(08/31/2016) Eternal Mysteries and Revelation

Topics today include secular knowledge, sacred mystery, preexistence, revelation, and the origins of divinity.  Correctly understood, GOD does not intend that his own origin be the focus and study of the living; instead, apprehending life through the person of Jesus Christ has been provided as a primary focus, a device to crystallize diffuse life experience, and a mechanism to direct and discipline self-will through the accomplishment of attainable spiritual goals.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers (India)” using the ID “No Chance Without Jesus” (Level 7 with 104,793 points, a member since September 07, 2010) posted the following:

Christians, the Bible says God created Heaven. So, where was God "before" He created Heaven?

Asked by someone who blocks me

God also created time. sdo there is no "before" with God

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  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:  3-11, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Word, Son, and Christ? (08/24/2016); The Cross and Mankind (05/13/2016); The God Concept? (02/13/2015); Time Before the Sun? (04/14/2013); The Obedience of Jesus? (04/15/2013); How Was GOD Known Before Jesus? (10/06/2012); Jesus, King of Earth? (10/07/2012)

“No Chance Without Jesus,” divinity is to be known by quality of being and essence (we say, breath, spirit, word); and the things chosen by GOD to be our interests are more useful to us for sacred knowledge than those from our own curiosity and desire.  The life and process within Jesus Christ continues to appear within selected persons upon the earth.  For mature Christian believers it is an inarguable and non-negotiable truth that divinity has existed within the fullness of duration and presence without the frameworks of form, order, time and space.  Finite awareness and mental operations of created beings and living creatures can neither construct nor receive all sacred knowledge that pertains to Deity.  Much must be accepted using the order consistent with the actuality and possibilities of spirit substance, therefore, the Incarnation is a signal benefit.  Divinity may only be known through revelation, and the imparting of spirit content from the makeup of GOD to the consciousness and person of the living.  Inseparable aspects of divinity (where you find one, all the others also appear) must be in place, though perhaps not in the same measure.  Included are faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Secular knowledge repeatedly generates questions that are fitting and logical because they rely upon data and information readily available through carnal, material and social mechanisms.  Sacred knowledge, divine mysteries, and eternal secrets have their origin in GOD, and are shared with the living to continue sacred operations, express sovereign being, and accomplish eternal purposes.  Consider again the following from the Bible:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 29:  29, King James Version (KJV):  29 The secret things belong unto the LORD our God:  but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

(2.)  Romans 1:  16-21, KJV:  16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:  for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.  17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith:  as it is written, The just shall live by faith.  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.

(3.)  1st Corinthians 2:  9-14, KJV:  9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.  10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit:  for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.  11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.  12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.  13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.  14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God:  for they are foolishness unto him:  neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

(4.)  2nd Peter 1:  2-4, 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.

There is far more to be said, carefully examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  Revelation 10:  4-7, KJV:  4 And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write:  and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.  5 And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven,  6 And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:  7 But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(08/30/2016) Judgment Focused On Content?

Today, the primary focus of divine judgment is described as the spirit content imparted from the makeup of GOD to reside within believers while they are alive as flesh.  Presently among men, there are no scoring devices and legitimate standards for inspecting the full substance of a human life.  Believers will be acknowledged by Christ at his coming on the basis of elements that lack measurable dimensions and have no reliable instruments that can detail sacred attributes, identity, and divine potential.  Included are commitment, faith, fidelity, growth as one born again, maturity, renewal, repentance, reverence, and zeal.  Men are not capable of judgment upon the required divine scale, and so should avoid assessing and criticizing one another using counterfeits of the frameworks and techniques applied by divinity.  At best, such features as actions, attitudes, behavior, and conduct are visible forms, like shadows, that indicate the presence of an inner light existing as ones core and life essence.  Relying upon shadows, the source itself remains invisible and unseen.  Judges of flesh concentrate upon nothing more than allusions and hints in the form of approximations, estimates, opinions, principles, and other suggestions in the place of specific criteria, definition, precise measurement, and eternal purpose.  One of the many fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

Christians: If God judges you by your actions and not your words, how screwed are you when you die?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.  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.  But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.  We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;  Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;  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.  For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.  So then death worketh in us, but life in you.  We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;  Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.  For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.  For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.  (2nd Corinthians 4:  5-16, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  About Judgment By GOD (08/29/2016); On Transmitting Sacred Truth (05/06/2016); Not Through Human Will? (01/29/2016); Salvation Only Through Christ? (01/07/2016); The Scale of Salvation? (12/13/2015); A GOD of Judgment (12/01/2015); A Personal Relationship? (04/03/2014); GOD Everywhere? (04/04/2014)

“Anonymous”, many focus upon judgment as a matter of GOD expressing divine disfavor, displeasure, and punishment.  Mature Christian believers are likely to agree that the most incisive questions asked by GOD in sacred judgment go beyond “how has this person behaved and conducted himself in accordance with divine law?”  The standard for judgment should no longer be thought of as something abstract (a code of law), rather, the standard is the person of Jesus Christ.  The examination by our Creator is intended to go beneath the material and physical surface that is the flesh to the source of invisible things that are emanated from within.  Inquiry is to go further than outward appearances and images that one may project on the basis of their carnal person and finite self-will as well as from their inborn spirit.  The character, composition, and substance of their generative nature is to be assessed for its authenticity, godliness, purity, and quality as (1) a true manifestation of content from the makeup of Deity, (2) an effective hub in the life process of drawing and distributing sacred substance from divinity to oneself and to others, and (3) spirit matter that responds to divine will both with oneness and sameness.  We may say, focus centers upon the “image of GOD,” rather than the “image of man.”  Consider again the following Scriptures:

(1.)  Galatians 3:  7-12, King James Version (KJV):  7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.  8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.  9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.  10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse:  for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.  11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident:  for, The just shall live by faith.  12 And the law is not of faith:  but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.

(2.)  Romans 8:  28-30, KJV:  28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.  30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called:  and whom he called, them he also justified:  and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

(3.)  Romans 12:  1-2, KJV:  1 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.

There is far more to be said, carefully examined, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4.)  Philippians 3:  7-14, KJV:  7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.  8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord:  for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,  9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:  10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;  11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.  12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect:  but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.  13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended:  but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,  14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(08/29/2016) About Judgment By GOD

The error that a person’s judgment by divinity begins only following their death is in view, today.  For Christian believers, judgment is a continuing aspect of divine existence, sacred expression, and eternal purpose.  Judgment is inseparable from the existence of divinity in the same way as faith, forgiveness, grace, holiness, immortality, incorruptibility, divine law, love, mercy, purity, and righteousness.  Saying this another way:  Along with the range of sacred operations that appear through the active presence of GOD (e.g., atonement, Creation, Incarnation, life, revelation, sanctification, and salvation), judgment is what exalts GOD above all as “GOD”.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Serve The Servants” (Level 7 with 29,492 points, a member since November 20, 2010) posted the following:

Why does God wait for us to die before he judges us?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,  And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:  (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart:  And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)  But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,  To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,  And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.  (Hebrews 12:  18-24, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The People You Meet? (08/11/2016); No Excuses For Judgment (07/26/2016); The Imminent Return of Christ? (07/19/2015); The Purpose of Resurrection (07/015/2016); The Cross Reaches Back (05/26/2016); A Guarantee of Judgment? (04/15/2016); Belief, Content And Works? (02/12/2016)

“Serve The Servants”, judgment is a continuous and ongoing divine process of assessment, assigning value, and providing correction.  Opportunity and possibilities for permanent change available to the living include confession, rebirth, redemption, repentance, and salvation.  With this in view, peace is the consequence of judgment, rather than death, destruction, or war.  The outcome of judgment is always accounted as divine blessing (a gift), for judgment is the settlement of disputes and the resolution of conflict by application of divine law (“the expressed will of GOD”).  A “closing” and “completion” of judgment does occur for those belonging to Christ should they “fall asleep” before he appears to harvest the mature (ripe) believers from the earth.  Until the trumpet sounds their judgment is “ongoing”.  For those who “meet him in the air” at his Second Coming (some say, Advent, the Rapture), the details of their life within Christ will already have been thoroughly reviewed and approved using the Books of Life.  Resurrection from the dead will be granted to the wicked, who also will be judged according to the books, and are permitted to appear in open tribunal before Christ (the condition of death can not continue in the active presence of divinity).  Mature Christian believers trust that, in the same way Creation and Salvation set divinity apart as distinguished, having power, sanctified, and exalted as sovereign, Judgment identifies divinity as balanced, comprehensive, righteous, prudent, and wise.  Consider again how some of this is stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)  1st Thessalonians 4:  15-17, King James Version (KJV):  15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.  16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God:  and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air:  and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

(2.)  1st Corinthians 15:  50-54, KJV:  50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.  51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,  52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump:  for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.  54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

(3.)  2nd Peter 3:  9-13, KJV:  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.

There is far more to be said, carefully examined, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4.)  Revelation 20:  4-6, KJV:  4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them:  and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.  5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.  6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection:  on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(08/28/2016) Diversity and Divine Purpose

Today, focus is upon the introduction by GOD of social conflict at Babel through the divine alteration of human communication and language performed to bring about the scattering of mankind to fill the earth.  Only through the operations of Adamic sin did the new patterns of affiliation and association become the source for continuing conflict, distrust, division, fear, hostility, insecurity, and suspicion.  Thus, topics considered include divine continuity, diversity as a device to compensate for lack of change by and within GOD, and mankind as a vessel for divine law.  Also, in view are counterfeit peace, eternal purpose, and the oneness of mankind.  There must be a peculiar separation of the created from the Creator both to establish the fullness and integrity of the living as independent beings as well as to maintain distance vital for the divine exercise of authority, preeminence, and sovereignty.  For men to live in heaven, and for GOD to live upon the earth, multiple sacred operations must be completed that establish a “new creation.”  GOD must permanently alter death, duration, existence, judgment, sacred law, life, time and space.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “JG” (Level 1 with 4 points, a member since July 10, 2011) posted the following:

Christians: Why did God confuse people's tongue and scatter them to different parts of the world if He knew...?

Things like like racism and cultural bias would be issues? Hello- I am a Born Again Christian and I am curious about this. The Bible says god knows everything. The reason for there being different cultures, languages and nationalities/ethnicities is because of what happened with the Tower of Babel. There was a group of people in the Bible who were in a desert somewhere, who were busy trying to build the Tower of Babel to reach Heaven. God saw this and was angry- He struck the tower down and spread the people out to various parts of the world and confused their tongues. Over time people adapted to the parts of the world they were in. Okay- this being said, why did God do this if He knew there would be dissension among and between certain groups of people? Things like racism and cultural bias goes back to Bible times- Moses was criticized for marrying a Cush women, i.e., and there were nations at war with each other in the Bible. Some of the nations were at war over CULTURAL issues. God wants there to be peace- He doesn't want people fighting. People fight if they have to. Please help- thank you.

Update: The Bible says God knows everything - fixed.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.  For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female:  for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.  And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.  (Galatians 3:  26-29, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Love Whom GOD Loves (08/26/2016); Cultural, Political, Spiritual Growth? (07/10/2016); The Provision Against Racists? (01/19/2016); Diversity and the Church? (07/22/2015); Different Strokes, For Different Folks? (06/22/2015); Not Yet Delivered From Racism? (12/21/2014); Racism Is Not From GOD (12/22/2014)

“JG”, among Christian believers, no one is privileged to “have all the answers,” and so the process of participating within the new creation is one of sharing sacred knowledge, prophecy, revelation, and personal testimony.  Mature Christians generally agree that the Creator, who is spirit, is immortal, immutable, incorruptible, and unchanging.  As an accurate and legitimate representation of the character, nature, and substance of divinity, all Creation is marked by oneness without sameness; and diversity appears as an important expression of divine intent that establishes freshness and newness while avoiding change.  The varieties among roses, tulips, and trees number in the thousands, as do the created beings and living creatures.

The focus upon sacred purpose requires a different perspective than that for human affairs centering in things carnal, material, and social.  Thus, the holy writings provide a divine “point of view” showing the active presence of GOD within thousands of events, from thousands of lives, over the course of thousands of years.  Even the feelings, prayers and thoughts of others are made open to us.  That this has been helpful to grant us understanding also is shown in your recognition that such errors as cultural bias, ethnic arrogance, discrimination, persecution, prejudice, and racism are not in accordance with divine law, with sacred process, or with eternal purpose.

Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Law Giver, and the divine order established through sacred law.  By grace, Noah and his family were chosen as vessels to contain and preserve the spirit within divine law.  The end (i.e.,) intent and purpose of the law is existence and life, allowing us to say, for those sharing eternal life there can be no “end” of the law.  Those who followed the flood of Noah as his descendants and the population of the earth failed to restore and correctly continue in the original commandments of GOD that most simply proclaimed the divine intent:  Be fruitful, multiply, replenish the earth.  Mankind’s goal to build a tower to heaven—that would be safety against the next flood, one that GOD denied would ever happen—would never allow the earth be overspread by the living.  Like thieves and murderers in a gang relationship, at Babel their agreement and being at peace was a conspiracy against GOD, and a consensus to do wrong.  The iniquity, sin and transgression there, then, is no less than the original error of Adam and Eve:  Their doubt, fear, and skepticism expressed no faith, respect, or trust in GOD.  Consider how some of this is stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)   James 4:  1-3, King James Version (KJV):  1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?  2 Ye lust, and have not:  ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain:  ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.  3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

(2.)  Galatians 5:  16-18, KJV:  16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.  17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh:  and these are contrary the one to the other:  so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.  18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

(3.)  Hebrews 4:  1-2, KJV:  1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.  2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them:  but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

There is far more to be said, carefully examined, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4.)  Romans 10:  2-4, KJV:  2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.  3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.  4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(08/26/2016) Love Whom GOD Loves

Today, focus is upon how those upon the earth are to demonstrate love to GOD.  The divine process whereby created beings and living creatures are to be in direct relationship with GOD who is spirit, in fact, is achieved by having active presence within GOD who is Son, Jesus Christ.  As believers become joined and immersed within the Savior through operations of the Holy Spirit upon their consciousness and self-will, the fullness of their love appears and is manifest alive and present with the Father.  Just as  Christ did, the believer is to be a blessing to others while upon the earth, and serve as a free gift from GOD.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “maxwell” (Level 1 with 87 points, a member since February 20, 2016) posted the following:

How do i gain god's love? I want to be more righteous. I want to have a relationship with God, but how?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  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:  17-21, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Learning From A Spirit? (08/25/2016); In Relationship With Divinity? (08/16/2016); Yet In My Flesh... (06/07/2016); (It Takes The Cross 04/22/2016); Love That Is Spirit? (01/28/2016); Diversity and the Church? (07/22/2015); When Asked to Serve? (01/21/2015)

“maxwell”,  the love of GOD is a free gift, however, everyone is required to tarry (patiently, quietly wait) for it.  Most mature Christian believers agree that there is no way for created beings and living creatures to draw, entice, hurry, or manipulate the feelings and thoughts (we say, heart and mind) of GOD.  Even so, revelation by divinity has shown that the expression of divine love from Deity is an ongoing sacred process involving communication, exchange, and interaction with the living, and is inseparable from the eternal purposes of continuing existence and life.  Sinners already have the love of GOD; therefore, their “issues” may be thought of as how to acknowledge, discern (i.e., use their own spirit content to recognize and respond to spirit from the makeup of GOD within actions, doctrine, events, oneself, other persons, sacred writings, etc.), and more completely and correctly show their own heartfelt gratitude and respect to GOD.  Believers are given methods and practices (we say, sacraments) to continue their focus, growth and lifestyle as Christians.  Included among them are church attendance, contemplation, praise, prayer, prophecy, receiving the Lord’s Supper, unselfish service, study of the holy writings, and suffering.  In the same way, we show our love to a close friend by also being an ally, a protector, a supporter, and a loyal friend to their parents, spouse and children, Christian believers are to love whom GOD loves, in the way GOD loves.  Thus, we show our love to the Father by our welcome to the Son whom he has sent, and we show our love to the Son by acceptance of the Comforter whom he has sent.  Godly and spiritual love are not demonstrated in displays of affection, hugs, or kisses so much as by comfort, forbearance, forgiveness, humility, meekness, sacrifice, sharing, and acts of reconciliation.  Consider how some of this is stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)  John 6:  24-29, King James Version (KJV):  24 When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus.  25 And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither?  26 Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.  27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you:  for him hath God the Father sealed.  28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?  29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

(2.)  1st John 3:  16-21, KJV:  16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us:  and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.  17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?  18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.  19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.  20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.  21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.

(3.)  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.

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

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(08/25/2016) Learning From A Spirit?

Today, Scripture points are shared on how sacred knowledge and personal relationship with Christ are achieved through operations of the Holy Spirit.  Jesus Christ may not be embraced as simply another living creature who just happens to have abilities and authority that are godly, mysterious, supernatural, and unearthly.  Sinners must do more than simply “learn from a book,” analyze Scriptures, or memorize verses from the holy writings.  They must become believers who are “born again,” and mature as those who regularly apply discernment to recognize and respond to spirit matter from the makeup of GOD that exists within events, life experiences, messages, oneself, other persons, prophecies, etc.  Divinity must be experienced within the consciousness and self-will of created beings and living creatures; and none may rely exclusively upon the finite tools of emotion, intellect, logic, philosophy, science, sense, and technology.  The fighter at “Yahoo! 7 Answers (Australia)” using the ID “Christopher” (Level 2 with 552 points, a member since October 14, 2014) posted the following:

What exactly does a relationship with Jesus amount to?

Does he talk to you, letting you know things about him that can't be found in scripture? Does he come and give you a hug? Or, does a relationship with Jesus consist of learning who he is from a book, as opposed to his own lips?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.  For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh:  and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.  But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.  Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,  Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,  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.  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  Meekness, temperance:  against such there is no law.  And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.  (Galatians 5:  16-25, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  In Relationship With Divinity? (08/16/2016); GOD Within Christian Believers (07/31/2016); Access Through The Son (07/21/2016); Sacred Knowledge and Christ (05/16/2016); Seeing Jesus While Alive? (02/05/2016); GOD Is Invisible... (02/01/2016); Babies Given A Second Life? (01/25/2015)

“Christopher”, the operations of divinity through Jesus Christ are those of being in relationship through Spirit.  For this reason, things that are carnal, material and social all have limited use, and are imperfect as representations and tools for gathering sacred knowledge.  GOD is a spirit who is  putting forth from his own makeup such features as assessment, dimension, duration, existence, form, life, presence, purpose, and transformation.  Sinners who become “born again” increasingly receive the appearance of Christ through forms that go beyond the many aspects of flesh (e.g., appetite, sensation, emotion/mental functions).  The active presence, character, nature, and substance of Christ are to be known through the inseparable aspects of the divine makeup that are imparted to indwell the developing believer.  Included are faith, forgiveness, holiness, humility, joy, longsuffering, meekness, patience, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Because spirit consists only of spirit, and is diffuse and unbounded by the frameworks of time and space, we may comprehend divine love as immersion, joining, and oneness without sameness.  Consider how some of this is stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)  John 14:  15-19, King James Version (KJV):  15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.  16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;  17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him:  but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.  18 I will not leave you comfortless:  I will come to you.  19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me:  because I live, ye shall live also.

(2.)  Galatians 2:  20, KJV:  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

(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 to be said, carefully examined, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4.)  Revelation 3:  17-21, KJV:  17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:  18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.  19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten:  be zealous therefore, and repent.  20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock:  if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.  21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(08/24/2016) Word, Son, and Christ?

Today, the preexistence of Jesus Christ within the Godhead, and his work as the Creator and Maker of mankind are in view.  When referring to the living Word and Holy Spirit, it is correct to say, they are one GOD, not gods.  While within the exalted fullness and summation of all divine spirit containing character, consciousness, duration, imperative, nature, presence, purpose, utterance, and will, Jesus had person and “place” as living Word.  The Word—also called the Son of GOD—prepared the form that allows mankind to serve as an host to divine life essence (i.e., breath, spirit) introduced to a material form and resulting in a living soul.  The participation in Creation by Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and GOD the Father came before the beginning of life within man and woman as well as before many other important features of heaven and earth.  Adam and Eve came from Creation by GOD, and all mankind that have come from the first pair as their offspring have done so by reproduction and sexual joining.  Jesus Christ did not come by reproduction and sexual joining.  As the Son of Man, Jesus was born after being “conceived” through operations of the Holy Spirit within a virgin, who had been specially prepared and consecrated for that divine purpose.  When Christ completed mortality upon the cross, was buried, resurrected and returned to heaven, he continued use of the image and similitude of man, however, divine aspects of his earlier form and process have been fully restored and resumed.  Included are duties as chief architect of the New Jerusalem, High Priest, Judge, King, and Lord of the Sabbath.  One of the many fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (required profile information not shared) posted the following:

Who came first, Jesus Christ or Adam and Eve?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?  This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.  For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost:  and these three are one.  (1st John 5:  5-7, King James Version,  KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  A Servant and More (08/17/2016); In Relationship With Divinity? (08/16/2016); Can GOD Give Life? (08/14/2016); Jesus Known As Word (01/17/2016); A GOD Without Form? (12/27/2015); Jesus Is GOD’s Word (12/28/2013); Alpha and Omega (12/29/2013); Fear & GOD? (12/30/2013)

“Anonymous”, for mature Christian believers, a divine “person” who existed within the fullness of divinity that we call “The Godhead” has been the Creator and Maker of the heaven and earth as spheres of life, and the origin for all created beings and living creatures.  The name usually given to distinguish and set apart this Deity from the other living aspects that display holiness, eternal purpose, and sovereign power is “the Word.”  Spoken of using the concepts of order described by family relationships, the Word appears as the Son of GOD, where GOD, who is entirely spirit in character, nature, and substance, is Father.  While spirit in form, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are inseparable, existing as a single living entity.  This is depicted in the way the “fingers” and the “hand” are the same, yet, are totally different and must work together as one unit.  Because the Son must appear as divinity using the form and processes of mankind (e.g., birth, aging, death, obedience, mortality, sanctification, worship), many reserve the name “Jesus Christ” for the Son as he appeared upon the earth in the flesh as the child of a virgin mother, and thereby an offspring and output of Adam and Eve.  Consider how some of this is stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)  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.

(2.)  Colossians 1:  12-19, 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;

(3.)  Galatians 4:  3-7, KJV:  3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:  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.  7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

(4.)  Acts 17:  29, KJV:  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 man’s device.

There is far more to be said, carefully examined, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (5.)  Romans 1:  18-22, 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.  22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(08/23/2016) Conversion is by GOD?

Today, conversion is described as a sacred operation that must be carried out by divinity, and is not simply a carnal, intellectual, material, and social process.  Correctly understood, conversion is not completed by angels or mankind, for there must be a full transformation of the inborn spirit content within a sinner to enable their life as a mature Christian believer.  With this in view, conversion may only be accomplished through adoption of eternal purposes, prophecy (comfort, edification, exhortation), revelation, and the use of sacred processes (e.g., praise, prayer, purification, rebirth, repentance, sanctification, worship).  The goals of communion, being immersed within Deity, and answering oneness with divinity demands more than acquiring new knowledge, developing intimate and personal relationships, fitting in as a new employee or team member, socialization, and becoming integrated within an existing group.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Solitary Wiccan” (Level 5 with 6,510 points, a member since May 06, 2014) posted the following:

Why do Christians say God converts people?

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, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Wages, Points and Rewards? (08/21/2016); Penance? (10/09/2015); All Who Read Convert? (10/10/2014); Not Told in Advance? (10/11/2014); Saul of Tarsus (03/26/2014); The Nature of Scripture (03/27/2014); About Conversion (09/03/2012); By Grace (09/04/2012)

“Solitary Wiccan”, the necessary changes a sinner must undergo to become a Christian believer goes far beyond acquiring new doctrine and sacred knowledge.  Applying finite academic, intellectual and scientific skills (e.g., analysis, argument, debate, dialog, hypothesizing, measurement, synthesis, and theorizing) are not the foremost requirements.  Rather, there must be an internalization of inseparable spirit matter imparted from the makeup of divinity (e.g., faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, meekness, wisdom, wrath against sin).  With this in view, church attendance, regularly reading the Bible, and continually studying catechisms, lesson quarterlies, or commentaries and devotionals only truly edify and expand sacred consciousness in those who are already born again.

Secular knowledge does not nourish the divine character, nature, and substance that are deposited within those who come to Christ through baptism (i.e., death and burial of ones inborn spirit with rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak).  As the children and offspring of GOD, born-again believers must “grow up again” and mature meeting life challenges upon the earth that include bereavement, comforting others, confession, enduring hardship, sharing, and overcoming suffering.  All are to become “ripe” for harvest to be taken from the earth by Jesus Christ at his coming (i.e., the Advent, the Rapture, the Second Coming).

There is far more to be said, carefully examined, and spiritually understood.  (For example, mankind is to become a “new creation” through operations that may only be carried out and performed by the same Holy Spirit who fashioned the earth and the heaven.  The sinner who receives the “life essence” (we say, breath, spirit, word) from Christ begins to experience gradual and permanent changes.  This continuous transformation of the believer to exist as an immortal and incorruptible divine life companion will be completed as they are lifted up to meet the Lord in the air.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC