(12/30/2016) The de facto Covenants?

 

Today, thoughts are shared on the birth of Jesus and the establishment of lasting covenants among the Jews as a people through their rejection of the Lord as Messiah and Savior.  Christian believers are commanded to pray for Jerusalem and all Israel.  As we go forward to the year 2017, many around the world also are willing to discharge their duty to be allies with the Jews by sharing admonitions, cautions, prophecy, reminders, and sacred warnings.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:  Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:  In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:  Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:  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:  And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.  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.  For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;  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.  And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled  In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:  (Colossians 1:  12-22, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Christus Natus Est Nobis (12/29/2016); A Child Is Born (12/28/2016); The Birth of Jesus (12/27/2016); The Divine Christmas Gifts? (12/26/2016); The Peace of Christmas? (12/25/2016); Built Upon the Rock (12/23/2016); The Meaning of Christmas? (12/22/2016)

 

The kingdom of GOD proclaimed through the birth, death on the cross, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ generated only one authentic covenant from GOD for a new Creation to replace the universe soiled by sin both in heaven and upon the earth.  The Savior appeared as a newborn king among the Jews in furtherance of the ongoing covenant of Moses, and fulfillment of divine promises and prophecy.  A new covenant also was advanced in his blood that would permit access to GOD through atonement and propitiation for sin.  Where the Jews rejected the Nazarene as the Messiah who should come, they also unknowingly entered into accords that were in opposition to divine law and the eternal purposes of GOD.  Included were agreements to (1) dismiss the miracles, acts of faith, reverence for the law, and prophetic demonstrations shared by Jesus and his followers; (2) engage the “law and the prophets” without “the prophets”; (3.) as Sadducees, deny the resurrection of Jesus and the existence of the imparted Spirit from GOD; (4) unanimously demand the crucifixion of Jesus; (5) submit themselves and their future generations to whatever would be the consequences or punishment for rejecting the Redeemer as the promised Messiah; (6) put forth false witness against Christ in judgment; (7) quench the hope of Jesus returning soon Judge and King of Kings; and (8) limit themselves to expressing only an “antichrist spirit.”  Consider again the following from the holy writings:

(1.)  Isaiah 28:  5-13, King James Version (KJV):  5 In that day shall the LORD of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people,  6 And for a spirit of judgment to him that sitteth in judgment, and for strength to them that turn the battle to the gate.  7 But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment.  8 For all tables are full of vomit and filthiness, so that there is no place clean.  9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.  10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:  11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.  12 To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing:  yet they would not hear.  13 But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

(2.)  Romans 10:  2-10, 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.  5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.  6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)  7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)  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.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  John 1:  10-13, KJV:  10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.  11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.  12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:  13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/29/2016) Christus Natus Est Nobis

A nativity scene showing the newborn king by Dona Gelsinger

Today, acknowledgement of the birth of Jesus by Islamic believers is a focus.  To comprehend the teachings that proclaim Jesus of Nazareth as the Anointed One, the Messiah, the Son of the Highest, in addition to Qur’an (i.e., the word of GOD recorded as a poem recited by the angel Gabriel) and hadith (i.e., accounts from those who served with Muhammad, and the sacred traditions introduced by later generations), believers in Islam would have to carefully examine the prophesies and sacred knowledge established through the holy writings collected as the Bible.   In particular, they would have to be aware of the truths shared by his apostles and disciples that are the platform for the new creation through the blood of Jesus Christ, the church.  The Bible supplies necessary spirit substance to build up, crystallize, and nurture the spirit content within a believer, and does not take the place of the Spirit endowment that must be bestowed by Christ.  Even more than academic knowledge, church history, observing Christian practices (we say, sacraments), for sinners, skeptics, and those of other belief systems to understand the sovereignty of Jesus requires they receive infilling by the Spirit of GOD. Only by operations of the imparted Spirit do believers apprehend the oneness without sameness among dominion, government, preeminence, and rule.  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers (India)” using the ID “Nicolas” (Level 2 with 550 points, a member since May 21, 2013) posted the following:

Can muslims believe Jesus was the king of Jews?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,  To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.  And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee:  blessed art thou among women.  And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.  And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary:   for thou hast found favour with God.  And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.  He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest:  and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:  And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.  (Luke 1:  32-33, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  A Child Is Born (12/28/2016); The Birth of Jesus (12/27/2016); The Divine Christmas Gifts? (12/26/2016); The Peace of Christmas? (12/25/2016); Built Upon the Rock (12/23/2016); The Meaning of Christmas? (12/22/2016); Jesus, King of Earth? (10/07/2012); Parental Duty? (10/08/2012)

“Nicolas”, believing Jesus of Nazareth was born a king to rule the Jews is not a matter of tracing earthly dynasties, composing genealogies and family trees, endorsing secular history, and uncovering political lineage.  Correct acceptance of the many truths that are fitted together that identify Jesus as a ruler, not simply a prophet, sent from GOD is only possible for those who are aware that Jesus was born as a fulfillment of proclamations, promises, and prophecy from GOD that pertain to the full revelation and sovereign rule of the Creator.  An endowment of spirit substance from the makeup of divinity (we say, the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth) must be in place within created beings and living creatures that enables their recognition and voluntary response to sacred spirit content in events, themselves, other persons, practices, statements in the holy writings, etc.  Inseparable aspects of the imparted Spirit that establishes existence and life must direct awareness and self-will in the living.  Included are faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  For divinity to exist in the hearts and minds of men in a lasting way, and as more than an abstraction or invisible thought, there must be communication, exchange and interaction that appear as continuing relationship.  The appearance of divinity using the finite tool of human form—born as a infant who develops, matures, and provides sacred ministry—addresses the needs of men for carnal, material, and social substance.  Jesus was born to do more than serve as a king on the earth; his birth, death, resurrection, and ascension have been to fulfill multiple eternal purposes that include atonement, reconciliation, judgment, and the transformation of mankind to be immortal.  Consider the following:

(1.)  Matthew 2:  1-6, King James Version (KJV):  1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,  2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.  3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.  4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.  5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea:  for thus it is written by the prophet,  6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda:  for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

(2.)  John 3:  5-8, KJV:  5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.  6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.  8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth:  so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

(3.)  John 18:  36-38, KJV:  36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world:  if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews:  but now is my kingdom not from hence.  37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.  38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  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.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/28/2016) A Child Is Born

 Today, topics include denominations, differences, and diversity within the household of GOD.  Catholic, Protestant, Baptist, Pentecostal, Methodist, Presbyterian:  there is a long list of names showing institutions who claim the Child that was born.  By the birth of Jesus, multiple streams of eternal purpose were combined and directed to continue in accord.  A child was born to remove enmity and separation between the Gentiles and the Jews, and a new access to the Father would be granted through his blood.  A new creation, the church, would emerge having one faith, one Lord, one baptism, one God and Father of all.  The authority as High Priest, Judge, Redeemer, and King continues to belong to the Son of the Highest.  Yet, the necessary acknowledgment of those who now also are children of GOD and joint-heirs with Christ may be completed only by the Father and the Holy Spirit.  A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Cato” (Level 6 with 22,705 points, a member since July 16, 2016) posted the following:

 

God is not a God of confusion.So with the soo many Protestant sects disagreeing with each other,doesn't this mean Protestantism is false?

1 Corinthians 14:33

33 For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.

As in all the churches of the saints,

What say ye?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;  That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:  But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.  For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;  Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;  And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:  And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.  For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.  Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;  And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;  In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:  In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.  (Ephesians 2:  11-22, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Birth of Jesus (12/27/2016); The Divine Christmas Gifts? (12/26/2016); The Peace of Christmas? (12/25/2016); Built Upon the Rock (12/23/2016); The Meaning of Christmas? (12/22/2016); Diversity and Prophetic Gifts (11/22/2016); The Cross and Arbitrary Differences (06/17/2016); Whatsoever Ye Shall Ask? (09/21/2015); Not Anti-Catholics, Antichrists? (09/22/2015); Many Forms of Christianity? (04/30/2015)

 

“Cato”, the existence of many denominations within the full household of GOD does not violate the “rule” of oneness without sameness that exists within the GODhead, and is little different from a father having many sons who are not the same age, do not share the same interests, and do not show the same willingness to do chores around the house.  Most mature Christian believers agree that divinity has appeared in flesh upon the earth as an answer to the many conflicts and questions that continually plague the living.  The aspects of revelation accomplished through the birth of Jesus Christ clarified, fulfilled, and also concluded various sacred covenants, proclamations, promises, and prophecies.  Even so, created beings and living creatures are not equipped to correctly recognize and respond to revealed truth from GOD until they receive a fresh endowment of spirit substance from the makeup of GOD.  Saying this another way, sinners must be born again; and once born again, believers must “grow up again” and mature by meeting life challenges upon the earth.  Diversity appears as an important device that is seen throughout Creation and among believers.  Without appearing in flesh (first as Jesus Christ, then, as his followers), divinity may only be known in relationship as immortal, immutable, invisible, and unchanging.  Through a human aspect, Jesus, the Son of Man, the Son of GOD, divine judgment is shown to center upon atonement, correction, forbearance, forgiveness, mercy, reconciliation, redemption, righteousness, and salvation.  Ethnicity, nationality, race, financial status, etc. are all “vain” (lack sacred substance).  Only GOD may make the necessary judgments of those who will be acknowledged as his offspring and heirs.  Thus, true believers will all patiently await the return of Jesus (we say, Advent, the harvest, the Rapture, the Second Coming, his appearing), and also practice restraint concerning condemnation, conflict, and differences.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/27/2016) The Birth of Jesus

A RUSSIAN BLACK MADONNA

Today, the divine process in a mother’s acceptance of her unborn child is considered along with that for expecting Christ to return.  Commitment, exclusive devotion, natural affection, and fruitful fellowship with divinity are always by the living presence and process of spirit substance from the makeup of GOD.  Included are comfort, edification, instruction, praise, proclamation, and promise.  The Incarnation of Christ upon the earth was not simply a discrete act to accomplish the appearance of divinity in the flesh.  Rather, the Savior’s nativity was to complete and continue multiple divine works that include Creation, judgment, rebirth, revelation, sanctification, and salvation.  Similarly, the Advent (we also say, the harvest, the Rapture, the Second Coming, his appearing) also will advance and accomplish diverse eternal purposes.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

Christians is it getting harder to stay devoted to Christianity when the scriptures bring Christ's birth into question?

Like if this important event in the bible is extremely questionable, how can you even think of entertaining the possibility that Christianity is veracious?

Update: @No Chance Without Jesus, we both know Christ was not born in winter during a Roman census.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains:  for the LORD hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.  But Zion said, The LORD hath forsaken me, and my LORD hath forgotten me.  Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.  Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.  (Isaiah 49:  13-16, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Divine Christmas Gifts? (12/26/2016); The Peace of Christmas? (12/25/2016); Built Upon the Rock (12/23/2016); The Meaning of Christmas? (12/22/2016); The Mother of GOD? (12/09/2016); Birth, Self-will and Sin? (11/13/2016); Approaching Mothers Day (05/07/2015)

“Anonymous”, for mature Christian believers, the Scriptures answer the questions among believers, and only the faith imparted as sprit content from the makeup of GOD is justifiable as a standard for examining and acknowledging the holy writings.  The birth of Jesus is to be understood as an aspect of divine revelation and sacred knowledge, rather than simply secular history.  The beginnings of what you want to call “belief” should be thought of as “organic” like the process that results in a mother’s love for her newborn child.  Instead of being from argument, cultural traditions, debate, logic, carnal reason, exhaustive studies, persuasion by family and friends, her acceptance of the coming birth develops from changes that begin to occur within her own flesh, her own consciousness, and her own spirit.  An expectant mother experiences transformations that include all the patterns she relies upon for her emotional, psychological, and social expression.  The child will exist first as herself, then, as a part of herself, then, as a separate being.  Her love gradually becomes inclusive, unconditional, unquestionable, and unshakeable for her own survival and for that of her offspring.  No born-again believers question the reality and truth that Jesus was born in fulfillment of divine prophecy, for, so to speak,  through rebirth and embracing the proclamation of the Second Coming of Christ, believers all experience growth and transformation like that of an expectant mother.  Consider again the following:

(1.)  Matthew 22:  29, King James Version (KJV):  29 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

(2.)  Job 39:  13-17, KJV:  13 Gavest thou the goodly wings unto the peacocks? or wings and feathers unto the ostrich?  14 Which leaveth her eggs in the earth, and warmeth them in dust,  15 And forgetteth that the foot may crush them, or that the wild beast may break them.  16 She is hardened against her young ones, as though they were not her’s:  her labour is in vain without fear;  17 Because God hath deprived her of wisdom, neither hath he imparted to her understanding.

(3.)  Matthew 1:  17-18, KJV:  17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.  18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise:  When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

(4.)  John 1:  11-14, KJV:  11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.  12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:  13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.  14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

(5.)  John 5:  24-29, KJV:  24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.  25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God:  and they that hear shall live.  26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;  27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.  28 Marvel not at this:  for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,  29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (6.)  2nd Timothy 4:  8, KJV:  8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day:  and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/26/2016) The Divine Christmas Gifts?

 

Today, reply to a question on criticism from clergy is shared.  Just as the clergy are held accountable by divinity, the clergy are only responsible for those who willingly submit to their authority.  Believers must be in agreement that acknowledge their legitimacy to administer or distribute divine gifts, provide sacred instruction, and perform necessary judgment as lawful and from GOD.  Christian believers must receive an alertness of heart and mind (we say, discernment) to correctly recognize and respond to the things from GOD, otherwise they will not acquire sacred knowledge, maintain sacred practices (we say, sacraments), or properly administer the sacred gifts provided so they themselves may serve as the agents of Christ upon the earth.  The blessings of Christmas come to us as an array of sacred gifts, devices, examples, operations, patterns, procedures, standards, tools, and even weapons for spiritual service and warfare.  As the new creation of GOD and vessels of his Holy Spirit, the purpose of what clergy, prophets, and mature believers speak is never self-promotion, showing off, or broadcasting their personal opinions and private judgments.  Wrath against sin is an inseparable and permanent aspect of the image of GOD, and will always also appear in balance with faith, forbearance, forgiveness, lovingkindness, and reconciliation.  The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “VITTORIO” (Level 7 with 50,815 points, a member since December 20, 2015) posted the following:

 

Hmm! The pope said were too materialistic. Why insult people, we don't insult the clergy or do we?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.  For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:  That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.  For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  Because the carnal mind is enmity against God:  for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.  But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.  (Romans 8:  1-9, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Peace of Christmas? (12/25/2016); The Meaning of Christmas? (12/22/2016); Receiving The Holy Spirit (12/08/2016); Diversity and Prophetic Gifts (11/22/2016); Material Things in Heaven? (11/10/2016); A Day For Forgiveness? (12/25/2015); Confessing Only to GOD? (04/08/2013); Evidence of the Unseen Spirit? (04/09/2013)

 

“VITTORIO”, the spokespersons from GOD rarely speak with the purpose of condemning more than giving caution and warning.  GOD uses multiple sacred processes to make divinity knowable, known, and “visible” to created beings and living creatures.  Included are blessing, correction, Incarnation, judgment, miracles, proclamation, prophecy, purification, revelation, signs, and suffering.  Even mature Christian believers often are unprepared to correctly discern and respond to the presence of divine spirit within events, messages, other persons, themselves, the holy writings, etc.  While most can relate to the gentleness and goodness in the accounts of the Advent and coming of the Anointed One as a baby laid in a manger, many are blind to the exceptional gifts of Christmas that are not carnal, material, and social.  By operations of the Holy Spirit sinners become “born again” believers who realize and also acknowledge the death of the Holy Child upon the cross, the blessing of a new covenant in his blood, the provision of atonement and propitiation of sin, and the continuing presence of Christ through the Comforter (i.e., the imparted, indwelling Spirit).  In the light of divine  holiness and perfection, it is natural that men would feel condemned, embarrassed, inadequate, and overawed.  Consider how this is stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)  Nehemiah 8:  8-11, King James Version (KJV):  So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.  9 And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.  10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared:  for this day is holy unto our LORD:  neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.  11 So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved.

(2.)  Hebrews 12:  3-8, KJV:  3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.  4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.  5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:  6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.  7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?  8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

(3.)  Malachi 3:  13-18, KJV:  13 Your words have been stout against me, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee?  14 Ye have said, It is vain to serve God:  and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?  15 And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.  16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another:  and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.  17 And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.  18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Revelation 22:  10-15, KJV:  10 And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book:  for the time is at hand.  11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still:  and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still:  and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still:  and he that is holy, let him be holy still.  12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.  13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.  14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.  15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/25/2016) The Peace of Christmas?

 

Topics today include the birth of Jesus, Incarnation, Islam, and shared peace.  In the same way XYZ should not appear as part of the number pattern 12345, correctly understood, peace is not an aspect or product of secular knowledge, doctrine, philosophy, and systems of belief.  Even so, there must be a response by awareness, desire, and self-will to operations of the spirit of peace that resides within divine person.  Peace is an inner condition and spirit content that must be projected through and upon events, life conditions, and judgment whereby conflicts are resolved and disputes are settled through law.  Accord and peace both appear as the outcomes of judgment, instead of war; and agreement only results where there first is peace.  The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Troy” (Level 2 with 301 points, a member since October 26, 2016) posted the following:

 

Can Christians and Muslims be at peace with each other on Christmas day?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,  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:  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.  And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;  And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;  And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.  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.  But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.  Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure:  for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:  For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  (2nd Peter 1:  2-11, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Meaning of Christmas? (12/22/2016); Divine Appearances Using Form? (12/20/2016); Saying “GOD is Love” (12/18/2016); African American Christmas? (12/15/2015); The Christmas Spirit? (12/23/2014); Peace The Gift of Christmas? (12/24/2014); The True Miracle (12/23/2012); About the Star? (12/24/2012)

 

“Troy”, whether those who are in conflict against others and within themselves may experience the peace of Christmas depends on the measure of divinity they respond to that exists as part of who they are.  Mature Christian believers will acknowledge the peace of Christmas is a spirit imparted from the makeup of GOD through breath (we also say, life essence, word) that is to continually exist within created beings and living creatures.  The spirit of peace is inseparable from the many other aspects of divine substance (i.e., where you find one, you find them all; and you can not separate the “wet from the water,” so to speak.  Included are faith, forbearance, forgiveness, holiness, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, purity, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  While finite, human tools such as emotion, intellect, logic, philosophy, politics, and science will never eliminate sin, or fashion and maintain lasting peace, GOD has used the flesh, and appeared as a newborn child to embody the required completeness, gentleness, eternal possibilities, and sacred purposes that mean genuine peace throughout all Creation.  The peace of Christmas is not to be a “one-time event,” or a “good feeling” that dwindles and fades away.  All may realize the presence of Immanuel, GOD within us, and showing respect to the divine presence among and between us, know peace between the Creator and the created as well as correct reverence, right worship, and the true humanity that is from GOD. 

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.  Be encouraged!  Merry Christmas.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/23/2016) Built Upon the Rock

Today, focus is on the Son of GOD as the groundwork and platform of Creation, judgment, revelation, and salvation.  Until the creation of Adam, the Word existed as unseen, and known through faith, law, praise, proclamation, promise, and prophecy.  The Son of the Highest would appear upon the earth and use finite materials such as  blood, human form, flesh, and water.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Trilobiteme” (Level 3 with 2,346 points, a member since September 29, 2011) posted the following:

God loves faith and blessed are those who believe and never seen but God hides secrets and signs in the Bible to prove He is God?

Jesus Christ is Lord

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God:  because many false prophets are gone out into the world.  Hereby know ye the Spirit of God:  Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:  And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God:  and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.  Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them:  because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.  They are of the world:  therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.  We are of God:  he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.  (1st John 4:  1-6, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Divine Appearances Using Form? (12/20/2016); Different Form, Same Relationship? (11/20/2016); Birth, Self-will and Sin? (11/13/2016); The Need for Incarnation? (09/29/2016); Christ The Solid Rock? (08/07/2016); Son of Adam and of GOD? (06/16/2014); Focus of Believers? (06/17/2014)

“Trilobiteme”, the works of GOD to establish and maintain Creation have been grounded upon a foundation that can be known and seen.  All sacred knowledge, fellowship, practice, and process have been built up rooted in the things of GOD through Jesus Christ.  Because the fullness of the GODhead will always be oneness without sameness, and will manifest spirit that is comprehensive, diffuse and invisible (yet not abstract, impersonal, and indifferent), divinity must use devices that are carnal, material, and social to be in meaningful relationships with created beings and living creatures.  The living are to be instruments and vessels containing and expressing the character, nature, and substance of GOD.  Inseparable aspects of divine makeup must be imparted to indwell the living that include faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  The Creator appeared on the earth in the person of Jesus Christ, and himself became the necessary platform and stable foundation of soil, rather than dust or sand.  In this sense, divinity could not avoid coming to us as a baby miraculously born to a virgin.  Consider again the following:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 12:  5, King James Version (KJV):  5 But unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, even unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come:

(2.)  1st Corinthians 3:  11, KJV:  11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

(3.)  Luke 2:  8-14, KJV:  8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them:  and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them,  10 Fear not:  for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,  14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

(4.)  Matthew 7:  24-27, KJV:  24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:  25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not:  for it was founded upon a rock.  26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:  27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell:  and great was the fall of it.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  Ephesians 2:  13-22, KJV:  13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.  14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;  15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;  16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:  17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.  18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.  19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;  20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;  21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:  22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/22/2016) The Meaning of Christmas?

Today, I share a reply to a question on what Christmas means to me.  It is true there are those outside the covenant made through the blood of Jesus from the cross who mistakenly feel the birth of the Savior has established liberty from all religious laws and traditions, and they celebrate the occasion of his nativity expressing abandon, displaying covetousness, and seeking the price of a dog or a whore’s reward (debt, deceit, depression, disease, disgrace, and death).  Even so, the Holy Spirit is present among believers through the festival of Christmas as anointing, fresh endowments, and sacred deposits that reside within diverse events, messages, and persons, and are visible only to those having spiritual discernment.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers (New Zealand)” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:

Religion- Christians, what does chrismas really mean to you as you celebrate with time off work and indulge yourselves silly?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise:  When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.  Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.  But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife:  for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.  And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus:  for he shall save his people from their sins.  Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,  Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.  (Matthew 1:  18-23, King James Version , KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Mother of GOD? (12/09/2016); A Day For Forgiveness? (12/25/2015); It Is Our Wisdom To Ask (05/18/2015);  A Christmas Message, 2014 (12/25/2014); The Christmas Spirit? (12/23/2014); Both Born Holy? (04/29/2013); Scripture at Funerals? (04/30/2013)

“Anonymous”, in the same way, the law of GOD required the participation of all firstborn males throughout Israel in three annual observances (Pentecost or Weeks; Trumpets; Tabernacles or Booths) through the covenant of Moses, Christmas is a festival acknowledging prophecy and sacred events that was commanded by GOD through divine proclamation delivered by angels as the terms for a covenant in blood.  The secular activity, meanings, and traditions associated with Christmas do not fulfill the sacred duty for those within the household of faith, and so is a mandatory obligation discharged only by those willing to sanctify themselves (i.e., set themselves apart to serve GOD exclusively) through the imparted, indwelling Spirit of GOD.  Just as making gifts and offerings to GOD were central in the Mosaic feasts, rightly understood, making gifts and ministering to the Son of GOD are a central focus when observing Christmas.  Consider the following points from the holy writings:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 16:  16-17, King James Version (KJV):  16 Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles:  and they shall not appear before the LORD empty:  17 Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee.

(2.)  Luke 2:  8-14, KJV:  8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not:  for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,  14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

(3.)  Nehemiah 8:  9-11, KJV:  9 And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.  10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared:  for this day is holy unto our LORD:  neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.  11 So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Romans 8:  5-10, 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.  10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC