(04/03/2016) The Old Self Crucified?

Points are shared on becoming new creatures, divine revelation, salvation, and the cross.  Knowledge for the first pair (Adam) became carnal, material and social centered upon animals, plants and survival in the natural world.  We, today, are in an ongoing process for permanent change whereby mankind is being made fit to endure as a life companion to GOD.  Believers and disciples of Christ are to receive a new frame of mind, identity, name (reputation), sacred vision, and vocation as priests and kings.  Change that begins with hearing the Scriptures, acquiring new information and being filled with sacred knowledge is amplified and increased by performing sacred practices (e.g., praise, prayer, repentance), fellowship with those who are anointed and endowed by GOD, and the replacement of ones inborn spirit.  Sin may dominate awareness and self-will in the living.  While death is effective as a divine tool that can separate the living from sin, death does not eliminate or remove the consequences and continuing effects of sin.  Sin is duplicated and reproduced until the imparted, indwelling spirit from GOD is again the primary origin for feelings, thoughts, motives, and actions.  Hear how this is spoken from the Scriptures, and consider the presentation below:

2nd Corinthians 5:  17-21, King James Version (KJV):  17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:  old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;  19 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.  20 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.  21 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.

Colossians 3:  5-10, KJV:  5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:  6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:  7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.  8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.  9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;  10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

Romans 10:  17, KJV:  17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Galatians 5:  22-25, KJV:  22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  23 Meekness, temperance:  against such there is no law.  24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.  25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.  26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Galatians 2:  20, KJV:  20 I am crucified with Christ:  nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me:  and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Earl” (Level 2 with 380 points, a member since February 09, 2016) posted the following:

 

Romans 6:6. What does it mean that our old selves are crucified with him? I understand a bit, but I’d like some better insight.?

Update:  I think it’s the idea of us being crucified with Him that’s a bit baffling. Of course, it’s not literal, but in what ways ARE we crucified?

Update 2:  Our old selves are CRUCIFIED, though. That’s excruciating. I’m getting the idea of some real personal pain here. Baptism is easy. I don’t know how to interpret it. I feel like it should be obvious but it’s not.

I’m not familiar with metanoia, but it’s that “metaphorical tortuous death, too” that I’m trying to avoid seeing.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;  And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;  And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.  Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour:  for we are members one of another.  Be ye angry, and sin not:  let not the sun go down upon your wrath:  Neither give place to the devil.  Let him that stole steal no more:  but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.  Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.  And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.  Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:  And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.  (Ephesians 4:  22-32, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Heirs of The Cross? (04/01/2016); Divine Meanings and Values? (03/31/2016); A Self-Less Creation? (02/11/2016); Correct Awe and Respect (02/04/2016); Not Through Human Will? (01/29/2016); Called, The 2nd Adam? (01/10/2016); Offspring of GOD? (12/23/2015)

 

“Earl”, the combined operations of sin and profane knowledge have made necessary multiple sacred processes to cleanse, correct, nourish, and preserve the original Creation that includes mankind.  Divinity is being revealed to all created beings and living creatures through events on a cosmic scale that display the character, nature and substance of Deity, who is spirit.  Eternal purposes, existence, divine order, and sacred law appear as abstract and impersonal aspects of revelation, while, adoption, forbearance, forgiveness, and divine love come into view as joining,  intimate relationship, and unification.  Profound divine acts have been introduced such as atonement, covenant, death, Incarnation, rebirth, resurrection, and sanctification.

Permanent changes must be made within mankind and throughout the universe.  Separated from GOD, and dwelling with animals upon the earth, human awareness became less responsive to divinity than it should be.  Because what we think and feel often are repeated and exist as familiar patterns to ourselves, and to others, our attitudes and behavior also repeats, and may become “defining limits.”   Many behave as “creatures of habit” for whom change, growth, further learning and new experience are disruptive, frightening, and threatening.  Because false knowledge and sin appear to be natural and normal parts of oneself, and may not be seen as contrary, foreign, and strange apart from GOD, finite human tools (e.g., intellect, logic, philosophy, science, technology) can not remove the separation of the Creation from the Creator.

What must be altered for one to become a “new creation” in Christ is not merely ones daily routine, habits, lifestyle, and physical existence.  Their makeup and sacred content must become the same as the Savior’s.  Inseparable aspects of Deity should appear such as faith, holiness, longsuffering, purity, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  By appearing in flesh (we say, incarnate), divinity joins to mankind through consciousness of Jesus Christ dying upon the cross.  Going further, the same Spirit that established the platforms of earth and heaven, and was imparted to Adam (both the male and female) as the breath of life, then links those to GOD who make commitment to Christ through baptism (death of ones inborn spirit, rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak). 

Mature Christian believers who count themselves heirs of the cross, and will read this today, also trust that, despite time and space, through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood and truth from the cross are flowing to here and now.  Consider how this appears using language from the Bible:

(1.)  Romans 8:  5-9, King James Version (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.

(2.)  1st Peter 1:  13-16, KJV:  13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;  14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:  15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;  16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 

(3.)  1st Peter 1:  18-21, KJV:  18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;  19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:  20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,  21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  1st Peter 1:  22-24, KJV:  22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:  23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.  24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

 

 

(03/21/2016) The Cross and Eternity

Today, points are shared on remembering the cross as an enduring appearance of divinity, and not just a one-time event.  Jesus dying upon the cross is to be understood as dynamic and organic.  Awareness and self-will in the living are to be stirred in a continuing way that may be spoken of as eternal life.  For disciples and followers of Jesus, their transformation whereby they will permanently exist as immortal, incorruptible companions to divinity has already begun, and will be completed at the Savior’s appearance to harvest those who are his from the earth.  Consider again the following from the holy writings, and the presentation below:

Acts 4:  11-12, King James Version (KJV):  11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.  12 Neither is there salvation in any other:  for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Romans 5:  8-9, KJV:  8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

1st Corinthians 15:  3-4, KJV:  3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;  4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

Romans 6:  9-11, KJV:  9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.  10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once:  but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.  11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Human Animal” (Level 7 with 33,699 points, a member since September 30, 2013) posted the following:

 

Why does Jesus die and come back to life at a different time each year?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.  Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:  In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.  Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.  Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;  Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.  By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.  And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:  But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;  From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.  For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.  (Hebrews 10:  4-14, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Cross and Resurrection Sunday? (03/16/2016); Belief In Another World? (02/17/2016); The Bridge To Heaven (01/27/2016); Salvation Only Through Christ? (01/07/2016); An Eternal Plan and Process (07/05/2015); Afraid of Eternal Life? (10/30/2013); Why Bother to Read? (10/31/2013)

 

“Human Animal”, for many mature Christian believers, the cross is not a one-time event to be understood within the frameworks of time and space.  The cross is a peculiar appearance of eternal divinity upon the earth (we say, Incarnation) using flesh and existence as a material being to demonstrate authority over death and sin.  Trust that, despite time and space, through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood and truth from the cross are flowing to here and now.  This is essential for created beings and living creatures to experience a full revelation of Deity through their finite consciousness.  Acknowledgment and response to the Holy must come by discovery, self-will, and operations of spirit content from the makeup of GOD.  Included are inseparable substance such as faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, love, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  The sacred processes of GOD for redemption and salvation are shown to include rebirth, resurrection, Advent (the Second Coming), final judgment, and the second death.  Believers carefully prepare and share annual memorials and other programs to acknowledge and teach various lessons from the cross.  However, the blessing and gifts won by the cross are to be experienced daily.  Consider how this is stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)  1st Corinthians 15:  20-23, King James Version (KJV):  20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.  21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.  22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.  23 But every man in his own order:  Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.

(2.)  Romans 5:  12-15, KJV:  12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:  13 (For until the law sin was in the world:  but sin is not imputed when there is no law.  14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.  15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.

(3.)  Romans 8:  3-9, KJV:  3 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:  4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  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.

(4.)  Galatians 2:  19-21, KJV:  19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.  20 I am crucified with Christ:  nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me:  and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.  21 I do not frustrate the grace of God:  for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  Revelation 21:  5-9, KJV:  5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write:  for these words are true and faithful.  6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.  7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.  8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone:  which is the second death.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

 

 

(06/29/2015) Is Prayer Outside Time and Space?

The frameworks of time and space, mortality, and prayer are considered, today.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Methane Mamma” (Level 7 with 64,960 points, a member since November 02, 2010) posted the following thrust to “stump” believers:

 

Christians, if your God exists outside space and time, how can it hear your prayers?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,  And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.  For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:  Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:  But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.  But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.  The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.  But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.  Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,  Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?  (2nd Peter 3:  3-12, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Prayer Behavior? (04/07/2015); How GOD Answers Prayer? (01/09/2015); Prayer, Dreams and Messages? (01/27/2015); GOD and The Framework of Time (09/20/2014); About Knowing the Name of GOD (09/21/2014); Time Before the Sun? (04/14/2013); The Obedience of Jesus? (04/15/2013)

 

“Methane Mamma”, the GOD you have been carefully asking and learning about for so long both hears and answers prayer.  While the topics of human devotions and prayer may include carnal, material, and social concerns along with emotions, fears, needs and desires, the content, process, and substance of prayer is entirely “spirit” engaging Spirit.  The believer who prays appears in the full sacred presence through the person of Jesus Christ; and through his ministry and service as our High Priest, prayer becomes a “doing of the word” within the Temple of the heaven, and the ministry of Christ upon the earth.  Consider again the following:

(1.)  The frameworks of time and space have been provided through the operations of divine law; are not obstacles to divinity; and constitute mechanisms to manage finite data and information about and from the physical environment itself as well as the objects (including the living) it may contain by acknowledging relation (e.g., attachment, dimension, distance, juxtaposition).

(2.)  Sacred knowledge pertains to entities, operations and purposes that are independently endless, eternal, immortal and permanent.

(3.)  Prayer exists as communication within an intimate relationship to Deity through multiple aspects of living person that exist both within the Creator and the created.  Included must be faith, holiness, longsuffering, love, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually taken into account.  (For example, (4.)  Believers also are using prayer to prepare for the coming of Jesus to harvest the earth.  In the figure of Passover, the blood from the body of Jesus released at his crucifixion must travel across time and space to cover us, here, today.  To correctly know and understand this, the living must endure a rebirth wherein consciousness concerning the things from GOD will be altered; yet, the spheres of life will appear to continue as though unchanged.  At the coming of Jesus, mortality will be ended, and the total purification, sanctification and transformation of mankind will be revealed.  There will be renewal on a cosmic scale that includes the heaven, the earth and the universe.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith, sacred knowledge, and spiritual maturity.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(06/01/2015) Finite Will, Self-will and Sin?

Points are shared, today, to clarify how sin is associated with finite will and self-will.  Among angels within the heaven, and men upon the earth, various attitudes, behaviors, goals, life experiences, and purposes may be described as expressions of sin, and violations of sacred law.  Sin is not itself a form of spiritual energy, and is not an aspect of divinity such as faith, holiness, longsuffering, love, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Sin may operate upon ones own inner consciousness, spirit matter, and ability to act and move.  However, sin is not properly what we may call a form of “will-power”.  Typically, sin becomes recognizable and visible through fixed and recurring operations of awareness, finite will, and self-will.  The “Yahoo! Answers” fighter using the ID “Minetto” (Level 6 with 22,556 points, a member since Minetto July 19, 2007) posted the following:

Why is it that all who ever lived and all who are alive are siners ?

If God gave us free will why is it no one is without sin. If we have free will some one must have decided not to sin.

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

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Is Sin a Matter of Temptation? (04/22/2015); Slaves to Sin? (04/13/2015); Power Against Sin? (04/12/2015); The Sin Covered By Salvation? (12/28/2014); Mortality Is Required Because of Sin (12/29/2014); Sin and the Great Flood (11/03/2014); Remembering Lot’s Wife? (11/04/2014); Not Told in Advance? (10/11/2014); Catholics, Protestants and the Trinity? (10/12/2014)

“Minetto”, your question is like asking, Since there are so many dictionaries why do people still misspell “sinners”?  Believers must “discover” everything to their own satisfaction, and no one can, should or will explain everything to someone else’s liking.  Even so, here are a few points to consider that strengthen and support Christian belief:

(1.)  The operations of sin go beyond dominating and manipulating awareness and self-will that exist within created beings and living creatures.  Sin is no material object, physical thing, or life essence (we say, spirit) created by divinity.  Sin is an influence having direction, effect, and presence, yet, sin has no measurable dimensions (e.g., circumference, diameter, height, length, weight) or independent existence as a person, place or thing.

(2.)  Sin pertains to the eternal continuation of divine law that appears as the expressed will of deity, yet, is not a living entity.  Sin is an artifact (we also say, a by-product) of independence and integrity for the living through separation from the Law Giver, who is GOD.  Sin opposes the permanence and perfection of law as well as the continued existence of Creation, and all divine order established and maintained through sacred law.

(3.)  Sin is contrary to the divine nature, is self-destructive, yet, appears as appropriate, natural, normal, and ordinary.  For mankind, there are three possibilities for expression of ones character and inborn nature:  the animal, the human, and the divine.  Part of the seriousness of sin is that, death may interrupt and terminate sin committed by a living person.  Where not cut off by divinity, the consequences and outcomes of sin attitudes, behavior and conduct continue and endure for an indefinite period long after the sinner is removed.

(4.)  There is no “free” will; there are finite and self-will.  Such tools as intellect, logic, mathematics, philosophy, and science can not eliminate sin, and do not permit the living to recognize sin as constricting, debilitating, external, and foreign.  In addition, such elements as family honor, higher education, and military training do not establish the will power to resist sin; and are not enough to end sin upon the earth.  Sin is a form of bondage and enslavement; and those not divinely released from sin are not empowered to be free through their own makeup, and indwelling spirit.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually taken into account.  (For example, (5.)  Multiple limitations upon will (we also say, will power) are fixed for finite, living forms as aspects of their existence like the sky above and the earth below.  Thus, mere verbal complaints can not be used where action (obedience) is required.  Begging, cries for mercy, and tears could not stop the rain that fell in judgment at Noah’s Flood.  More than this, there can be no substitute for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ to impart atonement, eternal life, forgiveness, inheritance, rebirth, resurrection, sanctification, and aspects of the divine will through gifts of the Holy Spirit.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith and spiritual maturity.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(04/03/2015) The Resurrection of Jesus Acknowledged?

Scriptures are shared to clarify the Gospel (we say, good news) along with the various memorials, and annual observances for the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.  Today, Good Friday, is the day designated for remembrance of the crucifixion.  Many cultural and social customs and traditions are now attached to the sacred events (we say, miracles) of judgment, death, and resurrection that were demonstrated through Jesus Christ.  Most of the apostles and disciples with him at their camp on the Mount of Olives went into hiding (fearing their own arrest), were not present at the crucifixion, did not expect Jesus to be detained or punished, and therefore doubted the reports of the Lord having been killed.  However, one of the women who had witnessed the execution also discovered the empty tomb, saw the Master alive, and proclaimed to the others, He is risen!  The Savior was not seen following his arrest, death, and temporary burial until the first day of the week, Sunday.  Combined hours from the four days (Thursday to Sunday) account for the “three days and nights in the grave” as written in prophecy.  When the good news was announced, many continued to be uncertain, despite Jesus having carefully explained on many occasions the events that were to occur in fulfillment of the holy writings.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using as ID “israel” (a member since October 25, 2014, with 7 points at Level 1) posted the following subtle (i.e., barely visible; disguised; having multiple hidden shifts in meaning and value) thrust:

 

Why do Christians celebrate crucifixion on Easter?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,  And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:  (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart:  And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)  But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,  To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,  And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.  See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:  Whose voice then shook the earth:  but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.  And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.  Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:  For our God is a consuming fire.  (Hebrews 12:  18-29, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Crimes Christ Crucified For? (11/07/2014); Both Lost and Found? (11/08/2014); 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); The Judges Who Condemned Jesus? (01/17/2014); About the Second Coming? (01/18/2014); Jesus Arose Bodily (12/24/2013); Thanking and Blaming GOD (12/25/2013); GOD Angry With Us? (12/08/2013); So We Could Have Life? (12/09/2013)

 

“israel”, you appear to be one of those who has some spiritual confusion regarding Christian beliefs.  The resurrection of Jesus is to be continuously acknowledged, along with the establishment of spiritual gifts for mankind.  In place of celebration and parties, atonement, repentance, sorrow for sin, and escape from condemnation are the focus, rather than such events as the end of Winter, the beginning of Spring, fertility and nature symbolized by a bunny, church attendance, and family reunion.  Please consider the following:

(1.)  Acts 2:  22-24, KJV:  22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:  23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:  24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death:  because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

(2.)  Acts 17:  24-32, KJV:  24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;  25 Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;  26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;  27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:  28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.  29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.  30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:  31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.  32 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked:  and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.

(3.)  1st Corinthians 15:  12-14, KJV:  12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?  13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:  14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.

(4.)  1st Corinthians 15:  21-26, KJV:  21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.  22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.  23 But every man in his own order:  Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.  24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.  25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.  26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood.  For example, (5.)  John 3:  1-12, KJV:  There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:  2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God:  for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.  3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.  4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?  5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.  6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.  8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth:  so is every one that is born of the Spirit.  9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?  10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?  11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.  12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/07/2014) Crimes Christ Crucified For?

Today, focus is upon the accusations and charges brought against Jesus, and why he was executed upon the cross.  Also, there is more on holy wars.  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Nully” (Level 1 with 66 points, a member since October 27, 2014) posted the following:

 

Quick question: why was jesus put on the cross? Which laws did he supposedly violate or what crimes did he supposedly commit?

 

THE BATTLE AXE:  Holy Wars? (11/06/2014)—(4.)  For Christian believers there is no glory to be gained through death upon a battlefield.  One establishes a relationship with divinity spoken of as “glory” by their living in service to GOD, and operating as a vessel of divine spirit substance.  Believers attain eternal fellowship with divinity only when Jesus Christ returns to harvest his followers from the earth (we say, resurrection) that will occur at his appearing. 

(5.)  The Gospel does not counsel conflict between communities, incite men to war against one another, or urge widespread destruction of life and property.  Yet, men are exhorted to wage war within the Self, and to establish mastery over body and mind by receiving the imparted spirit of GOD.  Ones flesh that may be controlled by an animal or sin nature must come under the rule of ones divine nature that is an aspect of the makeup of GOD.  Christian believers are to overcome such features as anger, appetite, conscience, deceit, envy, fear, imagination, and the tongue. 

(6.)  There is a holy war fought within the spheres of heaven recorded among the Scriptures.  However, only angels and devils participate in that sacred event.  Mankind has no part during the war in heaven except through the persons of Michael and Jesus Christ.   The devil and his angels do not prevail, and are cast out of heaven upon the earth.  Thus, the war begun in heaven must be finished upon the earth as the apocalypse and the war of Armageddon.  Consider again Romans 6:  1-23, 8:  1-39, and 12:  17-19; Ephesians 6:  11-13; 1st Timothy 2:  1-2 and 6:  10-16; James 1:  17-27; Revelation 12:  7-9, 16:  12-16 and 20:  6-10, KJV.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:  Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:  Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death:  because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.  For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:  Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:  Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.  Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.  Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.  Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;  He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.  This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.  (Acts 2:  22-32, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Jesus Scourged (04/05/2014); Brothers, Not Equals (04/06/2014); The Judges Who Condemned Jesus? (01/17/2014); About the Second Coming? (01/18/2014); On Judging Preachers as “Fake” (12/23/2013); Jesus Arose Bodily (12/24/2013)

 

“Nully”, Jesus was “officially” condemned by the Jewish high court for the religious crime of blasphemy, that was punishable by death.  However, the Savior could only be legally executed on their behalf by the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate.  Rome “officially” killed Jesus upon the cross for the political crime of treason against King Herod, who had been installed by Rome and served as monarch to pacify the Jews of the region.

Jesus had been accused of multiple capital crimes  described within covenant law that carried the death penalty along with attacks against Jewish culture, custom, and tradition.  The Jews of the Temple community brought every device of the law against his ministry as Messiah.  Jury-tampering, perjury and false witness also were used against him.  Thus, the many charges included conducting public worship without license, conspiracy to destroy the Temple at Jerusalem, practicing as a false prophet, devil worship, inciting riot, rebellion, sedition, self-promotion, sorcery, and working on the Sabbath.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  Many Christian believers now hold that the death of Jesus was at the hands of all mankind through the prevailing religious and secular forces of the day.  Rome is to be seen as the single authority (we say, One World government), that dominated all other cultures and nations, while the Jews at the Temple represent the one, true religion imparted to the earth from GOD.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(07/25/2014) Asked to Carry the Cross?

Duty, love, unselfish service to GOD, and the “Gethsemane point” are in view, today.  (No BATTLE AXE appears.)  The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Andrew” (Level 4 with 2,636 points, a member since January 09, 2011) posted the following:

 

Asked to be a godparent but don’t want to be? 

The baptism is for my niece and nephew . At the time i felt obliged to say yes, but now i realize i dont even want to go to the baptism let alone be a godparent. The baptism is this Sunday, i dont know what to do now. I am not even a religious person in fact i cant stand it ( no offence intended ) Most of my family are religious though. I dont think it be right either for me being none believer to be a godparent, and i think it be unfair on my niece and nephew.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.  And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.  But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?  And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?  Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.  So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.  (Luke 17:  5-10, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  What GOD Demands (05/10/2014); The Body of Moses (05/11/2014); The Obedience of Jesus? (04/15/2013); Why Would GOD Worry About Us? (04/16/2013); The Passion at Gethsemane (03/28/2013); Separated and Sealed? (03/29/2013)

 

“Andrew”, even reading and responding to questions here at “Yahoo! Answers” is a dangerous and difficult task that many only respond to willingly because they accept it as their duty from GOD.  Here are a few points I hope you will find helpful that may make a positive difference for your life as a Christian:

(1.)  When Jesus and his apostles had completed their last Passover meal together with the initiation of the Lord’s Supper and the ordinance of foot washing, the Savior became overwhelmed with the thought of his ministry on earth being ended by the cross.  When they went to the place where they were to be encamped for the night, Jesus approached the Father in prayer to ask that his death be delayed.  Jesus had reached and would have to endure an emotional, psychological, and spiritual agony that we now refer to as a “Gethsemane point.”  Is that where you are?

(2.)  Duty and service to GOD are not a matter of ones ability apart from GOD, ambition, experience, personal pleasure, self-promotion, skill, or talent.  There are things a believer must do—like it, don’t like it—that absolutely must be carried out.  While completing our sacred duty may provide special benefit to family, friends and loved ones, the simple tasks we are challenged to carry out often pertain to maintaining divine order for earth, heaven, and the entire universe as well as the continuum of eternity. 

(3.)  Born again, all believers must “grow up” again by meeting life challenges upon the earth.  Believers are encouraged, instructed, and supplied to answer one another with love (we say, unselfish surrender), and respond to GOD with total commitment.  Examples from Isaac quietly waiting upon an altar to be struck by his father Abraham to that of Jesus at Calvary demonstrate the maturity we are to acquire wherein we obey and discharge duty no matter the cost (we say, the sacrifice, the suffering).

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Asked to be accountable, asked to be responsible, asked to be shown up by the many other people whom you account more worthy than yourself, asked to take the risk of being more than just a bystander, pride makes most of us hesitate.  The “hero” in a crisis is a person who was committed to doing their best before the emergency, or need for special assistance appeared.  Where believers refuse to participate or share in any given role of ministry, it always should be only because it would damage or interrupt their other ongoing commitments to GOD.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(06/23/2014) Abandoned by GOD?

Focus, today, is upon the charge that GOD has abandoned mankind.  A “Yahoo! Answers” fighter using the ID “Ben” (Level 1 with 90 points, a member since June 22, 2014) posted the following:

 

Has god abandoned us?

Why has god abandoned us? Now im not saying i dont believe in god but why doesnt he show himself to us when now of all time we need him most? We cant see touch smell or hear him. So how am i supposed to believe hes there? And if we abandoned him, why doesnt he try again? I mean if he loves us so much yet he doesnt try to communicate with us.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.  And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?  And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold, he calleth Elias.  And one ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down.  And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost.  And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.  And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.  (Mark 15:  33-39, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Jesus Scourged (04/05/2014); Brothers, Not Equals (04/06/2014); A Worthy Miracle? (04/07/2014); GOD Angry With Us? (12/08/2013); So We Could Have Life? (12/09/2013); To See With New Eyes (11/06/2012); A Life Companion? (11/07/2012)

 

“Ben”, here are a few points to consider that are aspects of the full divine panorama that comes into view through the cross.

1)  The idea that creation, mankind, or those in covenant with GOD have been denied and rejected by the Almighty has been revealed as an accusation in judgment (we say, charges, indictment) against divinity made by one who is a betrayer, a deceiver, and a false witness.  The claim that GOD has not fulfilled promise, has not maintained integrity within covenant, and, therefore, is faithless and unrighteous has been “nailed to the cross” in Jesus Christ, and destroyed for all eternity through glorious resurrection.

2)  Created beings and living creatures having their own measure of awareness and self-will (we say, sentient beings) only “know” the existence of GOD by applying and focusing their own content of divinity.  Discernment (ability to use ones own spirit content to recognize and respond to spirit content within such features of life experience as events, messages, persons, promises, purposes, and utterances) must be developed through continual practice.  GOD is a spirit, and the intent, operations, and eternal process of GOD is displayed without interruption through spiritual things.

3)  The cry made by Jesus while yet upon the cross was in the nature of acknowledgment, appeal, and intercessory prayer.  More than simply physical pain, Jesus endured an agonizing transformation wherein he became an embodiment of all non-material, non-spirit sin from the living and the dead throughout Creation—from those among the angels to Adam, to those of the present day, to those who will be on the earth at the Second Coming.  And that’s what’s so serious about it.

Pace yourself.  There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  For example, 4)  The process of GOD for salvation simultaneously employs flesh and Spirit.  Many trust that GOD has appeared using human form (we say, incarnation) as a distinguishing sacred event (we say, miracle).  However, the things of salvation pertain to eternal life, impact the entire universe, and are not limited to the sphere of the earth.  Through baptism (death of ones inborn nature, rebirth from divine DNA so to speak), Christian believers receive a fresh endowment of divinity from the makeup of GOD.  Included are various inseparable (where one appears, all are present) aspects of the Spirit that resided within Christ while he was upon the earth such as faith, holiness, longsuffering, love, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

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:  20-21, KJV)

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(04/19/2014) Resurrection Sunday

Today, I share a brief Bible study with a chart (see below) on the death, burial and reappearance of Jesus Christ.  Many will celebrate Resurrection Sunday, the name increasingly used among Christian believers to repel spiritual confusion, and silence those insisting that Easter should be remembered as an ancient pagan festival to worship a goddess, or a change in the seasons.  Where the ministry of Jesus is seen put forth in three and one half weeks to fulfill prophecy, it may also be understood as three and one half years along with Sunday through Wednesday afternoon, three and one half days.  Given that among the Jews days were measured from sundown to sundown, the nights come before the morning and other daylight hours.

 

 

Where the ministry of Jesus is seen put forth in three and one half weeks to fulfill prophecy, it may also be understood as three and one half years along with Sunday through Wednesday afternoon, three and one half days.  Given that among the Jews days were measured from sundown to sundown, the nights come before the morning and other daylight hours.  Jesus and his disciples ate their “Last Supper” of the old covenant on Wednesday evening.   Jesus was arrested and tried during the Thursday night that began after sundown Wednesday.  The crucifixion was completed during the daylight hours of Thursday.  Joseph of Arimathea requested the body of Jesus on Thursday, and hastily placed the body within his private tomb with the intent of later providing the full ceremony to anoint, mourn, and preserve the Lord’s body.

Consider the following and the chart (above):  The Lord was entombed Thursday during daylight (day 1) and before evening hours (the day of preparation for Sabbath); Friday evening, during Sabbath (night 1), followed by daylight hours (day 2); Saturday evening followed by dark (night 2) with morning and sunlit hours (day 3); concluded by Sunday evening then dark (night 3) without the morning and daylight hours.

 

SOME THOUGHTS ON

38 Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.

39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:

40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

 

Daniel 9:  25-27 (KJV)  25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks:  the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.  26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.  27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

Matthew 27:  1-2 (KJV)  1 When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:  2 And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.

Matthew 27:  31-37 (KJV)  31 And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.  32 And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name:  him they compelled to bear his cross.  33 And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,  34 They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall:  and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.  35 And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots:  that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.  36 And sitting down they watched him there;  37 And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Matthew 28:  1-9 (KJV)  1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.  2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.  3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:  4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.  5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.  6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.  7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.  8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.  9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail.  And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.

John 20:  18-20 (KJV)  18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.  19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.  20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.

Mark 15:  42-47 (KJV)  42 And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,  43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.  44 And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.  45 And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.  46 And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.  47 And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid.

John 19:  31 (KJV)  31 The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.

Mark 16:  9-15 (KJV)  9 Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.  10 And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.  11 And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.  12 After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.  13 And they went and told it unto the residue:  neither believed they them.  14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.  15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

John 20:  26-31 (KJV)  26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them:  then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.  27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side:  and be not faithless, but believing.  28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.  29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed:  blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.  30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:  31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

Acts 1:  1-10 (KJV)  1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,  2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:  3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:  4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.  5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.  6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?  7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.  8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.  9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.  10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;  11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

 

There is far more to be said, properly shared, and spiritually understood.  Readers are encouraged to add the Bible verse or passage you feel would add to understanding in the comments area (see below).  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to the workings of the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth, and the Testimony of Jesus in you.  Grow in grace.

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?  (2nd Corinthians 13:  5)

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(04/06/2014) Brothers, Not Equals

Adoption through the Spirit, divinity and incarnation are topics, today.  Also, there is more on Jesus being scourged before the crucifixion.  A “Yahoo! Answers” fighter using the ID “In The Hearts Of Green Birds” (Level 7 with 28,945 points, a member since March 19, 2013) posted the following:

 

So.. me and Jesus are brothers? 

? John 20:17
…Jesus said, “..my Father and your Father, my God and your God.'”

~ If Jesus and I have the same Father, that means Jesus is my brother..
….do christians have any problems accepting that?

~ Notice how jesus said, “..my God and your God..”
(((And we know that God is One and Only)))

So, no way Jesus can be God as well..
and acknowledging that he has a God, means that he accepts being a servant of God.

 

THE BATTLE AXE:  Jesus Scourged (04/05/2014)—(7.)   As the divinely appointed institution having spiritual authority over the Jews, many members of the Sanhedrin were willing to dismiss the charges of extortion (threats to destroy the Temple), and insubordination.  However, like the High Priest Caiaphas, most were fully committed to the death of Jesus for the crime of blasphemy.  Their duty as caretakers of a sacred inheritance had become increasingly one of rigidly maintaining the customs, forms, rituals, and traditions of the earlier priesthood.  The ministry of Jesus centered in accomplishing permanent change by repentance; receipt, acknowledgment and application of spiritual gifts; and fulfillment of divine prophecy.  In keeping with the judgments, ordinances, and statutes from the covenant of Moses—as well as their goal to legitimate secular Jewish culture and history—Jesus was to be executed by stoning, rather than crucifixion.

(8.)  The Sanhedrin could only convince Pilate that Jesus had committed more than a minor infraction by charging the young rabbi with treason, and “delicately” implying existence of a global conspiracy that might also overwhelm (or include) the Governor.  Like Purim in the days of Babylon, the event took on the meaning of affirming and vindicating the existence of Jews everywhere within the empire.  By sending Jesus to Herod, Pilate thought to satisfy their concern.  Yet, this continued to show his intent to release Jesus.

(9.)  Persecution is a comprehensive effort by one religious group to destroy, undermine, and weaken the system of spiritual belief, lifestyle and practice held by others.  Persecution is rarely generated by atheists, nonbelievers, and those who are committed only to self-assertion, self-preservation and self-promotion.  While persecution begins as a tenet of some group’s belief, persecution always sees the application of civil law, political power, and violence against faith-based communities; always deceptively appears as aspects of popular culture, as a popular movement, as social activism, or as an independent collective expression and “the will of the people” while being government-fueled, government-funded, government-sponsored, and government-supported.  Atrocities such as genocide, holocaust, and torture are then committed under such banners as conflict resolution, constitutional and democratic rights, ethnic cleansing, law enforcement, purification, reparations, and the restoration of lawful boundaries and procedure.

(10.)  Like the execution of Jesus, the scourging of Jesus was not according to Jewish law and custom.  No more than a total of 40 lashes could be delivered under the laws given by GOD through Moses.  Along with divine wrath against sin there was to be a demonstration of divine compassion, grace, empathy, forgiveness, and mercy.  It became custom to deliver at most 39.  See Deuteronomy 25:  3, 2nd Samuel 7:  13-14, Isaiah 53:  1-12, Psalms 119:  157-161, Matthew 5:  10-12 and 5:  43-45, John 5:  1-18, Acts 13:  50, Acts 22:  1-16 and 1st Peter 2:  19-25, KJV.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  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.  For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  Because the carnal mind is enmity against God:  for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.  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.  (Romans 8:  5-9, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  A Personal Relationship? (04/03/2014); GOD Everywhere? (04/04/2014); Those Who Hear GOD (01/21/2014); Spirit Gives Birth to Spirit (01/22/2014); Worship Wear? (01/23/2014); Able to Become Gods? (01/11/2014); Why Christians Pray for Others (01/12/2014); The Spirit by Measure (09/22/2012); A Man in Heaven? (09/23/2012); Aliens? (09/24/2012)

 

“In The Hearts Of Green Birds”, here are a few points necessary to avoid “human error” and spiritual confusion:

(1.)  The place and status of believers as sons and daughters within the “family of GOD” is established through operations of an imparted, indwelling Spirit from GOD, and so we speak of the adoption of the Holy Spirit.

(2.)  GOD is a spirit whom we acknowledge and speak of as having authority, awareness, personness, purpose, and will.  Because GOD is not made of material particles and physical matter (e.g., fog, mist, smoke, vapor), we say, GOD is boundless, formless, immortal, invisible, unchanging, and without physical limits. 

(3.)  GOD uses many devices and mechanisms to make divinity known (we say, reveal himself) to the finite created beings and living creatures that have sentience (consciousness).  Incarnation (appearing in flesh) as Jesus Christ has been one tool of GOD used among mankind.

(4.)  The Holy Spirit is an aspect of all that exists as the being of GOD (we say, the GODhead).  The substance and content of Almighty GOD (we say, the Father) is the same as that for the Holy Spirit, and for the Incarnate Son.  Matter that is made entirely of spirit must come into understanding.  Included are faith, holiness, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

I am sure you won’t have any problem accepting that there is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)   Your brotherhood with Jesus depends on your having received a measure of the same Spirit that cooperated in the creation of heaven and earth, was breathed into Adam, and continues to maintain divine order as a universe.  As if one beloved by GOD, you are now to exist as an incarnation and manifestation of the divine.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to the measure of divine faith that resides in you.

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.  (Romans 8:  14, KJV)

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC