(03/30/2018) Opposing The Divine Will

(This painting suggests the development of dissatisfaction and conspiracy among the angels of heaven that was carried to the earth by the angel who used the form of a flying, talking serpent.)




Today, reply is on the offense(s) committed among the angels that led to sin in the earth, and the origins of transgression (sin) among the many created beings and living creatures fashioned by the Creator.  Along with the accounts of covenant relationships with mankind, the gospel, and other streams of revelation, the holy writings allow Christian believers to discover the origins of opposition to divinity such as deception, disobedience, disbelief, malice, and skepticism.  In the same way sacred correction and discipline provided to mankind through sacred law was challenged, condemned and criticized by finite living creatures on the earth, there were those among the holy angels in heaven who questioned the integrity and righteousness of GOD for devising and imposing divine law and judgment upon themselves.  Annulling eternal law, coveting dominion, and secret  insurrection were disguised, “sugar-coated”, and made to appear as genuine devotion.  A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “?” (Level 1 with 95 points, a member since March 29, 2018) posted the following:


What did Lucifer the angel do that God cast him out of heaven to hell?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And there was war in heaven:  Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.  And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world:  he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.  And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ:  for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.  And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.  Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.  (Revelation 12:  7-12, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Satan’s Challenge to Divinity (03/27/2018); The Servitude of Angels (08/28/2017); Names of the Adversary? (03/19/2017); About Lucifer in Scripture (02/18/2016); The Need For Divine Rule? (08/27/2015); Can The Bible Be Increased? (05/31/2015); The Words Are Spirit? (06/03/2015); The Power of Death? (10/01/2013); Divine Love Revealed? (10/02/2013)


“?”, here are some points mature Christians willingly consider:

1.  Most Christian believers acknowledge the information provided to mankind that makes immortal, immutable, invisible divinity knowable, known, accessible and approachable (we say, the revelation) includes sacred events before the foundations of heaven and earth (i.e., preexistence), occurrences and patterns on earth that copy those from heaven as well as the operations of sacred spirit contained and embodied in human form.  

2.  The language and mind-set that must be used when considering the events of heaven must be sacred knowledge (e.g., divine law; eternal purpose; covenant promises; prophecy) and the full system of things that are spirit in place of secular knowledge and the use of carnal, material, and social things that often results in spiritual confusion.

3.  Because many of us think of defiance of GOD and rebellion as expressions of anger, bitterness, and violence, we often fail to grasp that opposition to GOD may be in quiet forms that include complaining; conspiracy (organized opposition that is hidden or secret); contradiction; encouraging dissatisfaction; being inconsistent (we say, wishy-washy); being indifferent (lacking enthusiasm and zeal); lying; being opinionated; presumption; exaggerated pride (we say, arrogance, haughtiness); refusing correction; self-promotion; being stubborn; and unnatural affection (responding to loved ones and others as idols).

4.  Sacred process includes the accomplishment of divine ends by using agents, messengers, spokespersons, and living vessels of consecrated substance from the makeup of divine fullness (the GODhead; the Trinity; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit).  Included are faith, forbearance, holiness, restraint, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin).  Also, emblems, sacred objects, and holy writings are used to convey consciousness of divine person, presence, and sovereign will without promoting their worship as idols.

Using language from the Bible, the following also is helpful:

(1.)  Numbers 16:  1-3, King James Version (KJV):  1 Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men:  2 And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown:  3 And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them:  wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the Lord?

(2.)  Numbers 16:  8-14, KJV:  8 And Moses said unto Korah, Hear, I pray you, ye sons of Levi:  9 Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the Lord, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?  10 And he hath brought thee near to him, and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee:  and seek ye the priesthood also?  11 For which cause both thou and all thy company are gathered together against the Lord:  and what is Aaron, that ye murmur against him?  12 And Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab:  which said, We will not come up:  13 Is it a small thing that thou hast brought us up out of a land that floweth with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, except thou make thyself altogether a prince over us?  14 Moreover thou hast not brought us into a land that floweth with milk and honey, or given us inheritance of fields and vineyards:  wilt thou put out the eyes of these men? we will not come up.

(3.)  Numbers 28-33, KJV:  28 And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that the Lord hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind.  29 If these men die the common death of all men, or if they be visited after the visitation of all men; then the Lord hath not sent me.  30 But if the Lord make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the Lord.  31 And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground clave asunder that was under them:  32 And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods.  33 They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them:  and they perished from among the congregation.

(4.)  Luke 14:  16-24, KJV:  16 Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many:  17 And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.  18 And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.  19 And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them:  I pray thee have me excused.  20 And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.  21 So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.  22 And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.  23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.  24 For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  Jude 5-7:  KJV:  5 I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.  6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.  7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/29/2018) Fear of the Unknown

Today, reply is on the excellence of Christian relationship with eternal divinity over the finite practices of temporal religion.  Through revelation and GOD appearing in human form (the Incarnation) men may no longer make a righteous claim that their fear of GOD is “fear of the unknown.”  As with all human relationships, closeness to GOD, communication with sacred personhood, and intimacy with the Creator require continual displays of acceptance, humility, respect, trust, and truth.  Even though the living had their beginning in GOD before the creation of Adam and Eve, each person must come to GOD willingly, at their own pace, and in accordance with their own unique spirit content.  The living do not start out having sacred perfection, and must be prepared to interact with Deity in regular ways.  Thus, the operations of GOD for mankind through Jesus Christ are to establish permanent relationships with the divine fullness through discovery, edification, gradual growth, incarnation, inheritance, joining, judgment, oneness without sameness, revelation, unselfish service, sharing, enduring suffering, and embracing the everlasting victory over death.  A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “Darren” (Level 1 with 4 points, a member since November 17, 2016) posted the following:


Is religion based in fear?

Religion isnt had. Believe what you want, I have no right over you. I'm just wondering if religion was created out of fear of the unknown.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.  And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.  Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment:  because as he is, so are we in this world.  There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear:  because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.  We love him, because he first loved us.  If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar:  for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?  And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.  (1st John 4:  15-21, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Fear Of Divine Gifts? (03/04/2018); A Response For Survivors... (02/15/2018); We Begin Within GOD (02/06/2018); Accepting Christ, Accepting Change (10/20/2017); The Thought of Dying (08/15/2017); No Fear In Love? (05/17/2017); The Endtime and Fear? (01/14/2015); Why Believers Fear (09/09/2014); Freedom of Foul Speech? (09/10/2014)


“Darren”, Christians do not experience and practice “religion” so much as they acknowledge various possibilities for relationship with a living Deity who is the cause and origin for everything that exists, and who has imparted his own life essence (breath, spirit, Word) to all living.  Rather than speak of the Creator and Maker of the universe as an abstraction, an object in the natural world that may be manipulated, or an ordinary person who has extra ordinary ability and power, Christians respond to actions, proclamations, and promises provided from the beginnings of mankind to the present that are intended to make divinity knowable, known, accessible, and approachable.

GOD remains immortal and invisible, yet, has taught mankind how to recognize divinity as an active presence. Where divine fullness (we say, the GODhead; the Trinity; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) is revealed there are recognizable exchanges, operations, patterns, and purposes that appear repeatedly.  In addition to responses to mankind made through the mechanical, natural process for living on the earth (e.g., birth, reproduction, seasons, weather) along with the frameworks of time and space, GOD enters into covenants of promise, adoption, friendships, marriage, and other intimate relationships with the living who willingly commit themselves through communication (e.g., praise, prayer, preaching), obedience of divine law, and unselfish service.

For a lasting relationship with mortals (those who will eventually die) GOD must provide inseparable aspects of his own Spirit that make a man or woman more “compatible” with GOD.  Along with divine lovingkindness, those who are “born again” are supplied with forgiveness, faith, holiness, longsuffering, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Relationships with divinity are intended to reinforce and support mankind through the life process we create on the earth; and so there will continue to be life challenges, “growing pains,” and suffering.  Even so, faith and other aspects of divine spirit does not generate or allow emotions of anger, fear, and hatred to continue.  The process of GOD is one of revealing and sharing, where things unknown can be met with balance, holy boldness, discipline, joy, maturity, and trust.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Psalms 23:  1-6, King James Version (KJV):  1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.  2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:  he leadeth me beside the still waters.  3 He restoreth my soul:  he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.  4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:  for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.  5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:  thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.  6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:  and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

(2.)  Isaiah 43:  1-3, KJV:  1 But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not:  for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.  2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee:  when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.  3 For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour:  I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.

(3.)  Psalms 27:  1-6, KJV:  1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?  2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.  3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear:  though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.  4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.  5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion:  in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.  6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me:  therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Revelation 3:  20-21, KJV:  20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock:  if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.  21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/28/2018) The Meaning of "Faith"

Today, reply shares a Christian understanding of “faith” as an aspect of the confluence (meeting of streams; coming together) of sacred substance that exists as GOD.  In contrast to conjecture and speculation, faith pertains to a conclusive consciousness (we say, knowing) within the living of existing and possible operations, and process for divinity.  The followers of Jesus acknowledge faith as part of the life essence (breath; spirit; Word) and the fresh endowments through rebirth that may be imparted from the makeup of divinity to exist within created beings and living creatures.  The operations of sacred faith are to be seen through the acceptance of divine commission and duty; continual acknowledgment of revealed truth; commitment; endurance of “growing pains,” hardship, and suffering as well as maturity, patience, stability and willingness to await the return of Jesus to harvest the earth.  A writer in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “Ayebanengiyefa” (Level 1 with 73 points, a member February 26, 2016) posted the following:


What is faith?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him:  for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.  But without faith it is impossible to please him:  for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.  (Hebrews 11:  5-6, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  What Is A Spirit? (03/06/2018); How Are We Justified? (03/05/2018); Meanings for “These Three”? (01/25/2018); Praying For “More Faith”? (01/12/2018); Certainty, Conviction and Faith (01/05/2018); Relying on Sacred “Evidence” (11/20/2017); The Makeup of GOD (09/25/2017)


“Ayebanengiyefa”, in my understanding as a Christian believer “faith” has been revealed (shown by GOD) to be a spirit substance that exists as a recognizable dimension of his own divine fullness (we say, the GODhead; the Trinity; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit).  Faith is inseparable from all the other aspects of divinity that exist as the makeup of GOD, thus, wherever you find faith there will be other spirit matter such as holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness,  personhood, presence, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

Faith (and the other invisible things of GOD) are to be known as active and present on the basis of their effects and influence upon the things that are seen, touchable, and visible.  Included are social exchanges and relationships.  Because faith is not a carnal, material and physical object, many confuse faith with emotion(s) and feelings, or thoughts and mental process (e.g., belief, convictions, desire, imagination).

GOD is the origin of all sacred faith.  Sacred faith operates and is applied in accordance with covenant, divine law, judgment, sacred knowledge in place of secular knowledge, godly principle, eternal purpose, and consecrated utterance (the word of GOD appearing as praise, proclamation, promise, and prophecy).  Consider again the following points to reveal GOD that use language from the Bible:

(1.)  Habakkuk 2:  1-4, King James Version (KJV):  1 I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.  2 And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.  3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie:  though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.  4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him:  but the just shall live by his faith.

(2.)  Matthew 9:  20-22, KJV:  20 And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:  21 For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.  22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

(3.)  Matthew 9:  27-31, KJV:  27 And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou son of David, have mercy on us.  28 And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him:  and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.  29 Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.  30 And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.  31 But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.

(4.)  Romans 5:  1-5, KJV:  1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:  2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also:  knowing that tribulation worketh patience;  4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:  5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.) Romans 9:  30-33, KJV:  30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.  31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.  32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;  33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence:  and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/27/2018) Satan's Challenge to Divinity

Juan de Flandes (ca. 1500-04), The Temptation of Christ

Today, points are shared on the sovereign will of GOD, the temptation of Christ by Satan, and the sacred process of GOD for ministry to mankind.  Satan’s attack on the finite strength and weakness of Jesus as one in the flesh was more than simply an attack against mankind.  It was an attack against all divine fullness that would be recorded in the book of life as his own undoing.  In the same way the tempter could not recognize Jesus as the Son of the Highest, the Lamb of GOD, and the Word, the Adversary was unable to determine whether Jesus was the one prophesied, promised, and sent who would bruise the head of the serpent.  Therefore, he sought to provoke the Anointed One into confessing and boasting of his exalted, sacred  identity while Christ appeared to be simply another man who also was unbalanced and vulnerable.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shared) posted the following:



When Satan tempted Jesus three times, why did Jesus choose to submit the first two times?



THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.  And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.  And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,  Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.  And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.  And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly:  and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.  And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,  And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.  And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.  (Luke 22:  39-47, King James Version, KJV)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  In The Image of Man (05/04/2016); Divine Jealousy? (09/11/2015); Jesus Given A Divine Ministry? (08/18/2015); Gall Refused on the Cross? (03/20/2015); The Testing of Job? (10/06/2014); Knowing the Spirit is Inside? (10/07/2014); On Testing GOD (06/20/2013); GOD Grants License? (06/21/2013); The Passion at Gethsemane (03/28/2013); Separated and Sealed? (03/29/2013); A Man in Heaven? (09/23/2012); Aliens? (09/24/2012)



“Anonymous”, here are some points to prayerfully consider:

1.  To avoid spiritual confusion, the temptation of Christ should be acknowledged as a sacred event that focuses upon aspects of divine character, eternal purpose, and the spirit substance from the makeup of GOD that has been imparted to created beings and living creatures including angels and unclean spirits. 

2.  In the understanding of many mature Christian believers, Satan appeared having the purpose of challenging the authenticity of Jesus Christ as a man on the earth by boasting his own dominion over the inheritance bestowed on Adam as a son of GOD. 

3.  Christ was guided by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness following his baptism at the Jordan River.  There he would be isolated, without food, water, and the usual comforts of men.  Prepared only for fasting and prayer; he also would have to endure the extremes of cold nights and burning days.  The focus of Jesus was to discover the Father’s intent and sacred process for ministry to mankind.

4.  In the same way Christ did not appear having the glory and image he manifested while in heaven, it is likely that the tempter appeared in the form of a man, and did not display the recognizable adornment and regalia he had been privileged to present for ages while among the heavenly host. 

5.  The deceiver did not first announce himself as the Adversary of GOD, nor did he speak to proclaim his purpose.  Even so, his own words would expose him.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, 6.  By appealing to appetite (that Jesus should transform stones to bread), exaggerated religious pride (lifting Jesus above the Temple at Jerusalem, the highest, holiest place on earth), and lust for wealth and worldly power (showing Christ the fallen nations), the temptation appears designed to arouse greed, trigger concern for the flesh in place of the spirit, and draw Jesus into human submission and false worship.  However, the key element for success in the use of Incarnation by the fullness of divinity (we also say, the GODhead; the Trinity; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) was the willing acknowledgment of the divine will, rather than the finite will of the created ones.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/26/2018) Truly Doing "GOD's Work"?

Today, reply is on judgment, presumption, and showing proper respect to the integrity of divinity.  To serve GOD is to acknowledge his word, his will, and his way as proclaimed through divine law, the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the living witness of the church.  In the same way, Cain’s rejection of the practices for a divine priesthood on the earth modeled after that in the heaven resulted in death and disgrace, it is an error to follow and pursue any priesthood that does not acknowledge the grace of GOD that has appeared through the ministry of Jesus Christ on the earth and in the heaven.  Sinners who presume against GOD unknowingly commit “the great transgression,” for all at the same time, they annul sacred law; bestow benefits, gifts, glory and honor that rightly belong to divinity upon false gods; decimate, oppress, and persecute the covenant partners and offspring of GOD; defile consecrated bodies and dedicated objects; generate imbalance within divine order throughout the universe; sanction false gods, pretenders, and usurpers of divine dominion; and squander and waste sacred gifts, inheritances, and divine allotments as they forswear and violate covenant promises and prophecy.  A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “Stephen” (Level 1 with 96 points, a member since March 25, 2018) posted the following:


Will you go to hell for trying to do "god's work?"?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Then answered the LORD unto Job out of the whirlwind, and said,  Gird up thy loins now like a man:  I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.  Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous?  Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou thunder with a voice like him?  Deck thyself now with majesty and excellency; and array thyself with glory and beauty.  Cast abroad the rage of thy wrath:  and behold every one that is proud, and abase him.  Look on every one that is proud, and bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place.  Hide them in the dust together; and bind their faces in secret.  Then will I also confess unto thee that thine own right hand can save thee.  (Job 40:  6-14, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  I Am The Vine (03/20/2018); Duties of a Christian? (03/13/2018); What Do Christians Expect? (01/09/2018); A Lawless, Violent GOD? (11/16/2017); Another Form of Blindness (07/23/2017); Called To Serve Unselfishly (07/06/2017); Presumption, Pride and Sin? (11/24/2015); Convicted By His Humility (09/10/2015)


“Stephen”, sinners who return to GOD in humility will become “born again,” and entrust themselves to divinity to make permanent changes in their own spirit content and makeup.  Without repentance, rebirth (i.e., death, burial, and resurrection of their inborn spirit), and “growing up again” to become mature Christians, a sinner can not display new life as a developing believer and a new creation through Jesus Christ.  The repentant sinner becomes a member of his body (the church), a son or daughter of GOD, and a vessel containing divine substance.  Imparted from the makeup of divinity will be inseparable aspects of GOD such as Christlikeness, faith, gratitude, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

Christians continually are to acknowledge accountability for their own choices and conduct, and observe discipline that includes continuing discovery, gradual growth, and becoming ripe for harvest (i.e., mature and ready to meet the Lord in the air at his coming); maintaining commitment in spite of life challenges, hardships, “growing pains”, and suffering; obeying divine law; increasingly relying on sacred knowledge in place of academic and secular knowledge; and regularly completing sacred practices (such as baptism, discernment, praise, prayer, unselfish service, study of the holy writings, thanksgiving, and worship).

The disfavor of GOD that appears through final judgment centers more on ones lack of true sacred content (made visible by ones actions and deeds recorded in the book of life).  Thus, both Able and Cain, the sons of Adam, consecrated altars sacrifices to the same GOD, however, only one son followed the pattern shown to the Patriarch that included remission of sins through the blood of a lamb.  Where men continue to insist on independence from GOD, from one another, from sacred law, and from the diverse communities of faith, they often continue in errors of appetite, ignorance, lawlessness, and presumption.  To presume against divinity is to assume you have permission (steal authority) that has not been properly requested or granted.  Presumptuous sin includes ethnic arrogance, claiming credit for the works accomplished by GOD, defiance, ingratitude, exaggerated pride, racism, rebellion, and slander.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Proverbs 16:  25, King James Version (KJV):  25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

(2.)  Numbers 15:  29-31, KJV:  29 Ye shall have one law for him that sinneth through ignorance, both for him that is born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them.  30 But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people.  31 Because he hath despised the word of the LORD, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him.

(3.)  John 6:  26-29, KJV:  26 Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.  27 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.  28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?  29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

(4.)  Psalms 19:  12-14, KJV:  12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.  13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me:  then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.  14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  Ephesians 2:  8-10, KJV:  8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:  it is the gift of God:  9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.  10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/25/2018) "I Am The Resurrection"

Detail from the mural at the Biblical Museum (Dallas ,Texas) showing the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Today, Palm Sunday and heading toward Resurrection Sunday, reply is on death, resurrection (“standing up from the dead”), and the possibilities for eternal life from GOD.  Correctly understood resurrection is required for the completion of divine judgment:  Those who appear for tribunal in the presence of divinity must be alive.  Developing believers begin their eternal life through baptism, and their judgment is completed while they are still on the earth.  For the saved, after the Advent (some say, his appearing; the harvest; the Rapture; the Second Coming) mortality will no longer appear among the saints of the kingdom.  The second resurrection will be for judgment of the wicked and the unjust.  Those who do not qualify to continue duration as immortal, incorruptible companions of divinity will be destroyed in the second death.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data shown) posted the following:

When people drop dead they stay dead. Why are Christians and Muslims unable to understand this basic fact of reality?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them:  and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.  But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished.  This is the first resurrection.  Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection:  on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.  (Revelation 20:  4-6, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Pattern To Follow? (01/19/2018); The Most Important Thing (12/28/2017); Christ Is The Firstborn (12/26/2017); “Logical Sense” Is Replaced? (12/05/2017); About Using “Sacred Logic” (11/19/2017); Having Consciousness of Death (11/03/2017); Sacred Baptism, Divine Resurrection? (09/14/2017); Resurrected With The Lord (04/16/2017); The Cross and Resurrection Sunday? (03/16/2016) 

“Anonymous”, Christian believers trust that Jesus Christ is the divine person who administers and has demonstrated “resurrection from the dead.”  While on jury duty I learned, it may be a matter of two different five-letter words in a criminal trial that a man and woman were seen quarreling on a public street.  The eyewitnesses may all agree that they did see the pair; however, one witness might report he saw a man arguing with his wife.  A second witness might say he saw a brother arguing with his sister.  A third witness might have assumed it was a pimp and a prostitute.  Both the prosecution and the defense will use the same “f-a-c-t-s” to establish different presentations of “t-r-u-t-h.”

Those relying on secular knowledge must use information and finite tools (e.g., animal instinct, intellect, logic, carnal reason, discursive thought) that do not respond to actualities, possibilities, and aspects of truth that pertain to invisible, yet, active spirit substance within the living.  Where existence and life are explained as having origin beyond a questionable chemical process (a big bang?), and personhood is attributed to a Creator and Maker, it becomes understandable that accountability, authority, awe (awesomeness; fear of the Lord), and multiple aspects of divine fullness also may be realized.  Thus, even developing believers acknowledge inseparable aspects within the makeup of Deity such as anointing, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, righteousness, sovereign will (willpower), wisdom, and wrath against sin.

Mature Christians trust that, to demonstrate inarguably the power of GOD to establish Creation, life and death, sacred law and judgment, the Word (breath, life essence, spirit, utterance) from GOD has appeared in the earth using human form.  Among other aspects of law, promise, and prophecy, the Incarnation of GODhead (the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) was required because of men, women, and children becoming terrified at the sound of a divine voice.  GOD agreed to never again proclaim his word from heaven as was done for Moses and those who left Egypt in exodus.  Even so, in judgment, Christians rely on sacred knowledge.  The multiple streams of testimony, truth, and witness recorded as “the Bible” are affirmed and corroborated using thousands of events within thousands of lives over the course of thousands of years.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Proverbs 8:  4-9, King James Version (KJV):  4 Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.  5 O ye simple, understand wisdom:  and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.  6 Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.  7 For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.  8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.  9 They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.

(2.)  2nd Peter 1:  2-8, KJV:  2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,  3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:  4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises:  that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.  5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;  6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;  7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.  8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

(3.)  John 11:  21-27, KJV:  21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.  22 But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.  23 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.  24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.  25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life:  he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:  26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?  27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord:  I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

There is far more to be said, brought into deliberation, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  1st Corinthians 15:  12-22, 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.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/23/2018) "I Never Knew You"

Today, the reply is on the unimportance of “being a majority of humanity” to the sacred operations of divine judgment and salvation through Jesus Christ.  Christian belief is not on the basis of popular opinions, or practices that are in fashion as customs, traditions, and trends.  The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses the ID “STEVAN THE HEATHEN” (Level 1 with 34 points, a member since August 10, 2017) posted the following:


The majority of humanity do not believe in a christian god. Is the majority wrong?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  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:  6-10, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Being A Holy Nation (02/20/2018); Mankind’s Priesthood in Heaven (02/16/2018); Standards For Godly Behavior (02/01/2018); Without the Divine Image? (10/15/2017); All Have Come Short (10/11/2017); Did Jesus Want Popularity? (06/11/2015); The Needs of the Many? (03/08/2015); What GOD Demands (05/10/2014); The Body of Moses (05/11/2014)


“STEVAN THE HEATHEN,” while the demonstration by Moses and those who left Egypt says that faith is required for deliverance and the salvation of GOD, coming into divine blessing is not a matter of a “head count,” and how many people are involved.  (Only 2 from the army of more than ½ million actually set foot on their portion of the Promised Land; neither Aaron nor Moses was one of them).  Here are some points and selected verses from the Bible to consider regarding the new creation that is being established by divinity through Jesus Christ:

1.  The process of judgment is a fixed, non-negotiable aspect of divine existence whereby created beings and living creatures will be assessed and examined in terms of their character; effect; preparation, readiness, and willingness to be perfected; and their fullness of substance required for existing eternally as a companion and joint-heir with Christ.

2.  The demands and righteous standards of divine judgment and sacred relationship discourage lawlessness and slackness.  Given that Adam (the male) was created to exist as a companion to immortal, incorruptible divinity, it was not until mankind (the pair) required permanent change to recover from transgression of divine law that Adam became mortal (subject to death), would multiply and reproduce as the animals, and would have to thrive under the dominion of forces and influences that were not divine. 

3.  The integrity of GOD (we say, majesty, glory, righteousness) requires that every utterance by divinity of proclamation, promise, and prophecy be properly executed and fulfilled.  Included are the sanctions and warnings within sacred law that describe punishments and rewards.  

4.  Satisfaction of eternal purpose and sacred process may be accomplished through operations by divinity on behalf of mankind (we say, grace), and often will not require direct action and participation by a crowd, a multitude, or all living.  There may be delay, expiation, forgiveness, hierarchy, joining for oneness without sameness, mercy, representative sacrifice, substitution, the use of emblems, and use of a part to represent the whole.  It is written:

(1.)  Judges 7:  1-3, King James Version (KJV):  1 Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people that were with him, rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod:  so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley.  2 And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me.  3 Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there remained ten thousand.

(2.)  Matthew 7: 21-23, KJV:  21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.  22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?  23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you:  depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

(3.)  Luke 13:  22-24, KJV:  22 And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem.  23 Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,  24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate:  for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. 

(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.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  1st Peter 3:  18-22, KJV:  18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:  19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;  20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.  21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:  22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/22/2018) Judas Kept The Bag

Judas leaving the Last Supper after Jesus offers the emblems of his blood and body (bread and wine), and responds to each of his disciples by the foot-washing.




Today, Scriptures are shared describing the character, makeup, and role of Judas Iscariot that is reported within the Bible.  As king and a holy prophet, David became the protector and preserver of services and traditions important to the Tabernacle of Moses, yet, he established a new tent in Zion to house the Ark of the Testimony that had been returned by the Philistines, and wanted to create there a permanent house (i.e., palace; temple) for GOD.  David sought the favor of GOD whereby Solomon and his own family line would be blessed as a royal dynasty to fulfill the divine promises that GOD would provide a ruler for a kingdom that would last forever.  Christian believers trust that, instead of David’s son Solomon, Jesus Christ is the one “from David’s loins” who fulfills the messianic prophecies.  Through prophecy Jesus knew he would be betrayed, yet, probably did not expect it to be with a kiss.  While on the earth, Jesus was not all-knowing, did not read people’s mind, and could not predict the future.  Even so, Jesus was aware of the dark nature in Judas through the Lord’s sacred knowledge gained from study of the scriptures, his own practice of discernment (i.e., using the imparted, indwelling spirit from the makeup of GOD as a standard to recognize and respond to the spirit content within events, oneself, others, the holy writings, etc.), and the Savior’s endowment of divine substance that included gifts of the Spirit described as the “word of knowledge” and the “word of wisdom.”  Those entrusted as financial officers within an organization who “borrow” or make personal use of the organization’s funds are called “embezzlers”.  Within communities of faith, the practices of buying, selling, and trading in sacred things are called “simony” (after Simon Magus who offered to “buy” the secret of imparting the Holy Ghost by laying on of hands).  In the early church, Judas was to serve as an elder (we say, bishop); and Judas was to have been an apostle, a trustworthy witness that Jesus is alive and raised from the dead.  A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses the ID “Scouse” (Level 7 with 65,107 points, a member since July 29, 2006) posted the following:



Where is the biblical authority that says that Judas Iscariot was a thief who dipped into the funds?



THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.  For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.  Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.  And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.  For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein:  and his bishoprick let another take.  Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,  Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.  And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.  And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,  That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.  And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.  (Acts 1:  16-26, King James Version, KJV)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  A Descendent of David? (03/18/2018); The Coming(s) of Christ (03/11/2018); The Resurrection of Jesus Acknowledged? (04/03/2015); How Many Apostles? (04/30/2014); Doing GOD’s Plan (02/20/2014); “Prayer Death”? (02/21/2014); Succession (02/05/2014); On Youth Doing Enough (02/06/2014); A Halo Upon Jesus? (09/25/2013); On Marketing Church, and Speaking by Occasion (09/26/2013)



“Scouse”, here are some points many Christian believers have overlooked when seeking to avoid error and spiritual confusion about the figure of Judas Iscariot:

1.  When the shepherd boy David was anointed by the prophet Samuel to become king over Israel in place of Saul of Benjamin, David also was consecrated to serve as judge, priest, and prophet.  It would be a generation later (40 years) before David would be crowned.  Even so, many events in the life of David would serve as prophetic demonstrations that spoke to the life of the ruler who would be sent by GOD to establish an everlasting kingdom on the earth (we say, the Messiah; the Christ, the anointed One).

2.  As a divine spokesperson David shared poetry and music (psalms) to praise GOD and proclaim sacred truth that included a description of one who would betray the coming holy priesthood and apostleship.

3.  All of the disciples who gathered with Jesus to celebrate the Last Passover, and who also shared in his introduction of the Lord’s Supper, had been “called” (selected) by Jesus himself to become a part of his ministry.  They were always with him on a daily basis except (1.) when sent on missions to prepare the towns and villages for his coming; or (2.) when sent to minister themselves (i.e., cast out unclean spirits; heal; preach; raise the dead).

4.  Approaching the time of Jesus being arrested and crucified, many among the crowds and followers became offended by his teaching that all must eat his body and drink his blood, and so began to turn away.  Like those who trusted Moses completely, followed him through the Red Sea, yet, questioned his authority and integrity days later, all of the apostles became uncertain of their own true commitment to the Lord.  They knew within themselves they were still willing to quit, and go back home.  Thus, consider again the following that use language from the Bible:

(1.)  John 6:  63-71, King James Version (KJV):  63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing:  the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.  64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.  65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.  66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.  67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?  68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.  69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.  70 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?  71 He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon:  for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.

(2.)  John 12:  1-8, KJV:  1 Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.  2 There they made him a supper; and Martha served:  but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.  3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair:  and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.  4 Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him,  5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?  6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.  7 Then said Jesus, Let her alone:  against the day of my burying hath she kept this.  8 For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.

(3.)  Mark 14:  18-21, KJV:  18 And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me.  19 And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I?  20 And he answered and said unto them, It is one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish.  21 The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him:  but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  1st John 4:  1-6, KJV:  1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God:  because many false prophets are gone out into the world.  2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God:  Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:  3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God:  and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.  4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them:  because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.  5 They are of the world:  therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.  6 We are of God:  he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC