(12/24/2020) Correctly Acknowledging Divine Mercy

Law and divine order are to be understood as aspects of the process for creating existence, life, the heaven, and the earth. Grace, judgment, impartiality, mercy, and righteousness are displayed in the process for making known and revealing the character and nature of GOD. Forgiveness, redemption, and salvation are divine responses to the profound human predicament that results by mankind having discrete and separate existence from that of the Creator appearing as integrity through self-will. Sin is not a creation from GOD, and should not be regarded as a finite human problem that involves no more than the confession of wrong-doing and a sinner promising to change. Sin will not be eliminated or removed by sinners expressing emotion, refusing pleasures of the flesh, or altering human responses to sensation. Multiple operations of divinity are required such as atonement; the death, burial, and rebirth of the sinner’s inborn spirit; modeling authentic humanity using of mankind’s form and life-process (we say, Incarnation); and imparting a fresh endowment of sacred content from GOD (e.g., faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, oneness without sameness, wisdom, wrath against sin). It is written: Romans 7: 7-14, King James Version (KJV): 7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. 8 But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead. 9 For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. 10 And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. 11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. 12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. 13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. 14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “cool” (Level 1 with 6 points) posted the following:

Imagine you make 1 sin you don’t repent of, and you go to hell for it? Does that seem like a merciful god? I love god, religion seems harsh?

Updated 23 mins ago:

I’m talking of a sin you know is wrong and you do till you die.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: But the word of the Lord was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken. Wherefore hear the word of the Lord, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem. Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves: Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place. And your covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with hell shall not stand; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then ye shall be trodden down by it. From the time that it goeth forth it shall take you: for morning by morning shall it pass over, by day and by night: and it shall be a vexation only to understand the report. (Isaiah 28: 13-19, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why Are Sinners “saved?” (10/11/2020); Divine Character Must Appear (08/13/2020); Chances To Determine Outcomes (06/07/2020); Grace Abounds Much More (04/02/2020); “Sinners” And “The Righteous” (03/19/2020); Aspects Defining Human Life? (03/02/2020); Divinity Commanded the Void (01/28/2020)

“cool”, the profound challenges and consequences generated by sin are harsh, and sin must be made visible to Creation as corruption (we also say, decay, rotting). Sin is not a man-made problem, and can not be eliminated using finite human ability. All sin opposes the continued existence of sacred law, the continued existence of the Lawgiver, and the continued existence for the spheres of life established to support the living (i.e., heaven and earth; what we know as the universe). Sin has not been created or put forth by divinity, yet, the working of sin may dominate consciousness and self-will (willpower) within created beings and living creatures. Sin promotes non-existence and a return to the conditions that were in place before Creation (e.g., chaos, lack of fixed form, and movement without direction). The mercy, righteousness, and wrath of GOD against sin are displayed through both divine judgment that is impartial, and through divine grace that expresses forbearance, forgiveness, love, repentance and sorrow for win within sinners, and reconciliation. Mankind was to be a companion to divinity who is immortal, incorruptible and invisible. Even so, the life essence (breath; spirit; divine utterance; word) that was imparted from the makeup of GOD to mankind has become altered by transgression, and now appears as mortality and death working upon the earth. The mercy of GOD is poured out as the blood and life of Jesus Christ that has provided atonement, opportunities, and possibilities for mankind that otherwise can not exist. Man now may become “the new creation” and may live on the earth eternally once perfected by GOD. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) Matthew 22: 29, King James Version (KJV): 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

(2.) Ecclesiastes 9: 18, KJV: 18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.

(3.) Galatians 5: 19-25, KJV: 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Romans 8: 5-9, KJV: 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(12/11/2020) Both Existence and Life

Operations of GOD that establish rebirth, continuing relationship between divinity and mankind, and the resurrection to life from death are in view, today, along with divinity as the only origin for existence and life within mankind. In addition to life on the earth that results from animal behavior and sexuality life also appears through the operations of consecrated spirit imparted from the makeup of GOD. The life essence shared in sexual reproduction became altered responding to human transgression of sacred law and is not the same endowment of Spirit as that provided to the first male and female in their Creation. In the same way Adam as a living soul was created through divine process and sacred substance rather than finite, human sexual activity and reproduction, Jesus Christ came to the earth as an offspring of GOD through acts of divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. Incarnation is a divine use of human form and life-process that goes forward using substance imparted from the divine fullness. Men must endure a condition of mortality while on the earth, yet, mankind may receive inseparable aspects of Spirit imparted from the makeup of GOD through rebirth (death, burial, and resurrection of ones inborn spirit) that is different from the return to life (resurrection) that occurs so the dead may complete divine judgment. Included are balance, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. A writer in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who used the ID “Mark” (Level 1 with139 points) posted the following:

Was adam the son of God according to the bible luke 3:38?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. (1^st Corinthians 15: 39-46, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Device of Inheritance (12/01/2020); The Power We Receive (11/19/2020); Made Perfect By Divinity (11/10/2020); When Does Resurrection Occur? (10/25/2020); “What if” and “Maybe” (10/20/2020); Why Are Sinners “saved?” (10/11/2020); Chosen Because Already Committed (09/07/2020)

“Mark”, many mature Christian believers acknowledge Adam as an offspring and child of GOD on the basis of the holy writings that appear in Genesis. Without using the finite human process of sexual reproduction, the process and substance of mankind has been one of divinity imparting spirit matter into a material form fashioned by GOD. Operations of spirit from the makeup and personhood of divine fullness (we say, the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) were required for man to become a “living soul.” In Christian belief, to this very hour, the only origins for both existence and life essence (i.e., breath; spirit; utterance; word) continue to be GOD. Adam was first made to be a single, stand-alone, male entity; GOD altered the male figure by removing one of his ribs to fashion the female, and the pair were regarded by divinity as one unit. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) Genesis 2: 4-8, King James Version (KJV): 4 These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens, 5 And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground. 6 But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground. 7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. 8 And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.

(2.) Genesis 2: 15-18, KJV: 15 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. 16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. 18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

(3.) Genesis 2: 21-25, KJV: 21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; 22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. 23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. 24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. 25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Job 12: 7-10, KJV: 7 But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: 8 Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee. 9 Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the LORD hath wrought this? 10 In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/25/2020) When Does Resurrection Occur?

The image depicts the resurrection of the dead at the coming of Jesus to harvest the earth of those who belong to his kingdom.

Today, reply is on promise, prophecy, and the coming resurrection of the dead. Resurrection for the dead is to be acknowledged as an expression of divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD that does not strictly address and fulfill the sanctions that appear within the unchanging sacred law. Divinity has operated on the earth using human form and life-process (we say, the Incarnation as Jesus Christ) to establish salvation for mankind and provide a “new creation”. It is written: 1^st Corinthians 15: 12-23, King James Version (KJV): 12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Roberta B” (Level 6 with 21,659 points) posted the following:

When will God resurrect people from the dead? Right after they die, or after the end times?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. (1^st Corinthians 15: 50-58, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Scriptures To Provide Comfort? (09/27/2020); Incarnation, Death and Resurrection (05/11/2020); The Resurrection Of Christ (04/16/2020); Will Jesus Come Soon? (01/09/2020); Divine Preparations for Advent (03/17/2019); His Words About Returning (12/02/2018); Preparing For The Rapture (11/09/2018)

“Roberta B”, mature Christian believers trust that resurrection of the dead has been demonstrated on the earth as an expression of divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of divinity. Resurrection does not appear from sequences under natural law or operations of men (we say, man-made) that appear as mechanical and planned events. Resurrection allows a display of divine mercy toward creative beings and living creatures even though there must be the fulfillment of immutable sanctions that appear within the divine law declaring death as the penalty for transgression. Mortality and temporal duration are commanded as conditions for existence and the life-process of those in heaven and earth. Through divine provisions mortality can be completed, yet, all who have lived may appear in final judgment and at sacred tribunals to determine their punishments or their rewards. Through forgiveness, judgment, resurrection, and other sacred provisions (e.g., rebirth, reconciliation, repentance, sanctification) mankind may escape the total destruction that is the second death. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible and Listen, a selection from the music ministry of Marvin Sapp:

(1.) Genesis 3: 14-15, King James Version (KJV): 14 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: 15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

(2.) Acts 2: 29-35, KJV: 29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. 30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; 31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. 32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. 33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. 34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, 35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool.

(3.) Romans 6: 3-5, KJV: 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

(4.) 1^st 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 that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aix9OoJ4rs.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(04/26/2020) Divine Protection Against Covid-19?

Jesus Christ, impressed by a demonstration of faith, reveals his authority to forgive sins by healing a paralytic.

 

Today, reply is on the divine use of the present global health crisis and covid-19 for divinity to become further acknowledged by mankind. Properly understood, GOD has exalted authority and sovereignty over Creation through both the easy and difficult aspects of life that men will encounter. Divinity is not seeking a new name, or broader reputation as the creator or the destroyer of corona virus. Mature Christian believers will hold that GOD is not required to demonstrate his divinity and dominion over mankind by responding to every condition, or instance of trouble and human circumstance. Consider again Daniel 3: 13-21, King James Version (KJV): 13 Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king. 14 Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? 15 Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands? 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. 17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

 

Why won’t Jesus protect everyone in church from Corona virus?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD. And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause. And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life. So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown. And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes. Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips. (Job 2: 1-10, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Testing That Nourishes Growth (04/21/2020); They Which Are Called (04/09/2020); The Place Of Meeting (04/08/2020); A Habitation of Spirit (04/05/2020); Endure Trials Through Faith (03/31/2020); On Behalf Of Others (03/26/2020); The Challenge of Covid-19 (03/22/2020)

 

“Anonymous”, it is not a new thing that mankind has to exist enduring the threat of death; and, given the possibilities of rebirth and resurrection from the dead, it is not necessary that everyone escape having to conclude their mortality by death. The operations of death, divine law, self-will, and sin have not been eliminated from the earth by GOD; and they continue to serve as sacred devices that make visible spirit substance and process that are inseparable aspects of divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). Divinity even has appeared on the earth using human flesh and life process as an anointed evangelist and healer (Jesus Christ) to clarify the multiple expressions of dominion, personhood, power, eternal purpose, and sovereign will that are being put forth by GOD. Included are focus on the duration of existence among humanity, the joining of mankind within the oneness without sameness that is shared among the Godhead, the fulfillment of divine Creation through sacred law and judgment, and the manifesting of otherwise hidden aspects of divinity through prophecy and Revelation. Divinity may exist and reside within the consciousness and self-will (willpower) of Created beings and living creatures. Also, the living may be directed and guided through fresh endowments of spirit matter imparted from the makeup of GOD. Believers are granted opportunities to undergo permanent change where they rely on sacred knowledge rather than secular knowledge, and they become transformed using divine tools, rather than finite human tools such as intellect, logic, philosophy, and science. The focus for believers must go beyond good and bad behavior, sin, and the flesh. We are to exist as companions to immortal, incorruptible, GOD who will remain immutable and invisible. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible and a selection from the music ministry of Dr. Charles G. Hayes & Warriors:

(1.) Mark 2: 1-12, King James Version (KJV): 1 And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house. 2 And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them. 3 And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four. 4 And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. 6 But there was certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, 7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only? 8 And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts? 9 Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? 10 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) 10 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) 11 I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (2.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRoe3iExVjU. Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

 

Image downloaded 1:50 AM, April 26, 2020 @ catholicharboroffaithandmorals.com/Childrens%20Sermon%2018th%20Sunday%20

After%20Pentecost.jpg

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(04/23/2020) Sacred Law Promotes Relationships

 

Today, reply is on whether a child who undergoes parental neglect or other abuse must still honor their father and mother in response to the Ten Commandments. Sacred law promotes fruitful relationships with divinity; and laws that are righteous promote industry, security, and stability. Just as Christians are neither justified by their own sins nor by their own good works, in divine judgment the behavior and conduct of children are not justified by their own sins, nor by the sins of their parents. Grace, reconciliation, redemption and salvation are aspects of being in correct relationship with divinity through Jesus Christ and through the Holy Spirit. While divine law establishes a knowledge of sin and transgressions that otherwise would not exist, the law also provides a framework and structure that allow the living to acknowledge sanctification, resurrection life, and relationship with GOD as the new creation. It is written: Deuteronomy 7: 1-10, King James Version (KJV): 1 When the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than thou; 2 And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them: 3 Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son. 4 For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly. 5 But thus shall ye deal with them; ye shall destroy their altars, and break down their images, and cut down their groves, and burn their graven images with fire. 6 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. 7 The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: 8 But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. 9 Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations; 10 And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile was shown) posted the following:

 

Since I hate my Dad and he has wronged me terribly through emotional neglect do I have to still honor him like the 10 commandments read?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Your eyes have seen what the LORD did because of Baalpeor: for all the men that followed Baalpeor, the LORD thy God hath destroyed them from among you. But ye that did cleave unto the LORD your God are alive every one of you this day. Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons; Specially the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children. (Deuteronomy 4: 3-10, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Grace Abounds Much More (04/02/2020); While We Are Growing (03/09/2020); Mankind A Divine Instrument (02/16/2020); GOD Also Uses Children (12/19/2019); More Required Than Crucifixion? (12/10/2019); Anger Against Our Parents? (01/10/2019); What Young People Need? (06/26/2017); Who Deserves Divine Love? (06/23/2017)

 

“Anonymous”, more than establishing and maintaining a correct relationship with your own parents, the law from GOD is provided to ensure your correct relationship with divinity. The Creator does not call children to act as judge, jury, and executioners against their own parents; and few offspring become connected to their caretakers as though their parents are equals, peers or playmates. Even so, for a child to become a complete person, a full adult, and someone who is emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually healthy before GOD, both their connection to mankind on the earth, and their connection to divinity must be sound. Things that have no meaning, and that seem only to be negative and wicked while we are minor children must become part of what we grasp in our maturity in order to experience the full release that comes through forbearance, forgiveness, and understanding of our shared human predicament.

The sacred law spoken to mankind as the Ten Commandments can be thought of as a divine tool used to transform the 12 tribes of Jacob and the mixed multitude of Gentiles and heathens that left Egypt along with Moses to serve as a new nation under GOD. In Egypt, the Pharaohs had dominion and ownership of the livestock, the land, and the Egyptian people; and only the Pharaohs could bestow or receive any inheritance. The law proclaimed to Israel was an infrastructure to guide Jacob as they would exchange, interact, and respond to one another through their lifestyles and daily routines; and was to serve as a framework for their ongoing relationship with divinity. Israel was to exist as an heir and a son to GOD who would carry out divine judgment against the seven tribes that occupied Canaan as the first covenant partners to GOD. More than this, Israel was to fulfill divine promises and prophecies that were not to be broken or forgotten that had been shared with the Patriarchs Adam, Noah, and Abraham.

Sinners who turn to GOD acknowledging Jesus Christ as their redeemer and savior are to receive a fresh endowment of the same life essence (breath; spirit; utterance; word) that was in Christ. Those who become “born again” and will exist as developing believers are to “grow up again,” become mature/ripe while living on the earth, and be harvested by the Lord at his appearing (Advent, the Rapture, the Second Coming). The inborn spirit must undergo death, burial, and resurrection (rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak). This occurs through operations among the inseparable aspects of spirit substance imparted from the makeup of GOD. Included are balance, faith, forbearance, gratitude, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

Believers undergo permanent change within their own spirit through discovery, gradual growth, sacred practice (e.g., discernment, forgiveness, praise, prayer), study of the holy writings, unselfish service, and suffering. In addition to acknowledging accountability, maintaining godly commitments and performing ones duty, mature Christian behavior will display the image of GOD, and will resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of John Michael Talbot:

(1.) Ezekiel 18: 19-24, King James Version (KJV): 19 Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live. 20 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. 21 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. 22 All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live. 23 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? 24 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.

(2.) Colossians 3: 2-13, KJV: 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. 5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: 7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. 8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: 11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. 12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

(3.) Titus 3: 1-7, KJV: 1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, 2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. 3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7j10za_3gQ.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

 

Image downloaded 10:16 PM, April 22, 2020 @ https://darrellcreswell.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/titus-3-7-justified-covered-by-grace.jpg

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(04/16/2020) The Resurrection Of Christ

The image depicts Mary Magdalene and the Resurrected Christ.

 

Today, the reply is on the resurrection of Jesus Christ as an operation carried out by divinity to fulfill sacred law, spirit process, and consecrated purpose, rather than material works to restore the physical body and flesh of a man. The resurrection of Jesus was to accomplish more than returning life to one who is dead; sinners are to be transformed to become the new creation. Multiple divine goals are addressed including judgment to determine those who will receive eternal life as well as judgment to determine the distribution of rewards to those who have been redeemed. It is written: 1^st 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. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile info shown) posted the following:

 

Why is it so important for Christians to accept that Jesus rose from the dead? Why make such a bizarre and unlikely event so fundamental?

It makes Christians look completely silly.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: 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; (1^st Peter 2: 5-9, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Miracles and Christian Belief (01/30/2020); The Judgment For Rewards (01/10/2020); Only Divine Resurrection Saves (12/24/2019); More Required Than Crucifixion? (12/10/2019); Proof of The Resurrection (12/01/2019); Sin Depicted Using Flesh (11/22/2019); New Birth By Resurrection (09/27/2019)

 

“Anonymous”, among mature Christian believers the meaning and value for the resurrection of Jesus Christ result from multiple operations of divine fullness (divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). The resurrection of Jesus Christ pertains to the continued existence of divine law; recovering the Creation that has been put forth from GOD; providing a birth process for mankind that does not use sexual reproduction; and the final elimination of sin. GOD exists as a spirit (active presence) who is immortal, incorruptible, and invisible. Even so, GOD is the origin of all that exists and has life; GOD has established the divine order that appears as our universe; and GOD has provided the frameworks and operations of finite consciousness and self-will (willpower) such as time and space. GOD exercises authority, divine prerogative, dominion, eternal purpose, and sovereign will. Where the living contain the same inseparable aspects of divine spirit that appeared on the earth within Jesus Christ, GOD interacts with created beings and living creatures in an ongoing relationship. The life essence (breath; spirit; word) imparted from the makeup of the Creator gives man possibilities and a potential to display the character, process, and substance of Deity without also removing their integrity and soundness as finite beings. Like the imparting of gifts from the Holy Spirit, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is a divine demonstration (we say, an act in good faith; a down payment; an earnest) to show the validity of all divine judgment, promise, prophecy, and revelation. Believers receive a fresh endowment of such elements as balance, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Consider again the following that uses language from the holy writings, and a selection from the music ministry of Dallas Holm:

(1.) Romans 6: 3-6, King James Version (KJV): 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

(2.) Romans 6: 8-13, KJV: 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. 10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

(3.) 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, (4.) Rise Again from Dallas Holm @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IzsF5F1xrI.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

 

Image downloaded 2:35 PM, April 16, 2020 @ https://latterdaysaintmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/resurrection.png

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(04/09/2020) Angels Appearing As Men

An image depicting a cherub

 

Today, reply is on the divine use of angels who also appear to mankind displaying human form and process. The holy writings document angelic visitations as one of the many divine operations used to clarify both the sanctions of sacred law that oppose transgression, and the sacred provisions for the correction and recovery of mankind from sin. Included are death, deliverance, mortality, rebirth, and the second death. Divinity now requires there be more than a spirit form for things from GOD appearing in the earth; there must be recognizable spirit content, process, and substance. It is written: 1^st Corinthians 13: 1-3, King James Version (KJV): 1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Leila” (Level 6 with 19,240 points) posted the following:

 

Jehovah’s witlesses, if God is not a man, then how did He appear alongside two other men, and meet with Abraham ?

Genesis 18 1-8

Abe even got Sarah to get some fine meal, knead it and make cakes for the Lord and his companions.

Should’ve made pie, but never mind.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. (Colossians 2: 18-19, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Born Mortal or Immortal? (03/11/2020); Godliness Characterizes Authentic Humanity (02/06/2020); Divine Dominion Over Nature (02/04/2019); Opposing The Divine Will (03/30/2018); Lower Than The Angels? (09/12/2017); Miracles Are Not Everlasting (07/18/2017); Names of the Adversary? (03/19/2017)

 

“Leila”, the process of Christian belief is one of gradually coming to correctly know and understand the operations and substance of divine spirit. Things that are too high for mankind because they communicate awe, mystery, and wonder have been focused and softened to be suitable for human experience; thus, the core of our sacred knowledge consists primarily of human eyewitness reports and testimonies. GOD is a spirit (we say, breath; active presence; divine fullness; word from an anointed language and celestial vocabulary) who appears and is manifest to mankind even without using material form, measurable dimensions, familiar similitude, or any fixed visual configuration. Divinity can be known to the living because spirit may exist and occupy the consciousness and self-will of created beings and living creatures. GOD has used various settings and devices that provide men on the earth with material experiences of immortal, invisible divinity that are graphic and memorable. Included are the ram caught in the thicket that appeared to Abraham, the burning bush that was displayed to Moses, the glory of GOD that was proclaimed and shown while Moses was in a cleft of the rocks, and divinity using human flesh and life process to appear on the earth as Jesus Christ (we say, the Incarnation).

The divine use of angels as companions, messengers, sentinels, or spokespersons from GOD to mankind may be found within the holy writings in accounts that go back as far as Eden. Descriptions and depictions of angels as celestial beings, as those appointed by GOD to exercise dominion over the natural world, and as those who may continually appear in the presence of GOD often include their adornment having multiple faces, lights, wheels, and wings. Thus, the prophets describe cherubim and seraphs as “other worldly”. No angels were reported to have appeared to Noah; and their appearance having the form of ordinary men occurs with Abraham, with Daniel, with Lot and his family delivered at Sodom, with Mary at the tomb of Jesus, and with the apostles assembled at the ascension of Jesus.

The revelation of death as finite, and life to mankind as an eternal purpose unfold over the course of thousand of years and includes the use of sleep to protect Adam during the creation of the female; the removal of Enoch from the earth through translation; the prophet Elijah taken up by whirlwind and a chariot of fire; and Lazarus called forth from the tomb. The angel who appeared to Joshua as Captain of the Host is regarded as an early appearance of Jesus Christ prior to his Incarnation. As with the use of miracles, the use of angelic visitations did not always result in men having greater faith; their responses included confusion, defiance, fear, skepticism, superstition, and uncertainty. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection 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.) Psalms 34: 6-8, KJV: 6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. 8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

(3.) 2^nd Kings 6: 15-17, KJV: 15 And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? 16 And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. 17 And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.

(4.) Revelation 22: 8-11, KJV: 8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. 9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellow-servant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God. 10 And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. 11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hYRA2PYkos.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

 

Image downloaded 2:10 PM, April 09, 2020 @ https://polination.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/cherub.png

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(04/09/2020) They Which Are Called

The image shows Jesus Christ serving as the divine High Priest in heaven who makes atonement for sin on the earth.

 

Today, reply is on the recovery of mankind from sin, and mankind’s transformation by divine fullness requiring the appearance of divinity in the earth using human flesh and life process as Jesus Christ. The process and substance of divinity appearing to mankind on the earth is one to establish unchanging divine order, permanence, and the eternal nature of consecrated truth. Only those who are called, who willingly respond, and who voluntarily endure will apprehend the high prize of GOD. Through the operations of divine judgment, and fulfillment of the second death, mankind is to be sealed as immortal and incorruptible. It is written: Hebrews 10: 26-29, King James Version (KJV): 26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “𝐸𝓂𝓂𝒶 ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ” (Level 2 with 964 points) posted the following:

 

Christians, why do we need to believe in Jesus to be saved?

According to the latter half of the old testament, God was already opened to forgiveness through repentance over sacrifice, centuries before Jesus. And according to the books of maccabees, it was already a strongly held belief that God would send the righteous to heaven though faith. In the second book of maccabees, a Jewish family consisting of a mother and her seven sons, were all tortured one by one for not giving up their faith, but they already believed that staying strong would land then a place in heaven.

So why is Jesus necessary for salvation?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3: 7-14, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Grace Abounds Much More (04/02/2020); Trying To Stop Sins (04/01/2020); “Because You Are Believers” (03/17/2020); Those Who Are Convinced (12/08/2019); In Relationship With Divinity? (08/16/2016); Products of The Cross? (04/27/2016); Called of GOD? (08/02/2015)

 

“𝐸𝓂𝓂𝒶 ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ”, more than salvation must come into view. Mature Christian believers acknowledge that mankind became subject to death and other unwanted conditions through the transgression of divine law, and may only be corrected and restored through multiple operations of divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). GOD appears among created beings and living creatures within consciousness and self-will (willpower) as active presence, and uses multiple devices and sacred operations to become knowable, known, accessible, and approachable. Included have been sacred law, expiation for sin, family and inheritance, covenant relationships, Incarnation (using human flesh and life process to appear on the earth), priesthood on the earth modeled after that in heaven, promise, prophecy, reconciliation, revelation, judgment, and resurrection of the dead.

It is the expression of divine prerogative, consecrated personhood, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD that mankind will exist as a companion to immortal, incorruptible, invisible divinity. Sin has not been eliminated by the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Even so, through the priesthood of Jesus, the living now may be transformed by receiving a fresh endowment of the life essence (breath; spirit; word) that was imparted to Adam at Creation. Men are to undergo the death and burial of their inborn spirit; and become “born again” as the offspring and children of GOD having divine DNA, so to speak. Inseparable aspects of the divine makeup are imparted such as balance, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. All are to “grow up again” on the earth, and become mature/ripe for harvest by the Lord at his appearing (the Advent; the harvest; the Rapture; the Second Coming.)

As vessels of divine seed, sinners who turn to Christ increasingly are to display the image of GOD, and are to resemble, reflect and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus Christ. Such finite human tools as academic instruction, secular knowledge, carnal reason, science, and self-will can not bring about the salvation of mankind. As developing believers, joint-heirs with Christ, and the new creation, those who are “born again” display new lifestyles and daily routines that include discovery, gradual growth, performing sacred practices (e.g., praise, prayer; worship), study of the holy writings, unselfish service, and suffering. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

(1.) Jeremiah 31: 31-33, King James Version (KJV): 31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: 32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: 33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

(2.) Romans 6: 3-4, KJV: 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

(3.) Hebrews 9: 11-15, KJV: 11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; 12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. 13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: 14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlYp5ek4I4E.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

 

Image downloaded 9:25 PM, April 08, 2020 @ http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gElok1opnNU/S2Kyaj4FZoI/AAAAAAAAACs/A7IYydf5HUE/w1200-h630-p-k-no-nu/Jesussanctrb.jpg

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(03/17/2020) “Because You Are Believers”

Today, reply is on the church of Jesus Christ being the successor to Israel as the “chosen nation” of GOD that appears within divine prophecy and revelation. While the holy writings describe the rise and fall of material nations on the earth such that specific cultures and states are identifiable to students of secular history, politics, and world events, for Christian believers, the focus is properly that of participating within a spiritual body whose members will exist on the earth throughout eternity. It is written: Romans 8: 5-9, New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition) [NWT]: 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh,+ but those who live according to the spirit, on the things of the spirit.+ 6 For setting the mind on the flesh means death,+ but setting the mind on the spirit means life and peace;+ 7 because setting the mind on the flesh means enmity with God,+ for it is not in subjection to the law of God, nor, in fact, can it be. 8 So those who are in harmony with the flesh cannot please God. 9 However, you are in harmony, not with the flesh, but with the spirit,+ if God’s spirit truly dwells in you. But if anyone does not have Christ’s spirit, this person does not belong to him. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who used the ID “TeeM” (Level 7 with 9,141 points) posted the following:

 

Who is the nation that replaced the nation of Israel as God’s chosen people?

(Matthew 21:43) “43 This is why I say to you, the Kingdom of God will be taken from you and be given to a nation producing its fruits. . .”

(1 Peter 2:7-10) “7 It is to you, therefore, that he is precious, because you are believers; but to those not believing, “the stone that the builders rejected, this has become the chief cornerstone” 8 and “a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” They are stumbling because they are disobedient to the word. To this very end they were appointed. 9 But you are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for special possession, that you should declare abroad the excellencies” of the One who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 For you were once not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not been shown mercy, but now you have received mercy.”

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: But I say, Keep walking by spirit+ and you will carry out no fleshly desire at all.+ For the flesh is against the spirit in its desire, and the spirit against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you do not do the very things you want to do.+ Furthermore, if you are being led by spirit, you are not under law. Now the works of the flesh are plainly seen, and they are sexual immorality,*+ uncleanness, brazen conduct,*+ idolatry, spiritism,*+ hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, dissensions, divisions, sects, envy, drunkenness,+ wild parties,* and things like these.+ I am forewarning you about these things, the same way I already warned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s Kingdom.+ On the other hand, the fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience,* kindness, goodness,+ faith, mildness, self-control.+ Against such things there is no law. Moreover, those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed to the stake the flesh together with its passions and desires.+ If we are living by spirit, let us also go on walking orderly by spirit.+ (Galatians 5: 16-25, NWT)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Acknowledging Christ as Son (03/08/2020); TWO Kinds of People? (02/21/2020); Disciples and “Little Christs” (11/05/2019); How GOD Speaks Today (12/10/2018); The First “Chosen” People (05/03/2018); Cultural, Political, Spiritual Growth? (07/10/2016); Divine Inheritance and Resurrection? (07/06/2016); Thoughts On The Kingdom? (11/18/2015)

 

“TeeM”, many mature Christian believers acknowledge the “holy nation” spoken of in the Scriptures is not a kingdom or sovereign state identified by geopolitical boundaries and land measurements, rather it is the church, the new creation of the Son of GOD. Through Jesus Christ, the present day operations of divinity among mankind may be understood as in a season of grace and reconciliation that is spirit in process and substance. Mankind is not being challenged with mysteries and questions that require years of academic instruction and secular research. Rather, humanity has been granted a revelation whereby otherwise invisible and unknown aspects of divinity are made accessible, alive, approachable, and indwelling. Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, mankind now may receive a fresh endowment of the same life essence (breath; spirit; word) that was imparted to Adam at Creation from the makeup of GOD. Inseparable aspects of divine fullness are imparted that include balance, commitment, faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. As vessels of divine DNA (so to speak), believers are to exist and mature on the earth as the children and heirs of GOD until the appearing of Jesus Christ to harvest the earth. Consider again the following that uses language from the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition) [NWT]:

(1.) John 18: 33-37, NWT: 33 So Pilate entered the governor’s residence again and called Jesus and said to him: “Are you the King of the Jews?”+ 34 Jesus answered: “Are you asking this of your own originality, or did others tell you about me?” 35 Pilate replied: “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests handed you over to me. What did you do?” 36 Jesus answered:+ “My Kingdom is no part of this world.+ If my Kingdom were part of this world, my attendants would have fought that I should not be handed over to the Jews.+ But as it is, my Kingdom is not from this source.” 37 So Pilate said to him: “Well, then, are you a king?” Jesus answered: “You yourself are saying that I am a king.+ For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth.+ Everyone who is on the side of the truth listens to my voice.”+

(2.) Romans 10: 1-4, NWT: 10 Brothers, the goodwill of my heart and my supplication to God for them are indeed for their salvation.+ 2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God,+ but not according to accurate knowledge. 3 For because of not knowing the righteousness of God+ but seeking to establish their own,+ they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.+ 4 For Christ is the end of the Law,+ so that everyone exercising faith may have righteousness.+

(3.) Ephesians 2: 18-22, NWT: 18 because through him we, both peoples, have free access to the Father by one spirit. 19 So you are no longer strangers and foreigners,+ but you are fellow citizens+ of the holy ones and are members of the household of God,+ 20 and you have been built up on the foundation of the apostles and prophets,+ while Christ Jesus himself is the foundation cornerstone.+ 21 In union with him the whole building, being harmoniously joined together,+ is growing into a holy temple for Jehovah.* + 22 In union with him you too are being built up together into a place for God to inhabit by spirit.+

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) John 18: 33-37, KJV: 33 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? 34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me? 35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done? 36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. 37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

 

Citations from the NWT Translation of the Bible were downloaded 11:56 AM to 1:15 PM, March 16, 2020 from the Watchtower Online Library site @ https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/40/21#study=discover&v=40:21:43. New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition). Copyright © 2020 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania.

 

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(02/06/2020) Godliness Characterizes Authentic Humanity

 

Today, reply is on whether the Bible promotes slavery. GOD does not extend redemption and salvation to men on the basis of human accomplishments, economic and social status, ethnic origin or race. The Scriptures teach that mankind was created to exist as a companion to immortal, incorruptible, invisible divinity. Authentic humanity as put forth by the Creator is to display godliness, obedience, and the many inseparable aspects of divine fullness that were imparted as life essence. Included are faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. The holy writings have been provided to mankind on the earth even within cultures and nations where the enslavement of others were practiced as acceptable, commonplace, and necessary to maintain institutions for government, prosperity, geopolitical stability, and warfare along with management of ones own business, family, and household. Scripture provides a detailed picture of the human condition that has resulted through the operations of sin. GOD has not yet eliminated sin, and mankind is presently in a divine process of redemption and salvation wherein the living become the new creation. Through rebirth, repentance, and renewal, sinners are endowed to become mature and ripe for harvest by Jesus Christ at his appearing (i.e., the Advent; the Rapture; the Second Coming). All are to endure life challenges on the earth generated by mechanical process, natural law, the Flesh, the World, and other belief systems. The broad range of living experience includes affliction, bereavement, chance occurrences, disappointments, discovery, duty, gradual growth, hardship, imprisonment, inequality, forms of servitude, poverty, sexuality, social injustice, suffering, and the unexpected. Sacred knowledge and divine tools have been given mankind that allow men more correctly to recognize, reject, resist, and recover from the operations of sin. It is written: 2^nd Timothy 1: 7-10, King James Version (KJV): 7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shared) posted the following:

 

Does the Bible promote slavery?

 

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

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Visibility of GOD (01/20/2020); I Am So Satisfied (12/18/2019); Worshiping A Man-made Object (11/04/2019); Christ Displayed Authentic Humanity (10/09/2019); Was Creation A Failure? (05/13/2019); (08/22/2019) Comfort Through New Life; Continuing and Refreshing Creation (04/01/2019); Salvation Through Jesus Christ (03/25/2019)

 

“Anonymous”, mature Christian believers will agree that the holy writings describe the perfected human condition, the life process for the offspring of Adam that is acceptable to GOD, and the elements of mature, authentic humanity. These have been demonstrated through the appearance of divinity on the earth using flesh and the physical form of mankind (i.e., by the Incarnation as Jesus Christ.) The living descendants of the first pair are to display the image of GOD; and as believers and followers of Jesus, they are to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Christ. The errors of ethnic arrogance, covetousness, dehumanization, exaggerated pride, racism, slavery, human trafficking, and violence against one another appear through the operations of sin that oppose the continued existence of sacred law, the Lawgiver, and the universe that is an expression of divine dominion, inarguable prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of divine fullness (i.e., the Creator; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit).

While divinity created the heaven and the earth, and has established mortality as a condition for human existence, a World system of belief has been created by mankind that is intended to ensure human communication, exchange, longevity, movement for populations, and survival. The World system operates relying on such finite tools as intellect, logic, philosophy, carnal reason, science, and technology. The Bible provides a record of divinity appearing on the earth through thousands of events, within thousands of lives, over the course of thousands of years. The system of Christian belief provided by the Scriptures detail guidance, meanings, standards and values for the continued existence of mankind; promote the acknowledgment of divinity as an active presence; and continues the sacred transformation of mankind to become immortal and incorruptible through spiritual process and endowments of divine substance imparted from the makeup of GOD.

While mankind now must face life conditions on the earth that include aging, chance occurrences, disease, death, and uncertainty, divinity has provided mechanisms for godly living that alter, suppress, and in many instances reverse the operations of sin that appear as affliction, crisis, hardship, suffering, and tragedy. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and the music selection from the music ministry of the The Heralds:

(1.) Romans 8: 13-17, King James Version (KJV): 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 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: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

(2.) 1^st Corinthians 7: 18-24, KJV: 18 Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised. 19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. 20 Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. 21 Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. 22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant. 23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. 24 Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.

(3.) Colossians 3: 8-14, KJV: 8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: 11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. 12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

(4.) Colossians 3: 22-25, KJV: 22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God; 23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_UuIoxuLT8.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

 

Image downloaded 6:11 AM, February 06, 2020 @ https://i.pinimg.com/originals/4c/5d/1d/4c5d1d0e5fa057e5bdc910cbdc042560.jpg

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC