like a mother comforting her kid when he’s been bullied at school. Is this the Holy Spirit’s role? My religion is Christianity, Roman Catholic.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; (2^nd Corinthians 5: 17-18 King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Holy Spirit Comforts? (05/30/2019); Believers Must Receive Gifts (09/30/2018); Christian “Thoughts and Prayers” (03/01/2018); A Response For Survivors… (02/15/2018); Bereavement, Death and Suffering (11/10/2017); The Comfort Through Christ? (01/13/2017); Sacred Knowledge and Christ (05/16/2016); A Fool of the Church? (01/26/2016)

 

“Peter”, here are some expressions of Christian faith that, at first, may not seem familiar to you. The comfort believers are to receive from Jesus Christ while he is attending to duties as the High Priest of the Temple in heaven (even the cleansing of the Sanctuary), requires that the Lord be acknowledged in the earth by his use of appointed agents (e.g., apostles; prophets; priests; lay members of the sacred body, the church), and such devices as gifts from the Holy Spirit who is also an aspect of divine fullness (we say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). Where believers receive a fresh endowment of the same life essence (breath; spirit; word) that was imparted to Adam, we may say they are “born again” and must “grow up again” while living on the earth. Their transformation to exist as eternal, immortal companions to divinity will be completed as they are instantly made mature/ripe for harvest by the Lord at his coming.

The comfort the church receives must go beyond the day-to-day elements of our lives that focus in things carnal, emotional, material, physical, and social. For Christians, having to be accountable to others is not to be regarded as suffering; nor are being required to pay ones debts, or providing food, meaningful activity, rest, and shelter for ourselves, or others. Believers are to display Christ-likeness (the image of GOD) bestowed on them through inseparable aspects of spirit substance imparted from the makeup of divinity. Included are faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Increasingly, ones lifestyle and daily routine will be permanently changed by the Holy Spirit through experiences of discovery, gradual growth, study, unselfish service, and suffering.

The comfort to mankind must address the human predicament that includes man being finite and mortal; man being subject to the operations of sin; man being powerless to correctly recognize, resist, and respond to sin; and man being unable to establish separation from sin by relying on self-will (human willpower). The tools for sharing divine comfort, therefore, are such things as commitment, faithfulness, hope, and integrity. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

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

2. Romans 6: 3-5, KJV: 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

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

4. Colossians 3: 9-15, KJV: 9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: 11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. 12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

There is far more that should 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.

 

Image downloaded 10:30 AM, August 21, 2019 @ https://polination.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/boy-comforting-another.jpg

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(03/25/2019) Salvation Through Jesus Christ

 

Today, reply is on how the multiple ministries of divinity to Creation oppose the operations of sin on behalf of all created beings and living creatures. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Dr Yes level 9 since 1999” (Level 7 with 123,307 points, a member since August 27, 2007) posted the following:

 

I was born without sin. So what can Jesus offer me?

Since nobody is guilty for anything their ancestors may have done. What else can Jesus do for his followers?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live. Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live? But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die. (Ezekiel 18: 20-24, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: From Spirit Not Mud (02/26/2019); Satisfying Creation and Law (01/22/2019); Salvation Must Be Eternal (11/06/2018); The Gift Of GOD (10/15/2018); First, Become Born Again (09/21/2018); Believers Must Become “Ripe” (09/02/2018); Destruction of the Adversary? (01/06/2017); Birth, Self-will and Sin? (11/13/2016)

 

“Dr Yes level 9 since 1999”, the various streams of sacred truth that are being shared by mature Christian believers with sinners who choose to become developing Christian believers make clear that the problem of sin is more than simply emotions, errors, and feelings such as fear, forgetting, guilt, mental lapses, regret, shame and sorrow. For all created beings and living creatures, sin is an enigma whose existence can not be explained, and a peculiar mystery whose origin, operations, and substance can not be attributed to the divine Creator. Sin opposes the continued existence of sacred law (the expressed will of GOD), the Lawgiver, and all divine order throughout the universe. Sin has no ordinary carnal, material or spiritual content that may be destroyed in a single act of divine violence, and the effects of sin continue indefinitely (i.e., as many as 4 generations, 160 years) following the death of a sinner. Sin may dominate consciousness and self-will (we also say, willpower) within the living.

Sin is a human predicament that is now an aspect of continuing existence for all mankind that the living themselves can not eliminate or remove using finite tools such as academic and secular knowledge, carnal reason, intellect, logic, philosophy, politics, science, technology, and critical thinking. It is to be understood that the problem of sin is being addressed by the divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) through divine prerogative, grace (unmerited favor), lovingkindness, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, the death of Jesus Christ on the cross has not ended, or finished the operations of sin; however, men now may receive fresh endowments of the same life essence (breath; spirit; word) that existed within the makeup of Jesus as the offspring and heir of GOD. Inseparable aspects of divinity are imparted that include balance, faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, restraint, wisdom, and wrath against sin. The otherwise invisible and hidden operations of sin may be more completely detected, recognized and answered with godly responses.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(02/24/2019) Black History Month, 2019

Dr. Carter G. Woodson, Historian

 

Today, some thoughts are shared for Black History Month, 2019. As evidenced by the removal of Civil War statues, and the changing of names for public office buildings, schools and major thoroughfares, many forward-looking American communities and institutions are now in a full transition to acknowledge the War Between the States and its influence on the expression of public issues to have its greatest value as heritage and history, rather than, as before, being necessary as a vital element for mutual acceptance, solidarity, and survival while rising from the ruin of war. All Americans are being challenged to correctly grasp the true benefit, nature, and substance both of heritage, and that of genuine history. Because the minds and hearts of Christians dwell on lofty sacred themes of eternal spirit and immortality, many seem to dismiss the importance of simple earthly elements that describe the human predicament such as kinship, duty, time, and place. Even so, a physician acting as a chronicler and historian contributed two books of the Bible (the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts). The holy writings plainly establish that there are intangibles and unseen things that also must come into view because they further determine the human condition and ongoing events. Included are such features as desire, faith, hope, motivation, and willpower. Even as scholars, where we will repeatedly focus on such elements as discrimination, injustice, oppression, prejudice and racism, or upon the multiple difficulties, failures, and hardships that describe human experience, there is great danger that we may become caught up within the cycles of cynicism, despair, disappointment, and skepticism. There must be tried focus and tested order that will shield the emotional, mental, and psychological aspects of those who seek to document and preserve a lasting record to benefit future generations. Just as genuine faith will be discerned through works of righteousness, quality research will be distinguished and recognized as excellent on the basis of its robustness and rigor. There are many presentations and television documentary films, now, that are being regarded as “historical” because their intent is to expose the background of great events, of social movements, and of the sacrifices made by the great men remembered as leaders and participants. Unfortunately, the true character and substance for such productions often is that of celebrating secular knowledge, commercial advertising and selling, fostering nostalgia and sentiment, the promotion of popular culture, and the re-affirmation of questionable customs, themes, and traditions. The true goals, method, and substance of Black History are those of an academic field, a Liberal Arts curriculum, and an authentic Social Science. Thus, there are demands for clarity, exactness, objectivity, precision, and validity that may not be ignored, and are not to be forgotten. The same way educators and parents are now encouraging STEM, we also must be careful to encourage the scientific practice of History.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding. He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. (Proverbs 9: 6-11, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Battleaxe on War (11/13/2018); Arrayed In Sacred Favor (02/25/2018); Bloody Sunday — Black History (02/14/2018); George Washington Owned Slaves (08/17/2017); Tools For Knowing Divinity (05/12/2017); Fulfillment of His Dream? (04/05/2017); The Best Starting Point? (09/13/2016); The Accounts of Giants (05/24/2016); Academic Language? (12/10/2015)

 

 

RIGOR

[Black History Month, 2019]

Because History is a science

and its method is not shaped to say

I love you

or to lionize a fashion

culture pop, legend, myth, and lore

precise expressions

focused tools

are taken up

the measurable dimensions of

mankind

through artifacts

and documents

rather than emotions

issues, feelings

there is

the disciplined search

for cause

effect

and regularity

hypothesis and theory

probe for law

case study is not satisfied

with anecdote

broadcast news report

and even oral tradition

must meet standards

that will sate the tests of time

a harvest from this field

requires seed

finite with limits

not always for forecasting and prediction

the study has its worth because

the trust is that the truth

will set you free

the study has its worth

because of rigor.

©Michael Andrew Williams, 2019. All rights reserved.

 

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(12/19/2018) Divine Fruit From Suffering?

 

Today, the reply is on the benefit from suffering in the life of Christian believers. Christians are sinners who are yielding to divinity through repentance to exist as the new creation of Jesus Christ. For Christians, suffering is to lose its power to confuse, debase, and drive the living to despair. Their inborn spirit is permanently altered through rebirth that permits them to exist as vessels of spirit substance from the makeup of GOD. Where the followers of Christ will continue to live on the earth as developing believers they also will continue to endure having carnal, material, and social needs. However, Christians are provided with divine tools that permit overcoming the emotional, psychological and spiritual obstacles imposed by such circumstances as bereavement, loss, misery, and wretchedness. Fresh endowments of spirit content from GOD allow discovery, freshness, and gradual growth. Those who overcome through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit will continue to display holy boldness, certainty, joy, insight, peace, strength, and more. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality, who uses the ID “Elixir” (Level 1 with 163 points, a member since November 27, 2018) posted the following:

 

Is suffering an important part of being human?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. (Romans 8: 14-21, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Known By His Fruit (11/04/2018); His Suffering At Gethsemane (03/12/2018); The Spirit of Meekness (12/15/2017); Bereavement, Death and Suffering (11/10/2017); Sons of GOD Suffer? (09/19/2017); Spirit Content From GOD? (09/26/2016); Suffering for Suicide? (12/12/2012); The Price of Humanity? (12/13/2012)

 

“Elixir”, salvation for Christian believers is accomplished only through sacred events and works performed by divinity. Even so, once its meaning and value is transformed after the Spirit, suffering among the living can make visible many benefits and gifts from GOD, who is invisible. The control and power over the living exercised by death, pain, and uncertainty must be revealed as the outcome from operations of sin, yet, are subject to divine dominion. The living must make efforts that acknowledge the human predicament, and that discern divinity as an active presence within the life. The content and process of mind within created beings and living creatures must be reconfigured and shaped in accordance with the operations of inseparable spirit substance that exists as the makeup of GOD. Included are faith, holiness, incorruptibility, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Human consciousness and self-will must become responsive to the personhood, eternal purpose, and sovereign will of the Creator. In addition to performing good works and obeying the law of GOD, the fullness of ones humanity will be displayed through the aspects of maturity (e.g., accountability, balance, commitment, completeness, consistency, integrity, sobriety, stability) and spiritual godliness will be called forth, applied, and expressed in the endurance of hardship and suffering, meeting diverse life challenges, responding to “growing pains,” and overcoming life reversals. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Romans 8: 22, King James Version (KJV): 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

2. Galatians 5: 19-25, KJV: 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

3. Hebrews 5: 8-9, KJV: 8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. 1^st Peter 2: 19-21, KJV: 19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. 21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

 

(10/23/2018) Poem: TO BE TOLD

 

Today, I share an original poem I recently posted at Facebook (October 21, 2018, 9:09 PM), TO BE TOLD, BE STILL. Existing as a servant to GOD and abiding in a relationship with divinity poses many challenges to romantic love as well as to the hopes for family, home, and the stable relations of marriage. Endowed with mountain-moving faith, the Apostle Peter and others who were married made the sacrifice for many years separated from their wives while serving as evangelists and circuit preachers. It is written: Matthew 19: 23-30, King James Version (KJV): 23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? 26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. 27 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? 28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. 30 But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. (John 6: 66-68, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Discernment And Godly Love (06/26/2018); The Relationship As Servant (06/03/2018); The Practice of Love (07/27/2017); 1st “Poem-fall” 2017: THE SNOWFLAKE BALL (01/10/2017); Divine Jealousy? (09/11/2015); A Valentine, 2014 (02/15/2014); Family and Romance? (10/13/2012); Why Courage? (10/14/2012)

 

TO BE TOLD, BE STILL

It disturbs us to be told

be still and know

for the winter days begin

when we shall be encased in snow

and ice, all action frozen, paused

unwillingly, impotent, halted

like the sunshine process in the leaf

that turns the light to sweetness

from the root

 

Is it by stillness only fullness comes

the emptiness from all you know

dismissed, released

the days of frost rush over

hidden bulbs to bloom

in spring that may not be

how shall we bare or dare

without you

an evergreen of forest

 

can not exist alone

nor lovers without each other

embrace a new unknown

glacial abrasion, melting from

a heat of burning cold

putting aside our

youth with all its rage

succumbing to the quiet of old age

 

defiance and rebellion came

as wise, without deceit

and stealth, without fresh lies

through stolen moments

kisses fresh as dew

creating memories

that keep us new

and joined alive to life

 

what God has joined together

celebrate, receive as blessing

should deadly chill winds echo

I will never ever leave

and though we be apart

when shadows fall

in strength of what we share

I will not grieve

©Michael Andrew Williams, 2018. All rights reserved.

 

There is far more that should be considered, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

 

(11/02/2017) Detecting Counterfeit Human Nature?

 

Today, focus is on disbelief and the rejection of Christ as a result from sinners being unable to be aware of their true human nature imparted from GOD.  Those who are deceived complain that salvation from GOD to restore divinity within mankind makes you a misfit, an outcast, and a stranger to others.  In their view, it is unfair that a judgment be carried out to determine the spirit content of all living.  Yet, it must be acknowledged that every person has come forth “in the image of GOD,” however, their displays of the divinely intended human nature can be brief and irregular.  The process of Christian belief, therefore, may be described as one to ensure uninterrupted expression of a character and nature endowed with inseparable aspects from the makeup of divinity.  Included are awe, faith, forbearance, gratitude, holiness, hope, longsuffering, love, meekness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  While the Creator is reconciled to mankind through Jesus Christ, and the transformation of man to exist as an immortal, incorruptible companion of divinity will continue until the Savior returns in glory, GOD remains unwilling to approve and preserve wickedness.  Mankind is to be a manifestation of divine righteousness; and in the same way divine law exposes the true character and presence of sin, so does the imparted Spirit of GOD.  Through the continuing operations of sin, the image of GOD shown by mankind has become defiled, exaggerated and warped with regard to authority, compassion, justice, and violence.  To accomplish the eternal purposes of existence and life, the operations of divine love must continue to oppose deceit, selfishness, and the exalting of flesh to the casting down of Spirit.  The living are granted rebirth and the opportunity to mature as divine offspring and heirs with the Lord; and their inheritance provides correction, guidance and instruction that enables them to detect, expose and resist sin.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “john” (Level 1 with 4 points, a member since January 08, 2015) posted the following:

 

The real logic of christianity is the hatred of our own human nature?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  If thou prepare thine heart, and stretch out thine hands toward him;  If iniquity be in thine hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles.  For then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; yea, thou shalt be stedfast, and shalt not fear:  Because thou shalt forget thy misery, and remember it as waters that pass away:  And thine age shall be clearer than the noonday:  thou shalt shine forth, thou shalt be as the morning.  And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; yea, thou shalt dig about thee, and thou shalt take thy rest in safety.  Also thou shalt lie down, and none shall make thee afraid; yea, many shall make suit unto thee.  But the eyes of the wicked shall fail, and they shall not escape, and their hope shall be as the giving up of the ghost.  (Job 11:  13-20, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Foolish People and Unwise (10/26/2017); Without the Divine Image? (10/15/2017); Rebirth, Growth and Transformation (09/29/2017); Knowing the Invisible GOD (09/17/2017); Corruption of Ones Spirit? (05/14/2017); An Habitation of GOD (07/24/2016); The Cross and Mankind (05/13/2016)

 

“john”, I would like to share some ideas from Christian belief, here, that may be new to a lot of people.  While mankind has been “made in the image of GOD,” from the beginning, man has been made as a temporal creation intended to exist within a framework of time and space.  Man was made with the intent that he pass through change, discovery, growth and progression.  Man is to exist as a companion to divinity, and must receive a complete and correct revelation of divinity whereby the active presence who is GOD is made knowable, known, accessible, and approachable.

Independence and separation between mankind and the Creator are required for humanity to display authenticity as the handiwork of GOD, and genuine integrity as part of Creation.  Aspects of the living such as consciousness, feeling, mind, and self-will must be able to freely interact with and respond to operations within themselves as well as acknowledge objects, other created beings and living creatures within the spheres of life, and the Creator who is sovereign over all.

Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Law Giver, and all divine order.  That being said, the operations of sin are contrary to human nature, yet, sin may dominate awareness and self-will in the form of appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, sexual cravings), sensation (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching) and emotion/mental functions (e.g., anger, desire, fear, imagination, recall).  The influence and power of sin is so great that countless people have been inclined to think of sin as natural, normal, and a “necessary” part of the human condition.

In the same way, we are cautioned and given instruction to avoid counterfeit money in the market place, mature Christian believers are cautioned to avoid the counterfeits of human nature that are created through sin.  Developing believers are to practice discernment (using their own imparted spirit content from the makeup of GOD as a standard to recognize and respond to the same spirit as it resides within doctrines, events, oneself, other persons, holy writings, godly possibilities, prophecy, etc.).  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible to present the “logic” of divine process that centers in love, not hate:

(1.)  Galatians 5:  16-23, KJV:  16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.  17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh:  and these are contrary the one to the other:  so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.  18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.  19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,  20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,  21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like:  of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.  22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  23 Meekness, temperance:  against such there is no law.

(2.)  Romans 6:  3-13, KJV:  3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?  4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death:  that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.  5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:  6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.  7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.  8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:  9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.  10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once:  but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.  11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.  12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.  13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin:  but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  1st John 4:  7-11, KJV:  7 Beloved, let us love one another:  for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.  8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.  9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.  10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.  11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

 
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(10/26/2017) Foolish People and Unwise

 

Today, points are shared on the present generation, prophecy, and final judgment.  While a present generation is correct to acknowledge, confess, and petition GOD to forgive the sins of their parents and forbearers (as seen in Ezra 9 and Daniel 9), it is foolishness to compare the sins of modern nations against those of ancient Israel.  Believers are unwise to focus on claiming their own salvation by judging others, even those whose sins are on record and already exposed.  More than this, judgment to pronounce damnation is fraught with subtlety (i.e., barely visible differences; hidden shifts in meaning, quality, and value) and should be regarded as the exclusive privilege of the King.  It is more correct that developing believers focus on their own walk with the Lord, and on achieving the highest levels possible for expressing their own godliness and righteousness.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:

 

Christians: Are we worse than our forefathers?

My Mum (who is a bible scholar) keeps quoting and reminding me of Jeremiah 16:12. She believes every scripture can be applied to today’s society. Do you believe that YOU have acted more wickedly than your ancestors?

Something feels wrong in my heart and intuition when I hear that. But they say the heart and intuition is deceptive.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake:  for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.  Rejoice, and be exceeding glad:  for great is your reward in heaven:  for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.  Ye are the salt of the earth:  but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.  Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.  Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.  (Matthew 5:  10-16, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Caution! Work In Progress (10/19/2017); Temporal and Eternal Judgment (02/15/2017); Sharing The Correct Message (01/30/2017); Where Society Is Headed? (01/11/2016); Enduring As A Believer? (12/06/2015); About The End Of The World (08/30/2015); To Walk As He Walked? (11/16/2014); To Continue In His Footsteps (11/17/2014)

 

“Anonymous”, the human predicament established through the error of the first pair, Adam, itself has not changed, and only responds to divinity acting through a myriad of sacred devices.  Thus, the operations of sin, the requirement that there be death and mortality, and opposition to the continued existence of divine law remain an enormous challenge to the Creation of GOD.  Even the appearance of divinity using human form (we say, flesh and blood) by a person from the GODhead (Jesus Christ), and the imparting of the Holy Spirit to reside within the living have not been enough to eliminate sin.

When Moses asked GOD to show his glory, he revealed himself to be a God of judgment, and exposed sin as a threat to all existence, even that of divinity.  The operations of sin promote nonexistence and the return to conditions of chaos, flux, and multiple streams of darkness.  The sins committed by a present generation will continue to have direction, effect and presence to the third and fourth generation that follows.  (In Scripture, a single generation is a period of 40 years:  do the math—40, 80, 120, 160 years.)  The following generations are not condemned and punished for that of their ancestors, yet, as the offspring of sinners they will be increasingly challenged; and must turn to GOD for relief, redemption, and salvation.

Finite human tools such as intellect, logic, philosophy, and science are not able to transform consciousness and self-will (we say, willpower) to completely reject and resist sin (sinners are even found among university graduates and faculty).  The divine process for mankind allows sinners to  receive atonement, rebirth, and sacred (not secular) knowledge through discovery, gradual growth, continuing sacred practices (we say, sacraments such as baptism, holy matrimony, penance, etc.), and maintaining fellowship with GOD through those who are anointed and sent.  To avoid spiritual confusion as you continue your course as a developing believer, consider the following points of admonition, proclamation, promise, and prophecy that are shared through the holy writings:

(1.)  Daniel 12:  1-4, KJV:  1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people:  and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time:  and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.  2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.  3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.  4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end:  many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

(2.)  Deuteronomy 32:  4-6, KJV:  4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect:  for all his ways are judgment:  a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.  5 They have corrupted themselves, their spot is not the spot of his children:  they are a perverse and crooked generation.  6 Do ye thus requite the LORD, O foolish people and unwise? is not he thy father that hath bought thee? hath he not made thee, and established thee?

(3.)  Ecclesiastes 7:  9-11, KJV:  9 Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry:  for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.  10 Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this.  11 Wisdom is good with an inheritance:  and by it there is profit to them that see the sun.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Matthew 24:  24-27, KJV:  24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.  25 Behold, I have told you before.  26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.  27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

 
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC