Showing posts with label light. Show all posts
Showing posts with label light. Show all posts

Saturday, August 22, 2020

(08/23/2020) What The Cave Comprehended




I recently heard a sermon broadcast at familyradio.org that included an account of the Cave and the Sun visiting one another so they might understand the others repeated references to “darkness” and “light”. As Christian believers, our anchor and focus for answering the challenging discourse and thoughts others share must always be the proclamations, promises, prophecies and unchanging purpose we receive from divinity. In that presentation, the Cave first visited the Sun and was dazzled by the presence of light that appeared to be everywhere. When the Sun made its visit to be with the Cave, the Cave led the Sun to a deep crevice to see gross darkness. However, both the Cave and the Sun saw only light. The Cave displayed isolated pits and other locations to the Sun. However, they all were filled with light. The Cave remarked that these places were filled with darkness until the coming of the Sun; and to me the point of the sermon seemed to be, life throughout Creation was filled with darkness until the coming of Jesus Christ. In reflecting on what I had heard, I realized the Cave and the Sun account is regarded by many as a classic of wisdom, yet, I remained unwilling to become entangled in fleshly truth or discourse that challenges the Bible. Beyond the cycles of darkness that present shadows and night there are multiple aspects of darkness that serve divinity. Included are gross darkness, obscure darkness, unfathomable darkness, and unspeakable darkness. Similar accounts have been found among the Sufi as well as the writings of Plato; and have been held to be an allegory, analogy, or parable distinct from a fable (that provides a lesson using animals and objects that speak). It is written: Isaiah 60: 18-20, King James Version (KJV): 18 Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise. 19 The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory. 20 Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the LORD shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and the selection from the music ministry of John Michael Talbot:



THE GOLDEN ARROW: In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me. Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee. For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living? (Psalms 56: 11-13, KJV)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Divine Process and Substance (06/24/2020); Divinity Commanded the Void (01/28/2020); The Light Of Life (12/04/2019); To Learn From GOD (11/11/2019); When the Donkey Speaks? (11/03/2016); Living In The Light? (01/18/2015); Balaam (10/15/2013)



(1.) 2nd Peter 1: 16-19, King James Version (KJV): 16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. 19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

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

(3.) 1st Samuel 2: 8-10, KJV: 8 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORDs, and he hath set the world upon them. 9 He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail. 10 The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.

(4.) 2nd Corinthians 4: 5-7, KJV: 5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus sake. 6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

(5.) 1st John 1: 5-7, KJV: 5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

(6.) Malachi 4: 1-3, KJV: 1 For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. 2 But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. 3 And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (7.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnficXVgUTE.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


Image downloaded 12:38 PM, August 20, 2020 @ https://takelight.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/suncave.jpg



THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

Tuesday, July 7, 2020

(07/07/2020) According To Divine Schedules




Today, the reply centers on the frameworks of time and space, and the availability of divine schedules and timetables that show specific dates for sacred end time events. Properly understood, time and space have been provided as a device from divinity to provide structure for consciousness within created beings and living creatures. Acts of GOD that reveal the active presence of spirit are discerned through their content of authority, balance, consistency, focus, power, eternal purpose, and stability. As seen through miracles and selected natural events, divinity appears using time and space; however, the operations, process and substance of divine fullness are not forced to operate only in accordance with requirements generated by time and space. Throughout the holy writings, there is no indication that divinity requires either the light that facilitates the sight and vision in angels, animals, humankind, or sacred beasts, nor does divinity require the comprehension and grasp regarded within the living as enlightenment. The multiple forms and levels of light and darkness known to GOD are not all perceptible or useful to mankind. It is written: Genesis 1: 14-19, King James Version (KJV): 14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: 15 And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. 16 And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. 17 And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, 18 And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good. 19 And the evening and the morning were the fourth day. The fighter in “Yahoo! Answers” Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Tracy” (Level 3 with 1,236 points) posted the following:



God have a set day and time when he will bring this wicked world to an end?



THE GOLDEN ARROW: And the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah, saying, Thus saith the LORD; If ye can break my covenant of the day, and my covenant of the night, and that there should not be day and night in their season; Then may also my covenant be broken with David my servant, that he should not have a son to reign upon his throne; and with the Levites the priests, my ministers. As the host of heaven cannot be numbered, neither the sand of the sea measured: so will I multiply the seed of David my servant, and the Levites that minister unto me. Moreover the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, saying, Considerest thou not what this people have spoken, saying, The two families which the LORD hath chosen, he hath even cast them off? thus they have despised my people, that they should be no more a nation before them. Thus saith the LORD; If my covenant be not with day and night, and if I have not appointed the ordinances of heaven and earth; Then will I cast away the seed of Jacob, and David my servant, so that I will not take any of his seed to be rulers over the seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: for I will cause their captivity to return, and have mercy on them. (Jeremiah 33: 19-26, KJV)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER: In The Last Days (09/13/2019); Recognizing The End Times (04/16/2019); Messiah Already Has Come (04/14/2019); Divine Preparations for Advent (03/17/2019); His Words About Returning (12/02/2018); The Fullness of GOD? (05/21/2017); GOD and The Framework of Time (09/20/2014); About Knowing the Name of GOD (09/21/2014)



Tracy”, while there are recorded proclamations, promises, and prophesies that detail divine prerogative, celestial commitment, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD, no sacred calendars or schedules from GOD that show appointed times for divine actions have been provided or revealed to mankind. Divinity is to be known through spirit and truth that are not given form and substance by time (past, present, future) and space. Mature Christian believers often acknowledge the character, process, quality, and substance of GOD as immortal, immutable (unchanging), incorruptible, and invisible. The frameworks of time and space are understood as aspects of divine order and sacred law that permit the universe to serve as the sphere of life for mankind. Even so, time and space were not created to meet any needs among divinity; they were provided as benefits and tools for the created beings and living creatures. The divine fullness (we also say, Deity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) exist both outside of and within the frameworks that further delimit and impose divine definition for mankind. Divinity has provided descriptions, indicators, and signs that authenticate sacred events, however, the sacred materials are very different from the products of human bible study and other research to develop predictions and time prophecies have not been provided from GOD. Although they consist in things of the flesh, there is a certain predictability to what GOD will do in accordance with the courses for feast days, observations and seasons, however, material objects, locations and times are not used to establish certainty, faith, or commanded expectation (hope). The life process given the church sees specific sacred events recorded as history in the holy writings continued and repeated as timeless through exchange and interaction of doctrine, the Gospels, sacred practice, suffering, and unselfish service. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of John Michael Talbot:

(1.) John 3: 6-15, King James Version (KJV): 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. 8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. 9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? 10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? 11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. 12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? 13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

(2.) 2nd Corinthians 4: 17-18, KJV: 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

(3.) 1st John 1: 1-3, KJV: 1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

(4.) 2nd Peter 3: 8-14, KJV: 8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=292oVAbThuA.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


Image downloaded 2:58 PM, July 06, 2020 @ https://www.clg.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/I-the-Lord-do-not-change.jpg



THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

(06/24/2020) Divine Process and Substance




Today, reply is on life as an inseparable aspect of the full process and substance of divinity. Life has not so much been created and then placed within mankind as imparted and shared with mankind using forms such as anointing, utterance, and word. Where there is life as a divine endowment from GOD there also are such elements as balance, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. It is written: John 1: 1-5, King James Version (KJV): 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “The One” (Level 4 with 2,946 points) posted the following:



Did life just happen out of chance from a chemical reaction or was life created by a diety?



THE GOLDEN ARROW: He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (John 1: 10-14, KJV)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Resurrection Of Christ (04/16/2020); Aspects Defining Human Life? (03/02/2020); Spirit Process and Substance (02/27/2020); The Impartiality of GOD (03/18/2019); The Answer Jesus Shared (10/28/2018); Time and Chance Happen... (02/27/2018); Coincidence or Answered Prayer? (11/15/2017)



The One”, as an aspect of eternal, immortal, incorruptible and invisible GOD, life is only imparted to the living, and is itself not something created. Mature Christians are encouraged to consider that multiple features in our human experience have been imparted to mankind through deposits and endowments of spirit matter from the makeup of GOD. Included are inseparable aspects of humanity that include breath, existence, life, personhood, and spirit. Chemical and mechanical process for material things are regulated through form, fixed sequences, and operations of natural law while exchange, interaction, and progressions of spirit substance are determined and directed through sacred law. Chance appears as the discrete possibilities created by the movement of finite influences and fixed objects; and chance is not an expression of divine prerogative, sacred law, covenant promise, prophecy, eternal purpose, or the sovereign will of GOD. Similarly, the operations of sin may dominate consciousness and self-will (willpower) in the living; and impulses or thrusts to sin themselves do not derive from any divine material. Just as sin does not display or proclaim the divine will, sin does not conform to human logic or carnal reason. Sin opposes the continued existence of divine order, sacred law, the universe, and all divine fullness. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Deitrick Haddon:

(1.) Isaiah 55: 6-13, King James Version (KJV): 6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 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. 13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.

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

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

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2YfMZ4_JQI.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


Image downloaded 12:50 AM, June 24, 2020 @ https://biblepic.com/53/30546.jpg



THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

(01/28/2020) Divinity Commanded the Void




Today, reply is on preexistence; the commandment by GOD that resulted in illumination to displace the multiple forms of darkness, and institute a process for time; and some of the obstacles to human knowledge concerning mankinds beginnings. GOD is active presence and spirit. Divine fullness is to be known and spoken of as the source of all light, yet, does not beam or radiate as a glowing, shining object. It is written: Genesis 1: 3-10, King James Version (KJV): 3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. 4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. 5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day. 6 And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. 7 And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. 8 And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day. 9 And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so. 10 And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good. The fighter in “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “🌟👑Stevan 👑🌟” (Level 1 with 35 points) posted the following:



Who was God speaking to when he said, Let There Be Light?



THE GOLDEN ARROW: Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance? Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counsellor hath taught him? With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding? Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing. And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, nor the beasts thereof sufficient for a burnt offering. All nations before him are as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity. To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him? (Isaiah 40: 12-18, KJV)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Not Impossible With GOD (01/06/2020); Sin Opposes All Existence (12/13/2019); GOD Is The Creator? (07/04/2019); Possibilities Through “Active Presence” (04/30/2018); Wisdom In A Mystery (11/22/2017); About Using “Sacred Logic” (11/19/2017); Existence, Mortality and GOD? (08/31/2017); “and without Him nothing” (08/14/2017)



“🌟👑Stevan 👑🌟, the major focus of mature Christian believers correctly has been on salvation and the revelation of divinity appearing in human form and using flesh as Jesus Christ, rather than the operations and process of Creation. Even so, many acknowledge the accounts found in the holy writings as complete and satisfactory guidance regarding the origins of heaven and earth, mankind, and preexistence. The active presence did not command a “who”; command was made to the void. What we now know as darkness, and the material and physical forms, objects, and points of focus that mankind relies on today were not in place. Chaos, confusion, and multiple streams of motion without direction continued until divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) gave expression to divine order through sacred law expressing dominion, consecrated prerogative, eternal purpose, judgment, and the sovereign will of GOD. Existence and order were emanated (put forth) by the accord and the oneness without sameness that characterized the active presence, the Word, and the Holy Spirit. The major obstacles to mankind having full knowledge of our beginnings result from such elements as dependence on the flesh and on finite human tools such as appetite, emotion (e.g., anger, fear, sorrow), intelligence, irreverence, exaggerated pride, lack of the fresh endowment of spirit substance imparted from the Holy as life essence (i.e., breath; spirit; word), science, secular knowledge, sensation, and the operations of sin. There is no record of divinity creating demons, devils, or sin. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of John Michael Talbot:

(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 45: 8-13, KJV: 8 Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it. 9 Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands? 10 Woe unto him that saith unto his father, What begettest thou? or to the woman, What hast thou brought forth? 11 Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me. 12 I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded. 13 I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts.

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

(4.) Acts 17: 24-31, KJV: 24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 25 Neither is worshipped with mens hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; 26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; 27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: 28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. 29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and mans device. 30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead

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


Image downloaded 7:30 PM, January 27, 2020 @ https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0T4LVxodfx0Aw3V9HgtLAqyJIWk5tuoy3WyUxIDsx1o6Z6td3BfzXWdelmWXTuDneAd2Jck6OTgiaiL1LRTHxLuGRlu9vEAgdut8ucAd5m2FVXZPFfvHjreEkdL06eSIO_Ey10PIcnBjs/s1600/Big+Bang.jpg


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

(12/04/2019) The Light Of Life

A depiction of Jesus and a 7 branch-menorah



Today, reply is on Christian definitions and meaning for words used by Jesus Christ to characterize and reveal the nature of his ministry on the earth. Jesus did not intend to spark controversy by his doctrine and ministry that was begun in the form of his regular reading from the Torah within the synagogue on the Sabbath day. Jesus attended and observed the traditional feasts and festivals required of those first in birth order, who were the primary heir within each household. As surely as he knew of Moses and Joshua as the law and the sword for Israel, he acknowledged the contributions by King David, King Solomon, and the Maccabees. It is written: John 10: 22-33, King James Version (KJV): 22 And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. 23 And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomons porch. 24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. 25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Fathers name, they bear witness of me. 26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Fathers hand. 30 I and my Father are one. 31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. 32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? 33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “☆父♥Devil the Evil™çˆ¶" (Level 2 with 782 points) posted the following:



How true is this?
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”



THE GOLDEN ARROW: And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth: with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. (Isaiah 11: 1-5, KJV)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Father of Lights (11/29/2019); By Death and Resurrection (10/29/2019); Understanding Existence and Life (10/15/2019); New Birth By Resurrection (09/27/2019); Now Are Ye Light (09/18/2019); We Must Acknowledge Christ (08/08/2019); Clothed In Divine Light? (08/02/2017); Living In The Light? (01/18/2015)



“☆父♥Devil the Evil™çˆ¶”, among mature Christian believers, otherwise common language and secular words must be used to convey sacred meanings and divine values within a closed system of full belief. The words “darkness”, “light” and “life” address the attributes, principles, properties, process, and substance provided by divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). Included are balance, completeness, direction, existence, eternal purpose, divine prerogative, and the sovereign will of GOD. The language of mature Christians is very different than that for others who answer to fables, fiction, mythology, spiritual confusion, superstition, and the occult.

Mankind has been endowed with life essence (i.e., breath; spirit; word) imparted from the makeup of GOD, and is to display divine content. Inseparable aspects of divinity (we say, the image of GOD; Christ-likeness) should appear including faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Just as light detected through our sense organ, the eye, may be understood as a condition that allows awareness and perception of material objects and things physically present, light as sacred guidance and truth manifesting divinity allows apprehension and consciousness of things that are invisible and remote in time (e.g., past, future), yet, are eternal and unchanging such as sacred law and the divine order appearing as the universe.

Christians are to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character of Jesus Christ that correctly makes visible the opportunities and possibilities for multiple living relationships between and among the Creator and the created. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Marty Goetz:

(1.) Isaiah 8: 20, King James Version (KJV): 20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

(2.) Psalms 119: 104-106, KJV: 104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. 105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. 106 I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.

(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.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=To1T6o_420c.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


Image downloaded 9:43 AM, December 04, 2019 @ https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIzMiq6DyXIvBy6nlhMTV7IL_X9xLnheI06cXu2t0rvcErozHSQjoyJfjhbeOa5xfk7iO7-CMlqC35DQENxxgBq2HiXZ2137khSv6-DQJYtuAJrZdSkVkyOyIeehf8MxiMvhkKv4yq5TW/s1600/gesu-menorah.jpg



THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

(12/03/2019) The Many Divine Gifts




Today, reply is on the many divine gifts bestowed on mankind by divinity. In addition to the fruit and gifts of the Holy Spirit, there are multiple divine operations that provide benefit, inheritance, and sacred privileges to the living: adoption; anointing; atonement; joy, hope; eternal life that begins here and now; mercy in judgment for those guilty; priesthood; rebirth; reconciliation; resurrection; sacred knowledge; sanctification; the crown of glory; the crown of righteousness; the holy writings. Properly acknowledged, the divine gifts do not promote corruption, covetousness, division, envy, exaggerated pride, or schism. It is written: Jeremiah 9: 23-24, King James Version (KJV): 23 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: 24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data appears) posted the following:



What was God's greatest gift to mankind?



THE GOLDEN ARROW: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2: 8-9 KJV)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Father of Lights (11/29/2019); Why Do They Sing? (11/14/2019); That Not Of Yourselves (08/13/2019); Where Be His Miracles? (05/07/2019); Salvation Through Jesus Christ (03/25/2019); You Will Receive Power? (12/28/2018); Discovering The Holy Spirit (12/23/2018)



Anonymous” the many divine gifts that mature Christian believers express gratitude for include existence, forgiveness, life essence (breath; spirit; word), and the inseparable aspects of divine fullness (we say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit). Everything having existence does not have life; and every created being and living creature having life will not receive the fresh endowment of spirit substance imparted from the makeup of GOD that establishes the new creation from Jesus Christ. Included are balance, faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the Troubadour of the Great King, John Michael Talbot:

(1.) James 1: 17, King James Version (KJV): 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

(2.) 1st Corinthians 12: 1-11, KJV: 1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. 2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. 3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. 4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.  8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

(3.) 1st Corinthians 12: 27-28, KJV: 27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGkZYStqAz4.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


Image downloaded 4:25 AM, December 03, 2019 @ https://shareaverse.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/jesus-the-gift-of-god.png?w=547&h=547



THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

Friday, November 29, 2019

(11/29/2019) The Father of Lights




Today, reply is on the benefits, gifts and privileges granted to mankind from divinity that are described within the holy writings. Because so many of the gifts we desire for anniversaries, birthdays, and at Christmas are carnal, material, and social in their character, form and substance, many lack sacred knowledge, and are unfamiliar with the gifts provided through Jesus Christ to establish the new creation. Sinners who return to GOD as followers of Jesus are given a fresh endowment of life essence from the makeup of GOD whereby they become children of GOD, the offspring of divinity, and vessels of divine DNA, so to speak. Inseparable spirit substance It is written: 1st Corinthians 2: 11-13, King James Version (KJV): 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 mans wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. A writer in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality using the ID “Juanita” (Level 1 with 123 points) posted the following:



Where in the Sc ripture does it say "Every good and perfect gift is from God?



THE GOLDEN ARROW: For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8: 14-17, KJV)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Now Are Ye Light (09/18/2019); Self-will Is Not Law (08/23/2019); That Not Of Yourselves (08/13/2019); Baptism Is Not DIY (05/28/2019); Known By Spiritual Fruit (03/06/2019); You Will Receive Power? (12/28/2018); We Are His Children (10/16/2017); The Relationships With GOD? (11/30/2016); His Children Are Sanctified (10/12/2016); Names From The Cross? (03/03/2016)



Juanita”, the following that uses language from the Bible may be thought of as companion verses to James 1: 17, King James Version (KJV), and there is a selection from the music ministry of John Michael Talbot:

(1.) Matthew 5: 16, KJV: 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
(2.) Romans 6: 23, KJV: 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

(3.) Ephesians 2: 8-9, 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.

(4.) 1st Peter 4: 9-11, KJV: 9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging. 10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlOv79UyRt8.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


Image downloaded 12:07 PM, November 28, 2019 @ img.heartlight.org/crop.php?w=1200&h=627&q=95&cf=t&moc=200&th=400&f=overlazy/creations/3593.jpg


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

(09/18/2019) Now Are Ye Light




Today, reply is on what sinners can do to become consistent, mature, and “perfect”. As those called to minister on the earth representing Jesus Christ, there are times believers are not to speak their own words that are discouraging and negative; yet, they are not withholding truth, nor is there any practice of deceit and lying. The believer is sharing their faith, and displaying their commitment to speak on behalf of the Lord. Mankind on the earth may only become sinless through the operations of divinity, rather than any human discipline, practice, or self-regimen. The finite tools of intellect, logic, philosophy, science, and self-will (willpower) are not enough to bring about the permanent changes required to exist as the children of light. It is written: Galatians 2: 16-21, King James Version (KJV): 16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. 17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. 18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. 19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. 20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shown) posted the following:



I keep trying to be perfect but it is making me depressed. How do I learn to be happy with it?

People should strive for perfection. You should make discipline a strong suit or Jesus will hate you. You should also have found your aptitude by a young age , be the type of woman to take charge, be a life long learner, etc.



THE GOLDEN ARROW: Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 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. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. (Romans 13: 8-14, King James Version, KJV)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER: According To Your Faith (08/15/2019); We Must Acknowledge Christ (08/08/2019); Displaying A “Christian Personality”? (04/19/2019); Become As Little Children (12/13/2018); Living In The Light? (01/18/2015); Coming to the Light? (09/29/2014); We Are Still Sinning? (11/30/2013); Like a Thief? (12/01/2013)



Anonymous”, the spirit substance imparted to us from the makeup of GOD must be built up within developing Christians through such elements as discovery, gradual growth, learning, unselfish service, and suffering. All Christian believers begin as sinners who willingly turn to divinity for guidance and support to overcome the operations of sin. Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Lawgiver, and the universe put forth through divine order. More than this, sin promotes nonexistence and a return to the conditions of chaos, flux, and streams without direction that were in place before Creation (we say, preexistence). While sin is no spirit or feature put forth from GOD, sin may dominate awareness and self-will (willpower) in created beings and living creatures. The death of Christ on the cross has not eliminated sin, yet, mankind now receives divine tools to more correctly recognize, reject, and resist the operations of sin. In addition to the atoning blood of Jesus there is a fresh endowment of life essence (breath; spirit; word) from the makeup of GOD that includes the inseparable aspects of Christ-likeness (e.g., faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin). Believers are encouraged to display the spirit of Christ in their lifestyle and daily routines; in what they choose to say and speak; and in what they choose to hear and see. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a presentation from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

1. Micah 6: 7-8, King James Version (KJV): 7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? 8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

2. Ephesians 5: 1-8, KJV: 1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. 3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

3. Ephesians 5: 17-20, KJV: 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ge1axMPsN-g&list=PLN-HWgUQXbLMnDp4XNtZPz4Ejq_BFYE4C&index=4) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


Image downloaded 12:03 PM, September 17, 2019 @ https://i.pinimg.com/736x/58/70/db/5870db510a7ab99042f010bdd2745516--colossians--psalms.jpg


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

Sunday, March 10, 2019

(03/10/2019) Abraham In Divine Judgment




Today, reply is on the divine revelation received by Abraham, grace manifest as forgiveness and promise, and the Patriarchs place in divine judgment. Divinity is being made knowable, known, accessible, and approachable through sacred law, promise, prophecy and other utterances (we say, breath; spirit; the Word). Created beings and living creatures are to receive and operate in terms of imparted spirit substance from the makeup of GOD. Included are faith, forbearance, holiness, hope, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Thus, the final judgment that will occur to complete the cleansing and transformation of mankind, does not center on deeds and works alone; and final judgment is determined on the basis of the sacred content that has appeared within the living. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “anony” (Level 2 with 349 points, a member since December 20, 2015) posted the following:



Christians: Is Abraham going to hell for not believing in the mysterious Trinity?



THE GOLDEN ARROW: Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: (Romans 4: 8-14, King James Version, KJV)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Sacred Characters, Not Fictional (12/12/2018); Built Upon The Spirit Blessed (11/29/2018); Assurances Are Provided (09/19/2018); The Divinity Of Christ? (06/14/2018); Abraham Demonstrates Spiritual Growth (05/30/2018); Christianity Is A Relationship (04/05/2018); Thoughts On Divine Personhood (12/07/2017); Yet In My Flesh... (06/07/2016); Living In The Light? (01/18/2015)



anony”, among mature Christian believers it is understood that Abraham was granted a covenant relationship with divinity, and did satisfy all the demands placed upon him as the Friend of God. Living and traveling as a nomad, Abram commanded a household made up of his own family with the families of friends and servants. His community numbered in the thousands; and everywhere they went they demonstrated divine order and faith in the true GOD (as would evangelists). Abraham completed righteous works such as establishing wells of water and altars acknowledging Jehovah. Abrahams error and presumptionby marrying Hagar in order to fulfill the prophecy of GOD that Sarah would bear a son through whom all the earth would be blessedwas forgiven him, and fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. Abraham is acknowledged, exalted and uplifted as the Father of the Faithful, because he behaved and walked correctly within the light that he was granted.

The revelation of GOD to make divinity known and approachable to Abraham was not exactly the same as that granted through the covenant with Moses (also called, the law). Even so, the promises to Abraham were intended to benefit all mankind, and have been continued using human flesh, divine law, and sacred spirit. In addition to circumcision, prophecy and sacred visions, Abraham was granted priesthood and privilege to serve through intercession and mediation in the judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah. Consider again the following that uses language from the holy writings:

1. Genesis 18: 17-19, King James Version (KJV): 17 And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; 18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? 19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

2. Romans 6: 16-18, KJV: 16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

3. Galatians 3: 6-7, KJV: 6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. 7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.

4. Isaiah 63: 16, KJV: 16 Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou, O LORD, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 5. Galatians 3: 14-18, KJV: 14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. 15 Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a mans covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto. 16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. 17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. 18 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC