(01/31/2017) A Species of Animal?

Today, deaths from war, human nature, and mankind’s divine potential are considered.  For many, it is love and the giving and keeping of life that makes a nation great.  Even so, others now express cynicism and negativity declaring they would rather give their love to animals than to human beings, or to the dead instead of the living, because, then, their love would be acknowledged and returned.  For Christians, GOD is the true origin and source for the greatest human achievements.  Ability to recognize and respond to spirit content from the makeup of our Creator (i.e., discernment) is required to consistently and correctly acknowledge that the divine spirit content is appearing within such features as events, holy writings, oneself, other persons, prophecy, relationships, and sacred teachings.  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “John” (Level 1 with 3 points, a member since February 22, 2009) posted the following:

Why are christians afraid that they might be a species of animal?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts.  For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them:  as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast:  for all is vanity.  All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.  (Ecclesiastes 3:  18-20, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Fearfully and Wonderfully Made (09/07/2016); An Habitation of GOD (07/24/2016); The Cross and Mankind (05/13/2016); The Creation Of Mankind? (09/16/2015); What Faith Makes Possible (04/25/2014); Bible and Spirit (04/26/2014); Animals Do Not Sin? (09/29/2013); GOD is Acknowledging (09/30/2013)

“John” the question of mankind’s true nature is “profound” (i.e., has simple, yet, broad and far-reaching application).  Many in the world today agree that how we value one another (and ourselves) as living creatures does make a difference in what we understand can be the quality of life we now experience, the benefit and value for ongoing relationships with immortal divinity, and our further possibilities for life in spite of our mortality.  Our sciences and secular history may insist that human potential only express an animal or mechanical nature (as if we are mere machines or accidents from a random process).  Even so, mature Christian believers hold that our humanity is more completely and correctly understood as expressing interactions within an animal, human and divine nature.  Christians all pursue the fullest development of their divine nature on the basis of multiple goals, needs, sacred knowledge, and strengths acquired through such features as fellowship, prayer, sacred practices (we say, sacraments), study, shared worship, and unselfish service.  Consider the following points that have led many to seek the greater possibilities for mankind:

(1.)  Casualties reported for major U. S. wars numbered from the Revolutionary War to the Iraq War are a total 1, 343,812 deaths, 1,529,230 wounded, and 38,159 missing.

(2.)  Total casualties for Word War I are 37 million and include 9,720,450 military casualties, 8.5 million killed, 19.7 million wounded soldiers, and 7.7 million missing.

(3.)  Statistics reported for World War II include 690 million served (world-wide), and there were 72 million deaths.

(4.)  2nd Peter 1:  2-11, King James Version (KJV):  2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,  3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:  4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises:  that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.  5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;  6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;  7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.  8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.  10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure:  for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:  11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  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.

Statistics are from www.statisticsbrain.com (1.)  August 08, 2016, (2.)  August 01, 2016, and (3.)  April 02, 2015.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/30/2017) Sharing The Correct Message

 

Today, reply is on sharing end-time messages, prophecies of Armageddon, and warnings to atheists.  Christian believers are recruited to spread “good news,” the Gospel of forgiveness for sin and eternal life with GOD through Jesus Christ.  While an aspect of what believers share includes information regarding sacred events that will lead up to the Savior’s appearing (called the Advent, the harvest, the Rapture, the Second Coming), the focus is upon sinners submitting to the will of GOD, not upon their gaining foreknowledge, predicting the future, or seeking to flee from the consequences of their own sins committed on the earth.  One of the many fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

 

RELIGION, ATHEIST JUST DON'T GET IT BUT THEY WILL PAY DEARLY THERES AN ARMAGEDDON COMING..THEY CANT EVEN SPELL THE WORD LET ALONE UNDERSTAND?

HOW DO WE MAKE THEM KNOW THE TRUTH ?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.  And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest:  (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)  By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.  And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:  But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.  Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.  For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;  Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s:  for this he did once, when he offered up himself.  For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.  (Hebrews 7:  19-28, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Righteousness Through Jesus Christ? (12/15/2016); Here’s The Good News (11/09/2016); On Expecting Quick Results (11/07/2016); World Peace Is Coming? (05/08/2016); Waiting For His Appearing (02/09/2016); Holy Wars? (11/06/2014); Crimes Christ Crucified For? (11/07/2014); Spring-training (04/11/2014); Kill the Blog Writer! (04/12/2014)
 

“Anonymous”, there is a correct message that sinners must hear from GOD.  Thus, the “work” given for Christian believers is more than merely spreading alarms, preaching “the End of the World,” and exciting interest in end-time prophecy.  Those concerns and issues only have place as a very small part of the full revelation of GOD through Jesus Christ.  Correctly understood, believers are to display the active presence of GOD expressed through their daily routines of life as commitment, obedience to divine law, and respect to the imparted, indwelling Spirit.  Christian believers are all called into sacred knowledge that makes the fullness of divinity (we say, the GODhead) knowable, known, and “visible” (i.e., revealed).  Because GOD is a spirit who has put forth and maintains all that exists he remains otherwise invisible and unapproachable.  The device of “Incarnation” has been used to make the character, makeup, and substance of GOD amenable to created beings and living creatures.  The Creator has appeared on the earth as Jesus Christ; and this allows the living to be in ongoing exchange and continuous relationships with immortal, incorruptible, and sovereign Deity.  In the same way focus upon calamity and earthquakes does not yield a spiritual fruit of certainty, salvation, and unselfish service, the results of reporting wars and rumors of wars are more likely to be depression, fear, and spiritual confusion.  Consider the following:

(1.)  Matthew 24:  3-7, King James Version (KJV):  3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?  4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.  5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.  6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars:  see that ye be not troubled:  for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.  7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:  and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

(2.)  1st Corinthians 13:  8-13, KJV:  8 Charity never faileth:  but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.  9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.  10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.  11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child:  but when I became a man, I put away childish things.  12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face:  now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.  13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

(3.)  Philippians 4:  6-8, KJV:  6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  2nd Timothy 2:  11-16, KJV:  11 It is a faithful saying:  For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:  12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him:  if we deny him, he also will deny us:  13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful:  he cannot deny himself.  14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.  15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  16 But shun profane and vain babblings:  for they will increase unto more ungodliness.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/29/2017) Also Called "The Amen"

Today, use of the word “Amen” and the holy names of Jesus are considered.  All the elements for beginning and completing Creation, Judgment, and Salvation become manifest through Jesus Christ, thus, Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.  Expectation, hope, and prophecy were begun when Adam and Eve overheard the words of GOD rebuking the serpent.  As “The Amen”, Jesus is the last of the prophets in the line begun at Abraham revealing divinity through the combined mechanisms of divine law, anointed spokespersons, promise, and Incarnation (we say, the “law and the prophets”).  “The Amen” is that aspect of full divinity who participates in ongoing relationships, and establishes conclusions and resolutions among and for created beings and living creatures.  Included are covenants, praise, prayer, promise, prophecy, and rebirth.  Moses commanded that the covenant law be read and be ratified by all the people immediately after crossing the Jordan River, and entering into the Promised Land.  They were specifically required to acknowledge that these were the very terms spoken by GOD to those who had journeyed together from Egypt, and voice their own acceptance of that same covenant by saying “Amen” as they stood in convocation between Mounts Ebal and Gerizim.  A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers (Singapore)” using the ID “GANGSTERGHOST” (Level 4 with 3,111 points, a member since August 18, 2015) posted the following:

Christians, do you know what Amen mean?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And Moses charged the people the same day, saying,  These shall stand upon mount Gerizim to bless the people, when ye are come over Jordan; Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Joseph, and Benjamin:  And these shall stand upon mount Ebal to curse; Reuben, Gad, and Asher, and Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.  And the Levites shall speak, and say unto all the men of Israel with a loud voice,  Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth it in a secret place. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen.  Cursed be he that setteth light by his father or his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.  Deuteronomy 27:  11-16, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Title of “Savior” (01/27/2017); Exalted By The Father? (01/26/2017); Word, Son, and Christ? (08/24/2016); The Cross Broke Every Curse? (02/25/2016); Jesus Known As Word (01/17/2016); The Name(?) of GOD (04/09/2014); The “Miniature War”? (04/10/2014)

“GANGSTERGHOST”, many Christian believers understand the word “Amen” to mean “so be it,” “truly”, and “verily”.   Acceptance of higher authority and agreement with the sovereign will of GOD are signaled by “Amen”.  Some believers recognize “Amen” as declaring “God’s will be done” or “thy will be done.”  In the holy writings, “The Amen” is used along with names and titles for the incarnate Son of GOD, Jesus Christ, such as “the Word,” “the Mighty God,” “the Everlasting Father,” and “Alpha and Omega.”  “Amen” also appears, therefore, as a divine seal and signature making sacred determinations, divine proclamations, promises, and prophecy “official”, final, enduring, and incontestable.  Consider the following:

(1.)  Nehemiah 8:  5-6, King James Version (KJV):  5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:  6 And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands:  and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.

(2.)  2nd Corinthians 1:  18-22, KJV:  18 But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay.  19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea.  20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.  21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;  22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  Revelation 3:  13-18, KJV:  13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.  14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;  15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot:  I would thou wert cold or hot.  16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.  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.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX 
Washington, DC

(01/27/2017) The Title of "Savior"

Today, focus is on the title of “Savior” and holy names shared among the GODhead.  At one point Jesus confessed, “the Father in me doeth the works” (see John 14:  10, King James Version (KJV).  Here, believers are cautioned further not to center their thinking on behavior, conduct, deeds, or tasks performed by divinity.  Rightly understood “salvation” describes an aspect of existence put forth from GOD, relationship with divinity, and a specific condition among created beings and living creatures whose awareness and self-will may be dominated by sin.  The title “savior” speaks to ongoing sacred operations more than to a one-time event (the death of Jesus upon the cross), or specific functions and tasks performed by the Son of the Highest (e.g., atonement, judgment, redemption).  Through various presentations and translations of the Bible, many Christians have accepted the name “Jesus” as a Latin form of a Greek name that means “savior”.  In the Hebrew writings, the same name appears as “Yeshua” with the variants Joshua and Jeshua.  In the Orthodox Jewish Bible (OJB), the Hebrew form “Yehoshua” and the Aramaic “Yeshua” appear along with Yiddish forms as in “Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach Yehoshua Ben Dovid, Ben Avraham” (Master or Mentor, the Anointed King, son of David, son of Abraham).  “Emmanuel” (in the Gospel of Matthew) and “Immanuel” (in the Book of Isaiah) may be understood as “GOD is with us” and as “GOD is among us.”  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:

Is Gods name Jesus????

Nowhere in the Bible from the Old Testament to the New is it mentioned

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee:  though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.  Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid:  for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.  Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.  And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.  Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things:  this is known in all the earth.  Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion:  for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.  (Isaiah 12:  1-6, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Lion of Judah (01/22/2017); The First and Last? (11/11/2016); Salvation Only Through Christ? (01/07/2016); Relationship With Our Creator? (03/16/2015); Crimes Christ Crucified For? (11/07/2014); Both Lost and Found? (11/08/2014); Why Was A Son Sent? (11/10/2013); Promise of A Spirit? (11/11/2013)

“Anonymous”, it is as great an error to argue hierarchy, rank, and subordination for the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, or the distinctions among holy names and titles as it is to become entangled in the genealogies of the Scriptures.  The holy writings proclaim the names (i.e., accomplishments; deeds; reputation) of GOD, and the divine works are the basis for how Deity is to be spoken of among the living.  Many mature Christian believers understand the name of GOD used by the three divine persons when they address one another (i.e., within the fullness of divinity that we call the GODhead) is unutterable and may not be spoken by created beings and living creatures.  The GODhead must be acknowledged as a single person who appears having oneness without sameness.  Multiple operations of GOD have been carried out to make Deity knowable, known, and “visible” to the living in the heaven and in the earth.  Included are depicting the sacred presence through consecrated objects and spiritual practices (e.g., altars, atonement, candlesticks, holy fire, forgiveness, judgment, praise, rainbows, resurrection, sacrifice, holy water); appearing in flesh and dying on the cross as Jesus of Nazareth (we say, Incarnation); and the imparting and indwelling of sacred content from the makeup of GOD through baptism and rebirth.  The same aspect of divine fullness who appears as Savior through the cross appeared as Creator in the Garden of Eden, as Deliverer and Friend to Abraham at Mount Moriah, and as Judge against Pharaoh for the sons of Jacob in Israel.  The specific aspect of GOD who is present through covenant and continuing relationships with mankind is also held to be the author of eternal salvation, the head of the church, and the sovereign over the kingdom of GOD.  While we on the earth continue to speak of the Son glorified by the Father, and the Father glorified in the Son as though they are separate, there is no true division of the One.  Even so, consider the following from the Bible:

(1.)  Isaiah 43:  1-3, King James Version (KJV):  1 But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not:  for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.  2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee:  when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.  3 For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour:  I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.

(2.)  Isaiah 43:  10-12, KJV:  10 Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen:  that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he:  before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.  11 I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.  12 I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you:  therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  John 17:  18-23, KJV:  18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.  19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.  20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;  21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us:  that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.  22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:  23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/26/2017) Exalted By The Father?

Today, the acknowledgement and exalting of Jesus Christ by GOD the Father is in view.  For mature Christian believers there are no issues or questions concerning differences of hierarchy, rank, and subordination within the fullness of divinity (we say, the GODhead).  While the three sacred persons are correctly spoken of using language for recognizable human relationships (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), only their closeness, intimacy, and shared spirit content are signaled.  The meanings and values of terms applied to the divine persons must express direction, existence, and intent among those who appear primarily through shared eternal purpose, operations of Spirit, and accomplishment of sovereign will.  Differences do not introduce conflict, contradiction, or imbalance as seen among created beings and living creatures whose carnal, material and social exchange also may be characterized as having equality, likeness, or uniformity.  The GODhead is to be described and understood as having oneness, yet, without sameness.  Jesus Christ has appeared as “the image of GOD,” and is “exalted” by both the Father and the Holy Spirit in the sense that he is shown to be the specific aspect of divine fullness for the redemption, salvation, and perfection of Creation.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “TheReal” (Level 3 with 1,608 points, a member since December 12, 2013) posted the following:

How Could God exalt Jesus to a superior position as recorded atPhilippians 2:9 if they were equal?

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

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Firstborn of GOD (01/02/2017); Different Form, Same Relationship? (11/20/2016); Called, The 2nd Adam? (01/10/2016); The Preeminence of the Word (08/23/2015); The GOD Part of Jesus? (05/06/2015); The Idea of Perfection? (01/20/2015); The Image of GOD? (10/10/2013); Embodied Afterlife? (10/11/2013)

“TheReal”, sinners are to see unseen sacred operations through the life of Jesus Christ.  The most complete revelation of divinity to created beings and living creatures would be one that makes incarnate and visible the many inseparable aspects of spirit substance that are the makeup of Deity (i.e., the heart, mind, and soul of GOD).  Included would be faith, forgiveness, holiness, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  The holy writings therefore speak of a Son being acknowledged by the Father as a device to make knowable, known, and “visible” the otherwise invisible Creator who is called the Word, the Everlasting Father, and Son of the Highest.  Jesus Christ was an appearance of divinity using flesh and blood.  In addition to being present in a form that would allow communication, exchange, and interaction (we say, ongoing relationship), the person of GOD among the living served as a remedy for sin that opposes the continued existence of divine law, provided correction and instruction to sinners, and established sacred mechanisms to complete the permanent transformation of mankind to exist as an immortal companion to the Holy.  While in the form of man, the Savior had to use the finite carnal, material, and social tools relied on by those in the earth (e.g., emotion, intellect, philosophy, science), and was often limited, not so much by GOD, by the limits from those he sought to serve.  Jesus existed having divine substance (just as his followers can do), and was required by the conditions for mortality to endure death with an expectation of resurrection that he shared with the Father through the divine Spirit.  Consider the following from the Bible:

(1.)  Colossians 2:  8-10, King James Version (KJV):  8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.  9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.  10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

(2.)  Matthew 13:  54-58, KJV:  54 And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?  55 Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?  56 And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?  57 And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.  58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

(3.)  Colossians 1:  12-18, 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.

(4.)  John 10:  14-18, KJV:  14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.  15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father:  and I lay down my life for the sheep.  16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold:  them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.  17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.  18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  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

(01/25/2017) Rulers Who Are Prophets?

Today, focus is on discernment to detect spokespersons from GOD among elected officials, rulers, and the people they serve.  (Did you spot the wolf among the sheep in the photo above?)  It is not unusual that heads of government make “forward-looking” public statements intended to describe possible events and their outcomes, yet, that are intended in no way to be statements of commitment, foreknowledge, “hard fact,” proclamations of faith and private belief, or sacred promises that are to be carried out and fulfilled by GOD.  Their announcements and comments may be more to provide admonition, affirmation, assurances, encouragement, instruction, and practical guidance.  Only those having the imparted, indwelling Spirit of GOD will speak openly in the authority of the divine name, and operate as spokespersons sent by divinity.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers (Philippines)” using the ID “BOOM” (Level 5 with 5,913 points, a member since March 27, 2007) posted the following:

The Bible says beware of false prophets. Is donald trump a false prophet?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.  But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,  Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.  And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also.  Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.  And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.  For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.  And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.  And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.  But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest:  for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.  (Luke 6:  26-35, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Installing The New President (01/20/2017); When the Donkey Speaks? (11/03/2016); Called To Be Servants? (11/25/2015); The Spirit of Truth? (02/11/2015); Malachi (01/02/2015); Doing GOD’s Plan (02/20/2014); “Prayer Death”? (02/21/2014)
 

“BOOM”, Donald Trumpet is to be respected as the 45th President of the United States of America, and true American citizens will perform their duties acknowledging this.  For many people the key to recognizing counterfeit currency is not being familiar with the many alterations that may appear on false bills; instead, it is having a correct knowledge of the “legal tender” that comes by its regular use.  Similarly, for Christian believers, the key to recognizing and responding to authentic prophets from GOD is having sound sacred knowledge acquired through fellowship with divinely anointed believers (i.e. those whose spirit content has been nourished, tested, and made stable), through praise, prayer, hearing the Gospel preached, sacrifice and unselfish service, regular study of the holy writings, and through the endurance of suffering.  At some point, every elected official, leader, or head of state must energize their citizens or community with goals, objectives, action plans, and a “vision” that establishes a sense of accountability, continuity, direction, energy, opportunity, possibility, and lasting value.  Just as government administrators and rulers do not “predict” the future, yet, provide “forward-looking” secular tools such as five-, ten-, and twenty-year budgets with schedules for the completion of various public works, divinely sent prophets do not predict the future.  As spokespersons for divinity, they share the revelation of character, nature, and substance for the Creator that has been repeatedly bestowed since the beginning.  Christians are not alarmed when leaders seek to share ideas that are optimistic or speak about things yet unseen.  Such speakers do not automatically contradict and oppose the law of GOD, the shared hope commanded to believers, or the many sacred proclamations, promises, and prophecies.  Believers are confident that deceivers, “false prophets” and imposters can be detected, counteracted, overcome, resisted, and repelled.  What they produce as their “fruit” will be clearly seen as counterfeits, distortions, errors, false teachings, omissions, and spiritual confusion.  Consider the following:

(1.)  Matthew 7:  13-17, King James Version (KJV):  13 Enter ye in at the strait gate:  for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:  14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.  15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.  16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?  17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

(2.)  Matthew 24:  24-27, KJV:  24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.  25 Behold, I have told you before.  26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth:  behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.  27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  1st John 4:  1-6, KJV:  1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God:  because many false prophets are gone out into the world.  2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God:  Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:  3 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.  4 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.  5 They are of the world:  therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.  6 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.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/24/2017) The Sin of Witchcraft?

The Prophet Samuel Called from the Dead by the Witch at Endor

Today, focus is on obeying GOD, the fall of King Saul, and the sin of witchcraft.  All sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Law Giver, and the divine order that maintains Creation.  More than this, sin challenges the holiness and purity of divinity, and vilifies the name of GOD.  Counterfeits of sacred knowledge, divine operations, and prophecy can be fashioned and used to deceive, however, the finite self-will of sinners can not produce, put forth, or otherwise bestow existence, repentance, and resurrection from the dead.  King Saul, the first King of Israel, visited a witch at Endor asking her to call from the dead the spirit of the prophet, Samuel.  Like the first pair, Adam, magicians, mediums, spiritualist, witches, and wizards seek special knowledge and power without having to rely upon continuing in correct relationship with the Creator.  They assign value (we say, judge) incorrectly, assume authority presumptuously (i.e., arrogantly and without permission), and they intrude into, misapply, and trifle with the things of GOD.  The peculiar abilities and power they may display are not derived from GOD, and do not accomplish eternal purposes or provide the sacred gifts that give and support new life such as forgiveness, healing, hope, prophecy, and rebirth.  The writer at “Yahoo! Answers (Singapore) using the ID “Shadowfire” (Level 4 with 2,989 points, a member since January 08, 2015) posted the following:

Is it true the Bible says witches are supposed to get stoned?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.  Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy:  for I am the LORD your God.  And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them:  I am the LORD which sanctify you.  (Leviticus 20:  6-8, King James Version,  KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Living Baptized for the Dead? (03/27/2015); Not Images Used in Worship? (09/14/2014); Death is a Divine Tool (09/15/2015); Miracles Are From GOD (03/14/2014); Giving Forgiveness? (03/15, 2014); Hero or Zero? (12/04/2012); The Adversary? (12/05/2012); Magick and Prayer? (10/29/2012); The Fear of GOD (10/30/2012)

“Shadowfire”, witchcraft centers on desire and lust for power using death and life essence (we say, breath, spirit, word).  GOD has revealed himself as a deity who operates using law and who executes judgment.  Covenant relationship with GOD established through the Ten Commandments and various other laws granted to Moses and the mixed multitude who accompanied him required exclusive devotion, obedience, and reverence to Jehovah.  Appealing to idols, occult figures, and supernatural influences had been practiced in Egypt.  During the time of famine there, Pharaoh purchased the land, their belongings, and the people themselves, and was eventually worshiped as a god.  Pharaoh enforced his authority using astrologers, magicians and those practicing “black arts” as well as by having an army equipped with the most advanced weaponry of the day (horse-drawn maneuverable chariots).  Christian believers are to maintain sacred practices (we say, sacraments) that acknowledge and display the active presence of divinity; and all are cautioned to discern (i.e., use the imparted, indwelling Spirit from GOD to recognize and respond correctly to) the spirit content within events, other people, the holy writings, themselves, etc.  Fallen angels, demons, deceiving spirits, and devils do exist; and while they no longer have lawful authority and power, many are still capable of making counterfeit displays and illusions that copy or imitate divine power.  In addition to making perverted and unintended applications of natural laws and materials provided by divinity for the fulfillment of sacred purposes, sorcerers (male witches) and female witches promote spiritual confusion by their efforts to gain knowledge of coming events, influence the outcome of events, and have control through enchantments, magic, and necromancy (i.e., seeking to communicate with the dead).  Consider the following:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 5:  8-10, King James Version (KJV):  8 Thou shalt not make thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth:  9 Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them:  for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me,  10 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.

(2.)  Deuteronomy 18:  9-11, KJV:  9 When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations.  10 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch.  11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.

(3.)  Exodus 22:  18-21, KJV:  18 Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.  19 Whosoever lieth with a beast shall surely be put to death.  20 He that sacrificeth unto any god, save unto the LORD only, he shall be utterly destroyed.  21 Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him:  for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.

(4.)  1st Samuel 15:  22-24, KJV:  22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.  23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.  24 And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned:  for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words:  because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  1st Samuel 28:  6-8, KJV:  6 And when Saul enquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.  7 Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor.  8 And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and he went, and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night:  and he said, I pray thee, divine unto me by the familiar spirit, and bring me him up, whom I shall name unto thee.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/23/2017) Sacred Judges and Laws?

Deborah Under the Palm Tree, Adriene Cruz -  JUDGES Chapter 4

 

Today, thoughts are shared on sacred judges, law, lawful process, and punishment.  While watching a broadcast of the inauguration, a secular ceremony pertaining to government officials, I was struck that, because our Nation does not formally acknowledge sacred law, no anointed judges or officers representing the kingdom of GOD were present as authorities to administer the oath of office as a sacred event (we say, miracle) to install the 45th President of the United States of America.  Our secular law demands no acknowledgment of divinity, yet, encourages and responds to faith in the homes and lives of millions of Americans.  Divinely appointed judges are entrusted to do more than merely announce doom, or express wrath against sin by declaring calamity, drought, and plagues.  They also are to make visible the compassion, discernment, goodness, forbearance, forgiveness, lovingkindness, mercy, righteousness, and wisdom of GOD.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “SupaStar” (Level 5 with 5,753 points, a member since August 07, 2014) posted the following:

 

Judges can sentence people from anything to a fine to death. Why does god only have one punishment for EVERY "crime", no matter how slight?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  The heathen are sunk down in the pit that they made:  in the net which they hid is their own foot taken.  The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth:  the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah.  The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.  For the needy shall not alway be forgotten:  the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever.  Arise, O LORD; let not man prevail: let the heathen be judged in thy sight.  Put them in fear, O LORD:  that the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah.  (Psalms 9:  15-20, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Installing The New President (01/20/2017); Divine Presence and Spirit (01/18/2017); Servants To The Body? (01/17/2017); Authority To Judge Us? (10/18/2016); All Have Sinned? (07/29/2015); Beyond Punishment (03/21/2014); A Guarantee of Heaven? (03/22/2014)

 

“SupaStar”, the Creator is also a GOD of Judgment.  Unlike those who answer secular law, judges among men who apply and administer divine law should be understood as incarnations (appearances in flesh) of the Creator who continuously exists using spirit form.  As officials on the earth who oversee the resolution of conflicts and the settlement of disputes by applying the law from GOD, judges are instruments in sacred operations that, like the law, reveal the active presence of divinity and are expressions of the will of Deity.  Those who minister sacred law must acknowledge the sacred king who decrees and proclaims the law.  Therefore, instead of approval by some legislative body, they are carried through operations of the Holy Spirit to become anointed, consecrated, exalted, and sanctified (i.e., set apart for exclusive service to GOD).  The intent and purpose of divine law is to fulfill, put forth, and maintain all existence, order, and eternal purpose throughout the universe.  Just as there are multiple offenses against the law (e.g., adultery, idolatry, murder, stealing), there are multiple penalties for violation of the law (e.g., banishment and exile, confiscation of goods, fines, public execution), and there are multiple levels of transgression against the Spirit (e.g., betrayal, blasphemy, defiance, iniquity, rebellion).  The holy writings show, the many sanctions brought against transgression of the law (i.e., sin) are intended to bring about correction, repentance, and rebirth, rather than fear, loathing, and terror.  This includes mortality that was introduced as a continuing condition that must be completed by all flesh.  What is called the second death has been “passed upon all” only in the sense that it is conditional.  Just as Adam and Eve were cautioned and instructed about the required consequences for their actions before any disobedience occurred, the things of Jesus Christ and the cross all manifest the possibilities for righteousness in covenant and relationship with the Creator.  Consider the following:

(1.)  Exodus 20:  4-6, King James Version (KJV):  4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.  5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them:  for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;  6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

(2.)  Deuteronomy 16:  18-20, KJV:  18 Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes:  and they shall judge the people with just judgment.  19 Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift:  for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.  20 That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

(3.)  Deuteronomy 17:  8-13, KJV:  8 If there arise a matter too hard for thee in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, being matters of controversy within thy gates:  then shalt thou arise, and get thee up into the place which the LORD thy God shall choose;  9 And thou shalt come unto the priests the Levites, and unto the judge that shall be in those days, and enquire; and they shall shew thee the sentence of judgment:  10 And thou shalt do according to the sentence, which they of that place which the LORD shall choose shall shew thee; and thou shalt observe to do according to all that they inform thee:  11 According to the sentence of the law which they shall teach thee, and according to the judgment which they shall tell thee, thou shalt do:  thou shalt not decline from the sentence which they shall shew thee, to the right hand, nor to the left.  12 And the man that will do presumptuously, and will not hearken unto the priest that standeth to minister there before the LORD thy God, or unto the judge, even that man shall die:  and thou shalt put away the evil from Israel.  13 And all the people shall hear, and fear, and do no more presumptuously.

(4.)  2nd Chronicles 19:  5-7, KJV:  5 And he set judges in the land throughout all the fenced cities of Judah, city by city,  6 And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do:  for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgment.  7 Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do it:  for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  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