(03/27/2018) Satan’s Challenge to Divinity

Juan de Flandes (ca. 1500-04), The Temptation of Christ

 

Today, points are shared on the sovereign will of GOD, the temptation of Christ by Satan, and the sacred process of GOD for ministry to mankind.  Satan’s attack on the finite strength and weakness of Jesus as one in the flesh was more than simply an attack against mankind.  It was an attack against all divine fullness that would be recorded in the book of life as his own undoing.  In the same way the tempter could not recognize Jesus as the Son of the Highest, the Lamb of GOD, and the Word, the Adversary was unable to determine whether Jesus was the one prophesied, promised, and sent who would bruise the head of the serpent.  Therefore, he sought to provoke the Anointed One into confessing and boasting of his exalted, sacred  identity while Christ appeared to be simply another man who also was unbalanced and vulnerable.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shared) posted the following:

 

When Satan tempted Jesus three times, why did Jesus choose to submit the first two times?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.  And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.  And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,  Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.  And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.  And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly:  and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.  And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,  And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.  And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.  (Luke 22:  39-47, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  In The Image of Man (05/04/2016); Divine Jealousy? (09/11/2015); Jesus Given A Divine Ministry? (08/18/2015); Gall Refused on the Cross? (03/20/2015); The Testing of Job? (10/06/2014); Knowing the Spirit is Inside? (10/07/2014); On Testing GOD (06/20/2013); GOD Grants License? (06/21/2013); The Passion at Gethsemane (03/28/2013); Separated and Sealed? (03/29/2013); A Man in Heaven? (09/23/2012); Aliens? (09/24/2012)

 

“Anonymous”, here are some points to prayerfully consider:

1.  To avoid spiritual confusion, the temptation of Christ should be acknowledged as a sacred event that focuses upon aspects of divine character, eternal purpose, and the spirit substance from the makeup of GOD that has been imparted to created beings and living creatures including angels and unclean spirits. 

2.  In the understanding of many mature Christian believers, Satan appeared having the purpose of challenging the authenticity of Jesus Christ as a man on the earth by boasting his own dominion over the inheritance bestowed on Adam as a son of GOD. 

3.  Christ was guided by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness following his baptism at the Jordan River.  There he would be isolated, without food, water, and the usual comforts of men.  Prepared only for fasting and prayer; he also would have to endure the extremes of cold nights and burning days.  The focus of Jesus was to discover the Father’s intent and sacred process for ministry to mankind.

4.  In the same way Christ did not appear having the glory and image he manifested while in heaven, it is likely that the tempter appeared in the form of a man, and did not display the recognizable adornment and regalia he had been privileged to present for ages while among the heavenly host. 

5.  The deceiver did not first announce himself as the Adversary of GOD, nor did he speak to proclaim his purpose.  Even so, his own words would expose him.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, 6.  By appealing to appetite (that Jesus should transform stones to bread), exaggerated religious pride (lifting Jesus above the Temple at Jerusalem, the highest, holiest place on earth), and lust for wealth and worldly power (showing Christ the fallen nations), the temptation appears designed to arouse greed, trigger concern for the flesh in place of the spirit, and draw Jesus into human submission and false worship.  However, the key element for success in the use of Incarnation by the fullness of divinity (we also say, the GODhead; the Trinity; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) was the willing acknowledgment of the divine will, rather than the finite will of the created ones.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/04/2016) In The Image of Man

The divine use of flesh and visible form for revelation of GODhead is in view, today.  An image of GOD, who is spirit, is the source of all that exists, and reigns over all creation has been presented to mankind using the frameworks of time, space, and material form.  More than this, the image of GOD that is to be continually displayed by mankind has been carefully presented to the living upon the earth, and continues to appear within the GODhead through the person of Jesus Christ.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Jack” (Level 1 with 249 points, a member since August 22, 2014) posted the following:

 

Christians: Is the actual human body of Jesus God (remember, the mind is a physical part of a body, as an arm is a physical part of a body)?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.  But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.  And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?  Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself:  handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.  And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.   And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?  And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.  And he took it, and did eat before them.  (Luke 24:  36-43, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Sin Also Made Incarnate? (04/25/2016); The Cross and Creation (03/24/2016); GOD Is Invisible… (02/01/2016); Called, The 2nd Adam? (01/10/2016); A GOD Without Form? (12/27/2015); Beyond Anything We Imagine? (11/13/2015); Spirit Matter (10/21/2012); Caesarea Philippi (10/22/2012)

 

“Jack”, mature Christian believers trust that, through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood, correction, and truth from the cross are flowing to here and now.  The image presented to mankind through Jesus Christ displayed a form and nature to the living that at once made visible both carnal and spirit being that is a permanent aspect of the GODhead.  Just as Jesus was an appearance of divinity using flesh and blood (we say, Incarnation), he is also an appearance of mankind in perfection.  For this reason, the Savior is spoken of as “the second Adam,” and the one putting forth a “new creation.”  As the followers of Jesus, we are to experience his “humanity”.  Many of the devils residing in victims of flesh acknowledged Jesus as Christ and Messiah.  Because Satan could not recognize Jesus upon the earth as the Son who had appeared in heaven, following the Lord’s consecration at the Jordan, Satan challenged Jesus repeatedly to “show him some ID.”  There is no reason to question whether Jesus had all the limbs, organs and tissues found in other human bodies:  we know he was sufficiently mortal to bleed and suffer pain; did die upon the cross; and his remains had to be taken down for burial.  The cross provided a prophetic demonstration to reveal the best in mankind as well as the endowment that his disciples and followers are to receive.  Created beings and living creatures are to be vessels of divine life essence (we say, breath, spirit, word).  GOD is to appear within flesh  through inseparable spirit substances that include faith, holiness, joy, lovingkindness, longsuffering, meekness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Consider how this is stated using language from the Bible that is prophecy:

(1.)  Leviticus 17:  11, King James Version (KJV):  11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood:  and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls:  for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.

(2.)  Isaiah 11:  1-5, KJV:  1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:  2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;  3 And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:  4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth:  with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.  5 And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.

(3.)  Isaiah 9:  6-7, KJV:  6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given:  and the government shall be upon his shoulder:  and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.  7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually taken in.  (For example, (4.)  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

 

(09/11/2015) Divine Jealousy?

Today, Scripture points are shared on divine commitment, dedication, sacred ownership, and the jealousy practiced by GOD.  At no time does our Creator display insanity and out of control behavior such as we see among men and women making selfish claims upon one another.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “oscar youre a grouch” (Level 1 with 88 points, a member since January 20, 2015) posted the following:

 

What is the difference between the Christian Gods jealousy, and a crazy ex girlfriends?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  How weak is thine heart, saith the Lord GOD, seeing thou doest all these things, the work of an imperious whorish woman;  In that thou buildest thine eminent place in the head of every way, and makest thine high place in every street; and hast not been as an harlot, in that thou scornest hire;  But as a wife that committeth adultery, which taketh strangers instead of her husband!  They give gifts to all whores:  but thou givest thy gifts to all thy lovers, and hirest them, that they may come unto thee on every side for thy whoredom.  And the contrary is in thee from other women in thy whoredoms, whereas none followeth thee to commit whoredoms:  and in that thou givest a reward, and no reward is given unto thee, therefore thou art contrary.  Wherefore, O harlot, hear the word of the LORD:  Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thy filthiness was poured out, and thy nakedness discovered through thy whoredoms with thy lovers, and with all the idols of thy abominations, and by the blood of thy children, which thou didst give unto them;  Behold, therefore I will gather all thy lovers, with whom thou hast taken pleasure, and all them that thou hast loved, with all them that thou hast hated; I will even gather them round about against thee, and will discover thy nakedness unto them, that they may see all thy nakedness.  And I will judge thee, as women that break wedlock and shed blood are judged; and I will give thee blood in fury and jealousy.  (Ezekiel 16:  30-38, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Known By Divine Revelation (06/16/2015); GOD Known By Action Not Form? (03/18/2015); About Knowing the Name of GOD (09/21/2014); About Deluding Yourself? (09/22/2014); The Name(?) of GOD (04/09/2014); The “Miniature War”? (04/10/2014); On Testing GOD (06/20/2013); GOD Grants License? (06/21/2013)

 

“oscar youre a grouch”, upon the earth, and among couples in intimate relationship, jealousy appears as an extreme reaction wherein one partner displays anger, insecurity, possessiveness, suspicion and violent behavior against their mate, or toward another person for having been overly familiar with another.  Even conduct that may be casual and surface as well as affection shown their family members may trigger jealous behavior.  While many claim romantic  jealousy is a proof of deep and undying love, in fact, it is the expression of emotional imbalance, immaturity, and uncontrollable rage.  Surprisingly, then, Jealous is one of the holiest names revealed from divinity to mankind describing the Deity as one who demands exclusive service and worship from those put forth as created beings and living creatures.  This is usually recognized more quickly when stated in other words, such as, Thou shalt have no other gods before me!  Consider the following from the Bible:

(1.)  Proverbs 6:  26-35, King James Version (KJV):  26 For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread:  and the adultress will hunt for the precious life.  27 Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?  28 Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?  29 So he that goeth in to his neighbour’s wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent.  30 Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry;  31 But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.  32 But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding:  he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.  33 A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.  34 For jealousy is the rage of a man:  therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.  35 He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.

(2.)  Song of Solomon 8:  5-7, KJV:  5 Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved? I raised thee up under the apple tree:  there thy mother brought thee forth:  there she brought thee forth that bare thee.  6 Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm:  for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave:  the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame.  7 Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it:  if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned.

(3.)  Deuteronomy 32:  15-23, KJV:  15 But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked:  thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.  16 They provoked him to jealousy with strange gods, with abominations provoked they him to anger.  17 They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not.  18 Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee.  19 And when the LORD saw it, he abhorred them, because of the provoking of his sons, and of his daughters.  20 And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be:  for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith.  21 They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities:  and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.  22 For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.  23 I will heap mischiefs upon them; I will spend mine arrows upon them.

(4.)  Isaiah 54:  4-9, KJV:  4 Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed:  neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame:  for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.  5 For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.  6 For the LORD hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God.  7 For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee.  8 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.  9 For this is as the waters of Noah unto me:  for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee.

There are many other points that should be carefully considered, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example:  (5.)  Matthew 4:  1-10, KJV:  1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.  2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.  3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.  4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.  5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,  6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down:  for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee:  and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.  7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.  8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;  9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.  10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan:  for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

 
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(08/18/2015) Jesus Given A Divine Ministry?

Scripture points are shared, today, on the divine character and sacred nature of the ministry shared by Jesus Christ upon the earth, and from heaven as Risen Lord.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “banana” (a member since September 04, 2013 now at Level 6 having 11,813 points) posted the following:

 

After his baptism what was the focus of Jesus life and his message?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,  Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last:  and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.  And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;  And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.  His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;  And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.  And he had in his right hand seven stars:  and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword:  and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.  And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:  I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.  Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;  The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.  (Revelation 1:  10-20, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Called of GOD? (08/02/2015); Christ the Son of David? (06/12/2015); He Must Increase? (04/01/2015); Called of GOD? (06/21/2014); About the Second Coming? (01/18/2014); Both Born Holy? (04/29/2013); Scripture at Funerals? (04/30/2013)

 

“banana”, Jesus was baptized to further teach, continue, and live out the message from John the Baptist regarding commitment, preparation, repentance, and the kingdom of GOD.  At the same time, however, the Savior was acknowledged as heir to the Most High, and anointed to accomplish the divine works that included atonement, exorcism, forgiveness, healing, incarnation, intercession, judgment, prophecy, revelation, and sanctification.  Initially, only John the Baptist, son of a Levitical priest, was enabled by the Holy Spirit to hear and see the act of GOD that installed Jesus as an high priest after the order of Melchisidec.  Guided by the Holy Spirit, Jesus left the populated areas, and went into seclusion that lasted 40 days and 40 nights.  Through fasting, isolation, prayer and supplication to mortify the flesh, Jesus surrendered himself to be exalted, glorified, and transformed by divinity.  Satan appeared as the first “student” of the Anointed One partly because the tempter could not recognize the Son of GOD upon the earth as being the same one who had ruled in heaven.  The work of the Lord was not so much to challenge, condemn or oppose long-standing religious customs and traditions as it was to fulfill promise and prophecy, to introduce a new dispensation of spiritual gifts for sacred relationship, and to provide a more authentic and intimate manifestation of GOD.  Consider again some of the points that are shared through the Scriptures:

(1.)  Luke 4:  16-21, King James Version (KJV):  16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up:  and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.  17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,  18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,  19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.  20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.  21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.

(2.)  Matthew 3:  10-12, KJV:  10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees:  therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.  11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance:  but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear:  he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:  12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

(3.)  John 9:  39-41, KJV:  39 And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.  40 And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also?  41 Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin:  but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.

(4.)  John 10:  9-11, KJV:  9 I am the door:  by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.  10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.  11 I am the good shepherd:  the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

(5.)  2nd Timothy 1:  7-10, KJV:  7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.  8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner:  but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;  9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,  10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

(6.)  John 5:  33-38, KJV:  33 Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth.  34 But I receive not testimony from man:  but these things I say, that ye might be saved.  35 He was a burning and a shining light:  and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.  36 But I have greater witness than that of John:  for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.  37 And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.  38 And ye have not his word abiding in you:  for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.

There is far more that could be said, and that must be correctly understood and spiritually taken into account.  (For example (7.)  John 17:  17-23, KJV:  17 Sanctify them through thy truth:  thy word is truth.  18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.  19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.  20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;  21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us:  that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.  22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:  23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/20/2015) Gall Refused on the Cross?

Today, some points are shared on the choice by Jesus to reject a pain-killer (we say, drug) while suffering upon the cross.  Believers will understand how this is another example of the temptation of Christ by Satan.  In refusing the gall mixed with wine that was offered to him, the Lord was also refusing defilement through appetite that would make his blood unfit and unclean for sacrifice and atonement.  The gall of Rome compared to the leaven of the Pharisees, and represented both lust and worldliness.  Christ was to be made the figure of all sin by a surrender to the Father, not by self-promotion and operations of his own will.  Thus, believers are made to be the same righteousness of GOD that appeared within Jesus, not by their own will, by their surrender to Christ.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Nigel” (Level 1 with 200 points, a member since May 10, 2012) posted the following thrust:

 

Christians- when Christ was on the cross, why did he refuse the drink the romans offered him (I think it was called gall)?

Was it not enough that he was dying already? Why would he refuse something that would diminish his suffering just a little? Could he of been trying to be macho in front of an audience? What does his refusal say about the Christian God?

 

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.  (2nd Corinthians 5:  17-21, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Resurrection from the Dead? (04/23/2014); Not A Matter Of Opinion? (04/24/2014); Resurrection Sunday (04/19/2014); Jesus Scourged (04/05/2014); Brothers, Not Equals (04/06/2014); Everything a Lie? (10/05/2013); Sacrificed and Risen? (10/06/2013); Assurances of Salvation? (10/07/2013); Henceforth, Of This Fruit (11/21/2012); Unexceptional Beginnings (11/22/2012)

 

“Nigel”, here are a few points that are now being shared among Christian believers as we are approaching the remembrance of Resurrection Sunday:

(1.)   “Gall” is thought to have been a poisonous herbal substance from the poppy plant; and has also been described as hemlock, myrrh, and opium.

(2.)  Death was first introduced to mankind in Adam as sleep, at the removing of his rib to fashion the female.  Adam endured no agony by her separation, and rejoiced when she was presented as “bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh.”  It was necessary that Jesus endure the full agony of death on behalf of all mankind to seal and secure the possibilities for rebirth, repentance, resurrection, and sanctification.

(3.)  Correctly understood as a sacred operation, death breaks communion and exchange between Deity (i.e., the dead praise not GOD) and the material beings and living creatures put forth from divinity.  Death and the completion of mortality are more than the mechanical process visible to us determined by characteristics of the flesh such as aging, decay, and growth.  In physical death, all awareness is removed along with the essential gift of self-will.

There is far more to be plainly said, correctly understood, and properly apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  When a person dies they can no longer commit (we say, is released from) sin.   However, challenges, consequences, and obstacles from their living actions and attitudes may continue indefinitely.  The death of Jesus upon the cross did not end sin.  Yet, multiple mechanisms were put into place for divine atonement that releases men from sin and death, including forgiveness, rebirth, and endowing sinners who come to Christ with fresh sacred content (we say, the imparted Spirit, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Truth.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith and meekness (i.e., willingness to be taught through the Holy Spirit).

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

(06/20/2013) On Testing GOD

Challenge, life process, and temptation are topics, today, along with more on Bible authors and truth.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Jeremy Jay Beamer” (Level 1 with 65 points, a member since February 25, 2013) posted the following:

Why does the Bible say to not put God to the test when He puts His children to the test every day?

THE BATTLE AXE:  Bible Authors and Truth? (06/19/2013)—  (6)  The believer’s experience of faith operating within their own being and substance makes possible their acknowledgment of faith operating within the Bible authors.  More than this, believers understand that those who recorded the holy writings were chosen by GOD, elect, cleansed and set apart for divine service (we say, sanctified), made prominent through emblems, gifts and signs (we say, justified), delivered divine utterance (we say, prophesied), and used to display godly authority and power (we say, glorified).  Writers used for creating the Bible all were to function as caretakers of holy heritage, custodians, observers and witnesses to events among mankind that would proceed from divine presence, sacred operations, and sovereign interventions.  (7)  While many literary devices appear in the Scriptures that are similar to those featured in secular writing to amuse and entertain (e.g., dialog, metaphor, plots and counter-plots, simile, use of detail), the canon and standards for holy Scriptures demand content that reveals divine person, sacred operations, and eternal purpose.  Accordingly, the Bible is spoken of as “holy writings”, for included are admonitions, chronicles (we say, public records describing divine events), divine commands, doctrine, ordinations, parables, praises, prayers, promises, proverbs, prophecy, testimony, and verdicts in sacred judgment.  See Isaiah 55:  10-12, Matthew 13:  34-35, 1st Thessalonians 1:  2-6, Hebrews 4:  12 and 2nd Peter 1:  16-21, KJV.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;  And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;  And did all eat the same spiritual meat;  And did all drink the same spiritual drink:  for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them:  and that Rock was Christ.  But with many of them God was not well pleased:  for they were overthrown in the wilderness.  Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.  Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.  Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.  Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.  Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.  Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.  Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.  There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.  (1st Corinthians 10:  1-13, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Faith for Facing Tragedy? (06/04/2013); Words Spoken By GOD? (06/05/2013); Struggles? (05/11/2013); Through Much Tribulation (05/12/2013); Wanting To Have Our Way (03/09/2013); Bad Luck (02/25/2012); Violence In The Bible (02/26/2012); (12/16/2011) Girdle 31:  Being Mixed With Faith; GOD Tempted? (02/12/2011); The KJV Bible? (02/13/2011)

Jeremy, here are some points to consider that may appear strange or new to you, however, these ideas often are shared among believers, and those who function showing respect to GOD through Jesus Christ:

(1)  Becoming mature and the normative life process for mankind may be described as one of continual change and learning with emotional, physical, psychological, and spiritual growth produced through encountering specific challenges.  Included are balance to stand and walk, developing dexterity and eye/hand coordination, language acquisition (mama/dada), falling in love, and parenting.

(2)  Where created beings and living creatures accept their given position within the sphere of divine being, they must cooperate with ongoing sacred operations such as creation, death, incarnation, judgment, praise, proclamation, promise, fulfillment of prophecy, rebirth, and sanctification.

(3)  As language from the Bible, to “tempt”, “temptation” and “test” primarily refer to attack, confrontation, or applying pressure to discover a limit and breaking point.  As with the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness (see Matthew 4:  1-11, King James Version), those who seek to “break GOD” or find weakness in divinity are usually those in spiritual confusion, having malice against GOD, and those whose self-will is dominated by sin.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example,  (4)  GOD revealed himself to Moses as a god of Judgment (see Exodus 34:  5-8, KJV).  While the children are not punished for the sins of their fathers, they are challenged through the consequences and effects of parental sin to the third and fourth generation—as much as 160 years.  Far from being arbitrary, capricious and optional, accountability, duty, and obligation with respect to GOD and divine law are shown to be non-negotiable aspects of being, order and existence.)   Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/28/2013) The Passion at Gethsemane

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

Why did jesus sweat blood?

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC