(06/05/2013) Words Spoken By GOD?

The Bible as “the word of GOD,” is the topic, today.  Also, there is more on conviction and faith in the face of tragedy.  The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Horn of the Unicorn” (Level 1 with 40 points, a member since September 13, 2009) posted the following:


Why is the bible referred to as the word of God?

Surely if God did actually write or dictate the words to a human to write then there would not be so many factual errors?

THE BATTLE AXE:  Faith for Facing Tragedy? (06/04/2013)—(5)  The priesthood of Jesus Christ addresses the transformation of mankind from corruptible, fallible, mortal and sinful to that of eternal, permanent and perpetual companions of GOD.  All created beings and living creatures eventually complete or fulfill their expression as aspects of divine emanation.  Presently, only GOD is immortal.  The holy angels, sacred beasts, and others that serve in heaven are neither immortal nor mortal; and their being  continues only by divine prerogative.  Mortality is a specification for finite existence of the living whereby mankind and those on the earth endure only for brief periods described using the framework of time.  It is the natural and usual process of human life that, just as the living act upon their environment and one another, many of those same things now operate upon the living as mere objects within the sphere of their own distinct being, and so result in completion of human death.  Included are aging, collisions, conflict, diet, epidemic disease, drowning, imbalance, insufficient rest, irregular growth, loss of blood (the material device within the living that distributes the divine element of life to the various parts of the body), and psychological trauma.  Many accuse GOD of injustice and unfairness for not arbitrarily intervening in the processes of life and death to show approval, favor, and reward.  However, divine judgment is the sacred operation for the expression of divine favor and disfavor.  Death and resurrection come into view as controlled and necessary aspects of the divine order that must be acknowledged as making visible the divinity and sanctity of GOD.  Saying this another way, that distinguishes, identifies, and separates GOD as One.  See Ezekiel 33:  1-16, 1st Corinthians 10:  1-13, 1st Timothy 1:  17 and 1st Timothy 6:  3-16, King James Version.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited:  I am the LORD; and there is none else.  I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth:  I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain:  I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right.  Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations:  they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save.  Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together:  who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.  Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth:  for I am God, and there is none else.  I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.  (Isaiah 45:  18-23, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Why Jesus Authored No Books (05/01/2013); Recognizing True Prophets (05/02/2013); Scripture at Funerals? (04/30/2013); Quoting Scripture to GOD? (04/24/2013); Illusion? (04/25/2013); A Guide to Salvation? (04/10/2013); A Golden Ticket? (11/30/2012); And This Was Good News (12/01/2012); Spirit Matter (10/21/2012); Bible Benefit? (03/16/2011); Ones Destiny? (03/17/2011)


(1)  The holy writings employ many unique definitions, figures, reports, and understandings that permit human intelligence to grasp the possibilities for existence of divine person.  However, for created beings and living creatures to have more than fantasies, fictions, and a mere abstract consciousness of GOD, Creation must participate in a relationship having sacred depth, power and quality.  There must be a continuous and ongoing process of divine revelation ordered after the terms of divine intent (i.e., holy will, instead of human self-will), the operations of consecrated substance, and the fixed boundaries for accomplishment of eternal purpose.  Included are birth, death, divine law, faith, miracles, resurrection, righteous judgment, and wrath against sin.

(2)  GOD is an immortal and incorruptible spirit that cannot be understood using only the frameworks for mortal being; and who is accessible to mortal beings only by frameworks he himself may generate.  The process of GOD for mankind may be described as discernment, “discovery learning,” “OJT” (on-the-job-training), and “spiritualization” wherein the full awareness of divinity is gradually appreciated, made known, and recognized as visible.  Spirit content that otherwise exists only within the make-up of Divine Person (e.g., holiness, humility, joy, longsuffering, truth, wisdom) may operate within created beings and living creatures, and establishes them in the image of GOD.

(3)  As a sacred record, the Bible details a small spectrum of sacred events pertinent to the preparation of mankind for permanent existence within the eternal sphere of divine presence.  The Bible provides a divine perspective—thousands of lives over thousands of years—and documents a broad range of actions by GOD that show the Almighty is more than a collection of mechanical processes.  The Bible permits believers to experience the “person” of GOD through shared feeling, intelligence and purpose.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4)  Although visible to many as no more than a material object and a collection of ancient books, the Bible is itself a peculiar appearance and incarnation of Divine Person.  Divine utterances are put forth to believers that supply ones personal awareness of the divine presence as well as the personal experience of hearing the voice of GOD.  In addition to commands, criteria for purity, parables, praises, prayers, life principles, proclamations, promises and proverbs, there is prophecy (comfort, edification, exhortation) that demonstrates and unveils divine perfection.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/02/2013) Recognizing True Prophets

      How to recognize true prophets is the topic today. Also, there is more on why Jesus authored no books to keep his teachings “pure.” The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Andrew” (Level 1 with 58 points, a member since April 30, 2013) posted the following:

CHRISTIANS: What are the marks/signs of a true prophet?

In the bible God says he reveals himself in dreams, what other ways does God speak (if he still does) to people today?

THE BATTLE AXE: Why Jesus Authored No Books (05/01/2013)—(5.) The plan of GOD has long been the preservation of divine truth upon the earth through created beings and living creatures. The longevity of Adam (930 years, nearly one millennium) and that of the several Patriarchs ensured eyewitness accounts, and a living oral history would be in place along with the sacred priesthood for offerings and sacrifices. In the accounts of Noah (who was a husbandman, a farmer) and Abraham (who accumulated wealth despite being a nomad, yet avoided the baggage of books, and established no libraries), we continue to see GOD maintaining divine truth through flesh and mankind. Building upon the widespread herding, pastoral and oral traditions of the Jews, GOD introduced written law through Moses after first proclaiming the covenant to all those who had left Egypt. David and those who served after him, contributed the rich treasury of hymns, music, psalms and sacred song along with prayer and proverbs as further tools to preserve and transmit gifts and resources from divinity. Oral traditions rely upon face-to-face exchange, and communicate feelings as well as thought using body language, facial gestures and nonverbal expression. Christ encouraged and promoted specific forms of truth. Included were parables (we say “object lessons”), personal testimony, preaching, proclamation, promise, prophecy, and witness. Unlike the impersonal technology of writing used by governments and those of a merchant class, personal word of mouth provides interaction cues for trust, and continuing relationship. (6.) In the plan of GOD that is being carried out through Jesus Christ, faith comes by hearing, and is certified by miracles and other sacred works. The breath of life, and divine utterance, are the imparting of awareness, life and virtue. The Holy Scriptures convey spirit substance inseparable from faith. Included are forbearance, holiness, humility, joy, longsuffering, meekness, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. See Romans 10: 10-17, Nehemiah 8: 1-12, Ecclesiastes 12: 11-13 and Romans 8: 1-18, KJV. (7.) The union with GOD, and the oneness mankind is to achieve is not “sameness”. Diversity is the tool of Divine Person that must be used to establish the peculiar completeness and fullness of GOD, who is immortal, who is spirit, and who does not change. Thus, the revelation of GOD to created beings and living creatures is by their discovery of shared identity in Jesus Christ.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. (Revelation 19: 5-10, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Confusion 2013 (01/13/2013); Why A “Spokesperson” (01/14/2013); No Contradictions? (01/15/2013); How To Have Conviction (11/24/2012); A Text for Lives Today? (11/25/2012); Pornography from the Bible? (11/26/2012); Signs of a Prophet (03/14/2012); The Rules for Sharing Christ (03/15/2012); The Prophets (02/24/2012); Bad Luck (02/25/2012); Prophecy Fails? (03/15/2011); Bible Benefit? (03/16/2011); Prophets? (10/28/2010)

    
     Andrew, in the course of their growth, most mature Christian believers also have asked the question you pose, because it’s in line with ones desire to know whom to trust for sacred truth, and how to be certain that ones own experience of what appears as divinity is truly coming from GOD. Where you will first acknowledge GOD in prayer with gratitude and respect, you will be more well prepared to recognize whether or not the following points are being shared with you in obedience to Christ:

(1.) True prophets are sent from GOD as messengers, and do not pursue a personal agenda, secular and social goals, self-justification, or self-promotion. Even so, they also provide eyewitness reports and personal testimonies (i.e., spoken evidence in judgment) that pertain to their experience of GOD.

(2.) In Christian belief, the proclamations, promises and prophecies declared by the true prophets are corroborated and harmonize with the words and works of all the prophets sent before them as well as that of those who will come after them. Even so, it is not the “sameness” of their message that reveals their genuine identity as holy and sent by GOD. It is the oneness of Spirit.

(3.) True prophets all operate through spiritual endowments from the makeup and substance of GOD. Included are faith, holiness, humility, longsuffering, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Where one of these sacred elements appear, all of them must appear; for they are inseparable. False prophets are recognized by their self-contradictions and display of such devices as accusations, covetousness, cowardice, deceit, envy, fear mongering, lying, pride, scorn and slander.
    
     There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) The holy writings serve as a proven standard that allows those endowed from GOD to correctly discern and recognize eternal purpose, sacred operations, and the anointed agents and representatives sent by GOD. Also, believers quickly and correctly recognize those under the Adversary (Satan), spiritual confusion, and sin. See Isaiah 8: 20, Hebrews 4: 12 and 1st John 4: 1-6, KJV.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/08/2013) When Does Gossip Become Sin?

      Harmless conversation, gossip, “judging others,” and slander are topics, today, along with more on the obedience of Abraham when commanded to sacrifice his son. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “purplestars” (Level 2 with 389 points, a member since May 8, 2011) posted the following:

Christians: when does it become gossiping….?

So you come home from school/work and you start complaining about an acquaintance of yours who’s been treating you wrongly. You tell them everything they’ve said/done to you and say things like ‘He’s so annoying’ and ‘I can’t stand him’ etc…. Is this gossiping? It it a sinful conversation?… Or are you simply sharing your life with your family?

When does it become a sin? Opinions please!

THE BATTLE AXE: Therefore There Was Trust (01/07/2013)—Christian believers, today, receive the account of Abraham willing to sacrifice his son Isaac as an important type that clarifies promise and salvation from our Creator through the judgment, suffering and death of the Incarnate person of GOD, Jesus Christ. A ram was discovered entangled among thorn bushes, and served as a substitute provided by GOD to replace the living boy. Given his position as heir to the priesthood and the promises from GOD bestowed upon Abraham, the obedience and submission by Isaac (the son) may be seen having as great significance as that of Abraham (the father), who is called “the Friend of GOD” (see James 2: 23 and 4: 4, KJV). Intimate knowledge and relationship to GOD are through faith, a totally divine substance residing in the fullness of the Divine Person. Faith is inseparable from such other aspects of divinity as holiness, joy, love, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. While believers receive necessary increases of faith through the imparted, indwelling Spirit, they only come into consistency and mature understanding by practice, repetition, and self-regimen over the course of time. Many sacred experiences and years of spiritual growth may be required before one routinely operates with faith having the focus and power seen through Abraham and Isaac. The apostles who were chosen as witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus all had lived with him on a daily basis, had been eyewitness of his ministry and miracles, and received the Comforter at Pentecost. Those simple men could work as church-builders, preachers and teachers because they had gone through intimate experience to impart and nourish faith. Now, a spirit from GOD that always has been a part of created beings and living creatures, that would occasionally visit and leave selected persons, has become an abiding presence that will remain in all believers. Therefore there is trust.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. (Matthew 12: 33-37, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Mockers in the Last Times (11/14/2012); Yet If I Judge (09/05/2012); Father Forgive (09/06/2012); About Being Friendly (03/09/2012); Faith Establishes Law (03/10/2012); (08/24/2011) Dispatch 16: The Ally (Wounded); Respect? (01/02/2011); Not Accepted? (01/03/2011)

      Sharing a “factual” report that describes another person’s behavior is not automatically an attack upon their character and reputation that would encourage listeners to deny cooperation, opportunities, privileges or respect to the person who has been spoken about. Also, requesting ideas and alternative responses from others is not the same as soliciting judgment. Even so, because we realize that what we say, and how we say it (using facial expression, gestures, body language and movement), are easily misinterpreted, taken out of context, and applied beyond the limited scope of a speaker’s intent, we “silently” agree to be careful, and restrict our speech. The lines among hints, insinuation, “unfounded accusations,” persuasion, and false witness are subtle (i.e., barely detectable; nearly invisible).

      Where the name “Satan” is held to mean “adversary”, the word “devil” is defined as “one who slanders.” To slander is to “bad mouth” someone in their absence (we say talk about them “behind their back”), and is called “character assassination,” gossip, “muckraking,” “murmuring,” “digging up dirt” and “whispering.” Given the intent and purpose of such behavior is to damage and hurt another, those who practice slander are accounted as servants to Satan. As such, they are the source of deceit, lies, and misinformation. While they promote their thrusts against another as righteous indignation and divinely directed judgment, unrighteousness characterizes their effort. Almighty GOD goes so far as to raise the wicked dead that they may respond to their only accuser in judgment, the record of their own behavior and deeds. (Satan, the accuser of the brethren, already will have been cast into the lake of fire, the second death.)

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, the person we would gossip about is the person we should pray will receive life-changing benefit from GOD. Believers should never speak about another person what they won’t speak to them face-to-face. The same discipline, tact, and skill they would use to avoid making someone angry, combative, insulted and provoked when speaking to them in private is to be used when speaking about them in public. Saying this another way, what you may not say when praying to GOD requesting that another person have benefit—that is, when showing love—is better left out of mind, and unspoken.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/20/2012) According to the Eternal Purpose

      Today’s presentation (below) focuses on the church of Jesus Christ as an endowment for the holy angels; and there is more on the value to full Christian belief for those portions of the Bible printed in red ink and identified as the words spoken by our Savior.

THE BATTLE AXE: Reading Only The Red Part (11/19/2012)—As surely as setting a glass of milk or a magazine atop the closed Bible was punishable by “tongue-lashing”, one could never throw a Bible into the trash that had frayed, missing and torn pages. The element of fear in may homes that surrounded the Scriptures, was as serious and solemn as when a flag must be burned after the desecration that occurs when the flag is dropped and touches the soil. Many regarded the red-letter Bible as actually printed using the blood of Jesus, and the red part was not from any book-maker’s ink. Even among scholars, forms of Bible-olatry are found where various collations, footnotes, languages, and translations are exalted as “more scholarly than thou.” Where the Old Testament writings may be characterized as forecasts and projections, New Testament writing is witness and testimony that affirm completed events, and continue the revelation of things already in process that are yet to be fulfilled. Mature believers, who themselves have been touched by the spiritual power of the Bible, generally endorse the counsel given by the Apostle Paul to Timothy, the first bishop and elder appointed to raise up churches among the Gentiles: All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (2nd Timothy 3: 16, King James Version)

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. (Ephesians 3: 8-12, King James Version)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: To See With New Eyes (11/06/2012); A Partnership? (11/05/2012); Seeking and Being Sought (11/04/2012); When Prayer Works (10/11/2012); Sin Unknown? (10/10/2012); The Gender of Angels? (10/09/2012); Repelled by the Bible? (08/13/2012); Marriage and Civil Law (08/14/2012); Coveting The Throne (03/07/2012); Bible Boring? (09/29/2010); Swearing? (09/30/2010)

      As I sat with my older brother and sister at Sunday morning breakfast, my brother strongly disagreed when I made point based on a Bible verse that is found in the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians. Proclaiming the supremacy of GOD over heaven and earth, I declared that mankind is on display before the holy angels and the living creatures of heaven. The church of Jesus Christ is an instrument for divine purpose that includes communicating sacred truth regarding sin, repentance, and the prolonged existence of spirit being.

      The angels were created as “finished” beings containing the full measure of divine endowment they would use throughout their presence and service before GOD. Included were such gifts as authority, joy, knowledge, and self-will. These holy beings were made having neither mortality nor immortality; and were not to be all-knowing or able to predict the future. Given that GOD did not create sin, sin is not spirit matter, and divine purpose does not include the operation of sin among the created, angels of the host were given no knowledge and understanding of sin, of repentance from sin, or of the evil (i.e., widespread damage, sudden reversals, upheaval) that results by sin. This permits us to say, both men and angels have been created with a peculiar ignorance. Even so, sin first appeared within the heavens; and various divine procedures are now in effect as an endowment that enables all to detect and resist sin.

      For mankind, embracing the earthly ministry, death, resurrection, and eternal priesthood of Jesus through spiritual re-birth establishes a divine nature and sacred will that are untouchable by sin. The breath of life bestowed upon mankind at Creation is increased and supplemented through the Holy Ghost (also called the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, and the Spirit of Prophecy). The divine content that resided within the heart and mind of Jesus are imparted as indwelling spirit. Such features should be seen as awe, faith, hope, humility, longsuffering, love, obedience, truth, wisdom and wrath against sin. When men hear, internalize and live the tenets of the Gospel, their spirit content is transformed; and they begin to operate as sons and daughters of GOD, who display incorruptibility, eternal life, and immortality.

      Thus, for the heavenly host, mankind serves as a living declaration from GOD that depicts otherwise invisible, and unknowable sacred purpose, and spirit truth. The angels do not know family and intimate relationships as men and women; and the ministering spirits are organized according to hierarchies and ranks that include dominions, powers principalities, and thrones. The church revealed as a mate and paramour to GOD perfected by Jesus Christ expresses and proclaims spirit-person and divine will just as Creation, the law, judgment, and prophecy.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, those angelic beings that seek to have dominion in the earth (called demons, devils, unclean spirits) are finite beings who were endowed to exist as princes and rulers within the heavens. These are not suited to reign upon the earth and within the same frameworks and limitations of mankind (e.g., flesh, mortality, time and space). Their efforts to rule will always be frustrated, and smashed apart by such features as death, fear, human error, lack of divine perspective, and mankind’s physical weaknesses.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/19/2012) Reading Only The Red Part

      The importance of the words of Christ as found in the Bible to the full content of Christian belief is in focus, today, along with more on the faith of ones parents. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “i don’t know” (a Top Contributor on Level 4 with 2,737 points, a member since July 17, 2012) posted the following:

If you only had Jesus’ words without the rest of the bible, would you still be a Christian?

What if we only had his words and none of the gospels or other books? What would Christianity be like?

THE BATTLE AXE: The Faith of Ones Parents? (11/18/2012)—In every generation there are young people who condemn and dismiss the beliefs of their parents as harsh, primitive, outdated, superstitious, and unscientific. While they appear to compete at finding a clever atheistic put-down for their caretakers, the challenge that, in fact, produces genuine maturity is that children come to know and understand as well, or more completely and correctly than their parents. This is made difficult, because miscommunication, adult and child self-importance, and warped parental pride result in parents refusing all correction and instruction from their children, and all others—even officers within the church and worship assembly. At home, every effort by their children to learn or share what GOD has bestowed upon themselves is condemned by their parents as being only “back-talk,” disrespect, rebellion, rejection and “sass.” Often, parents loudly profess to have faith, and when asked to explain or provide a detailed understanding, they cover their faith with a cloak of silence, or they posture as though betrayed, deeply hurt and unjustly offended. In such moments, family, the church, and even GOD may be accused as those who mock and scorn an innocent victim in distress. Rightly understood, correct knowledge of sacred process, divine purpose, and godly truth is delivered only through operation of the Holy Spirit. All should rejoice as faith, holy wisdom, hope, meekness and love are shown to be present, the evidence of things unseen. Focus is upon the message from GOD and his Christ, and there ought be no quarrel against the messenger. In time, even a minor child comes to understand that.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. (Luke 24: 44-49, King James Version)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Caesarea Philippi (10/22/2012); (10/23/2012); Contradictions? (09/21/2012); The Spirit by Measure (09/22/2012); Girdle 46: That Ye Be Likeminded (01/02/2012); Why “Mysterious” (11/11/2012); Attending Church? (11/12/2012); Childlike Faith (10/18/2012); The Gospel not Logical? (09/16/2012); Unwelcome Gifts? (09/17/2012)

      During my middle school years, I believed everyone could have all the knowledge necessary from the Holy Bible by reading only “the red part.” In my understanding, then, the “red-letter edition” presented every word spoken by Jesus Christ, and, therefore, was more authentic as a presentation of divine truth since the quotations were all from the begotten son of GOD. At first, I thought the black letters introducing and following the words of Jesus could be ignored and skipped. I assumed, like many adults were doing, that anything I could not understand immediately was insignificant, and would add no weight. It was only a few short months before I realized that, when reading and studying the holy writings, the context is essential to clarity and full comprehension. It was many years before I learned to place correct value upon the Scriptures as holy utterance, and a mechanism that conveys spirit content and divinity.

      While the Bible was venerated in our home as more than a mere book, we were guilty of the widespread sin of “bible-olatry” that also occurred in the homes of our neighbors. The Bible would sit in an honored place on the coffee table, on a mantle or shelf, and no one was allowed to touch it (except for regular furniture dusting and polishing), or read it (except on very, very special occasions). Children were told, you are not grown up enough to read the Bible, the Bible is too hard to understand, the Bible is confusing even to educated people, and too much of the Bible drives men mad. Where, the holy book is treated with superstition, and as untouchable the Bible is no less than an idol, a household god, and a teraphim.

      My discovery of the Book of Acts, became my re-education to grasp the full meaning of Creation, divine person, salvation, and the perfecting of the church as a spiritual body and unique “spirit person.” Through Acts and the epistles, believers experience a personal growth that prepares one for spirit baptism, explanations of practices and standards within their own worship congregation, and vital truths that open understanding of prophecy. The unity of Scripture became blazingly clear, as all the prophets from Moses through Malachi, John the Baptist and John the Revelator were shown to speak from a single spirit, the very one Jesus spoke of called “the Comforter,” “the Spirit of Truth” and the “Spirit of Prophecy.” Instead of continuing as obstacles and stumbling blocks, such prophetic books as Daniel, Ezekiel, Psalms, and Revelation became further platforms for growth of the divine spirit that had been deposited to reside within me.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, the Bible documents the priesthood given to Adam from heaven as an inheritance to mankind. Reading both the Old and New Testament are necessary to comprehend the full revelation without confusion regarding the place of judges, kings, patriarchs and prophets. The priest is authorized to make offerings and blood sacrifices for atonement, cleansing, and sanctification. As the Son of Man and Son of the Highest, Jesus Christ inherits and fulfills both the divine priesthood of earth as well as that in heaven.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC