(11/13/2018) A Battleaxe on War

 

Continuing reflections on divinity, peace, and World War, a blog is reprinted that was originally published as THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD: (01/31/2017) A Species of Animal?

 

Today, deaths from war, human nature, and mankind’s divine potential are considered.  For many, it is love and the giving and keeping of life that makes a nation great.  Even so, others now express cynicism and negativity declaring they would rather give their love to animals than to human beings, or to the dead instead of the living, because, then, their love would be acknowledged and returned.  For Christians, GOD is the true origin and source for the greatest human achievements.  Ability to recognize and respond to spirit content from the makeup of our Creator (i.e., discernment) is required to consistently and correctly acknowledge that the divine spirit content is appearing within such features as events, holy writings, oneself, other persons, prophecy, relationships, and sacred teachings.  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “John” (Level 1 with 3 points, a member since February 22, 2009) posted the following:

 

Why are christians afraid that they might be a species of animal?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts.  For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them:  as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast:  for all is vanity.  All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.  (Ecclesiastes 3:  18-20, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Fearfully and Wonderfully Made (09/07/2016); An Habitation of GOD (07/24/2016); The Cross and Mankind (05/13/2016); The Creation Of Mankind? (09/16/2015); What Faith Makes Possible (04/25/2014); Bible and Spirit (04/26/2014); Animals Do Not Sin? (09/29/2013); GOD is Acknowledging (09/30/2013)

 

“John” the question of mankind’s true nature is “profound” (i.e., has simple, yet, broad and far-reaching application).  Many in the world today agree that how we value one another (and ourselves) as living creatures does make a difference in what we understand can be the quality of life we now experience, the benefit and value for ongoing relationships with immortal divinity, and our further possibilities for life in spite of our mortality.  Our sciences and secular history may insist that human potential only express an animal or mechanical nature (as if we are mere machines or accidents from a random process).  Even so, mature Christian believers hold that our humanity is more completely and correctly understood as expressing interactions within an animal, human and divine nature.  Christians all pursue the fullest development of their divine nature on the basis of multiple goals, needs, sacred knowledge, and strengths acquired through such features as fellowship, prayer, sacred practices (we say, sacraments), study, shared worship, and unselfish service.  Consider the following points that have led many to seek the greater possibilities for mankind:

(1.)  Casualties reported for major U. S. wars numbered from the Revolutionary War to the Iraq War are a total 1, 343,812 deaths, 1,529,230 wounded, and 38,159 missing.

(2.)  Total casualties for Word War I are 37 million and include 9,720,450 military casualties, 8.5 million killed, 19.7 million wounded soldiers, and 7.7 million missing.

(3.)  Statistics reported for World War II include 690 million served (world-wide), and there were 72 million deaths.

(4.)  2nd Peter 1:  2-11, King James Version (KJV):  2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,  3 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:  4 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.  5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;  6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;  7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.  8 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.  9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.  10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure:  for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:  11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, 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.

 

Statistics are from http://www.statisticsbrain.com (1.)  August 08, 2016, (2.)  August 01, 2016, and (3.)  April 02, 2015.

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/07/2018) Evil From The LORD

 

Today, reply is on the divine creation of evil as well as the evil generated and maintained by disbelievers and sinners. Like sacred events (we say, miracles) that conform to their own set of divine laws, evil that carries out and fulfills divine intent does not violate divine order, natural law, or sacred law. The two different origins of evil put forth different circumstances and conditions, and display different forms, operations, eternal purpose, and sacred substance. Many mistakenly entertain the thought that evil and wickedness can not exist in the presence of divine holiness, majesty, and purity; and that GOD may not exist where evil has control and power. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data appears) posted the following:

 

Why do people who don’t believe in God say that if he was real there wouldn’t be evil?

If God was real why would he have to live up to someone’s standards? If he’s our creator he can do what ever he wants to us he doesn’t need anyone approval. Do people not believe cause they can’t stand the fact of something being more powerful than them?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand. And they covet fields, and take them by violence; and houses, and take them away: so they oppress a man and his house, even a man and his heritage. Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, against this family do I devise an evil, from which ye shall not remove your necks; neither shall ye go haughtily: for this time is evil. (Micah 2: 1-3, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Condemned By The Bible? (06/08/2018); Divine Devices for Judgment (06/04/2018); With A Divine Eye (05/02/2018); How Is Flesh Evil? (10/28/2016); All Is Vanity? (07/28/2015); Evil Is Not Sin And Wickedness? (12/09/2014); Divine Goodness? (12/10/2014)

 

“Anonymous”, many things developing Christian believers will see among sinners and those obeying their own flesh express vanity (the absence of spirit content from GOD), spiritual confusion, and exaggerated pride. The evil they promote does not express awe (i.e., acknowledge the awesomeness of GOD; fear of the lord), and is contrary to all existence, life, and divine order. The three persons who exist as one GOD (the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) have used Creation to display their oneness without sameness, sacred authority, divine prerogative, and sovereign will. Evil as a creation of GOD is not the same as the evil that describes human character and makeup, or evil displayed by mankind as iniquity, sin, and wickedness. Where evil is a divine tool, evil may appear as calamity, disaster, suffering, or “the unexpected” and “the unknown.” Evil will be an overturning or sudden reversal of human circumstances and conditions to establish the correct acknowledgment that only GOD may supply many of humanity’s continuing needs; that mankind also must fulfill eternal purposes; and that the living must continually respond to the active presence (we also say, breath; life essence; spirit; word) who is GOD. To have a complete and correct knowledge of divinity requires a person become transformed by the operations of GOD in their life. We say, You must be born again!, however, those “born again” must “grow up again” and become mature as vessels of divine spirit. A sinner must receive a new inner makeup that includes spirit substance from the Creator. Inseparable aspects from GOD should appear such as commitment, discernment, faith, forgiveness, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) Isaiah 5: 21-22, King James Version (KJV): 20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! 21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!

(2.) Ecclesiastes 8: 11-13, KJV: 11 Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. 12 Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him: 13 But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God.

(3.) Genesis 6: 5-6, KJV: 5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.

(4.) Galatians 5: 19-23, 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.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) James 1: 12-15, KJV: 12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. 13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(01/31/2017) A Species of Animal?

 

Today, deaths from war, human nature, and mankind’s divine potential are considered.  For many, it is love and the giving and keeping of life that makes a nation great.  Even so, others now express cynicism and negativity declaring they would rather give their love to animals than to human beings, or to the dead instead of the living, because, then, their love would be acknowledged and returned.  For Christians, GOD is the true origin and source for the greatest human achievements.  Ability to recognize and respond to spirit content from the makeup of our Creator (i.e., discernment) is required to consistently and correctly acknowledge that the divine spirit content is appearing within such features as events, holy writings, oneself, other persons, prophecy, relationships, and sacred teachings.  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “John” (Level 1 with 3 points, a member since February 22, 2009) posted the following:

 

Why are christians afraid that they might be a species of animal?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts.  For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them:  as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast:  for all is vanity.  All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.  (Ecclesiastes 3:  18-20, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Fearfully and Wonderfully Made (09/07/2016); An Habitation of GOD (07/24/2016); The Cross and Mankind (05/13/2016); The Creation Of Mankind? (09/16/2015); What Faith Makes Possible (04/25/2014); Bible and Spirit (04/26/2014); Animals Do Not Sin? (09/29/2013); GOD is Acknowledging (09/30/2013)

 

“John” the question of mankind’s true nature is “profound” (i.e., has simple, yet, broad and far-reaching application).  Many in the world today agree that how we value one another (and ourselves) as living creatures does make a difference in what we understand can be the quality of life we now experience, the benefit and value for ongoing relationships with immortal divinity, and our further possibilities for life in spite of our mortality.  Our sciences and secular history may insist that human potential only express an animal or mechanical nature (as if we are mere machines or accidents from a random process).  Even so, mature Christian believers hold that our humanity is more completely and correctly understood as expressing interactions within an animal, human and divine nature.  Christians all pursue the fullest development of their divine nature on the basis of multiple goals, needs, sacred knowledge, and strengths acquired through such features as fellowship, prayer, sacred practices (we say, sacraments), study, shared worship, and unselfish service.  Consider the following points that have led to many to seek the greater possibilities for mankind:

(1.)  Casualties reported for major U. S. wars numbered from the Revolutionary War to the Iraq War are a total 1, 343,812 deaths, 1,529,230 wounded, and 38,159 missing.

(2.)  Total casualties for Word War I are 37 million and include 9,720,450 military casualties, 8.5 million killed, 19.7 million wounded soldiers, and 7.7 million missing.

(3.)  Statistics reported for World War II include 690 million served (world-wide), and there were 72 million deaths.

(4.)  2nd Peter 1:  2-11, King James Version (KJV):  2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,  3 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:  4 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.  5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;  6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;  7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.  8 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.  9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.  10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure:  for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:  11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, 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.

Statistics are from http://www.statisticsbrain.com (1.)  August 08, 2016, (2.)  August 01, 2016, and (3.)  April 02, 2015.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(01/30/2017) Sharing The Correct Message

 

Today, reply is on sharing end-time messages, prophecies of Armageddon, and warnings to atheists.  Christian believers are recruited to spread “good news,” the Gospel of forgiveness for sin and eternal life with GOD through Jesus Christ.  While an aspect of what believers share includes information regarding sacred events that will lead up to the Savior’s appearing (called the Advent, the harvest, the Rapture, the Second Coming), the focus is upon sinners submitting to the will of GOD, not upon their gaining foreknowledge, predicting the future, or seeking to flee from the consequences of their own sins committed on the earth.  One of the many fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

 

RELIGION, ATHEIST JUST DON’T GET IT BUT THEY WILL PAY DEARLY THERES AN ARMAGEDDON COMING..THEY CANT EVEN SPELL THE WORD LET ALONE UNDERSTAND?

HOW DO WE MAKE THEM KNOW THE TRUTH ?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.  And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest:  (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)  By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.  And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:  But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.  Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.  For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;  Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s:  for this he did once, when he offered up himself.  For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.  (Hebrews 7:  19-28, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Righteousness Through Jesus Christ? (12/15/2016); Here’s The Good News (11/09/2016); On Expecting Quick Results (11/07/2016); World Peace Is Coming? (05/08/2016); Waiting For His Appearing (02/09/2016); Holy Wars? (11/06/2014); Crimes Christ Crucified For? (11/07/2014); Spring-training (04/11/2014); Kill the Blog Writer! (04/12/2014)

“Anonymous”, there is a correct message that sinners must hear from GOD.  Thus, the “work” given for Christian believers is more than merely spreading alarms, preaching “the End of the World,” and exciting interest in end-time prophecy.  Those concerns and issues only have place as a very small part of the full revelation of GOD through Jesus Christ.  Correctly understood, believers are to display the active presence of GOD expressed through their daily routines of life as commitment, obedience to divine law, and respect to the imparted, indwelling Spirit.  Christian believers are all called into sacred knowledge that makes the fullness of divinity (we say, the GODhead) knowable, known, and “visible” (i.e., revealed).  Because GOD is a spirit who has put forth and maintains all that exists he remains otherwise invisible and unapproachable.  The device of “Incarnation” has been used to make the character, makeup, and substance of GOD amenable to created beings and living creatures.  The Creator has appeared on the earth as Jesus Christ; and this allows the living to be in ongoing exchange and continuous relationships with immortal, incorruptible, and sovereign Deity.  In the same way focus upon calamity and earthquakes does not yield a spiritual fruit of certainty, salvation, and unselfish service, the results of reporting wars and rumors of wars are more likely to be depression, fear, and spiritual confusion.  Consider the following:

(1.)  Matthew 24:  3-7, King James Version (KJV):  3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?  4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.  5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.  6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars:  see that ye be not troubled:  for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.  7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:  and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

(2.)  1st Corinthians 13:  8-13, KJV:  8 Charity never faileth:  but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.  9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.  10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.  11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child:  but when I became a man, I put away childish things.  12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face:  now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.  13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

(3.)  Philippians 4:  6-8, KJV:  6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  2nd Timothy 2:  11-16, KJV:  11 It is a faithful saying:  For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:  12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him:  if we deny him, he also will deny us:  13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful:  he cannot deny himself.  14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.  15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  16 But shun profane and vain babblings:  for they will increase unto more ungodliness.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(10/28/2016) How Is Flesh Evil?

 

Today, definitions of “evil”, and the enmity between flesh and spirit are considered.  Created beings and living creatures are required by GOD to express and manage their own measure of life essence (we say, breath, spirit, word).  While sinners take the focus of divine judgment to be discrete episodes, process, and events within the frameworks of time and space, for divinity Judgment concentrates upon the enduring and lasting aspects of ones full makeup and substance from GOD.  A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Dead Mans Curve” (Level 7 with 261,115 points, a member since March 02, 2006) posted the following:

 

What is so evil about the flesh?

I don’t understand why the flesh is so evil?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.  For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:  That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  (Romans 8:  1-4, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Need for Incarnation? (09/29/2016); Must GOD Hate Sinners? (09/01/2016); The Flesh An Obstacle? (07/29/2016); Evil Is Not Sin and Wickedness? (12/09/2014); Divine Goodness? (12/10/2014); GOD Permits Evil? (05/12/2014); Why the Gospel for Our Children (05/13/2014)

 

“Dead Mans Curve”, mature Christian believers use a sacred vocabulary that also defines “evil” as change brought about by men that is arbitrary, destructive, pointless, sudden and unnecessary as well as sacred events that express divine judgment and wrath against sin by using widespread calamity, catastrophe, disaster, and upheaval (we say, condemnation, disfavor, plague, punishment).  GOD, who is spirit in form, nature and substance, is immortal,  immutable, incorruptible, and unchanging.  The Creator puts forth (we say, “creates”) both evil and peace (i.e., the condition of balance, completeness, continuity, rest, stability) for the further revelation of divinity (i.e., making divine authority, sacred law, and the will of GOD knowable and known).  Carnal being (we say, the flesh) operates using process that is material and mechanical, and that may be described as temporal units (e.g., cycles, phases, and stages).   With this in view, evil and wickedness are not the same.  Sin is an immaterial and unseen influence that opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Law Giver, and all divine order from law.  Sin generates and promotes chaos, nonexistence, and returning to the conditions that were in place before Creation was begun.  Sin may be a residue from preexistence, and has not been created by GOD; yet, sin may dominate awareness and self-will in the living.  Ordinarily, the flesh appears as appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, craving for sexual activity), sensation (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching) and emotion/mental functions (e.g., anger, fear, imagination, recall, thought).  Like sin, the flesh does not automatically agree and perform according to dictates and principles of divine law.  Until destroyed in death, the flesh opposes and resists the spirit of GOD that resides within the law.  Consider the following points from the holy writings:

(1.)  Isaiah 45:  5-8, King James Version (KJV):  5 I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me:  I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:  6 That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else.  7 I form the light, and create darkness:  I make peace, and create evil:  I the LORD do all these things.  8 Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness:  let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it.

(2.)  Proverbs 8:  13, KJV:  13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil:  pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

(3.)  Proverbs 24:  19-22, KJV:  19 Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked:  20 For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.  21 My son, fear thou the LORD and the king:  and meddle not with them that are given to change:  22 For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (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

 

 

 

(04/17/2016) Filled With The Cross?

Today, Scripture points are shared on worldly pleasure, end time prophecy, sin, and being filled with the cross.  End time prophecies intended to further reveal the character, nature and substance of Deity also describe sacred and secular events that will be brought on by the operations of sin.  Calamity and disaster that are contrary to divine intent and eternal purposes are described in the holy writings as admonitions, cautions, and warnings to further prepare the living for the coming of Christ in glory.  The process of sin is progressive corruption, decay, disintegration, and rot.  Thus, the process of GOD from the cross is one of increase, infilling, and renewal.  Readers are asked to consider the following Scriptures as well as the presentation below:

Romans 6:  16-17, New International Version (NIV):  16 Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance.

Matthew 24:  6-14, NIV:  6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains.  9 “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

1st Peter 1:  13-18, NIV:  13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.

2nd Peter 1:  19-21, NIV:  19 We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using “?” as an ID (Level 4 with 4,025 points, a member since September 30, 2011) posted the following:

 

Why does the bible say in the last days some will choose pleasure over God?

2 Timothy 3New International Version (NIV)

3 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.  His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.  Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.  For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;  and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;  and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.  For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.  Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble,  and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  (2nd Peter 1:  2-11, NIV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  A Guarantee of Judgment? (04/15/2016); Sign of Divine Love? (04/14/2016); Love From The Cross? (04/08/2016); Martyrdom and Tribulation? (09/30/2015); The Endtime and Fear? (01/14/2015); Struggling? (05/11/2013); Through Much Tribulation (05/12/2013)

 

“?”, trust that, despite time and space, through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood and truth from the cross are flowing to here and now.  Through the operations of sin, created beings and living creatures may be thought of as driven, “enslaved” and obligated to a non-spirit, non-material influence that opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Creator, and all the mechanisms for divine order that maintain Creation.  While sin has not been put forth from divinity, and can not be eliminated or removed as an ordinary object, sin has direction, effect, and “presence”, and may dominate awareness and self-will in the living.  The impact of sin is cumulative, progressive and widespread, therefore, sin appears indestructible and unavoidable.

Where sin is taken to be commonplace and an acceptable part of oneself (we also say, natural, normal), sin is not rejected as contrary to existence, self-destructive, or strange.  Sin even is regarded by some as a necessary aspect of life, prosperity, and success.  Death and mortality are effective as divine tools to remove sinners from the earth, however, sin may continue indefinitely as a consequence, an inheritance, and a residue long after the sinner is deceased.  Only where a sinner fills their awareness with sacred knowledge, occupies themselves with sacred practices, and conforms their own will to that revealed and imparted by divinity can they experience the freedom intended by GOD for those created to serve as divine life companions. 

Mature Christian believers understand that living sinners must undergo permanent changes carried out by Deity through the imparted, indwelling Spirit (we say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth).  As disciples and followers of Christ, believers receive rebirth as though “born again” from divine DNA (i.e., the inseparable spirit substance that is the makeup of GOD; for example, faith, grace, holiness, longsuffering, love, wisdom, and wrath against sin).  Those born again must “grow up again” and become mature upon the earth.  They fill themselves with the cross in the same way plants take rain and sunshine to become “ripe” for harvest, and be taken from the earth at the Second Coming (some say, Advent, the Rapture).  The cross has been to prepare them for their final transformation to live eternally as immortal, incorruptible perfected beings.  Consider how this is stated using language from the New International Version (NIV) Bible:

(1.)  Romans 8:  5-9, NIV:  5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. 9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.

(2.)  John 3:  6-8, NIV:  6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

(3.)  John 4:  23-24, NIV:  23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  2nd Corinthians 3:  17-18, NIV:  17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(11/04/2014) Remembering Lot’s Wife?

Deliverance, salvation and self-will are topics, today.  Also, there is more on the meaning of sin and the Great Flood.  A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers Canada” using the ID “Anonymous” (no information shared on Level or dates for membership) posted the following:

 

In Sodom and Gomorrah, why would God kill Lot’s wife, Sarah, by turning her into a pillar of salt for simply looking in the wrong direction?

*Warning of impending sarcasm.* God is a merciful God, right?

 

THE BATTLE AXE:  Sin and the Great Flood (11/03/2014)—(5.)  The account of the Flood is more to be understood as a revelation of divinity appearing in the earth as the spirit substance of grace.  Through the ministry of Adam, mankind was instructed to continue obedience of revealed law and the sacred practices that were to be known by the living as visible indicators for the active presence who is GOD.  The Almighty was to be acknowledged as Creator of the material world, who continues having sovereignty over all the earth as a sphere of life.  The Great Flood was more than a calamity or disaster resulting from natural cycles and routine mechanical processes for the earth.  GOD had endured the agonies of love as sin and ungodliness began to overspread the earth until divine forbearance and longsuffering no longer could restrain divinity from  taking decisive action.  The Flood was a sacred event made to occur and controlled by GOD, where known elements and forces were combined with never before seen natural events (e.g., earthquakes, underground geysers, rain, whirlwinds), to further establish the divine identity as Judge over the weather with all else that exists.  The operations of sin became so common and widespread that preserving the earth required a cataclysmic divine intervention.  Despite multiple messages of admonition and a warning period of more than a century while Noah and others were building the ark, corruption and defilement continued to the point that divine intent could no longer be accomplished through the forms of life upon the earth.  Obstacles to the fulfillment of the divine will would have to be permanently destroyed in order for there to be a future having divine opportunities and possibilities for divinity to be glorified through Creation.  As would later occur with Sodom, Gomorrah, and the cities of the plain, most of the living persons  upon the earth became unrecognizable as created by GOD (we say, inhuman); and were to be eradicated and replaced.  Consider again Genesis 6:  4-13, Ephesians 2:  1-10 and Isaiah 43:  16-21, KJV.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth:  and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.  And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell:  but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.  And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the LORD, to serve other gods;  For the LORD our God, he it is that brought us up and our fathers out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, and which did those great signs in our sight, and preserved us in all the way wherein we went, and among all the people through whom we passed:  And the LORD drave out from before us all the people, even the Amorites which dwelt in the land:  therefore will we also serve the LORD; for he is our God.  And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve the LORD:  for he is an holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins.  If ye forsake the LORD, and serve strange gods, then he will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that he hath done you good.  And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the LORD.  And Joshua said unto the people, Ye are witnesses against yourselves that ye have chosen you the Lord, to serve him. And they said, We are witnesses.  Now therefore put away, said he, the strange gods which are among you, and incline your heart unto the LORD God of Israel.  And the people said unto Joshua, The LORD our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey.  (Joshua 24:  14-24, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Lot and the Angels (05/04/2014); Expulsion from Eden (05/05/2014); What Salvation Is (01/25/2014); Bible Justice? (01/26/2014); GOD Intervenes? (07/01/2013); Jericho Justified? (07/02/2013); Those Who Never Heard? (06/07/2013); If You Are Sent…? (06/08/2013)

 

“Anonymous”, sin may dominate awareness and self-will within created beings and living creatures.  Here are a few points shared by clear-minded Christians who correctly see the glass half-full, rather than half-empty:

(1.)  Christ has instructed those in new testament covenant to remember the mercy in judgment, the grace in salvation, and the freely-given deliverance extended to Lot’s wife.  The joy and rejoicing in Christ do not come by focus upon death, ignorance, and human tragedy.  When she and her family could not correctly comprehend their immediate danger despite direct warnings from GOD, and lingered under the threat of total destruction, the angelic messengers literally took her and the others by the hand, as one would take a small child crossing the street, and “forced” her to flee to safety.  In effect, GOD has done the same for us today by granting us awareness of Christ upon the cross.

(2.)  Apparently, the faith within Lot’s wife began to fade as she followed after her husband and children.  For her it must have been affliction, hardship or struggle, for she did not set her heart and mind upon the peace and security offered by GOD, and hardened herself against letting go the things of her former life.  Like the Apostle Peter—who was able to step out and walk upon the water after hearing the command of Jesus to come, yet, began drowning when he no longer saw a visible presentation of divinity—Lot’s wife lacked faith, and was granted a dispensation that required trust, focus and continuous gaze upon a revelation of GOD before her, rather than looking away, or turning back.

(3.)  All the time that Lot and his wife were members in the household of Abraham and his wife Sarah, the pair experienced participation in  covenant as well as worship that was approved by GOD.  Once the influence of Abraham became distant and remote, the two increasingly were influenced by men, women and children around them, who endorsed defiance of divine law, doubt, lust, passion, self-promotion, and unbelief. 

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  While Lot and his wife demonstrated hospitality and unselfishness that were commendable and godly, neither were mature (we say, perfected) in their understanding of divine intercession for mankind’s benefit.  Like many today, both lacked awareness of their own accountability within sacred processes such as deliverance, healing, judgment, and sanctification.  Thus, her choice to look back, was a choice to leave the path set by GOD for her continued existence.  Similarly, when told he would be relocated to a mountainous region for safety, Lot insisted to be taken instead to a small town that was nearby.  In exalting his own choice (we say, voicing a preference), Lot also left the path set by GOD.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC