(05/07/2019) Where Be His Miracles?

The miracle at Cana of water turned to wine (see image reference below).

 

Today, reply is on faith and miracles as sacred signs within the divine process of revelation. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shown) posted the following:

 

There were so many mindblowing miracles and events back in the day. Why not any more? It almost seems they could have been exaggerated a bit?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet. 30 For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation. 31 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. 32 The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. (Luke 11: 29-32, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Prophecy And Divine Process (04/15/2019); Divinity Embodied In Flesh (12/30/2018); How GOD Is Communicating (10/31/2018); Sacred Operations By GOD (04/12/2018); An Act of GOD? (12/20/2017); Miracles Are Not Everlasting (07/18/2017); Diversity and Prophetic Gifts (11/22/2016); Why Did Jesus Heal? (02/03/2015)

 

“Anonymous”, many Christian believers also have posed questions similar to yours. Others have expressed confusion, doubt, and uncertainty regarding their own faith, and the presence of divinity truly being within their own lives. Miracles have to be acknowledged and apprehended within a full framework of divine revelation that includes the Incarnation of GOD as Jesus Christ, and embodiment of the Holy Spirit within those on the earth through endowments of divine life essence (breath; spirit; word). Miracles appear as sacred events called into being by GOD to fulfill divine purposes, and are not earthly occult and natural tools (e.g., deceit, illusion, magic, witchcraft) controlled and used by believers. Witnessing miracles do not always increase a person’s faith. Reactions to miracles should include awe, gratitude, and wonder; instead, miracles often are accompanied by disagreement, fear, panic, shock, skepticism, and personal testimony that is incoherent and unclear. Miracles may not take the place of faith, because faith exists as an inseparable aspect of divine fullness, and may be imparted to the living along with such sacred content from the makeup of GOD as holiness, hope, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Judges 6: 7-14, King James Version (KJV): 7 And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD because of the Midianites, 8 That the LORD sent a prophet unto the children of Israel, which said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I brought you up from Egypt, and brought you forth out of the house of bondage; 9 And I delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all that oppressed you, and drave them out from before you, and gave you their land; 10 And I said unto you, I am the LORD your God; fear not the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but ye have not obeyed my voice. 11 And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites. 12 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour. 13 And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the Lord be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites. 14 And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?

2. 1^st Corinthians 12: 27-31, KJV: 27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? 31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 3. John 20: 24-29, KJV: 24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. 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.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

 

Image downloaded 12:15 AM, May 07, 2019 @ http://www.holyfamilybordeaux.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/miracle-at-cana-valerian-ruppert.jpg

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(05/02/2019) Two Frameworks For Dominion?

 

Today, reply responds to a presentation made by Danny Danon, Israel’s Ambassador to the Security Council of the United Nations, April 29, 2019, on the “divine deed” of the Jewish people to the land of Israel. The benefits and privileges of divine inheritance must be apprehended through sacred process and spiritual discernment, rather than cultural, legal, geopolitical, and social frameworks. In accordance with national economies and financial procedures, deeds and documents that record purchases and transfers of real property (land) and chattel (material goods) are acknowledged and registered by governments for purposes of allotments and taxation. Deeds also pertain to debts and agreements for payment (we say, transaction fees, loans, mortgages). Abraham’s purchase of a field at Machpelah for a possession and a burying place occurred before an assembly within an open forum at Mamre, and was therefore in such a framework of public witness, procedures, and standards. Abraham’s receipt of the land of Canaan was by inheritance and through a framework of promises made to Adam and Eve whereby the seed of the woman eventually would prevail. Those insisting that the lawful framework for buying and selling must be maintained when considering the status of modern Israel, rather than that for faith and continued interaction with divinity, also are obliged to observe all the other commands, principles, and sanctions that are aspects of the same law. Similarly, those standing on the foundation of ongoing relationship with divinity must acknowledge the full range of promises, prophecies, spirit process, and spirit substance. There should be no switching between frameworks. Maturity is only displayed through accountability, commitment, consistency, integrity and stability. Thus, we are reminded: James 2: 10-11, King James Version (KJV): 10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. 11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shown) posted the following:

 

Israel belongs to the Jews — given by God?

Israel’s Ambassador Takes Out Bible at UN to Prove Jewish People’s Claim to Israel

Emily Jones (May 1, 2019)

“The Qur’an itself accepts the divine deed of the Jewish people to the land of Israel.” -Danny Danon, Israel’s US Ambassador

(New York, NY) — [CBN News] Israel’s UN ambassador Danny Danon used the Bible to defend the Jewish people’s claim to the land of Israel during a special session at the United Nations Security Council on Monday. (Image: Screengrab-AP/via CBN News)

Danon was tasked with the job of proving the case for Jews’ connection to the Holy Land during the session. He outlined four reasons, “the Bible, history, international law, and the pursuit of international peace and security.”

In a dramatic moment, Danon opened the Bible and read aloud God’s covenant with Abraham from Genesis 17: “And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you throughout the generations for an everlasting covenant. And I will give to you and your descendants after you all the land of Canaan for an everlasting possession and I will be their God.”

Danon then raised up the Bible, turned to attendees and said, “This is the deed to our land.”

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.  But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. (James 2: 19-24, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Abraham In Divine Judgment (03/10/2019); Sacred Characters, Not Fictional (12/12/2018); Judgment Against The Canaanites (08/01/2018); The First “Chosen” People (05/03/2018); Christianity Is A Relationship (04/05/2018); A Circumcision of Hearts (01/22/2018); Meek Abram (10/17/2010); What is Worship? (10/18/2010)

 

“Anonymous”, Abraham was the “Friend of God” where Moses was a covenant partner. Here are some points from the Bible that developing Christian believers are careful to examine when seeking to correctly understand mankind’s dominion over the earth, relationship to divinity through divine utterance (e.g., proclamation; promise; prophecy), and the authority of sacred records. It was not a secular system, or geopolitical economy wherein the transactions between GOD and Abraham occurred. While there were exchanges that compare to issuing promissory notes, the lawful transfer of goods and property through inheritance, and conduct to acknowledge covenant relationship (e.g., circumcision) and mutual obligation, all was anchored in operations of divinity to impart spirit substance from the makeup of GOD that included faith, hope, joy, knowledge, trust, and vision. The establishment and fulfillment of the early covenants are also on record as historical events; yet, there are many subtle points that are often overlooked. It is written:

1. Genesis 18: 18-19, King James Version (KJV): 18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? 19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

2. Genesis 15: 18, KJV: 18 In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:

3. Acts 7: 1-8, KJV: 1 Then said the high priest, Are these things so? 2 And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran, 3 And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee. 4 Then came he out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell. 5 And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child. 6 And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years. 7 And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place. 8 And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs.

4. Romans 4: 13-15, KJV: 13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: 15 Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. 16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 5. Galatians 3: 16-18, KJV: 16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. 17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. 18 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

 

Image downloaded 10:57 AM, May 02, 2019 @ https://i.ytimg.com/vi/GYJT71i9nGI/hqdefault.jpg

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(12/18/2018) Judgment Perfects Divine Revelation

A depiction of the Great White Throne Judgment

 

Today, reply describes the final judgment that completes the revelation of the mystery of GOD. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shared) posted the following:

 

Why can’t I become a Christian after I die?

Then there would be no doubt about what religion was right ,and it would be stupid, at that point, to not join the winning team.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. (1^st Timothy 3: 16, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why Punishment After Death? (11/23/2018); Judgment Will Occur Forever (10/10/2018); Deposits Of Sacred Substance (06/27/2018); Why Spirit Displays Personhood (06/06/2018); On Diversity and Equality (05/22/2018); Divine Wrath Against Sin? (10/17/2017); Driving Away the Enemy? (09/15/2017)

 

“Anonymous”, the multiple divine events and operations whereby divine fullness (we say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) become fully knowable, known, accessible, and approachable by created beings and living creatures are called “revelation”. Through revelation, immortal, incorruptible, invisible divinity communicates and interacts as active presence who provides focus and form to the awareness and self-will within the living. The convocations and tribunals of judgment are sacred events performed by GOD on behalf of finite beings in accordance with the divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and sovereign will of divinity that includes (1) establishing permanent order throughout the universe; (2) fulfilling sacred promise and prophecy; (3) fully displaying the character, makeup and substance of divinity (e.g., authority, completeness, faith, glory, holiness, knowledge, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, wisdom, wrath against sin); (4) transforming mankind to exist as immortal and incorruptible; and (4) completing the elimination of sin through the device of the second death.

Without revelation from GOD, man who is mortal, and angels (who are neither mortal nor immortal) can not be true vessels reflecting the unseen aspects of GOD that are the mystery of divinity. The Creator has used existence, Incarnation, inheritance, life, personhood, the imparting of spirit substance, and a host of other tools to encourage men and angels when they seek to fully apprehend what otherwise is secret and unattainable. Through abundance and diversity Creation proclaims the excellence of GOD, and his excellence by Redemption and Salvation appear by forgiveness. Final judgment permits a more complete appearance of GOD through its elements of impartiality, longsuffering, mercy, restraint, righteousness, and thoroughness.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. For example: Finite creatures must accomplish exchange and continuous relationship with GOD on the basis of their spirit substance while they live. Finite tools of emotion, intellect, logic, carnal reason, and science are not enough. Yet, there can be no question that multiple opportunities and possibilities for discovery, gradual growth, learning, and practice were bestowed upon all. The correctness, fairness, and faithfulness of divinity are further shown by the use of resurrection to restore the dead to life so they may “speak for themselves” appearing before GOD in tribunal. The sacred substance, quality, and value of everyone who has lived is to be displayed before all assembled and acknowledged using the Books of Life. There will be no accuser or prosecutor who charges a person with sin; however, the record of their own deeds and works will condemn, or witness approving their level of godly content as fitting them for eternity. Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(09/10/2017) Deeds Of The Law?

 

Today, reply is made on divine provisions to determine (judge) a person’s righteousness apart from their deeds to obey the law.  The divine response to sin, and the demands from Deity placed on the living regarding sin are determined in part by the character and substance of sin as well as by the content and sovereign will of GOD.  Good deeds and acceptable works have always been required from all who live, however, the meaning and value of works by the living are now given a new significance.  In the same way the divinity of Jesus Christ is not complete without authority, glory, grace, and majesty, correctly acknowledged, the deeds and works of men required by the law must be joined to attitudes and conduct that make visible the character, principles, and spirit within the fullness of divinity.  Thus, the continued existence of created beings and living creatures is acceptable and “justified” as an aspect of the existence of GOD, and in accordance with their makeup and content as vessels of divinity.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears), posted the following:

 

Can anyone please explain to me what Romans 3:28 is saying in simple terms?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:  it is the gift of God:  Not of works, lest any man should boast.  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.   Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;  That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:  But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.  For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;  Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;  And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:  And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.  For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.  (Ephesians 2:  8-18, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Thoughts On The Commandments (06/27/2017); On Law and Sin (06/07/2017); Reconciliation Provided By Christ (05/30/2017); Salvation By Faith Alone? (01/19/2017); Called, Justified, and Glorified? (01/08/2017); More On Divine Justification (02/08/2016); Justified Through Christ?(08/26/2015)

 

“Anonymous”, here are some points you may find helpful for a complete and correct Christian understanding of Romans 3:  28, King James Version (KJV):  28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

(1.)  Where “faith” is acknowledged as a divine substance from the fullness and makeup of GOD, faith is made up only of faith, and is inseparable from the other aspects of spirit content such as holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Faith may be imparted to created beings and living creatures as breath, life essence, spirit, and word.

(2.)  “The deeds of the law” are often taken simply to mean “obedience”.  However, through Jesus Christ we also should grasp a broader reading that is not to be overlooked.  Within the Scriptures, the word “law” means the things spoken by GOD to Moses and those who entered into covenant in ancient times (we say, the Ten Commandments); the full range of demands made by the covenant (e.g., decisions and judgments, feasts, ordinances, statutes); and the ceremonies, practices, and standards to be used by priests and Levites within the Tabernacle/Temple.

(3.)  The law from GOD among men served as an essence or shadow of the active presence.  Thus, the appearance of GOD in the person of Jesus Christ was required to provide fullness and substance to the otherwise unseen aspects of the law.  Included are balance, godliness, grace, impartiality, love, peace through resolution of disputes, reconciliation, and righteousness.

(4.)  Christ is now appearing as our High Priest in heaven who makes atonement for us in fulfillment of the eternal law.  This is spoken to in the Scriptures in Exodus 28:  38, KJV:  38 And it shall be upon Aaron’s forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD.   Also, Leviticus 5:  15, KJV:  15 If a soul commit a trespass, and sin through ignorance, in the holy things of the LORD; then he shall bring for his trespass unto the LORD a ram without blemish out of the flocks, with thy estimation by shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  Gentiles were also part of the covenant with Moses, yet, the covenant became a wall of separation between Jews and Gentiles.  Through Christ as both Priest and sacrifice, the requirements for salvation are shown to be spirit content from GOD that includes responding to divine law as well as operating with sacred knowledge, eternal purpose, and deposits of sovereign will.  Obedience alone does not now justify and make mankind acceptable to divinity.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(08/17/2017) George Washington Owned Slaves

John Trumbull, 1780 – George Washington and William Lee, the enslaved personal servant, who for many years spent more time in Washington’s presence than any other man.

 

Today, in response to a recent statement from President Trump, topics include cultural history, sins of America’s past, our present-day accountability, and spiritual confusion.  The President could be discerned to be warning the public against impassioned, yet, ungodly pursuit of judgment.  The process and substance of judgment that would meet the standards from GOD must include balance, clarity, impartiality, integrity, thoroughness, and transparency.  In speaking about the tragic event in Charlottesville, Virginia where Heather Heyer was killed during what were to have been lawful protest demonstrations for and against continuing civil war memorials, the President did not condemn any specific groups and organizations thought responsible for the violence.  When challenged by the media, President Trump cautioned that attacks against historical figures such as Robert E. Lee (the West Point graduate who led the Confederate Army during the Civil War), may also be made against others including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.  By asking, Where will it end?, the President suggested that many who were indispensable to establishing the principles for what has been the world’s most enduring democratic government also advocated and practiced many of the attitudes and prejudices of their times that we now condemn; and none of our early “heroes” will be found guiltless and without flaws.  Thus, for example, on February 2, 2017, PBS News broadcasted that five American Presidents owned slaves while they were in office:  President George Washington (1789-1797), Thomas Jefferson (1801-1809), James Madison (1809-1817), James Monroe (1817-1825), and Andrew Jackson (1829-1837).  Christian believers are not to rush to judgment, as the third world continues to do, condemning every American leader, and all Americans who ever were or ever will be.  The following was downloaded from Wikipedia, the online Internet encyclopedia 1:37 PM, August 16, 2017 from the article George Washington and slavery:

 

George Washington, the first President of the United States, held people in slavery for virtually all of his life. His will provided for freeing the enslaved people he held upon the death of his widow Martha Washington. In January 1801 Martha freed her husband’s slaves, just over a year after his death.[1] However, while she lived, Martha did not emancipate any of the people she held, because she held only the lifetime use of them. When she died, on May 22, 1802, at the age of 70, all of those enslaved people went to the descendants of her first husband, Daniel Parke Custis

When Washington was eleven years old, he inherited ten slaves;[3] by the time of his death, 317 slaves lived at Mount Vernon,[4] including 123 owned by Washington, 40 leased from a neighbor, and an additional 153 “dower slaves.” While these dower slaves were designated for Martha’s use during her lifetime, they were part of the estate of her first husband Daniel Parke Custis, and the Washingtons could not sell or manumit them.[5] As on other plantations during that era, Washington’s slaves worked from dawn until dusk unless injured or ill; they could be whipped for running away or for other infractions. They were fed, clothed, and housed as inexpensively as possible, in conditions that were probably meager.[citation needed]

Visitors recorded varying impressions of slave life at Mount Vernon: one visitor in 1798 wrote that Washington treated his slaves “with more severity” than his neighbors, while another around the same time stated that “Washington treat[ed] his slaves far more humanely than did his fellow citizens of Virginia.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son:  the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.  But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.  All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him:  in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.  Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD:  and not that he should return from his ways, and live?  But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned:  in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.  Yet ye say, The way of the LORD is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?  When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die.  Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.  Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.  (Ezekiel 18:  20-28, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Righteousness Exalts A Nation (07/04/2017); Fulfillment of His Dream? (04/05/2017);  Joy, Survival and Worship (06/21/2017); Divine Law Expresses Love (05/10/2017); Covetousness, Slavery and Sin (09/16/2016); Called Slaves by GOD? (02/10/2016); The Provision Against Racists? (01/19/2016); Slaves to Sin? (04/13/2015) 

 

(1.)  Even where we attempt to apply the patterns and standards from the holy writings, law and the judgment of men on the basis of their deeds and works must be approached as involving multiple occasions—and the likelihood for—irreversible error.  Often, no single event or set of actions can be identified as including the full panorama of any man’s accomplishments, desires, efforts, expressions, motives, quality, and value.  With this in view, the determination to be made when courts and juries assemble are the actuality of specific contributions and participation of an individual during specific events, and is not a matter of their overall eternal value, merit and worth.

(2.)  Mature Christian believers usually agree that awareness and self-will may be dominated by sin.  The operations of sin may be invisibly embedded within customs and traditions, and can be regularly expressed through cultural, interpersonal, political, and social practices that appear historically acceptable, natural, and normal; and sin will not appear to be contrary to human character, continued existence, godliness, and truth. 

(3.)  Slavery as an institution to decimate and exploit Africans began in the markets of Portugal, Europe, fifty years before Columbus would land in the New World seeking to become wealthy through slaves and spices.  As practiced in America, slavery was a form of imperial idolatry like begun in Egypt where, during the years of famine, in order to survive, the Egyptian people (and not the Jews) sold everything they had to Pharaoh:  their livestock, their property and themselves.  Using dynasty and inheritance, the Pharaohs exercised a control that amounted to abuse, promoting themselves as gods over their own people.  Using bigotry, discrimination, racism, and hate there have been those promoting an American nightmare in place of the American Dream.

(4.)  Growing up under the influence of Jesus Christ in my life, I have been able to truthfully say neither that every Black person is my friend, nor that every White person is my enemy.  The issues of belonging, brotherhood, and separation because of ethnicity, origin, race, and skin color repeatedly destroy confidence, curiosity, discovery, flexibility, belief in a future, and hope for the higher levels of accomplishment among the young.  Anger and hate are thought to be forms of strength that allow us to confront death, however, the serious work of growth and learning that must be done to maintain life requires balance, concentration, dispassion, level-headedness, maturity, and sobriety.  Like many others, here in America, I discovered the more correct focus in deciding affiliation and to whom I connect has been the separation because of differences in sacred commitment, and ones own endowment of spirit content from the makeup of GOD.

(5.)  Patriotism and love of ones homeland are passing and temporal.  They even may be seen as a form of idolatry.  In the understanding of mature Christian believers, all have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD.  There can be no lasting display of mercy and righteousness without divine judgment; and the provisions of GOD through Jesus Christ include atonement, forgiveness, redemption and repentance as well as reconciliation.  For George Washington, Robert E. Lee, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump, the “escape” from “all or nothing” condemnation that we will embrace as victims of our own cultural and historical limitations comes by continuing in sound covenant relationship and the testament of sacred blood.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (6.)  In our god-given oneness without sameness, every American wants to be free.  It would be fitting that the President of the United States issue a new call to end equivocation regarding American slavery.  While it continues to be correct to acknowledge George Washington, the founders of the Nation, and the many others who have contributed and served to create a way of life that may ultimately become a standard for the universe, none are to be celebrated, lauded, or regarded as having lawful justification in our present system for their earlier crimes against Africa, America, and all mankind.  Because we have distance, maturity, perspective and sobriety, we now can see more correctly their actual achievements and errors; and, because we seek to give and receive forgiveness, to maintain reasonable balance, and to go forward on the diverse paths of prosperity, we are to call “sin” by its proper name.  Continuing the commitment necessary to deal with the lawful issues of differences among us, diversity, and “State’s rights” while putting aside all issues of anyone being “holier than thou,” (1) there can be no equivocation; and, (2) there can be forgiveness:  There are no “kind” and “understanding” slave-owners; there are no men of honor and higher nobility who maintain others as slaves; there have never been, are none now, and will never be “good” and “wise” leaders of men who make merchandise of others, that feed on the misery and pain of others, and who arrogantly traffic in other men’s lives.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(02/15/2017) Temporal and Eternal Judgment

 

Today the differences between temporal and eternal judgment are in view.  The weighing of deeds and their outcomes by men is not the same as the weighing of spirit content and its fruit as attitudes, behavior and conduct performed by GOD.  Fitness to exist as a companion to immortal, incorruptible divinity will have to appear in all who hope to share eternal life.  Annihilation and utter destruction (we say, the second death) in the lake of fire are the only provision for sinners not covered by atonement following the conclusion of judgment against their sin.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

 

What does God mean by dont judge people or we will be judge.?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived:  neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,  Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.  And such were some of you:  but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.  (1st Corinthians 6:  9-11, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Judgment Focused On Content? (08/30/2016); Reflections on Existence (12/19/2016); Events During Final Judgment? (11/28/2016); No Excuses For Judgment (07/26/2016); We Judge Each Other? (10/04/2015); The Focus of Judgment (12/09/2012); His Burden is Light? (12/10/2012)

 

“Anonymous”, there are both temporal and eternal judgment.  The sacred knowledge provided to mature Christian believers as revelation also addresses the nature and process of divine judgment, for divinity is the origin of law and the fundamental order that describes the universe as well as the benefits and sanctions of the law that determine the quality of life among created beings and living creatures.  The benefits of judgment include peace, resolution of conflict, and the settlement of disputes without malice or violence through the application of sovereign law.  In divine judgment the righteousness of GOD is made knowable, known, and indisputable.  Divine condemnation of sin, and the fall of mankind from grace occurred long before the tables showing Ten Commandments were provided as a gift of law through Moses.  Law proclaimed and spoken by GOD as a condition for covenant relationship showed that the correct focus in lawful judgment is the maintenance of divine presence and sacred government.  The process of judgment for nations declares the specific patterns for events to express the will of Deity, and is not about detailing the character, errors, faults and weaknesses of individuals.  Thus, judgment and justice may address the actuality of whether men have caused or committed peculiar crimes and offenses.  The divine operations to determine the elimination or continued existence of a person’s “life essence” as being acceptable to GOD only may be carried out and completed using such divine operations as atonement, repentance, resurrection, sanctification, and “the second death.”  In obedience to GOD,  divine wrath against sin will continue to be proclaimed and sentencing by the law against those who are guilty can be lawfully carried out, among the living on the earth.  Even so, no ones “life essence” and spirit substance are being weighed for permanent elimination from eternity by human agents and spokespersons of divinity.  Consider again the following:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 1:  17, King James Version (KJV):  17 Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God’s:  and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it.

(2.)  Romans 1:  18-23, KJV:  18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;  19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.  20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:  21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.  22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,  23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

(3.)  Romans 1:  28-32, KJV:  28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;  29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,  30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,  31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:  32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Galatians 5:  16-23, KJV:  16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.  17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh:  and these are contrary the one to the other:  so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.  18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.  19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,  20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,  21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like:  of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.  22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  23 Meekness, temperance:  against such there is no law.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(03/03/2016) Names From The Cross?

Holy names, and how Christ spoke to the Father while upon the cross are in focus, today.  Correctly understood, the name of GOD is a set of divine accomplishments and sacred deeds whereby divinity is to be known and spoken of among created beings and living creatures.  There appears to be no single word or phrase used to address Deity within intimate and private relationship as a “personal name.”  The divine name or title used in the earliest revelations to mankind for covenant, and that is repeated throughout the holy writings (Genesis to Revelation) appears to have been El Shaddai, Almighty God.  However, GOD revealed himself to Abraham using a name that is now represented by Jehovah; and this same name was used in covenant with Moses and all Israel.  While Christ and the Father were briefly separated by the Son becoming the sin of mankind upon the cross, the Father did not abandon, betray, or deny the Son.  In the understanding that the name of the Father remains concealed, the name “Jesus” serves in the same way as “Jah” and “Jehovah”.  Consider again the following verses from Scripture and the presentation below:

Deuteronomy 29:  29, King James Version (KJV):  29 The secret things belong unto the LORD our God:  but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

Exodus 3:  13-15, KJV:  13 And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them?  14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM:  and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you.  15 And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, the LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you:  this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.

Exodus 6:  2-4, KJV:  2 And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I am the LORD:  3 And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.  4 And I have also established my covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage, wherein they were strangers.

Psalms 91:  13-15, KJV:  13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder:  the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.  14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him:  I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.  15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him:  I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

Galatians 3:  4-7, KJV:  4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,  5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.  6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.  7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” who share the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

 

Why is there no record of Jesus ever saying or pronouncing his Father’s name yet Jehovah’s Witnesses use the name “Jehovah”?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.  For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it:  for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another.  Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last.  Mine hand also hath laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand hath spanned the heavens:  when I call unto them, they stand up together.  All ye, assemble yourselves, and hear; which among them hath declared these things? The LORD hath loved him:  he will do his pleasure on Babylon, and his arm shall be on the Chaldeans.  I, even I, have spoken; yea, I have called him:  I have brought him, and he shall make his way prosperous.  Come ye near unto me, hear ye this; I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; from the time that it was, there am I:  and now the Lord GOD, and his Spirit, hath sent me.  (Isaiah 48:  10-16, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Correct Awe and Respect (02/04/2016); We Call Him Jealous? (10/25/2015); Use Holy Names Not Titles? (08/17/2015); About Knowing the Name of GOD (09/21/2014); About Deluding Yourself? (09/22/2014); Anointed? (04/28/2014); No More “Mr. Nice Guy”? (04/29/2014); The Name(?) of GOD (04/09/2014); The “Miniature War”? (04/10/2014)

 

“Anonymous”, many mature Christian believers are trusting that, despite time and space, through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood and truth from the cross are flowing to here and now.  The holy writings acknowledged among the disciples and followers of Jesus Christ serve as a shared “database” of “sacred knowledge,” and, in keeping with divine purposes of revelation (i.e., making Deity knowable and known to created beings and living creatures), have not been provided in the form of codes that must be deciphered, and “unknown tongues.”  Only balance, discernment and maturity are required for full comprehension.  In keeping with the practices and traditions of his inheritance as a Jew, the Savior did not speak the personal name of GOD in public ministry even when crying out in prayer upon the cross.  While living and dying upon the cross at Calvary, Jesus continued to minister love, respect, and trust to his friends, to his mother, to the believer on the cross and those who would come to him in future ages as well as to the Father in heaven.  In private and silent prayer, Jesus may well have used a “personal name,” rather than the acronyms, titles and tags used to speak about divinity, not to divinity (such as “Hashem”, “G-d”).  Whether the living experience agony or ecstasy, when approaching the Most High, there should be the display of awe, humility, propriety, restraint, reverence, and self-discipline.  Consider again how this is stated through the language of the Bible:

(1.)  Mark 14:  32-36, King James Version (KJV):  32 And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane:  and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray.  33 And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;  34 And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death:  tarry ye here, and watch.  35 And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.  36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me:  nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.

(2.)  Romans 8:  14-16, KJV:  14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.  15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.  16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

(3.)  Romans 8:  24-27, KJV:  24 For we are saved by hope:  but hope that is seen is not hope:  for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?  25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.  26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities:  for we know not what we should pray for as we ought:  but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Mark 15:  32-37, KJV:  32 Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.  33 And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.  34 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?  35 And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold, he calleth Elias.  36 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.  37 And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(02/02/2016) On Doing Good Deeds

Today, Scripture points are shared on good works by believers, and operations by divinity that establish salvation.  For those accepting Christ within the kingdom of GOD some attitudes behavior, and conduct are strictly forbidden, and totally unacceptable.  Yet, many claiming to be saved persons seem to say and do the very same things done by liars, thieves, the wicked, and those outside of Christ.  In part, this is because once “born again” through water baptism, believers may only gradually “grow up again” to be given the gifts from the Spirit of GOD required before they are fully equipped to serve and share as mature examples to others.  Thus, in a sense, the good deeds and works are performed by GOD through the believer as a divine instrument and tool, not by the believer as one independent, separate, and “out on their own.”  Consider the Scriptures that follow, and the statements below:

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

John 14:  9-11, KJV:  9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?  10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself:  but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.  11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me:  or else believe me for the very works’ sake.

John 14:  22-26, KJV:  22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?  23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words:  and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.  24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings:  and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.  25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.  26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Titus 3:  8, KJV:  8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

1st Peter 2:  15-16, KJV:  15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:  16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.

A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “truth” (Level 3 with 1,188 points, a member since July 20, 2009) posted the following:

 

We do good deeds not to earn our salvation. Salvation is free gift of God thru Jesus. Why do Christians do good deeds?

n the year 1971, during our liberation war, I went to India with my family as a refugee. We were at the refugee camp. Day after day I use to see the Christians from different charity organizations serving the destitute people in the refugee camp. I was very much impressed by their dedication, their love for the people. I befriended some of them. One day one of the members of the Christian Medical team told me that because they were saved by the grace of God that’s why they were doing good works. They were doing good works not to earn salvation. Their God is the God of love and His love was manifested in the person of Jesus. The man further added that Jesus said, “love your neighbor as you love yourself,” and this teaching of Jesus had led them to serve all mankind, no matter what caste or religion. This idea changed my total understanding about God and His personality. It was the first time I heard about Jesus.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,  Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,  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.  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  Meekness, temperance:  against such there is no law.  And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.  Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.  (Galatians 5:  19-26, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Great Commission Obeyed? (01/12/2016); Repentance and New Life? (12/30/2015); By More Than Believing (12/04/2015); Saved by Faith and Works? (09/15/2015); Good Intentions? (07/26/2014); The Bible is All About GOD? (07/27/2014); Order My Steps (10/26/2013)

 

“truth”, even as a follower of Jesus Christ, I can not save you; however, I can share with you the divine gifts, sacred knowledge, testaments, and testimonies that are being shared with me.  Only divinity can complete the full set of sacred operations that establish a person as having salvation from sin.  Included are appearing upon the earth using the form of flesh and “person” (we say, incarnation); atonement; hearing confession; forgiveness; judgment; rebirth through water baptism (i.e., death of ones inborn spirit, regeneration having spirit substance from the makeup of Deity); enabling and performing repentance; perfection, (the condition of full immortality, spiritual purity, and stability) and sanctification (becoming set apart for exclusive service to GOD).  Disciples and followers of Jesus are recruited to be a clear example to others as vessels of divine Spirit, share a specific message, and live a peculiar lifestyle.  Like a restaurant menu that is preset for the diners, the various acceptable choices, “good deeds,” and works a believer may perform to exist as a companion to the Creator already have been “focused” and trimmed down by GOD.  This permits believers to say, The kingdom of GOD is not the land of “do as you please” so much as “do as pleases GOD.”  Consider the following points using language from the holy writings:

(1.)  Ephesians 2:  8-10, King James Version (KJV):  8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.  10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

(2.)  Matthew 5:  14-16, KJV:  14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.  15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.  16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

(3.)  2nd Timothy 2:  24-26, KJV:  24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,  25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;  26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

(4.)  1st Corinthians 3:  11-15, KJV:  11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.  12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;  13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest:  for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.  14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.  15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss:  but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  2nd Timothy 2:  19-22, KJV:  19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.  20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.  21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.  22 Flee also youthful lusts:  but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(08/23/2015) The Preeminence of the Word

Scripture points on the appearance and manifesting of divinity through word and deed are shared, today.  To me as a Christian writer who has sought to honor GOD with books on the sacred meanings of marriage, human sexuality, and the crown of life, the substance of salvation is conveyed by words that establish divine intent and eternal purpose.  While some are unbalanced in their commitment, sacred knowledge and service, all born again Christian believers are in an ongoing process where permanent changes in their nature and character are being made through both the divine word and the imparted Spirit, the Holy Ghost.  The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Dangerous Mr.” (Level a member since May 20, 2012) posted the following:

 

Why do Christians pay more attention to what God says than what God does?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant:  but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.  11 And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?  12 Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.  13 And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send.  14 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee:  and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart.  15 And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth:  and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do.  16 And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people:  and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God.  (Exodus 4:  10-16, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Can The Bible Be Increased? (05/31/2015); The Words Are Spirit? (06/03/2015); On Saying the Truth? (12/17/2014); What is Truth? (12/19/2014); Utterance is Spirit (09/08/2013); A Start for the Idea of GOD? (09/09/2013); Words Spoken By GOD? (06/05/2013); Teachings on Judgment (06/06/2013)

 

“Dangerous Mr.”, while it’s true that, for created beings and living creatures, “active presence” is called “existence” and “life”, the processes of divinity for continuing in relationship with mankind upon the earth have always centered in utterance.  Included are commandment, doctrine (we say, formal teachings), guidance, instruction, divine law, praise, proclamation, promise, prophecy and revelation.  For many, grace, sacred knowledge, and utterance pertain to spirit, while actions pertain to flesh, things carnal and material. The very existence of the earth and most of its living creatures have been through operations of divine word that, within the frameworks of time and space, may be directed without boundaries and limits.  Expectation and fulfillment are necessary aspects for exchange, interaction and realization, making what is invisible known, memorable, and tangible.  This is important, for GOD is a spirit who must be acknowledged and worshiped in spirit and in truth.  The existence of mankind is by word (we also say, breath, essence, and spirit).  Most Christian believers will agree that words whisper and actions SHOUT.  Yet, the reconfiguration and transformation of mankind to permanently display the divine nature as immortal and incorruptible begins at the word of GOD in baptism, and is completed in the coming of Jesus to harvest believers from the earth.  Please consider the following from Scripture:

(1.)  John 1:  1-5, King James Version (KJV):  1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  2 The same was in the beginning with God.  3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.  4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.  5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

(2.)  Genesis 1:  24-28, KJV:  24 And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind:  and it was so.  25 And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind:  and God saw that it was good.  26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:  and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.  27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.  28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it:  and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

(3.)  Isaiah 55:  8-12, KJV:  8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.  9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.  10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:  11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth:  it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.  12 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace:  the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

(4.)  1st Kings 19:  9-12, KJV:  9 And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?  10 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts:  for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.  11 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind:  and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake:  12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire:  and after the fire a still small voice

(5.)  Acts 4:  27-31, KJV:  27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,  28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.  29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings:  and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,  30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.  31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

(6.)  Acts 2:  1-4, KJV:  1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.  2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.  3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.  4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

There is far more that could be said, and that must be correctly understood and spiritually taken into account.  (For example (7.)  Colossians 1:  12-20, KJV:  12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:  13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:  14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:  15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:  16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers:  all things were created by him, and for him:  17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.  18 And he is the head of the body, the church:  who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.  19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;  20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/18/2015) GOD Known By Action Not Form?

How divinity may become known and understood come into view, today.  Christian believers declare the name of GOD by proclaiming various divine deeds and accomplishments.  Thus, our GOD is called Almighty, Creator, the Eternal Living GOD, the Father of Spirits, Jealous, the Holy One, the Most High, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Potentate, and Savior.  The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Daz” (Level 1 with 29 points, a member since January 07, 2015) posted the following:

 

If the Holy Spirit is God’s spirit, then what form is God himself if not a spirit, as that has already been assigned to the HS.?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.  (Proverbs 20:  11, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Jesus in GODhead (04/01/2014); Only One GOD (09/14/2013); Why GOD Prayed to GOD (09/07/2013); Utterance is Spirit (09/08/2013); A Start for the Idea of GOD? (09/09/2013); The Bible and Genealogy (09/10/2013); GOD the X? (07/19/2013); How Was GOD Known Before Jesus? (10/06/2012); Jesus, King of Earth? (10/07/2012); A Man in Heaven? (09/23/2012); Aliens? (09/24/2012)

 

“Daz”, here are a few points from prayerful thinking that anchor belief for many followers of Jesus Christ:

(1.)  Because GOD is a living being made up of spirit matter, Deity only may be known to created beings and living creatures through revelation wherein the GODhead performs actions that display divine power, presence, and purpose.  GOD is known by action and intent, rather than physical appearance (we say, image), form, shape, and measurable dimensions.  Ones awareness and consciousness (we say, thoughts, intelligence, mind) must be directly moved by the divine presence; their own spirit content must be altered, sanctified, and transformed; and the ongoing interactions and operations of spirit matter within a believer must be recognized (we say, discerned) to be the same as the revealed aspects of Deity.

(2.)  In addition to immortality the GODhead is described as demonstrating such features as balance, completeness, feeling, immutability, incorruption, multiple person, presence, purity, and unity.  Actions taken by divinity to establish and maintain the various spheres for life (e.g., earth, heaven, the sea, the universe) include acknowledgment of confession, prayer and worship, atonement, creation, law giving, judgment, redemption, resurrection, salvation, and sanctification.

(3.)  Incarnation is the appearance of divinity using flesh and material objects as vessels that contain and convey spirit substance.  Thus, the Bible may be understood as a sacred object used to transfer spirit content (we say, breath, life essence, word) from GOD to those who are prepared to receive that fresh endowment of spirit matter from divinity made possible through the ministry of Jesus Christ.  Born again, seeds for growth are implanted within each believer for such aspects of the divine nature as faith, forbearance, forgiveness, gratitude, holiness, humility, joy, longsuffering, love, truthfulness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and properly apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Men speak about GOD using the frameworks of time and space as well as on the basis of various discrete patterns that appear among the tasks and works seen completed by divinity (e.g., Creation of heaven and earth; the Flood; destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah; death upon the cross; resurrection and ascension).  The idea of a divine Trinity that has resulted has been useful to increase sacred knowledge and understanding.  However, for many this seems to contradict the truth that GOD is One.  It remains that nothing is impossible for GOD; and divinity is not correctly known relying upon the finite tools of emotion, intelligence, logic, philosophy, politics and science.)  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