(03/31/2016) Divine Meanings and Values?

Today, focus is upon divine law, language, and mechanisms used by GOD to release mankind from sin.  Included are atonement; the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ; Incarnation; inheritance; rebirth; and redemption.  Correctly understood, Jesus Christ did not simply die for the sins of others.  The Savior was born, circumcised, baptized, anointed, was tempted, served, suffered, died, was raised, endured judgment, and is now exalted and sanctified on our behalf.  The principle (we say, unwritten rule) that one may bear the sin of many comes into view as basic to the process of priesthood within the Temple of heaven that was demonstrated upon the earth through covenant relationship and the Tabernacle pitched by Moses, then carried out through the ministry of Jesus Christ.  The High Priest was appointed to enter the divine presence within the Sanctuary bearing the sin of the people upon his heart and shoulders depicted through emblems that were part of his garments and regalia.  For any devoted thing to escape being destroyed when placed upon the altar, it had to be redeemed by offering an acceptable substitute, or a payment in money.  A redeemed animal or thing would continue to belong to GOD, and would be used by the priests and Levites in the Holy Place.   A redeemed person would be in perpetual service to GOD as a living sacrifice.  Consider again the following Scriptures, and the presentation below:

Numbers 3:  11-13, King James Version (KJV):  11 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,  12 And I, behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn that openeth the matrix among the children of Israel:  therefore the Levites shall be mine;  13 Because all the firstborn are mine; for on the day that I smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I hallowed unto me all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast:  mine shall they be:  I am the LORD.

Numbers 3:  45, KJV:  45 Take the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel, and the cattle of the Levites instead of their cattle; and the Levites shall be mine:  I am the LORD.

Numbers 18:  21-23, KJV:  21 And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.  22 Neither must the children of Israel henceforth come nigh the tabernacle of the congregation, lest they bear sin, and die.  23 But the Levites shall do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they shall bear their iniquity:  it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations, that among the children of Israel they have no inheritance.

Hebrews 9:  24-28, KJV:  24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:  25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;  26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world:  but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.  27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:  28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

One of the many fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (required profile information not shared) posted the following:

 

In Deuteronomy 24:16 God says none shall die for the sin of another. How then did Jesus die for my sin?

Deuteronomy 24:16
The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And they shall bind the breastplate by the rings thereof unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it may be above the curious girdle of the ephod, and that the breastplate be not loosed from the ephod.  And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before the LORD continually.  And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be upon Aaron’s heart, when he goeth in before the LORD:  and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before the LORD continually.  (Exodus 28:  28-30, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Priesthood and The Cross (03/20/2016); Believing In The Cross? (03/04/2016); Cursed By The Cross? (03/02/2016); Atonement and The Cross? (02/29/2016); More Than Death Needed (12/07/2015); The Lamb of GOD (08/19/2015); Mercy Not Sacrifice? (08/10/2015)

 

“Anonymous”, trust that, despite time and space, through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood and truth from the cross are flowing to here and now.  To correctly acknowledge divinity, Christian believers all must use concepts and ideas that come from an eternal GOD, and that describe sacred processes used by Deity, rather than meanings and values having their origin in mankind.  Just as “collective identity” comes to us through relationship with GOD, wherein two or more persons are accounted a single being (e.g., the male and female pair are Adam; Ephraim and Manasseh are Joseph; 12 tribes are Israel), dynasty and inheritance permit fulfillment of divine promise and prophecy because there is continuity of divine relationship with a single person through their offspring (e.g., Abraham, David, Jesus Christ).  Redemption, salvation, and substitution are provisions within divine law whereby atonement, confession, expiation, offerings of blood, and remission of sin are to be understood as exchanges and interactions of spirit substances that are emanated from and must return to GOD, and are not temporal things that are carnal, material, and social.   The death of Jesus on the cross pertains more to divine revelation, eternal life, and the unity of multiple divine persons (we say, Godhead) more than to sin.  Consider how this is stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)  Leviticus 27:  9-12, King James Version (KJV):  9 And if it be a beast, whereof men bring an offering unto the LORD, all that any man giveth of such unto the LORD shall be holy.  10 He shall not alter it, nor change it, a good for a bad, or a bad for a good:  and if he shall at all change beast for beast, then it and the exchange thereof shall be holy.  11 And if it be any unclean beast, of which they do not offer a sacrifice unto the LORD, then he shall present the beast before the priest:  12 And the priest shall value it, whether it be good or bad:  as thou valuest it, who art the priest, so shall it be.

(2.)  Leviticus 27:  28-29, KJV:  28 Notwithstanding no devoted thing, that a man shall devote unto the LORD of all that he hath, both of man and beast, and of the field of his possession, shall be sold or redeemed:  every devoted thing is most holy unto the LORD.  29 None devoted, which shall be devoted of men, shall be redeemed; but shall surely be put to death.

(3.)  Exodus 13:  12-13, KJV:  12 That thou shalt set apart unto the LORD all that openeth the matrix, and every firstling that cometh of a beast which thou hast; the males shall be the LORD’s.  13 And every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb; and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break his neck:  and all the firstborn of man among thy children shalt thou redeem.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Romans 12:  1-3, KJV:  12 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  2 And be not conformed to this world:  but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.  3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/30/2016) Faith and The Cross?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFYICnBgWiE

Today, I share a personal reflection (account, testimony) trusting that, despite time and space, through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood and truth from the cross are flowing to here and now.  For many the huge issue of faith is whether we have the authority to command the will of GOD be done.  Often, for me, the great problem of belief is not having to accept what Christ and others acting in his name have done; rather, my issues of faith tend to be what I can or cannot do, have, and have not done.  After viewing the video someone sent to me at Facebook (use the link above to see “Child not walking healed by Him” shared by BN Tamil Christian Fellowship; published October 24, 2015), I cautioned myself to reflect carefully upon what I had seen.  I felt challenged to consider again Matthew 9:  5, King James Version (KJV):  5 For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?  The corollary immediately came to mind as well:  Whether is easier, to say, I believe Christ died upon the cross to release humanity from sin, or to say, I believe that the name of Christ has made a child able to walk?

The holy writings include a report that the apostles, John and Peter, responded to a beggar as they were entering the Temple in Jerusalem.  It is written:  1 Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.  2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;  3 Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.  4 And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.  5 And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.  6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.  7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.  8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.  9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God:  10 And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple:  and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.  (Acts 3:  1-10, KJV)

Initially, forgiveness of sin and repentance did not impress me as the primary focus for either of the two healing miracles.  The healing of the child first appeared as an example of the divine ministry of exorcism; while the act of the apostles appeared as a further falling of Spirit blessing (we say, gifts), and Pentecost.  After some reflection I decided the two sacred events are one in their purpose and substance.  Both continue the revelation from Jesus Christ, and they both charge the believer to accept and receive him.  Consider again:  Mark 9:  37-40, KJV:  37 Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me:  and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.  38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us:   and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.  39 But Jesus said, Forbid him not:  for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.  40 For he that is not against us is on our part.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, 2nd Peter 1:  5-11, KJV:  5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;  6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;  7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.  8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.  10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure:  for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:  11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.)  Like arriving at perfection, arriving at peace is a process of gradual change.  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/29/2016) The Strangeness of Divinity?

Today, focus is upon the sanctity, separation from, and supremacy of GOD above Creation that makes divinity appear “odd”.  Longing for a god of “unconditional love,” many argue against the true and living GOD because of the demands for contrition, judgment, perfection, and purity.  Yet, those who are born again, and are immature, simple, and underdeveloped all must endure being confused, confronted, and offended by the things they must be shown for their edification and growth.  Readers are encouraged to reflect on the following Scriptures and the presentation below:

Proverbs 21:  7-8, King James Version (KJV):  7 The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.  8 The way of man is froward and strange:  but as for the pure, his work is right.

Isaiah 28:  20-22, KJV:  20 For the bed is shorter than that a man can stretch himself on it:  and the covering narrower than that he can wrap himself in it.  21 For the LORD shall rise up as in mount Perazim, he shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that he may do his work, his strange work; and bring to pass his act, his strange act.  22 Now therefore be ye not mockers, lest your bands be made strong:  for I have heard from the LORD God of hosts a consumption, even determined upon the whole earth.

Hebrews 7:  22-27, KJV:  22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.  23 And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:  24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.  26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;  27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s:  for this he did once, when he offered up himself.

Romans 1:  18-21, KJV:  18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;  19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.  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.

Titus 2:  11-14, KJV:  11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,  12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;  13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;  14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Gestures of disrespect appear all over the “Yahoo! Answers” Internet site, that include the very same challenges to the holy writings and Christian belief that we find within many church congregations and communities of faith.  One of the fighters who regularly shares in the “Answers” Religion and Spirituality section using the ID “Anonymous” (the required profile information not shared) posted the following:

 

Christians, why is your God so odd? He will forgive anything, even you raping your own kids, but WON'T forgive blasphemy against a ghost?

Mark 3:28
Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness

Matthew 12:31
And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God:  or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.  For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:  And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.  Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh:  yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:  old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;  To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.  Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us:  we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.  For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.  (2nd Corinthians 5:  13-21, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Revelation and The Cross (03/27/2016); More Than Death Needed (12/07/2015); Justified for Attacking The Bible? (06/28/2015); The God Concept? (02/13/2015); Consecrated in Christ? (06/21/2014); Anointed? (04/28/2014); No More “Mr. Nice Guy”? (04/29/2014)

 

“Anonymous”, the true and living GOD exists as spirit, and is glorious, high, holy, and sovereign.  That is why Christian believers trust that, despite time and space, through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood and truth from the cross are flowing to here and now.  Using their finite abilities that include acknowledging form and measurable dimension, fantasy, imagination, and discursive thought, created beings and living creatures are unable to invent, participate in, or visualize relationship with one having perfected love, person and power (we say, GOD).  The distinct character, nature, and substance of Deity only appears as active presence and spirit, therefore, the living must acquire sacred knowledge and apply their own defining spirit content from the makeup of GOD (i.e., discernment) to communicate, exchange, and interact with divinity.  Survival of the divine Creation also requires benefits and gifts from the Creator that separate the living from sin.  Included are atonement, death, divine law, rebirth, revelation, resurrection, unselfish sacrifice, and indwelling Spirit.  Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Law Giver, and divine order throughout the universe; and finite tools such as intellect, logic, mathematics, philosophy, science, and technology are not sufficient to eliminate blindness, spiritual confusion, or sin and its consequences.  This is made clear to believers by teachings that come from the Scriptures such as the following:

(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.)  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.)  Romans 8:  22-25, KJV:  22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.  23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.  24 For we are saved by hope:  but hope that is seen is not hope:  for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?  25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

(4.)  Luke 23:  33-35, KJV:  33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.  34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.  35 And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  Isaiah 55:  7-9, KJV:  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.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/27/2016) Revelation and The Cross

Today, Incarnation and Jesus dying upon the cross are in view as necessary aspects of full divine revelation.  In addition to sacred knowledge that equips the living to apprehend the mystery of GOD, revelation declares eternal purpose, exposes the hidden adversaries to divine will, and provides sacred law with frameworks for discernment of corruption, defilement, iniquity, and sin.  The living must receive fresh endowments of spirit substance that join the created to the Creator, and that operate in recognizing and responding to spirit matter outside oneself within events, objects, other persons, and ongoing life process.  Readers are encouraged to reflect upon how this is stated using the following Scriptures, and the presentation below:

John 10:  9-11, King James Version (KJV):  9 I am the door:  by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.  10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy:  I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.  11 I am the good shepherd:  the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

John 10:  15-18, KJV:  15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father:  and I lay down my life for the sheep.  16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold:  them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.  17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.  18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

Hebrews 1:  1-3, KJV:  1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,  2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;  3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:

Colossians 1:  18-20, KJV:  18 And he is the head of the body, the church:  who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.  19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;  20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Elle Jay” (Level 5 with 7,269 points, a member since October 30, 2009) posted the following:

 

Why did a god had to have his one & only son tortured & killed to save mankind?

I do apologize if my opinion is offensive, but why have him killed, what ever happened to animal sacrifice or just save mankind without going through all that trouble

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:  According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:  Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,  To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.  In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;  Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;  Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:  That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:  In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:  (Ephesians 1:  2-11, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Cross and Resurrection Sunday? (03/16/2016); Damnation And The Cross? (03/06/2016); The Cross Must Occur? (02/23/2016); The Bridge To Heaven (01/27/2016); The Scale of Salvation? (12/13/2015); Gall Refused on the Cross? (03/20/2015); The Agony of Death? (03/22/2015)

 

“Elle Jay”, in the same way putting forth the original Creation combined multiple contributions and operations carried out by the fullness of divinity (we say, the Godhead), for Deity to discover, come to know, to be knowable to, and become known by created beings and living creatures various sacred processes have been called into being that together we call “revelation”.  Included are atonement, covenant, divine law, forgiveness, Incarnation, longsuffering, promise, prophecy, rebirth, resurrection, and sanctification.  Trust that, despite time and space, through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood and truth from the cross are flowing to here and now.  To realize and “see” the active presence of spirit, the living must possess sacred knowledge and deposits of spirit content from the makeup of GOD.  The eternal and exalted character, nature, sovereignty and substance of divinity does not become understood to finite beings having their own measure of awareness and self-will by their usual use of finite tools and frameworks for intellect (e.g., appetite, logic, philosophy, science, sensation, space, technology, time).  Permanently separating the original Creation from sin also requires various divine operations that pertain to cleansing, correction, and duration.  Included are confession, death, judgment, redemption, sacrifice, and the second death.  By appearing upon the earth using the form of a man, GOD has further demonstrated and called forth from his Creation the correct relationship for acknowledgment, exchange and interaction with divinity.   Included have been authority, compassion, empathy, gratitude, humility, power, praise, prayer, and wisdom that otherwise would have remained invisible and unseen.  Consider how this is stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)  John 1:  17-18, King James Version (KJV):  17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.  18 No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

(2.)  John 5:  20-22, KJV:  20 For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth:  and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.  21 For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.  22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:

(3.)  2nd Corinthians 6:  14-18, KJV:  14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers:  for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?  15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?  16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.  17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.  18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Galatians 4:  4-6, KJV:  4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,  5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.  6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/25/2016) Confession and The Cross

Points are shared, today, on the believer’s accountability and complicity for the death of Jesus Christ upon the cross as sacrifice and substitute for sinners.  More than confession that centers in admission of guilt and wrongdoing must appear for those seeking divine salvation.  Also, those exalting Christ as Savior continue to be threatened with bodily harm, excommunication, homelessness, persecution, poverty, and violence.  There can be no release or separation from the condemnation earned through sin while staying focused upon ones old life of disobedience and willfulness.  Confession that is acknowledgement of need must appear that expresses humility, respect, and reverence as well as the bold public proclamation of ones acceptance of Jesus Christ as the divine Lamb provided from the Father for remission of sin.  Therefore, for the disciples and followers of Jesus, confession is the first step in gaining access to atonement, rebirth, repentance, and sanctification.  Such features as the doctrine, forgiveness, miracles and parables of the Lord were incomplete, and lacked full power to save without the revelation that would come by his death, burial, resurrection, and ascension.  Sin is not alive, and does not display carnal form as do the living; yet, sin has direction, effect, and “presence”.  Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Law Giver, and divine order throughout the universe.  Because sin operates within created beings and living creatures through their awareness and self-will, sin can not be recognized as destructive, foreign, and contrary to existence without such sacred provisions as covenant, inheritance, praise, prayer, promise, and prophecy.  Readers are encouraged to reflect on the following from the Bible, and the presentation below:

Psalms 32:  4-6, King James Version (KJV):  4 For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me:  my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah.  5 I acknowledge my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.  6 For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found:  surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.

Matthew 10:  32-33, KJV:  32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.  33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

John 12:  42-43, KJV:  42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:  43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

Romans 10:  8-11, KJV:  8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart:  that is, the word of faith, which we preach;  9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Romans 14:  11, KJV:  11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

A writer at “Yahoo! Answers“ using the ID “Charlily” (Level 2 with 909 points, a member since February 11, 2016) posted the following:

 

Help! I killed Jesus in my dream??

Okay so last night I stayed up really late reading my Bible. When I got to sleep, I had a dream where I was one of the Roman soldiers who crucified Jesus!! And I even nailed him to the cross!! I'm really scared now, I've been praying all day for forgiveness but I'm still afraid that I'm going to hell... what do I do? Help!

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  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.  If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:  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.  If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.  (1st John 1:  5-10, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  When GOD Never Forgives? (12/28/2015); Ongoing and Unfinished? (11/22/2015); Penance? (10/09/2015); To Err is Human? (07/24/2015); Saved by a Prayer? (10/31/2014); Is Prayer an Act of Faith? (11/01/2014); Confessing Only to GOD? (04/08/2013); Evidence of the Unseen Spirit? (04/09/2013)

 

“Charlily”, by dying upon the cross as our substitute, Jesus has made possible new meaning and value for our confessions of belief in his divine ministry as well as our confessions of error and sin.  The attitudes, behavior, and spirit displayed by our “old man” is not approved or justified.  Even so, the Savior’s blood now endorses our new commitment, projects a more correct and detailed confession, and declares we are righteous because we acknowledge the Father through the Son.  Every believer who comes to GOD through Jesus Christ must pass through multiple layers of gradual change and growth.  The imparted Spirit we speak of as “divine seed” will remain as a permanent aspect of our new character and nature.  Yet, born again, we must “grow up” and mature as persons having spirit content from the makeup of GOD.  Disciples and followers of Jesus are to experience the Savior dying upon the cross within their own awareness and indwelling spirit.  Each believer will be moved to acknowledge accountability for their own disobedience and opposition to divine law, should affirm their own need for new life from GOD, should repent and sorrow for sin as well as rejoice in the finished work of the cross.  That you report having turned to GOD in prayer says, you trusted you could be heard, and even could be answered.  Go further:  Trust that, despite time and space, through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood and truth from the cross are flowing to here and now.  Begin to confess having the specific expectations (we say, hopes) commanded for us by Christ.  Hear how this is stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)  Psalms 36:  6-8, King James Version (KJV):  6 Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep:  O LORD, thou preservest man and beast.  7 How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.  8 They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.

(2.)  Isaiah 12:  1-3, KJV:  1 And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee:  though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.  2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.  3 Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.

(3.)  Romans 5:  7-10, KJV:  7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die:  yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.  8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.  10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.) 1st John 2:  1-5, KJV:  1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:  2 And he is the propitiation for our sins:  and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.  3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.  4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.  5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected:  hereby know we that we are in him.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/24/2016) The Cross and Creation

Today, focus is upon Christ dying upon the cross as the Creator of mankind, and not merely as our Redeemer and Savior.  Because the word to disciples and believers in Jesus Christ has been, “Behold, I make all things new!”, the cross also is to be understood as a creation event, rather than only a divine transaction to cancel the enormous debt of sinners, or a somber occasion of bereavement, loss, separation, and sorrow.  While we may look to speak of ministry from divinity using plain speech and simple language, believers all must embrace profound truths that generate life, transform finite consciousness, and imparts sacred spirit content. Consider the following points from Scripture, and the presentation below:

Hebrews 1:  1-3, King James Version (KJV):  1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,  2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;  3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

2nd Corinthians 4:  6-10, KJV:  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.  8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;  9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;  10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

Colossians 1:  12-20, KJV:  12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:  13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:  14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:  15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:  16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers:  all things were created by him, and for him:  17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.  18 And he is the head of the body, the church:  who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.  19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;  20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

2nd Corinthians 3:  12, KJV:  12 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:

Psalms 51:  10-13, KJV:  10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.  11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.  12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.  13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Dangerous Mr.” (Level 7 with 63,701 points, a member since May 20, 2012) posted the following:

Christians: Your religion is based upon the belief that Jesus died Do you have any proof that that actually happened?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.  For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.  And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.  And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:  That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.  Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect:  yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:  But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:  (1st Corinthians 2:  1-7, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Transformed by The Cross (03/23/2016); The Cross and Eternity (03/21/2016); Believing In The Cross? (03/04/2016); The Cross Must Occur? (02/23/2016); Tools for Revelation? (10/26/2015); Death is a Divine Tool (09/15/2014); A Sleep and a Second Death (09/16/2014); Death Has Been Transformed (05/09/2013); Loving the Enemy? (05/10/2013)

“Dangerous Mr.”, trust that, despite time and space, through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood and truth from the cross are flowing to here and now.  For Christian believers, knowing that Jesus Christ died upon the cross as a sacrifice to GOD for the sins of mankind is only a basic idea we receive like the ABCs for preschool children.  The little ones become very pleased once they can recite the alphabet correctly from beginning to end.  Yet, they still can not combine and reconfigure the letters in order to read or write.  They must continue learning and growing.  Similarly, Christian belief combines inseparable ideas on a cosmic scale that go beyond simple notions of living and dying in the flesh.  The cross should come into view as a divine act to further complete the Creation by fitting mankind to fulfill eternal purpose.

Revelation (i.e., making divinity knowable and known) is the process used by GOD through Jesus Christ whereby sacred knowledge is established through divine operations that display the character, nature, and substance of Deity.  GOD is a spirit who can not be apprehended or fully known relying upon carnal appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, cravings for sexual contact), sensation (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching) or emotion/mind (e.g., anger, fear, dreams, imagination, memory, thought). 

Mature Christian believers accept that Jesus Christ exists within the full expression and presence of divine person (we say, Godhead), as the very aspect of divinity that has fashioned the living (e.g., angels, animals, mankind, sacred beasts) to inhabit the various spheres of life (e.g., earth, heaven, the sea) fashioned by the Holy Spirit (also called the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth).  The Godhead is to be experienced in relationship with created beings and living creatures (even as offspring, heirs, and children of GOD) through their own content of sacred spirit imparted from the makeup of GOD.  Included are such inseparable aspects of Deity as faith, holiness, humility, joy, longsuffering, love, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Law Giver, and all divine order established through sacred law.  Sin has not been created or put forth from divinity, and contains no sacred substance.  Yet, sin has direction, effect, and “presence,” and may dominate awareness and self-will in the living.  Because the living embrace sin as natural, normal, and a genuine expression of their own true substance, divinity has made multiple interventions to cleanse, correct, preserve, and separate Creation from sin.  Sacred operations have been carried out that include atonement, covenant, forgiveness, Incarnation, judgment, redemption, rebirth, resurrection, salvation, and sanctification.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/23/2016) Transformed by The Cross

Today, points are shared on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and the full process of divinity to transform life, death, and sacred hope.  Suicide is not a divine weapon against sin and ungodliness.  The prophets who proclaimed the wrath of GOD against Israel often also expressed dismay and despair as well.  Even so, none sought martyrdom by self-destruction.  Properly understood, simply dying and completing ones mortality never satisfies the divine demands for acknowledgment, respect, and reverence upon the earth as do obedience, perseverance, righteousness, and trust.  Readers are encouraged to reflect on the following Scriptures, and the presentation below:

Jeremiah 20:  14-18, King James Version (KJV):  14 Cursed be the day wherein I was born:  let not the day wherein my mother bare me be blessed.  15 Cursed be the man who brought tidings to my father, saying, A man child is born unto thee; making him very glad.  16 And let that man be as the cities which the LORD overthrew, and repented not:  and let him hear the cry in the morning, and the shouting at noontide;  17 Because he slew me not from the womb; or that my mother might have been my grave, and her womb to be always great with me.  18 Wherefore came I forth out of the womb to see labour and sorrow, that my days should be consumed with shame?

Ecclesiastes 9:  3-5, KJV:  3 This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all:  yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.  4 For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope:  for a living dog is better than a dead lion.  5 For the living know that they shall die:  but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.

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

Hebrews 7:  19, KJV:  19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.

John 17:  14-17, KJV:  14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.  15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.  16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.  17 Sanctify them through thy truth:  thy word is truth.

One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses “Anonymous” as their ID (no profile information shared) posted the following:

 

God, if you exist please kill me, take me out of this world, please,?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?  Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death:  that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.  For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:  Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.  For he that is dead is freed from sin.  Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:  Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.  For in that he died, he died unto sin once:  but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.  Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.  Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin:  but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.  (Romans 6:  3-13, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  A Self-Less Creation? (02/11/2016); The Silence of GOD (01/31/2016); Offspring of GOD? (12/23/2015); Use Holy Names Not Titles? (08/17/2015); Struggling? (05/11/2013); Through Much Tribulation (05/12/2013); Divine Self-Sacrifice? (09/30/2012); Justice Comes by Love? (10/01/2012)

 

“Anonymous”, because you have offered your “prayer” in the public forum without naming the one to whom you call by declaring his deeds and works, you are likely to receive responses from deceivers, demons, devils and false gods, who seek advantage over those in confusion.  Mature Christian believers trust that, despite time and space, through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood and truth from the cross are flowing to here and now.  The death of Jesus Christ upon the cross was not intended to completely eliminate all “growing pains,” frustrations, life problems, sin, sorrow, and suffering.  Even so, the authority, character, and nature of divinity has been revealed in a way that allows the living to permanently experience life and death with new meaning, purpose, and value.  The active presence and sacred intent of divinity was made visible through the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus from the earth.  While death does end sin by removing the sinner, erasing the consequences and effects of sin requires continuing life.  Through baptism (death of ones inborn spirit, rebirth having an endowment of spirit substance from the makeup of divinity) the followers of Jesus become children, heirs, and offspring of GOD.  We are to mature and ripen until Christ appears to harvest from the earth those who are the fruit of his labors.  In addition to transforming covenant, divine law, priesthood, and personal relationship to GOD the Father, the cross has established a new creation having specific sacred expectations (we say, hope) among mankind.  Consider again how this is stated in language from the Bible:

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

(2.)  Ephesians 6:  11-12, KJV:  11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

(3.)  2nd Corinthians 5:  17-20, KJV:  17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:  old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;  19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.  20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us:  we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.) Hebrews 7:  24-28, KJV:  24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.  25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.  26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;  27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s:  for this he did once, when he offered up himself.  28 For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC