(03/26/2020) On Behalf Of Others

 

Today, reply is on whether during the present covid-19 health crisis Christians should pray for the world or only for themselves. There are no layoffs or shut-down of ministry among believers; the sacred work of praise, fulfilling the promises of GOD, and manifesting prophecy (comfort, edification, exhortation) will continue. Ordinarily, to avoid meddling and spiritual confusion, many believers pray only for family, friends, coworkers, and persons they know through direct relationships. However, for mature Christian believers, earnest and fervent prayer are to be offered continually. This is so even where prayer is understood as intimate and personal communication with divinity that allows one to confess and share their darkest and deepest feelings as well as their most private thoughts. In the same way the operations of sin are impartial, irrational, and attack all that exists indiscriminately, epidemic disease and sickness that obey mechanical process and natural law also dismiss many sacred distinctions, and violate consecrated boundaries. Even in times like these when their gathering in public may be cut off, Christian believers are to behave as those in ongoing judgment; and all are commanded to be faithful, sober, steadfast, unwavering, and vigilant. Their duty to serve and share with others is not lessened. It is written: Ezekiel 34: 15-26, King James Version (KJV): 15 I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD. 16 I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment. 17 And as for you, O my flock, thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I judge between cattle and cattle, between the rams and the he goats. 18 Seemeth it a small thing unto you to have eaten up the good pasture, but ye must tread down with your feet the residue of your pastures? and to have drunk of the deep waters, but ye must foul the residue with your feet? 19 And as for my flock, they eat that which ye have trodden with your feet; and they drink that which ye have fouled with your feet. 20 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD unto them; Behold, I, even I, will judge between the fat cattle and between the lean cattle. 21 Because ye have thrust with side and with shoulder, and pushed all the diseased with your horns, till ye have scattered them abroad; 22 Therefore will I save my flock, and they shall no more be a prey; and I will judge between cattle and cattle. 23 And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd. 24 And I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the LORD have spoken it. 25 And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land: and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods. 26 And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing. A fighter in the public forum on Religion & Spirituality at “Yahoo! Answers” who used the ID “REAL” (Level 2 with 815 points) posted the following:

 

Do anybody anywhere in the world pray ti his/her God to save the world from this pandemic or pray for themselves only?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not; And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away. (1^st Corinthians 7: 29-31, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Challenge of Covid-19 (03/22/2020); Leadership By The Church (03/18/2020); Believers Minister Through Prayer (09/23/2019); Fasting, Prayer and Sanctification (03/29/2019); Christian “Thoughts and Prayers” (03/01/2018); What to Do About Liars? (11/14/2014); Refraining Our Tongues? (11/15/2014)

 

“REAL”, there are unchanging aspects of eternal purpose that are to be fulfilled and performed by Creation that will not to be interrupted or suspended in response to conditions and events on the earth. Where divinity establishes evil (i.e., calamity; catastrophe; disaster; upheaval) it is for the further outworking of divine prerogative, sacred law, prophecy, and revelation. While a separation to identify and sanctify authentic authority must be continued, the divine example for men on the earth declares there also must be a manifesting of humility and unselfish service to others that includes intercessory praise and prayer specially on behalf of those who may be recognized as sinners in repentance. The primary focus for the church is to be salvation for those who are committed as members within the body. Thus, consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Hezekiah Walker:

(1.) Jeremiah 29: 4-7, King James Version (KJV): 4 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, unto all that are carried away captives, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem unto Babylon; 5 Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them; 6 Take ye wives, and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; that ye may be increased there, and not diminished. 7 And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.

(2.) Isaiah 45: 6-8, KJV: 6 That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else. 7 I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things. 8 Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it.

(3.) Romans 8: 26-27, KJV: 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.

(4.) John 17: 9-17, KJV: 9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. 10 And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. 11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. 12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. 13 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

(5.) Romans 8: 5-9, KJV: 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (6.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMcJL_UDAvw. Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

 

Image downloadable 1:06 PM, March 26, 2020 @ https://thelifeididntchoose.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/pray-for-one-another.jpg

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/30/2019) The Mediators Among Divinity

 

Today, reply is on the practice of prayer among divinity, and the mediators within the Godhead who intercede on behalf of Creation and mankind. Through the covenant with Moses, divinity agreed not to speak to mankind again using an audible voice, and to exchange and interact with mankind using spokespersons (prophets). Mankind shares many things with Deity, yet, may not appear before divine fullness (we also say, the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) as an equal, or as one having the same authority, dominion, glory, majesty, sacred knowledge, and sovereignty. Within the Godhead as well as on the earth, both Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit appear and intercede representing finite mankind. Sinners who have returned to GOD through the priesthood of Christ, who willingly serve the Lord, and who also await his coming, now are being examined in the on-going sacred judgment to grant eternal life, and are being provided with fresh endowments from GOD for their transformation to exist as the immortal companions of divinity. It is written: 1^st John 2: 1-2, King James Version (KJV): 1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality using the ID “Friend” (Level 1 with 124 points) posted the following:

 

If Jesus Christ is God, then why was he praying to God the Almighty? Only One is Hearer of prayer.Psalms 65:2?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. (Colossians 2: 8-15, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Believers Minister Through Prayer (09/23/2019); Preserved As Life Companions (06/23/2019); Continuing and Refreshing Creation (04/01/2019); Divine Priesthood on Earth (01/31/2018); Why Spirit Displays Personhood (06/06/2018); Who Will See GOD? (10/04/2016); His Burden Is Light? (09/21/2013); Evil is not Sin? (09/22/2013)

 

“Friend”, having authentic humanity, Jesus Christ prayed to divinity regarding his own sacred priesthood on the earth whereby the Savior confessed the sin of mankind, and of those who came to him; offered glory, praise and thanksgiving to GOD; and requested comfort, edification, guidance, and strength to complete his sacred mission. As the Son of the Father, Jesus Christ prayed to divinity being a mediator for mankind who also was using human flesh, and observing the limits posed through mortality that include mechanical and natural law. In accord with the atonement and propitiation for sin accomplished by Christ as a High Priest in heaven, the Holy Spirit also prays for mankind as a mediator who now operates through the inseparable aspects of divine fullness that are displayed by those belonging to Jesus Christ. Included are faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Among Christian believers prayer is made to accomplish various aspects of eternal purpose, and is not merely to express human emotions, or petition for the unmet needs of those in the flesh. Through prayer one displays their own divine content and indwelling spirit that has acceptance and oneness within the Godhead. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a presentation from the music ministry of John Michael Talbot:

1. Isaiah 55: 6-11, King James Version (KJV): 6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 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.

2. Hebrews 7: 24-27, KJV: 24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. 26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; 27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. 28 For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.

3. Romans 8: 26-27, KJV: 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 that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended (for example, 4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZNPrLy173o.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

 

Image downloaded 12:05 PM, October 30, 2019 @ https://i.pinimg.com/originals/60/81/fc/6081fc0e901343f52fbc01874fbff157.jpg

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(09/23/2019) Believers Minister Through Prayer

 

Today, reply is on practicing intercessory prayer as a necessary ministry among all Christians. As with praise, prayer is not a work completed apart from Christ, and without the Holy Spirit. Within the church founded by Jesus Christ, sharing praise and unselfish prayer are among the highest forms of service. While still on the earth, before his crucifixion, the Son of the Highest prayed that his followers would be made one with himself and with the Father. Believers are to take on a consciousness that goes beyond expressing individuality, self-promotion, or their own desires, emotions, lusts, and needs. There must be shared accord and action to accomplish the objectives of divine law, eternal purpose, mercy in judgment, and the sovereign will of GOD. It is written: Romans 8: 26-27, King James Version (KJV): 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. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:

 

Why do Catholics say, “Pray for me”?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore. (Hebrews 7: 23-28, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Make Me A Servant (04/08/2019); How GOD Speaks Today (12/10/2018); Anything We Ask For? (09/12/2018); Duties of a Christian? (03/13/2018); Benefits of the Rosary (02/14/2017); The Power in Prayer? (08/22/2014); The Rosary and Other Prayers? (08/23/2014)

 

“Anonymous”, within the church of Jesus Christ, prayer is not supposed to be a work carried out only by the clergy. In the same way many Christians have grown up being familiar with and reciting the Lord’s prayer, yet, not also studying the Bible or regularly performing other sacred practices, many Christians are familiar with the prayers of the Rosary that include language requesting the Mother of Jesus will provide ministry through intercessory prayer. Many object that Mary can not serve as a mediator between GOD and mankind; however, as one of the saints who first received the gifts of the Holy Spirit within the upper room, Mary can serve as a mediator with her son. The ability to properly approach divinity with compassion, sincerity, and unselfishness on behalf of others only becomes possible in the life of sinners through endowments of life essence (breath; spirit; word) imparted from the makeup and substance of GOD, and through operations of the Holy Spirit. The power in prayer does not appear by importuning and humbly repeating ones requests so much as by ones return of spirit content from GOD (e.g., commitment, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, wisdom, wrath against sin). In the same way an anointed pastor (shepherd) or ordained priest is a caretaker who must continually provide guidance, instruction and preaching that nourishes and strengthens the full congregation, all the members are to acknowledge an accountability for offering prayer, and a duty to pray for one another. Even those having limited resources and talents, and those who are recently become part within the community of faith, can make their voices heard in group and private prayer that petition for comfort, edification, and zeal (i.e., outpouring of the Holy Spirit; prophecy). Consider again the following that uses language from the Rosary, the Bible, and a presentation from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

1. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amoung women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen

2. Philippians 4: 6-7, King James Version (KJV): 6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

3. 1^st Timothy 2: 1-6, KJV: 1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended (for example, 4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBHzNGdigtY). Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

 

Image downloaded 6:02 PM, September 22, 2019 @ https://i.pinimg.com/736x/94/2d/e5/942de590f92432e9108921bb8776e3f8.jpg

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(03/29/2019) Fasting, Prayer and Sanctification

 

Today, reply is on the sacred practices of prayer and fasting. Fasting, offerings, pledges, prayers, and sacrifices were relied on by the early patriarchs and seers when requesting or seeking spiritual deliverance, sacred events (we say, miracles), and visions from divinity. Also, anointing, changing ones garments, fasting, isolation, meditation, and prayer were used by believers to show themselves sanctified and set apart for divine service. The priesthood begun with Adam as the performance of divine ceremony and memorial on the earth would become continued as an inheritance to mankind appearing through obedience to divine law, ministry, prophecy (i.e., comfort, edification, exhortation), and unselfish service. For Christian believers, the process and substance of ones lifestyle and regular practice are to be spirit in their character, makeup, origin, and outcome, rather than merely a peculiar expression of appetite, self-discipline, willpower, or other workings of the flesh. While all Christians are welcome to drink the blood and eat the body of Jesus using the emblems of bread and wine, the Lord’s Supper (we also say, Communion) pertains to abstaining from or partaking of manna and food from heaven, and centers on becoming Christlike by receiving a fresh endowment of life essence from the makeup of GOD. Our words are heard through the Son of GOD. Christians are to acknowledge the life of Jesus Christ—that includes his fasting for 40 days and 40 nights along with his cries, prayers and works performed before and from the cross—to now be their own achievement that continually pleads for atonement and reconciliation with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Breakthrough” (Level 6 with 15,509 points, a member since June 29, 2013) posted the following:

 

Jesus talks about fasting and prayer – but how is fasting different from prayer if fasting involves more than just not eating food?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work? Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. (John 6: 27-35, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Will You Lose Family? (01/20/2019); Sanctify Yourselves for Tomorrow (05/07/2017); GOD’s Peculiar People (12/11/2016); His Children Are Sanctified (10/12/2016); GOD’s Way Not Equal? (07/17/2016); Getting It Right About Angels (05/10/2015); Anointed? (04/28/2014); No More “Mr. Nice Guy”? (04/29/2014); About Sabbath (10/16/2013); We Shall Behold Him (10/17/2013)

 

“Breakthrough”, at one time it was understood that prayer and fasting together were required to receive a vision from GOD. In Christian belief mankind must acknowledge dependence upon spirit process and substance, rather than things carnal, material, and social. Prayer and fasting appear to be paired throughout the Scriptures as two major aspects of private devotion and supplication. While the two sacred practices demonstrate commitment, determination, and perseverance, the two also display humility, meekness, memorial, and acceptance of divine chastening. Once GOD has made an answer, divinity does not “change his mind,” or repent. The final decisions in judgment, the proclamations, and the promises of GOD are immutable and unchanging. Divinity can not be influenced or manipulated by the gifts, offerings, and sacrifices of those on the earth; and the two sacred practices are more correctly understood as aspects of active ministry, priesthood, and spiritual deliverance. Through unselfish service that appear as prayer and fasting Christian believers may accomplish confession, intercession, restraint of appetite, and thanksgiving on behalf of the entire church body. Consider the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Deuteronomy 8: 1-5, King James Version (KJV): 1 All the commandments which I command thee this day shall ye observe to do, that ye may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers. 2 And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. 3 And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. 4 Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years. 5 Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee. 6 Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him.

2. Daniel 9: 1-5, KJV: 1 In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans; 2 In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem. 3 And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: 4 And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments; 5 We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments:

3. Matthew 4: 1-4, KJV: 1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. 2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. 3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

4. Romans 8: 26-27, KJV: 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 that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 5. Isaiah 58: 5-7, KJV: 5 Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD? 6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? 7 Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

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AN AFTERTHOUGHT: The Prophet Jonah was dispatched to a city of the Gentiles, Nineveh of Assyria, to require fasting and prayer be made by the entire kingdom. There, completing the sacred practices were announced as a condition for deliverance from mandatory judgment events that would mean their extinction. Even the animals were to acknowledge the sovereign will of GOD, appease divine wrath against sin, and demonstrate obedience, repentance, and respect. It is written: Jonah 3: 6-8, King James Version (KJV): 6 For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. 7 And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water: 8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands.

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(06/29/2018) A Second Sacred Pair

A depiction of Abraham, Sarah and Isaac

 

Today, reply is on the divine use of Abraham and Sarah as a sacred pair sharing a single personhood in relationship with the Creator through divine appointment and marriage.  Marriage as a sacred tool is intended to produce “godly seed” (see Malachi 2).  As with Noah and Moses among the Patriarchs, and Jesus Christ who has provided the new creation, his church, Abraham is spoken of among Christian believers as a “second Adam.”  Developing believers are, first, to acknowledge, and then understand, that authority, dominion and power over existence, duration, and everlasting life are with the Lord our GOD.  The many occasions and sacred events (we say, miracles) where divinity has operated according to sacred laws, rather than natural laws to bring about human reproduction, birth, and new life include the birth of Samson, a Judge of Israel; the birth of Samuel, who is called the last of the Judges/the first of the prophets; the birth of John the Baptist, the son of a Levitical priest who was born full of the Holy Ghost; the birth of Jesus Christ as the Son of Man; and the birth of every repenting sinner who is “born again” through water baptism.  A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum using the ID “Love Unites” (Level 7 with 57,636 points, a member since May 08, 2013) posted the following:

 

Why did God condone Abraham’s marriage to his half sister?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.  Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.  How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.  And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised:  that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:  And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.  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.  For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:  Because the law worketh wrath:  for where no law is, there is no transgression.  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,  (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.  Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.  (Romans 4:  8-18, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Abraham Demonstrates Spiritual Growth (05/30/2018); Christianity Is A Relationship (04/05/2018); The Heir To Abraham (10/23/2016); An Eternal Inheritance? (06/26/2016); Ye Are Abraham’s Seed (07/10/2015); Blessing and Inheritance from Abraham? (06/05/2014); On Christians Executing Judgment (06/06/2014); Circumcision and Promise? (07/16/2013); The Bible and Stupid People (07/17/2013)

 

“Love Unites”, Abraham found grace in the eyes of the Lord.  Adam (the first male and female) were held to be one and a sacred pair before GOD by virtue of their creation.  Abraham and Sarah are to be accounted as one on the basis of their both having been chosen to fulfill eternal purposes that expressed divine prerogative and sovereign will; on the basis of their spiritual joining through marriage; and on the basis of their having received endowments of spirit content from the Creator that allow displaying oneness without sameness.  For Adam and Abraham, marriage was not a man-made or social institution structured by law regarding family and maintained for human survival so much as it continued to be a tool of divine fullness (we say, the Godhead; the Trinity; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) for making actual the multiple possibilities of sacred law, divine incarnation, inheritance, judgment, eternal life, and the necessary revelation of GOD to his own created beings and living creatures.  Abraham’s experience of divinity incorporated both prophetic visions and divine visitation.   Abraham was called by GOD to live as a nomad on the earth; and the Patriarch eventually commanded a household that may have numbered thousands, for it included the families of his male servants who also served as an army of more than three hundred.  Everywhere he traveled he dug life-giving wells for water; built altars for sacrifice; continued circumcision and covenant relationship; practiced intercession, praise, and prayer; and demonstrated worship of the true GOD.  Together with Sarah, Abraham was to accomplish a sacred event (miracle), the birth of a firstborn to a barren woman pass the age of fertility.  The birth of Isaac was to be a platform for the birth of Jesus Christ as Messiah.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Genesis 18:  1-5, King James Version (KJV):  1 And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre:  and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;  2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him:  and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,  3 And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant:  4 Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:  5 And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on:  for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said.

(2.)  Genesis 18:  23-28, KJV:  23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?  24 Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city:  wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?  25 That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked:  and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee:  Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?  26 And the Lord said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.  27 And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes:  28 Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous:  wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five? And he said, If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy it.

(3.)  Genesis 18:  9-14, KJV:  9 And they said unto him, Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent.  10 And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him.  11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.  12 Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?  13 And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?  14 Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Genesis 18:  17-22, KJV:  17 And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;  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.  20 And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;  21 I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.  22 And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom:  but Abraham stood yet before the LORD.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(06/06/2018) Why Spirit Displays Personhood

An image intended to depict the Person of the Holy Spirit

 

Today, reply is on personhood as another of the inseparable aspects of spirit content within the full makeup of divinity that is imparted to sinners who become born again.  Many of the sacred operations of GOD that pertain to humankind may be described as interpersonal, intimate, promissory, and prophetic, rather than abstract, mechanical, natural, and physical.  Even when using present-day conventions (whereby an automobile, a favorite hat, a gun, or a tool may be spoken of as “faithful”, “my girl,” reliable, and trusty), material objects and things are not autonomous; do not have gender; can not feel, think, or return affection; and they can not display the full pattern of abilities, qualities, and skills described through personhood.  Although he remains invisible and unseen, The Holy Spirit is active and appears through covenant relationships, consolation, intercession, justification, oneness without sameness, praise, prayer, repentance, sanctification, giving utterance, and witnessing.  Personhood within and among Deity promotes accountability, commitment, communication, discernment, exchange, and interaction along with dominion, ownership, revelation, and sovereignty.  The accord, fellowship, eternal purpose, and permanent relationship that characterize the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are imparted to created beings and living creatures through the same deposits and endowments from the divine makeup that establish the created as having separate consciousness, existence, life, and self-will.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:

 

Christians, why is the Holy Spirit a “person”?

 

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.  (1st Timothy 3:  16, King  James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Gift(s) From GOD (04/08/2018); What Is A Spirit? (03/06/2018); Thoughts On Divine Personhood (12/07/2017); Cloven Tongues of Fire (11/29/2017); Leadings of the Spirit (11/05/2017); Becoming Joined To GOD (10/13/2017); (Knowing the Invisible GOD 09/17/2017)

 

“Anonymous”, language to describe the fullness of divine substance (we say, Deity; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit; the Godhead) has been developed over the course of thousands of years, and appears throughout the holy writings.  The names we use when speaking of the Holy Spirit include the Comforter, the Creator, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit, the Spirit of Prophecy, and the Spirit of Truth.  While the Holy Spirit has been depicted as a dove, as flames of fire, as fruit, as spiritual gifts, and a celestial presence within the tabernacle and the temple (Shekinah glory), the Spirit must always be acknowledged as having personhood in keeping with divine law and multiple streams of sacred process.

In the same way, a corporation has status before our public law as a “party” or “person” (rather than as an “entity” or “people”), the Holy Spirit must have standing before, by, from, and within sacred law to serve as one having accountability, balance, completeness, independence, integrity and stability to witness, or to voice lawful testimony.  The Holy Spirit may apply and proclaim divine  law, and does expose transgression (sin), yet, the Spirit does not operate on the basis of self-will; and makes no accusations or indictments of anyone in judgment. 

Divinity is knowable, known, accessible, and approachable through their existence as active presence.  Even so, sin that opposes the continuing existence of divine law, the Lawgiver, and the entire Creation that rests on the platforms of divine order, may dominate awareness and self-will within created beings and living creatures.  The operations of sin have defiled and weakened the original deposits of spirit substance from the makeup of GOD (we say, breath, life essence, spirit, word), therefore, divinity has demonstrated perfected humanity using flesh and blood as Jesus Christ (we say, embodiment; Incarnation).  Through his ministry and that of the Holy Spirit, the living now may receive fresh endowments of spirit, and endure as the new creation.  Included are Christ-likeness, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Job 33:  4, King James Version (KJV):  4 The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.

(2.)  Romans 8:  5-11, 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.  10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.  11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

(3.)  Romans 8:  26-27, KJV:  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 that should be said, properly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  1st John 5:  5-7, KJV:  5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?  6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.  7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost:  and these three are one.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/01/2018) Christian “Thoughts and Prayers”

 

Today, reply is on the value of “thoughts and prayers” as a response to mass shootings, tragedies, and extreme weather events.  Among Christian believers, many occurrences outside the church and within the general community (i.e., the world) are recognizable as cries for help.  Crisis, emergency, and traumatic events often demand divine intervention, can include clear violations of sacred law, and are properly seen as attacks against divine order.  In spite of issues of disbelief, lack of gratitude, and skepticism, when disaster and terror events turn a spotlight on unmet needs for the ministry of Christ as Risen Lord, it is correct for Christians to apply the same solutions and tools relied on within the congregations and communities of faith.  Outreach may provide expressions of love and support through music ministry, intercessory prayer, prophecy, and selected readings from the holy writings.  Meaningful recovery, treatment, and volunteer efforts will require cooperation and shared focus that also can counteract the increased threats that workers will become overwhelmed by feelings of anger, bitterness, defeat, depression, helplessness, fear, and exaggerated pride.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data appeared) posted the following:

 

What exactly do “thoughts and prayers” accomplish?

Any time there’s a tragedy or mass shooting, social media is plastered by conservative Christians saying “sending thoughts and prayers.” What exactly does this do to help the victims?

 

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

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  GOD Protects the Faithful (12/19/2017); Storms to Punish America? (09/08/2017); Why Pray For Victims? (06/14/2016); Shot While in Church? (06/18/2015); Saved While in Church? (06/19/2015); Faith for Facing Tragedy? (06/04/2013); Words Spoken By GOD? (06/05/2013); Unless You Repent (03/05/2013); The Childhood of Jesus? (03/06/2013)

 

“Anonymous”, thoughts and prayers serve to counteract our extreme natural responses such as anger, bitterness, despair, and irrational, mindless violence.  Where people are being courteous and friendly to us during times of bereavement, emotional crisis, and stress, we often fail to realize that their responses to us that are most encouraging and helpful may have been generated by their indwelling spirit imparted from the makeup of GOD.  Christian believers are to operate as incarnations of divinity, spokespersons, and the offspring (sons and daughters) of GOD on the earth who make divinity active and present during times of trouble, and our hours of need.  Sinners who are “born again” experience the death, burial, and resurrection of their inborn spirit, and are to become vessels of divine DNA, so to speak.  As those repenting and returning to GOD, sinners in transition who undergo the permanent changes in rebirth are filled with inseparable sacred substance from the fullness of divinity.  Included are balance, faith, forbearance, holiness, humility, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, respect, wisdom, and wrath against sin. 

GOD is not an abstraction, an academic construct, or a human intellectual device; therefore, the sacred work of revelation goes forward to make divinity knowable, known, accessible, and approachable to created beings and living creatures.  Communication, exchange, and interaction (we say, entering into a personal relationship with GOD) are shared through multiple lives and actual members of the full body of Christ, the church.  In addition to shared worship, there are fellowship, marriage, meditation, praise, prayer, study, and unselfish service.  Our shared thoughts and prayers become acceptable gifts, offerings, requests, and sacrifices to GOD when they are presented by Jesus Christ.  Also, Christian believers are to understand that “comfort” along with “edification” and “exhortation” is one of the three works that provide divine disclosure and revelation appearing as aspects of sacred prophecy within the church.

The proclamation of the Gospel (good news) provides truth that is directed against fear, isolation, loneliness, poverty, the operations of sin, and all spiritual confusion.  On surface, the non-worship activities and programs of the church may appear little different from what goes on in community recreation and social centers.  However, the church uses simple things that impart lessons and resources that nonetheless are spiritually profound.  Included are divine assurances, emblems, opportunities to serve, seals, signs, and sacred tokens that express and establish the integrity of GOD.  Survivors, victims, and those still on the battlefield will be encouraged and refreshed when they are not answered by ignorance, blamed, despised, forgotten, ignored, condemned by indifference and silence, or rejected as being unfit.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  2nd Peter 1:  2-4, King James Version (KJV):  2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,  3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:  4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises:  that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

(2.)  Jeremiah 29:  11-13, KJV:  11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.  12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.  13 And ye shall seek me and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

(3.)  1st Thessalonians 4:  13-18, KJV:  13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.  15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.  16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God:  and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air:  and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  2nd Corinthians 7:  1, KJV:  1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(02/21/2018) Using Repetition in Prayer?

A Depiction of Jesus in Prayer at Gethsemane

 

Today, reply is on believers becoming immersed in and joined to divinity through sacred prayer.   The idea of “vain repetition” in ones prayers addresses making public displays of ones religious practices to impress others, and addresses offering prayer to Deity that lacks spirit content from the makeup of GOD.  Through the example and guidance shared by Jesus Christ, we see that the problems that make a person’s prayers ineffectual arise from the intent, process, and purpose of their prayer.  Sacred prayer is to be more than a repeating of specific language and speech, or recurring requests to meet recurring needs.  In the same way, “I love you” may be exchanged countless times between a man and his spouse without the familiar words becoming false, meaningless and trite, believers may approach divinity sharing “thank you,” “please forgive,” and “Amen” without also committing transgression of divine law, or the offering of “vain repetition.”  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

 

Why did Jesus say the same prayer 3 times in a row, if praying repetitiously is bad?

(Matthew 26:39-44):

“And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.”

And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, thy will be done.” And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words.”

Some sects teach praying in repetitions is bad but Jesus prayed in repetitions in this example

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are:  for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.  But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.  But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do:  for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.  Be not ye therefore like unto them:  for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.  (Matthew 6:  5-8, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The GOD Who Answers? (04/04/2017); Benefits of the Rosary (02/14/2017); The Cross was Premature? (04/07/2016); The Power in Prayer? (08/22/2014); The Rosary and Other Prayers? (08/23/2014); Why Christians Pray for Others (01/12/2014); GOD is Jesus? (01/13/2014); The Passion at Gethsemane (03/28/2013); Separated and Sealed? (03/29/2013)

 

“Anonymous”, here are some points Christian believers benefit by:

(1.)  In the same way saying “I love you” should never be thought of as boring, powerless, and unnecessary between a husband and wife, repeating specific phrases, thoughts, and words in prayer (e.g., thy kingdom come, thy will be done) are not forbidden or prohibited.  Even so, all who pray are counseled to avoid “vain repetition,” making presentations that lack spirit substance from the makeup of GOD such as balance, faith, gratitude, humility, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, and unselfishness. 

(2.)  The sacred process of prayer is one of contact, exchange, and interaction with the fullness of divinity (we say, the GODhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) by the spirit substance that has been imparted to a created being or living creature, and is more than a matter of speaking words, the grandness and poetry of ones vocabulary, or using speech to create a focus on desires.  There is a rejoining of spirit to Spirit, and an affirmation of sacred personhood that displays oneness without sameness.

(3.)  Just as prayers can not be offered to change the heart and mind of GOD (i.e., bribe, influence, manipulate divinity),  there are many secular and worldly things maintained through mechanical means and natural laws that do not respond to the prayers of believers.  Even so, it is correct to importune and persevere in prayer.

(4.)  Given that divinity is immutable and unchanging, there are multiple features that repeatedly appear as aspects of sacred prayer.  Included are confession, requesting counsel, declaring the terms of covenant, intercession, petition, praise, and thanksgiving.  Properly offered prayers do not present complaining, nagging, self-promotion, condemning and slandering others, or gossip and talebearing.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.) using language from the Bible, sacred prayer continues discovery and displaying respect by believers as well as instruction and revelation from divinity:  Romans 8:  26, King James Version (KJV):  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.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/31/2018) Divine Priesthood on Earth

A depiction of Adam as High Priest making sacrifice for atonement that must be received by GOD through fire from heaven.

 

Today, the Bible is discussed as a record of the divine priesthood in heaven appearing on the earth through mankind.  Those in the office of prophet are to serve as spokespersons in the relationship between GOD and mankind while only those consecrated to serve in the office of priest are to offer blood for the remission of sin.  From skins to holy garments, from the blood of circumcision to the blood of the cross, the priesthood has performed the works of atonement, manifesting the active presence who is GOD, and countering the operations of sin through divine provisions.  A writer in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “Jim” (Level 1 with 90 points, a member since December 21, 2015) posted the following:
 

Whose idea was it to create the Bible?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,  As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:  If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.  To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,  Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.  Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious:  and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.  Unto you therefore which believe he is precious:  but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,  And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient:  whereunto also they were appointed.  But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;  Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God:  which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.  (1st Peter 2:  1-10, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Divinity of “Word” (01/26/2018); What Would Moses Say? (10/27/2017); Christ Our High Priest (10/25/2017); The First Book of the Bible? (11/20/2014); The Beginning of Wisdom? (11/21/2014); Recognizing True Prophets (05/02/2013); Jesus, A Party Animal? (05/03/2013)

 

“Jim”, the Bible began through what we call “oral tradition” before the development of reading and writing.  Adam and others of the Patriarchs lived for nearly a millennium (1,000 years); and it is thought that worship was held “in the gate” (i.e., at the entrance) to the Garden of Eden, and in the witness of the angel posted there.  In addition to understanding the Bible to be a written record of GOD revealing divinity to created beings and living creatures by using thousands of events within thousands of lives over the course of thousands of years, another important way for Christian believers to apprehend the many streams of truth from the Bible is to acknowledge that the holy writings document the development on earth of the sacred priesthood from heaven that is carried out and performed by Jesus Christ as High Priest within the Temple of Heaven.

The priesthood of Jesus as Son of the Highest was demonstrated to Adam, and shared with mankind replacing their lost inheritance.  Through the mechanism of the priesthood the offspring of Adam would become the new creation; would continue as “joint-heirs” with Christ; would receive words of comfort, promise, and prophecy to be proclaimed and repeated to future generations; would be granted sacred knowledge to practice the mysteries of atonement and propitiation for sin; and would continue the sacred work of reconciliation.

Many Christians believe that, under the guidance through Moses, the many oral traditions held among the Hebrews who formed the tribes of Jacob were blended with those from the mixed multitude that left Egypt.  In order to survive the years of famine, the Egyptian people and many others literally sold their land, their livestock, and themselves as slaves to Pharaoh.  As absolute ruler over a one-world empire, Pharaoh presented himself as a false god.  Details of the idolatry, occult practices, and impure worship that existed among the Egyptians were carefully separated from the doctrines and teachings that were to be a platform for a new nation and covenant people of GOD.  The Pentateuch that serve as the first five books of the Bible establish the pattern for all authentic holy writing.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Genesis 3:  21, King James Version (KJV):  21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.

(2.)  Exodus 28:  1-3, KJV:  1 And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron’s sons.  2 And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty.  3 And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron’s garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office.

(3.)  Hebrews 7:  11-17, KJV:  11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?  12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.  13 For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.  14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.  15 And it is yet far more evident:  for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,  16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.  17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

(4.)  Hebrews 7:  21-28, KJV:  21 (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)  22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.  23 And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:  24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.  25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.  26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;  27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s:  for this he did once, when he offered up himself.  28 For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  [For example, (5.)  Hebrews 9:  19-24, KJV:  19 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,  20 Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.  21 Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry.  22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.  23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.  24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:]  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(07/28/2017) Hardened Minds and Hearts?

 

Today, focus is on admonition, covetousness, and the range of sacred operations required to oppose sin.  Correctly understood, the living, and the things of the material and natural world have been created to express and serve the will of the Creator, not merely their own self-will.  It should not be disturbing or surprising, then, that the immortal, invisible Creator of heaven and earth might use animals, angels, the sun, moon, and stars to communicate and intercede with his own finite created beings and living creatures.  What should be thought startling and strange is that the hearts and minds of many are blinded by the flesh and the world so that they can not receive the plain guidance, instruction, warnings and testimonies from the Bible, or shared by those endowed with faith through Jesus Christ.  In the account of Balaam, who was spoken to by an ass, the seer himself regularly experienced unusual events, and often was relied on as the one to give counsel to others when they were challenged and confused by strange occurrences.  The ass had to speak to counter Balaam’s hardness of heart.  Similarly, discernment and sacred knowledge are bestowed on the apostles, prophets, mature believers, and the disciples of Jesus Christ to enable their correct response to the active presence who is GOD.  Consider again the following:  Hebrews 5:  12-14, King James Version (KJV):  12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.  13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness:  for he is a babe.  14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:

 

Christian. Is the commandment to not covet your neighbour’s donkey referring to one of those magical talking donkeys that you all believe in?

Because I must admit, those are some pretty good donkeys!

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?  And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me:  I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee.  And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? and he said, Nay.  Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand:  and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face.  And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me:  And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times:  unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive.  And Balaam said unto the angel of the LORD, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me:  now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again.  And the angel of the LORD said unto Balaam, Go with the men:  but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.  And when Balak heard that Balaam was come, he went out to meet him unto a city of Moab, which is in the border of Arnon, which is in the utmost coast.  And Balak said unto Balaam, Did I not earnestly send unto thee to call thee? wherefore camest thou not unto me? am I not able indeed to promote thee to honour?  And Balaam said unto Balak, Lo, I am come unto thee:  have I now any power at all to say any thing? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak.  (Number 22:  28-38, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Divinity Appears Using Form (07/26/2017); The Sin of Witchcraft? (01/24/2017); When the Donkey Speaks? (11/03/2016); On Really Seeing Angels (10/09/2016); Getting It Right About Angels (05/10/2015); Harden Not Your Hearts? (09/08/2014);Why Believers Fear (09/09/2014); Hardness of Heart? (11/24/2013); Prayer on Behalf of Others? (11/25/2013); Balaam (10/15/2013); About Sabbath (10/16/2013)

 

“Anonymous”, none of the many sacred operations carried out by GOD to cleanse, defend, heal, and maintain ongoing relationships with the living involve “magic”.  Establishing godliness within created beings and living creatures now demand such elements as acquiring sacred knowledge, forgiveness, growth, completing mortality (death), rebirth, resurrection, ripening for harvest, and sanctification.  The Spirit of GOD that put forth heaven, the earth, and Creation continues to gradually introduce permanent changes in the spirit content of sinners that include multiple subtleties (i.e., barely visible differences; sudden shifts in meaning, quality, and value), and that remain unseen to those who lack discernment.

Many fail to grasp that covetousness only appears as a transgression of divine law (we say, sin).  All sin opposes the continued existence of sacred law, the Law Giver, and divine order throughout the spheres of life.  It has not been a divine intent or eternal purpose that the living exist with their consciousness and self-will dominated by sin, and responding to an uninterrupted stream of desire.  Sin promotes destruction, nonexistence, and a return to the conditions in place before the founding of heaven and earth.  Even so, the living often accept sin as natural, normal, and in no way contrary to their own character and makeup.

In the same way divine law has been provided for guidance and instruction against sin, the account of the “talking donkey” is supplied for those who are immersed in carnal, material, secular and social realities.  Balaam was a genuine  seer (in the Bible, the early name for a prophet).  In addition to genuine prophecy from GOD that may have included visitations by angels, Balaam also may have indulged the occult through ignorance, innocence, and exaggerated pride.  Thus, a very graphic and strong warning had to be made against the self-will of Balaam and how he might support the enemies of Moses.  (Ask yourself:  Where my own self-will would be directed against the sovereign will of GOD, would it be enough for me to be answered on the Internet by a stranger (some jackass) answering in faith and love to Jesus Christ, or would I need something “extreme”, magical, and occult to be admonished and corrected by GOD?  Would GOD have to use with me what he uses for those having hardened minds and hearts?)

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC