(02/26/2019) From Spirit Not Mud

Today, reply is on Christian beliefs regarding existence and the Creation of life, and the accounts and theories from science that describe the origins for mankind and the earth. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

Christians, I know evolution is too hard to believe for some of you, but how is god making adam from mud a more likely scenario, it's stupid?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. (Ephesians 4: 4-7, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Not By Bread Only (02/22/2019); Satisfying Creation and Law (01/22/2019); How GOD Speaks Today (12/10/2018); Watching The Science Channel? (10/17/2018); The Option of Atheism (02/11/2018); Multiply, Replenish and Rule (08/27/2017); Choice, Duty, and Obligation? (11/17/2016); The Best Starting Point? (09/13/2016); Believers and Evolution? (02/02/2015)

“Anonymous”, mature Christian believers find it easy to grasp that the makeup and full substance of mankind is more than dust from the ground. There are aspects of humankind that are not carnal, material, mental, or social, and must be spoken of as “profound”, for they consist of things that describe divinity, existence, and life essence (we say, breath; spirit; divine utterance; word) imparted to mankind from the substance of GOD (we also say, divine fullness; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). With this in view, the character, content, process and quality of created beings and living creatures can be assessed, evaluated and judged on the basis of their measure of sacred consciousness, divine endowment and eternal purpose, not merely by what appears as finite behavior, desire, and self-will.

Science provides hypothesis and theory in order to establish mechanical and natural laws. Using only secular knowledge, the scientific method proposes to accurately describe all the relevant patterns and relationships appearing when measurable dimensions and phenomena are manipulated. Therefore, the tools that identify genuine science include experimentation, observation, the recording of precise information, and continuing research. While the various fields of science have permitted exciting dialogue and engaging speculations on the origins of mankind, the solar system, and the universe, science, in fact, offers no better than such claims that “something” began from “nothing”; there was a great explosion having no known cause, that separated into discrete parts something that once existed as a whole; or there is an expansion of the mathematical point (having no known origin) that now exists as the framework for time and space.

Christianity requires ones full lifetime, and can not be apprehended overnight, for it is a comprehensive and direct system for developing ones consciousness and self-will pertaining to such topics as divinity, duration, existence, fruitage, life, meaning, origin, personhood, purpose, oneness without sameness, sanctification, and value. Revelation is the sacred process wherein divinity is made knowable, known, accessible and approachable to created beings and living creatures. Spirit substance from the makeup of GOD is imparted to the living that enables their understanding of sacred mystery. Included are faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Sinners are to become born again, exist as developing Christian believers, and become mature/ripe for harvest at the return of Jesus Christ (we say, the Advent, the Rapture, the Second Coming). Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Genesis 1: 1-3, King James Version (KJV): 1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. 3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

2. Isaiah 40: 25-26, KJV: 25 To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One. 26 Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth.

3. Romans 1: 20-23, KJV: 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

4. Isaiah 40: 28-31, KJV: 28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. 29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

5. Isaiah 55: 6-12, 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. 12 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 6. 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.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(02/25/2019) No Respecter Of Persons

Today, reply is on the favor shown to Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, and behaving as a respecter of persons. There are two forms of “respecting persons” that appear within the holy writings: 1. judicial respect of persons is the transgression of sacred law that sees bias, influence and partiality in carrying out tribunals, applying sacred law to resolve conflicts and settle disputes, or in determining outcomes and sentences of trials; and 2. social respect of persons that sees undue favor and preference shown to someone on the basis of such features as their formal education, their ethnic background and national origin, their family connections, their office and position, their reputation, their status, or their wealth. Early Christian believers were commanded to maintain decorum, hierarchy and order among members within the church and the larger community by showing obedience, respect and reverence. Thus, Romans 13: 7-8 King James Version (KJV): 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. 8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Owner Of All Cosmos&Universes” (Level 1 with no points shown, a member since May 18, 2018) posted the following:

Luke 1:28 says that Mary is very favored, so how is God no respecter of persons(Rom 2:11)?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. (James 2: 1-10, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Virginity of Mary (01/14/2019); Chosen Through Sacred Process (09/06/2018); Divine Law Is Demanding (04/10/2018); A Descendant of David? (03/18/2018); The First To Help? (12/22/2017); Will There Be Diversity? (10/22/2017); Laws Favoring the Poor? (03/06/2017); The Respect of Persons? (10/14/2016)

“Owner Of All Cosmos&Universes”, there are multiple differences among created beings and living creatures, yet, GOD has authority to set apart (sanctify) individuals to himself, and to punish or reward according to the provisions of divine law. In the holy writings, divinity is revealed as the Creator and Maker who has put forth all existence, life, and duration. Divine fullness (we also say, the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) is known through active presence; by sacred operations and divine processes such as forgiveness, healing, judgment, praise, prayer, thanksgiving, sanctification, and worship; by such inseparable attributes as faith, forbearance, holiness, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, and wisdom as well as by being the embodiment of dominion, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and sovereign will. While the divine work of final judgment expresses the wrath of GOD against sin, all divine judgment is carried out with balance, impartiality, restraint, and righteousness. The spirit substance from the makeup of GOD that resides within the living is examined using the record of a person’s deeds appearing within the Book of Life. Influences that would result in errors of judgment are not indulged. Included are ethnic and racial bias; age discrimination; caste or class distinctions based on finances, poverty, and wealth; marital status; national origin; prejudice based on employment and vocation (e.g., sanitation workers); and ones sexual purity. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Deuteronomy 1: 15-18, King James Version (KJV): 15 So I took the chief of your tribes, wise men, and known, and made them heads over you, captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, and captains over fifties, and captains over tens, and officers among your tribes. 16 And I charged your judges at that time, saying, Hear the causes between your brethren, and judge righteously between every man and his brother, and the stranger that is with him. 17 Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God’s: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it. 18 And I commanded you at that time all the things which ye should do.

2. Psalms 4: 3, KJV: 3 But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.

3. Psalms 7: 10-11, KJV: 10 My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart. 11 God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.

4. Ezekiel 16: 49-50, KJV: 49 Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. 50 And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.

5. Acts 10: 30-35, KJV: 30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. 33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God. 34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 6. 1^st Peter 1: 16-21, KJV: 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: 18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, 21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(02/24/2019) Black History Month, 2019

Dr. Carter G. Woodson, Historian

Today, some thoughts are shared for Black History Month, 2019. As evidenced by the removal of Civil War statues, and the changing of names for public office buildings, schools and major thoroughfares, many forward-looking American communities and institutions are now in a full transition to acknowledge the War Between the States and its influence on the expression of public issues to have its greatest value as heritage and history, rather than, as before, being necessary as a vital element for mutual acceptance, solidarity, and survival while rising from the ruin of war. All Americans are being challenged to correctly grasp the true benefit, nature, and substance both of heritage, and that of genuine history. Because the minds and hearts of Christians dwell on lofty sacred themes of eternal spirit and immortality, many seem to dismiss the importance of simple earthly elements that describe the human predicament such as kinship, duty, time, and place. Even so, a physician acting as a chronicler and historian contributed two books of the Bible (the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts). The holy writings plainly establish that there are intangibles and unseen things that also must come into view because they further determine the human condition and ongoing events. Included are such features as desire, faith, hope, motivation, and willpower. Even as scholars, where we will repeatedly focus on such elements as discrimination, injustice, oppression, prejudice and racism, or upon the multiple difficulties, failures, and hardships that describe human experience, there is great danger that we may become caught up within the cycles of cynicism, despair, disappointment, and skepticism. There must be tried focus and tested order that will shield the emotional, mental, and psychological aspects of those who seek to document and preserve a lasting record to benefit future generations. Just as genuine faith will be discerned through works of righteousness, quality research will be distinguished and recognized as excellent on the basis of its robustness and rigor. There are many presentations and television documentary films, now, that are being regarded as “historical” because their intent is to expose the background of great events, of social movements, and of the sacrifices made by the great men remembered as leaders and participants. Unfortunately, the true character and substance for such productions often is that of celebrating secular knowledge, commercial advertising and selling, fostering nostalgia and sentiment, the promotion of popular culture, and the re-affirmation of questionable customs, themes, and traditions. The true goals, method, and substance of Black History are those of an academic field, a Liberal Arts curriculum, and an authentic Social Science. Thus, there are demands for clarity, exactness, objectivity, precision, and validity that may not be ignored, and are not to be forgotten. The same way educators and parents are now encouraging STEM, we also must be careful to encourage the scientific practice of History.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding. He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. (Proverbs 9: 6-11, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Battleaxe on War (11/13/2018); Arrayed In Sacred Favor (02/25/2018); Bloody Sunday -- Black History (02/14/2018); George Washington Owned Slaves (08/17/2017); Tools For Knowing Divinity (05/12/2017); Fulfillment of His Dream? (04/05/2017); The Best Starting Point? (09/13/2016); The Accounts of Giants (05/24/2016); Academic Language? (12/10/2015)

RIGOR

[Black History Month, 2019]

Because History is a science

and its method is not shaped to say

I love you

or to lionize a fashion

culture pop, legend, myth, and lore

precise expressions

focused tools

are taken up

the measurable dimensions of

mankind

through artifacts

and documents

rather than emotions

issues, feelings

there is

the disciplined search

for cause

effect

and regularity

hypothesis and theory

probe for law

case study is not satisfied

with anecdote

broadcast news report

and even oral tradition

must meet standards

that will sate the tests of time

a harvest from this field

requires seed

finite with limits

not always for forecasting and prediction

the study has its worth because

the trust is that the truth

will set you free

the study has its worth

because of rigor.

©Michael Andrew Williams, 2019. All rights reserved.

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

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(02/22/2019) Not By Bread Only

Today, reply is on correct sacred knowledge of the imparted Spirit as the most vital gift from GOD through the ministry of Jesus Christ. As the Messiah and embodiment of rule over mankind by divinity, Jesus was opposed by the Pharisees and Sadducees who controlled the Temple, and who determined the course for all Israel through their carnal doctrine and faith. During their reign as High Priest, both Caiaphas and Ananias, oppressed and persecuted the early church not realizing that their teachings against angels and spirit also denied the Shekinah presence of GOD within the Holiest of Holies, and his authentic participation in divine atonement for sin: the warnings of Malachi were forgotten; John the Baptist was beheaded; Jesus was crucified; Paul and Peter were imprisoned; and the church was forced to evangelize once dispersed and scattered. The emblems of bread and wine that were to be used for the memorial supper that would join believers to the substance of the Son and of the Father, also were material emblems of new creation, mankind’s eternal existence, and the apprehension of new meanings and standards for life. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “GRANNY NORINE” (Level 1 with 17 points, a member since May 16, 2014) posted the following:

"Man shall not LIVE by bread alone but by EVERY WORD that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" (Matt 4:4). What does that mean?

Does it mean we can't overlook, ignore or "forget God" said ANYTHING?

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

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Satisfying Creation and Law (01/22/2019); A Descendant of David? (03/18/2018); The Law and The Prophets (03/07/2018); Mankind’s Priesthood in Heaven (02/16/2018); The Divinity of “Word” (01/26/2018); Christ Our High Priest (10/25/2017); Actual Utterance From GOD? (08/11/2017); Jesus Known As Word (01/17/2016); Divinity Has Person? (05/19/2015)

“GRANNY NORINE”, the revelation of divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) centered on the personhood of Jesus Christ is in accord with the accounts of Creation wherein created beings and living creatures are put forth through utterance. The process and substance of GOD relies on speech as a primary tool to impart sacred content that demonstrates and proclaims divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and sovereign will. Jesus showed the Pharisees and Sadducees of his day that the most complete and correct acknowledgment of GOD must go beyond focusing upon covenant law with its issues of judgment, and embrace the Spirit within the veil. Creation has been the imparting of life essence (we also say, breath; spirit; word), and the putting forth of divine order along with sacred law through operations of divine Word. Jesus as Savior and Redeemer also identifies the word of GOD—acknowledged only as familiar when appearing as holy writings, promises, and prophecy—also has both existence and life that may abide and appear using human flesh and material forms (we say, Incarnation). With the truth that life and death are in the power of the divine tongue, consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

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

2. Isaiah 55: 6-12, 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. 12 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

3. John 6: 63, 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.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. Revelation 19: 14-16 King James Version (KJV): 14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(02/21/2019) Doing The Devil's Work?

Today, reply is on whether Christians may unintentionally perform “the works of the devil.” As with the works of men, the works of the devil are to be discerned, recognized and responded to on the basis of their expression of divine purpose, their spirit content, and their appearance as the sovereign will of GOD. Where a sinner has correctly entered into the sacred operations of rebirth, repentance, and their existence as the new creation of Jesus Christ, they will continue as developing believers who must mature (ripen) for harvest by the Lord at his appearing (i.e., the Advent, the Rapture, the Second Coming). Because there must be discovery, gradual growth, learning through trial and error, risk-taking, and many other features that allow for errors and shortcomings, those born again who also must grow-up again are encouraged and shielded through divine gifts and provisions that include comfort, confession, forbearance, forgiveness, healing, praise, prayer, refreshing, rest, and unselfish service. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Hard Times” (Level 1 with 4 points, a member since September 02, 2007) posted the following:

Do you think some Christians inadvertently do the devil's work?

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

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Opposing The Divine Will (03/30/2018); Avoiding Confusion About Antichrist (11/08/2017); The Servitude of Angels (08/28/2017); About Lucifer in Scripture (02/18/2016); The Main Problem? (11/26/2015); The Seed of the Wicked (10/27/2015); The Origin of Sin? (07/31/2015); The Idea of Perfection? (01/20/2015)

“Hard Times”, many mature Christians would say “the devil’s work” is primarily blasphemy and slander, the acts of speech that attack the character, process, and substance of divinity and of other persons through the use of deception, lies, the unlawful shedding of blood, and the violation of covenant relationship. Because defilement and sin also have their origin within ones own makeup and spirit content, the works of the devil may be mistaken for the works of the flesh. Here are some points to consider that should be shared with sinners who choose to become developing Christian believers:

1. 1^st John 3: 7-9, King James Version (KJV): 7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

2. John 8: 38-45, KJV: 38 I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father. 39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham. 40 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham. 41 Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God. 42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. 43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. 44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. 45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.

3. Galatians 5: 16-21, KJV: 16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. Romans 13: 9-10, KJV: 9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(02/10/2019) Should Medicine Endorse Healing?

Today, thoughts are shared on how medicine must be an instrument and tool from the divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit), rather than an obstacle to the belief of those being called to serve through Jesus Christ. Last year around this time, I saw an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) on staff within a university hospital here in Washington, DC, the Nation’s Capital. I was given a prescription for eyeglasses, and scheduled for a follow-up session later this month. I have been rendered nearly blind for the last three weeks, however, and thought to arrange for an earlier appointment. When I arrived for examination, I was told I would have to be admitted to the hospital, and stay indefinitely; that I must submit to multiple extractions of blood; and that, based on CRT and MRI scans, my treatment would also address an inherited condition that (to my knowledge) has never appeared in me or others in my family (one of the University areas of expertise). Thus, readers are asked to consider the following:

Why would a Christian go to a doctor when there is a problem in his flesh that requires healing?

The Bible plainly states that the confidence, security, and well-being of a believer comes by the workings of spiritual process, and the use of spirit instruments and tools that include confession, fasting, forgiveness, importuning, praise, and prayer.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. (1^st Corinthians 6: 19-20, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Divine Dominion Over Nature (02/04/2019); Hezekiah Called For Judgment (12/09/2018); Nehushtan, The Brass Serpent (10/26/2018); Doctrine, Dropsy, and Sin (09/07/2018); Sacred Operations By GOD (04/12/2018); Demonstrations of Spirit Truth (02/28/2018); Another Form of Blindness (07/23/2017)

Healing is a restoration of full functioning and the operating of the flesh in accordance with mechanical, natural and spiritual law that occurs through interactions of faith and the many other inseparable aspects of spirit substance imparted to mankind that reside within the makeup of divinity (e.g., forgiveness, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, wrath against sin). There must be acceptance and acknowledgment of healing by medical science with its practices and strategies that address health care and well-being, for the medical practitioner will be held accountable by GOD for their correct application and use of sacred knowledge, and what they account as their own legitimate authority.

Because suffering that appears through carnal, material, and social events also is a divine tool to authenticate, challenge, exercise, and strengthen ones endowment of faith and the uninterrupted expression of hope, many medical practitioners argue that: (1) Spiritual things are self-contradictory; (2) have value only as expressions of emotion, psychological phenomena, and superstition; (3) should be restricted to spiritual rather than physical things (e.g., broken-hearts; ones own past; family and marital relationships; world peace); are neither scientifically reliable nor valid; and should be avoided. The clarity, precision, and simplicity of academic and secular knowledge, science, and technology should be preferred.

Just as doctors and surgeons can not foretell future events, nor consistently mandate the outcomes of their own actions, Christian ministers and their followers can not predict the future, nor command that the outcome of events be the expression of their own desire and self-will. At best, there can be the recognition and application of tried and tested patterns that become familiar through experience, practice, and study. Thus, knowing ABC is followed by EFG, one may correctly state, XYZ is coming. For developing Christians, the cause and origin for various actions and events within their life are to be discerned and acknowledged on the basis of their agreement with what has been recorded as divine prerogative, grace, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. The workings of devils (we say, deception, lies, slander) will repeatedly negate and oppose the pronouncements from God, in effect, declaring once more, thou shalt not surely die for sin and transgression of the expressed will of GOD that is sacred law).

The testimony and witness from those who have experienced healing is not be dismissed as chance, coincidence, foolishness, and hypocrisy. Thus, I bear a cicatrix on my right arm over the blood vessel that did not gush forth when I was slashed to the bone by someone using a straight-razor. It also is the truth when I speak of being diagnosed decades ago by different doctors who agreed that I had migratory arthritis, that it could not be cured, and that it would randomly and suddenly change the location of severe pain throughout my entire body. A new drug, (Motrin) was prescribed, and I was told, I would have to rely on the drug for the rest of my life. Rather than yield, I continued insisting on the things of my belief as a Christian.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, it is plain sense that doctors and all the others in the practice of medicine are not to be ignorant regarding healing and its place in the life of those they offer to serve. Before wasting the time of those seeking health solutions, or offering a false hope, those in the medical profession—wh0 are part of the man-made system for survival and understanding that is called the World—are to acknowledge the limitations of their professions, and are to avoid complaining against, condemning, and opposing divinity. The effectiveness and value of professional health care also rests on a platform of mutual respect and other intangibles. There must be a profound level of sound judgment on the part of every healthcare professional (e.g., hospital administrators; custodians; orderlies; nurses; doctors; surgeons). There must be communication, exchange, and sharing of insights and information among medical workers and with the intended beneficiaries (e.g., clients, families, patients, the general public) of the healthcare system. Most importantly, there must be multiple relationships marked by the approval, endorsement and validation of others as well as the extension of trust to things assumed, elements from other belief systems that impact the practice of medicine along with things otherwise unknown and unseen that may require recognition and creative responses.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(02/04/2019) Divine Dominion Over Nature

Balaam’s Angel With Sword (reference below)

Today, the reply is on the divine use of animals and things in nature that appear in sacred accounts, prophetic demonstrations, and divine instruction for mankind. Included are angels, birds, great fish, rivers, storms, winds, animals speaking with a human voice, and divinity appearing in human form as in the Incarnation. The process of GOD to reveal the character, makeup and nature of divinity uses both comparison (i.e., showing sameness or similarity) and contrast (i.e., showing differences and how things are unalike) to expose the hidden aspects of mankind; of created beings, living creatures, and objects as well as of the inseparable persons within the Godhead. Divinity also uses glory, miracles, mystery, rebirth, transformation, and visions. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shared) posted the following:

Does bible really say donkeys & snakes can talk?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 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: 1-9, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Hardened Minds and Hearts? (07/28/2017); Knowing GOD and Sin? (02/03/2017); When the Donkey Speaks? (11/03/2016); Knowing The Divine Voice? (09/02/2016); Balaam (10/15/2013); About Sabbath (10/16/2013); Why A “Spokesperson”? (01/14/2013); No Contradictions? (01/15/2013)

“Anonymous”, because the GOD we serve as mature Christian believers is also a God of judgment, redemption and salvation, who rules and has dominion over all that exists and all that have life, the holy writings include many accounts that proclaim and reveal the authority, majesty and sovereign will of God extends over both the natural world, and the spiritual world. It is reasonable to accept that the GOD of Creation would examine and interact with all to whom integrity of being is attributed. While there are mechanical and natural laws that regulate the function and process for the things of the natural world (e.g., domestic animals; fire; fish; insects; water; weather events), there may be sacred events (we also say, miracles) that appear in accordance with divine law, sacred substance, and consecrated process (e.g., faith, holiness, prophecy, rebirth, resurrection). Ordinarily, things of the natural world do not respond to the will of God except through the processes of mechanical and natural law; and it is in this sense that secular knowledge, carnal reason, and the material world are at enmity against the law of God. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Genesis 3: 13-19, King James Version (KJV): 13 And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. 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. 16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. 17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; 18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; 19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.

2. Numbers 22: 28-34, KJV: 28 And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times? 29 And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee. 30 And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? and he said, Nay. 31 Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face. 32 And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me: 33 And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive. 34 And Balaam said unto the angel of the LORD, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again.

3. 1^st Corinthians 15: 35-44, KJV: 35 But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? 36 Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: 37 And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: 38 But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body. 39 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. 40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. 41 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. 42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: 43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. 1^st Kings 19: 5-12, KJV: 5 And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat. 6 And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. 7 And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee. 8 And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God. 9 And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah? 10 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. 11 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: 12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.) 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

(02/03/2019) Divine Revelation Not Showmanship

Today, reply is on the progression of sacred events that will continue the eternal revelation of divine fullness (i.e., divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) through the embodiment and Incarnation of GOD as Jesus Christ. It is foolishness and sin to regard the earthly life and ministry of Jesus that includes death, suffering, atonement, forgiveness of sin, resurrection, and salvation to be a mere trick, a magician’s illusion, or a practiced stage performance to entertain an audience. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “John” (Level 1 with 93 points, a member since May 26, 2013) posted the following:

A hard act to follow?

Jesus coming back with a resurrection was a cracking move coming up with that was brilliant !but a hard act to follow if you could ask him to do something else what would it be

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. (Revelation 1: 7-8, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Single Sacred Revelation (01/09/2019); Divinity Embodied In Flesh (12/30/2018); Sacred Characters, Not Fictional (12/12/2018); Watching The Science Channel? (10/17/2018); Doing GOD’s Plan (02/20/2014); “Prayer Death”? (02/21/2014)

“John”, where sinners will see only entertainment, melodrama, and stories of crime and suspense, believers who take up the Scriptures are to see the blueprints and practical plans they must follow to raise up the church headed by Jesus Christ and the new creation. Mature Christian believers are encouraged to acknowledge the holy writings and their record of Jesus Christ to be an authentic appearing of divinity that may be apprehended by all created beings and living creatures. The Scriptures themselves convey and infuse spirit matter from the makeup and substance of GOD; and are not dependent on such finite human tools as instinct, intellect, intuition, logic, philosophy, carnal reason, science, and critical thinking. Expressing divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and sovereign will, the active presence who is Creator acts to make himself knowable, known, accessible, and approachable. The revelation of divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) is a sacred process that focuses on GOD who is immortal, immutable, invisible, and unchanging. Divine tools are used that project change and motion (e.g., discovery, diversity, growth, mystery, prophecy, repetition, sequence, vision); however, these tools also suspend and transcend the fixed frameworks of natural law along with those of time and space. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. 1^st Peter 2: 1-5, King James Version (KJV): 1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, 5 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.

2. 1^st Corinthians 2: 7-13, KJV: 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

3. Hebrews 6: 1-3, KJV: 1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this will we do, if God permit.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. Revelation 1: 1-6, KJV: 1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: 2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. 4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; 5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC